To contribute is human; whatever we do affects the communities to which we belong - whether consciously or not. Even a smile is a contribution. When we deliberately contribute to a chosen community in a positive way: that is, to give time, energy and attention to it - it is a valuable gift. However, this only works if the contribution is done out of pure generosity - or as Zander puts it - from the 'central self'. This part of us has many other names: Heart, Soul, Inner-Fire, Spirit, Small Clear Voice, God Self. No outcome is desired by our central self so we are not hurt if the gift is rejected, damaged or unnoticed. Teachers have a large capacity for this kind of contribution.
The calculating self, on the other hand, has an agenda when it comes to giving: there is always something it desires in return. When we contribute to be recognized as a more enlightened person we are doing it in order to improve our standing. The assumptions such a gift is made with is an 'it's all made up anyways' purely calculated construction to create or support a belief in ourselves. When this kind of contribution is rejected our calculating self is hurt. What a challenge this brings to living! Our corporate, social life in the US requires our calculating self to effectively navigate. We naturally fall to this mode of thinking in order to get our work done. This in turn defines our social status and/or income. This in turn can repudiate our calculating self-esteem. If we are doing something for a job other than what we believe in, we have dis-integrated and stress between the two kinds of living creates confusion and ill health. What a challenge it is to live true to one's central self in today's world because you have to be willing to surrender everything you own or have achieved.
Coming from a poor family from a poor area, I had always been mystified how smart and capable 'lower class' folks could be content with their financial scarcity and lack of social status. I spent much of my life climbing ladders and proving myself to the world. I wanted to make a mark! I wanted better. I learned most about myself when my work was rejected, my reputation damaged, my career sabotaged by another. My calculating self was hurt - and my world teetered. Leading from every chair, low or high, by contributing with the central self is the answer to the mystery of how 'poor people' can live in contentment. Those folks knew what I didn't all along.
This challenge of living is so much easier to do if I JUST FOLLOW RULE NUMBER SIX !!
