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 am 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!
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!
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 a while, leave footprints on
our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.” Flavia
This quote came to mind when I once attended a wake service for a woman who
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!
·
When and where have
you experienced MAGNANIMITY?
·
What word is searching
for you?
(previously posted)
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