Magnanimity ~ God's DNA!

I think we all have a selfish gene which rises to the top, sometimes. But then we're also all capable of a sudden magnanimity. Jim Broadbent 

The word that found me this week is MAGNANIMITY!  Webster defines it as: loftiness of spirit enabling one to bear trouble calmly, to disdain meanness and pettiness, and to display a noble generosity. Also, Dean Brackley, has a section on Magnanimity in his book on Discernment.  He writes:
“To put the matter positively: our fragile modern egos need what the ancients called magnanimity. The magnanimous person is, literally, a great souled individual and expansive spirit. With appropriate self-esteem and a realistic sense of their talents, great-hearted individuals think big. They refuse to bog down in trivia. Unperturbed by minor grievances, indifferent to the ‘trinkets’ of wealth and status, they are spontaneously generous, even prodigal, the opposite of the stingy, shrunken soul.” (Quoted in: The Call to Discernment in Troubled Times, by Dean Brackley)

I’m beginning to become aware of the inner connection between our heart and hands. It seems that when my heart is released of fear, judgment, resentment, and all those other negative demons that can “constipate” my spirit, then my hands can open wider and wider to be generous with my time, talents, understanding, and gifts. Then I can be a tad bit magnanimous – a practice that God sends for me to transform into my authentic self!

This week I have experienced a number of “speed bumps” on my journey of life which have invited me to slow down and ponder a little longer, a little deeper, a little more attentively, and a little less fearfully the magnanimous moments in which I had the wonderful opportunity to meet and to share stories of great souled people with expansive spirits!

Here are a few of my magnanimity musings.
• Recently my community celebrated Founders Day. We shared stories of how three great souled individuals with expansive spirits converged - much like the planets lining up in their respective orbits, to create a rare constellation of zeal, passion, and call.  Each story about these founders was unique, and expressions of how their “DNA” runs through our CSA bones and blood today were truly a tribute to their courage and expansive spirits!

• At the end of last month, we had a group of forty students from Marian University experience an “Immersion Day” as part of their freshmen orientation week. They came eager and willing to enter into the day venturing into the knee-high-shoulder-high grasses and invasive plants which have taken up residence in the upper fields on the property surrounding our four prayer hermitages. The students, now beginning their first week of university life, experienced in this prickly-place what it means to be a team member and work collaboratively.  They were people with generous spirits, aware of their talents as they named their majors, excited to begin classes, and eager to make a difference with their lives. It was an awesome experience to be in their company. This was magnanimity up close!

• I’m sure you recall this quote: “Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to a new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom. Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.” Flavia Weedn

This quote came to mind as I attended a wake service for a woman who recently died. Her life was celebrated by her husband, their five children, sixteen grandchildren, and throngs of friends. “She will long be remembered for her total and unwavering commitment to her family and in particular her 16 grandchildren. In addition, her Irish wit and general love of life along with her many dear friends are her true legacies.”  

Our line at the visitation moved at a snail’s pace. However, while in line, people “crossed over” to greet one another and shared stories of this terrific woman. When we finally arrived at the place where the family stood to welcome the visitors, each person was greeted with individual attention. However, I felt that I was receiving a blessing from them with each hug, smile, expression of gratitude, and handshake. This beautiful family thanked us for coming and for sharing in the life of their mother. She was truly a great souled and great hearted individual. I left thinking that she and her family have left footprints on my heart, and I will never be the same because of this sacred moment of blessing.  Her DNA runs through their bones and blood as well, carrying into the future her Irish wit, love, and expansive spirit!

• Finally, I attended a memorial service for Professor Dan, who died unexpectedly in June this year at the age of 57.  He was a gifted and popular professor.  I share a quote from his obituary: “Dan was passionate and devoted to the education of young people. He loved being in the classroom and working with students and staff in the university setting. Education, he believed, was one of the most important ways to empower individuals to lead better lives and in making this world a better place for us all to live.” His magnanimous gifts, talents, skills, are missed. Thank you, Dan,  for being a great soul and for sharing God’s DNA!

• When and where have you experienced MAGNANIMITY?
• What word is searching for you?

  Prayer: 
May you recognize in your life the presence, power, and light of your soul.  May you realize that you are never alone, that your soul in its brightness and belonging connects you intimately with the rhythm of the universe. May you have respect for your individuality and difference. May you realize that the shape of your soul is unique, that you have a special destiny here, that behind the façade of your life there is something beautiful and eternal happening.  
May you learn to see yourself with the same delight, pride, and expectation with which God sees you in every moment. (John O’Donohue, from To Bless the Space Between Us)