Our place of pause today is about being philanthropists. I believe, with all my heart, that you have gifts aplenty to give that can make a mighty difference in the world. You have more than you think you have that is of inextricable value to you and to those in your human family, near and far.

Generosity feels good. It is part of your purpose on the planet.

Today and together, let’s dispute the suggestion that philanthropy is an exclusive club only for those deemed wealthy. Today and together, let’s dispute that the only thing that matters and makes a difference is giving in “big” ways. Instead, today and together, let’s create a movement of philanthropists in which everyone is welcome and all gifts are celebrated.

When we commit to BEing and DOing life together, we then become part of something big. It then becomes the stuff of movements, powerfully rooted in and growing out of the everyday.

I invite you to try on the hat of philanthropist. Yes, you. This sort of philanthropy is about an unrestrained generosity rooted in the reality of your everyday life. It finds ways to share with others the treasure trove of whatever you have and whatever you love. It elevates the way you spend your time and what you talk about with friends. It finds opportunities to travel to places and volunteer with people who captivate your heart. It makes a difference with something as ordinary as shopping, declaring that how and where you shop will be done with a commitment and connection to your sisters and brothers near and far.

This adventure is for you.
It is not for someone else,
for others who seem more privileged,
who seem to have greater bandwidth or capacity, who seem to be “world-changing types.”

You have gifts aplenty to give
that can make a mighty difference in the world.
You have more than you think you have
that is of inextricable value to you
and to those in your human family,
near and far.
It is for you,
for all of us … right here, right now.

The movement that will be unleashed
when we live as generously unrestrained philanthropists will light up the world.

BE Still. Surrender.

Whether you feel rich or poor,
with much or little to give …
whether wearing a hat of philanthropist is brand new or ancient for you,
let it all go.
Doing and talking time will come.
This is quiet time.
This is being time.
Bask in the silence.
BE here.
Let go. Fill up.

Ponder. Go Deeper.

Engage. Commit.

Shift shopping into a philanthropic act one time this week and choose an item that is certified “fair trade” or comes directly from a source that promises to pay its workers well. Or, whether fair trade or not, consider where the item comes from. Before buying it, pause and imagine the hands that crafted it, the eyes focused on making it. Send a prayer, a blessing, or some love to this sister or brother. Bonus Nudge: Consider committing to this act for thirty days, at which time it just may become a habit.

For a guided Place of Pause (PoP), check out this PDF reading from Soulfully Ablaze, the video below about today’s PoP, or the complete video series (all are free) of 10-minute PoPs.

Given the state of our world – the Corona virus pandemic, school and work closures, challenges to global markets and personal paychecks – we must take a few moments to BE still and to pause. These days, more than ever, there has been much clamoring for our attention 24-7 with LOUD, FEAR-based, PANIC-inducing messages – but let’s practice peace, together, amidst these stormy days. I share these PoPs so you can FILL UP with peace and navigate this wild and crazy season with strength and courage.

My love is with and for you, my friend. Have a most blessed and beautyFULL day!

xo, -Sarah DT ❤️