illustration by Greg Vineyard
The Art of Giving
In the design field, “resolution” has everything to do with clarity.
In physics, “revolution” is about cycles and movement. At the end of each year, there is great focus on New Year’s Resolutions. I’ve written in the past about my belief that every day is when we can resolve to do certain things (like FINALLY watch all of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine). In addition, each day can also be a path to cultivating a personal, peaceful revolution, where we build up our hearts. Why wait until January 1st to firmly reject apathy and donuts and to reclaim love and exercise programs when we can revolutionize our hearts all the time through something like charitable giving?
Many of my goals have been culled from YEARS of year-end lists. Items that appeared over and over (and over) again turned out to be the ones that apparently just needed to be a part of daily living. Exercise. Eat Better. Communicate More. Communicate Less. Communicate Effectively. And Give More. I can’t even convey here the depth and duration of the impact that generosity by others has had in my life.
Give. I’m surrounded by folks who put this topic very high on the list, from both a business perspective, as well as simply a concept for living. As an artist and writer, I’ve written about how artists are uniquely positioned to give of themselves and their talents in order to support our local charities. And the premise is pretty simple: create twelve extra pieces of whatever it is one makes, and give them away during the year. We’re artists – we all make stuff that some one or some agency can use for their cause.
Of course, everyone knows those one or two people who loudly proclaim how they hate being asked to help out. But that rare attitude is overwhelmed by the giving energy of thousands of others who resolve to have a more compassionate response.
An artist may or may not have funds available for charity depending on where they are in their business-building, but many do have inventory; if it’s designated as part of a personal revolution to earmark certain works for donation, it’s easy and simple to just move forward with that plan. I’m not advocating working for free, and some Asks can’t be answered. I just focus on what I can do. I have Extra Art, and it can be parted-with.
Another option for many who may not have the resource of inventory is the giving of Time. Volunteerism is alive and well in our region. If you look at the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County list (www.unitedwayabc.org), think not only of all the charitable causes that are being helped, but also consider how many human beings are physically out there, doing things for others.
What’s the reward for giving? In a sense, NOTHING. The reward for giving is giving. What are the reasons? Many give because they are simply giving back or paying it forward. And of course there are residual effects to giving. Reminiscent of the revolutionizing personal lesson of The Grinch, one’s heart gets bigger (and we don’t have to steal everything first).
Sometimes folks shy away from committing to a giving plan because they’re in a spot where they can only give intermittently. No problem! Give a little, give a lot, give when possible, give every month, give in a planned way, give on the spur of the moment… every plan works.
So, each of us can have a mini-revolution, full of resolve, and we all get that lovely internal payoff of a bigger heart. And giving is an endless energy source – think of “volt” in “revolt”: we’re recharging!
My intention here is my usual sharing, caring, and inspiring, one artist to another. I urge us all to move forward and Resolve to Revolt! And have you noticed that both “Resolve” and “Revolt” have the letters of the word “LOVE” in them? I’m wishing you the best in this giving season, and throughout the coming year.