The words of a song by Jason Mraz were playing in my mind today: “Giving what you can, nothing more, nothing less.”
It’s based on a Buddhist blessing — simple, yet deeply profound.
But what does it really mean? Let me share how it unfolded in my own day.
This morning, I walked around our deck and porch with a cup of wild sunflower seeds in hand, sprinkling them along the rails for the birds that visit our yard. When I see our feathered companions stop by to peck at the seeds, it fills me with quiet joy. Sometimes, as I eat lunch at the dining table, I catch sight of them feeding too. I like to imagine we’re sharing a meal together. They are souls too, and it feels good to share my living space and resources with another being who may benefit — especially now that the weather is getting colder and food sources are growing scarce.
The moment took me back to when my nine-year-old son and I had just moved into a small townhouse after my divorce. Our “yard” then was little more than a concrete patio, yet we were greeted every day by chirping visitors. Some would perch on the wooden fence and sing, as if asking for food. Their presence tugged at my heartstrings.
We had left behind the old bird feeder from our former home, and life at that time was a balancing act — managing health challenges, working hard to rebuild our finances, and caring for a strong-willed little boy on my own. Every dollar and every ounce of energy counted.
One day, a post on my social media feed showed an affordable bird feeder. I decided to invest in it and a big bag of sunflower seeds from Walmart. That small choice brought big joy. The seeds lasted nearly a year, and before long, our little patio became a daily gathering spot for birds and squirrels alike.
It was so gratifying to know that even during a difficult chapter of life, I could still make a difference — however small. Sometimes, giving doesn’t mean offering everything you have. It simply means sharing what you can, with an open heart.
One tiny sunflower seed at a time. 🌻
If you would like to listen to my reflections in audio format, I have created a podcast. Listen to it here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1MUvNm0RmNHfRVFaYCdkTR?si=PzaEGKKHR6m1MfjgCtda1A
My first episode, Healing Does Not Happen with Force, but with Love, goes live Tuesday morning — a short practice of the loving pause and gentle reflection to help you reset in your day.
I’d love for you to listen and share your thoughts. 🙂
