Hi there! August is in full swing and the weather here in the Netherlands is getting much warmer compared to July, which was cooler. I am not aware how climate change works but this sure, is something interesting.I’m officially going back to work now, after a really nice month off at home, enjoying time with my newborn. It made me really happy. But I don’t feel completely ready to start working again, yet. Today I want to talk about charity but first…
Weekly inventory check
As we stride into the second week of August, I find it fitting to outline my aspirations for this month and take stock of my accomplishments thus far. I believe in the power of journaling, and as such, lets document your forthcoming objectives while gracefully removing those that have already been fulfilled. This practice of continuous refinement allows you to focus on what lies ahead while appreciating the progress made along the way.
Charity
The core of our discussion centers around the timeless saying “charity begins at home.” I’m taking this opportunity to delve into this principle more deeply. My inspiration came from my latest podcast episode that delved into the concept of charity, exploring its various aspects, mechanisms, and even questioning its necessity. This saying led me to look at the idea of practicing self-charity. Often, our lives are consumed by our pursuits, causing us to unconsciously overlook self-care. Thus, I propose a reconsideration of our priorities.
When I advocate for self-charity, I am advocating for dedicating time to nurture personal growth – to become a version of ourselves that embraces self-appreciation and contentment. I endorse this idea as an effort to provide ourselves with the resources – whether financial, temporal, or otherwise – that mirror the generosity we extend to external causes. Focusing inward like this fosters personal development, making us better-equipped to offer support to those in our lives. One challenge with traditional charity is when it overshadows our responsibility to those closest to us. While supporting those in need is commendable, neglecting our loved ones can be unwise.
Begin by strengthening your personal foundation, both in terms of resources and resilience. Only then should you expand your reach to others, gradually widening the circle of assistance. This trajectory aligns perfectly with the saying that I mentioned above.. It serves as a subtle reminder that self-nurturing comes before extending aid to others.
In summary, prioritizing self-charity is a strategic stance. Establishing your own stability and self-sufficiency are crucial before venturing into selfless efforts. The belief that others deserve our contributions more than we do can lead to an unsustainable cycle. Therefore, I advocate for the principle of self-prioritization, followed by caring for loved ones, and finally, extending our influence outward. May this discussion inspire reflection on the thoughtful allocation of resources and efforts in the realm of charity.
Want More?
This article digs deep into the importance of charity in modern society. It explains how businesses look at charity, learning what they stand to gain through these donations and whether they really have altruistic goals at heart or something more specific in mind.
This article discusses the criticisms of the whole idea of charity and charitable giving and arguments focus on some aspects of charity that they claim are bad.
This article explains how people’s good intentions are meant to help developing countries progress towards the eradication of poverty, but may in actuality inhibit progress towards escaping poverty.
Read of the Week
To better understand the importance of charity and its value I came across this book CHARITY: THE PRACTICE OF NEIGHBORLINESS by Emanuel Swedenborg, translated by William F. Wunsch. Charity is not only about giving to those in need, but in a broader sense about loving your neighbor and doing good things for other people without thought of reward.
Thoughts to Leave You With
I find myself aligned with the principle of charity rather than in opposition to it. In truth, I hold the perspective that charity embodies an innately noble pursuit, carrying profound significance within the intricate framework of societal harmony. Nevertheless, I uphold the belief that in our modern age, the role of charity ideally should evolve into obsolescence. This viewpoint is rooted in the conviction that establishing a more robust system of wealth redistribution, facilitated through mechanisms like taxation, stands as an imperative mandate. Such a system would cultivate an equitable platform, granting every member of society equitable access to resources. Thus, the need for individuals to willingly part with their own resources would be superseded, with this responsibility shouldered by the governing body.
However, it’s important to acknowledge instances where charity serves as a catalyst for personal growth, moral redemption, and the augmentation of one’s capacity to help others. On the flip side, concern arises when individuals, struggling with their own financial instability, strive to offer assistance to others. In such scenarios, the effectiveness of these charitable endeavors is compromised, given that the benefactor’s ability to provide help is inherently curtailed by their own lack of self-sufficiency. Using an example from flying, this situation is like the instruction to put on your own oxygen mask before helping others with theirs. It reminds us how important it is to take care of ourselves first before helping others. So, this idea tells us that when we feel good and balanced, we can do more to help others and make a positive difference in their lives.
The Weekly Vasl Podcast
Our Episode on Charity is out now! You can watch it below! Join me and Phil go deeper into the concept of Charity and is it even needed in this day and age.
We also are on Spotify, Apple, Google, and wherever you listen!