Who doesn’t love pumpkins~mysteriously grown in a ‘patch’ of all things, loudly orange, laden with our associations of Halloween creativity and creamy soup.
For two years now the talented Marilyn has gifted Mavens’ Haven with her plump beauties for the fall herbalist gatherings. I just drool.
At the weekend’s close this fall, apprentices and guests were packing up their homemade remedies, art projects, and leftovers. “What about THESE?” they eagerly asked, gesturing at the Orange Pile.
“Oh, THOSE are Marilyn’s.” I replied.
Oh, Really. That’s the best I could do? I wasn’t willing to share what wasn’t even mine because I wanted those pumpkins. And how many did I end up taking? None.
Generosity is the first of the ten Buddhist Paramis, or perfections. These are virtues we cultivate. For reasons I’m still grokking, generosity comes first as a basis for the others, which include morality, patience, honesty, and loving kindness.
When I am not generous, I usually catch myself and investigate. Usually it’s around food. Given that I have enough food between two pantries and three freezers for an entire winter, my response is more emotional than necessary. In other ways I am arguably generous to my detriment, like giving clients to other therapists instead of rearranging my schedule.
As a practice, I sometimes give away more than I really want. When I regret it, my heart wasn’t fully there. I want to be vigilant around where I perceive scarcity and feel fear. I don’t want to live there.
In the meantime, if you wanted a pumpkin and didn’t get one, I’ll make you a delicious pumpkin soup. You can also use my spectacular recipe posted right here.
