Sacrifice – the true meaning of giving

When the mind is free of personal interest, we do our best work and feel joy in the act of doing. Our lives become meaningful. When our minds are free from selfishness, we give, and this brings peace and joy to the world. Everything in life gives. Sacrifice is the law of life. As we move into the Christmas season, to celebrate the birth of Christ, we are reminded that the cross on which Jesus was crucified is a symbol of sacrifice. Jesus gave his life for the sake of humanity. It is because of sacrifice that all prophets, sages, and saints are worshipped. But it is not only saints that sacrifice. Everything in nature -trees, birds, animals – they all live for the sake of others. Why does a candle burn and melt away? To give light. Why does a stick of incense burn to ash? To give a fragrance. Why does a tree grow? To give fruit and flowers. Is there anything in the world that lives for its own sake? No. All sacrifice. We are here to give, give, and give, and in turn what is due us will come to us. You are here today sacrificing an hour of your time, and in turn, it will bring you health in the body, quietness in the mind, and peace to the soul. What goes around comes around - That’s Karma. Let’s get started END You might ask if I am here to give and make sacrifices, how can I take care of myself? Just like the tree, if it doesn’t attend to the roots, it cannot give. So first, take care of your roots. You must live a healthy life by eating healthy food, exercising, and getting a good night's sleep so that you have the vitality to give to others. Even the practice of yoga, if done to find peace, will bring peace to your life, allowing you to extend that peaceful energy out into the world. Yoga reminds us to live our lives without attachment. Let things come and go as they will. As we move into the Christmas season, just remember that the cross is a symbol of sacrifice, reminding us that everything is a sacrifice for the betterment and continuation of life. Give from the heart without expectations, and you will discover what all the saints, prophets, and sages discovered – everything in life gives – sacrifice is the law of life. EGO. Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger – the ego. Because of egoism, there is attachment to things for the ego’s pleasure. But sometimes the things we are attached to do not come or are taken away, and this causes us to pull back and greedily hang on rather than let go and give. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. The soul reminds us that everything in life requires sacrifice. All of life gives, and in turn, what is due comes back. So this holiday season, give joy and spread peace on earth, and what will come back to you will be pure joy and peace. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn