During this time of financial and social hardship it is important to see to your own well being so that you are able to embrace the importance of helping others as well. So many are in economic need and are socially isolated as well. Whatever your own status, this is an important time to think about assisting others. Let us look at the concept of giving and the many ways available for you to provide. The following material about "The Giving Ladder" can help you to think about helping others to recover. Each rung of this ladder represents a higher degree of virtue. You don't have to have wealth to benefit from the thoughts I will share.
None of what follows originates with me, It was given to me as a spiritual gift with the hopes that others could pay it forward. Ladders come in handy at this time. Here's a quick look at the 8 rungs of giving. See if you can identify what level you are on when you give a gift. Each rung up represents a higher degree of morality:
1. The lowest rung of the ladder involves giving begrudgingly and making the recipient feel disgraced or embarrassed.
2. The second rung represents giving cheerfully but giving too little....less than you can afford.
3. The third rung indicates that you will give cheerfully and adequately - but only after being asked.
4. At the forth rung you will give before being asked.
5. When you give at the fifth level, you do not know the identity of the person who is benefitting but the recipient knows your identity.
6. When you reach number 6, you know the individual who is benefitting, but the recipient does not know your identity.
7. Level 7 means that neither the donor nor the recipient is aware of the other's identity.
8. The highest giving level is at 8: Giving money, a loan, your time or whatever else it takes to enable an individual to be self reliant.
If you are able to appreciate this, don't thank me. Drop a note to Maimonides, rabbi, physician and philosopher in Cordova, Spain. He lived there in the twelfth century. His memories and followers will continue to pick up and share his mail.