Gifting

Since it is the season, I began thinking of the topic of gifting for this week's theme. How is it related to giving and are they really the same thing?

Both words have lots of meanings. And yes, they are synonyms, in some cases. Giving has many more definitions than gifting, but I am trying to keep things simple here. You can find a thorough treatment of definitions, grammar usage, and synonyms among other materials in the online Merriam-Webster.com dictionary.

Originally a noun, the word gift is also a verb. It has been a verb for about 400 years, but has never been more popularly used than in modern times. Much of that usage is attributed to the 1990s TV sitcom Seinfeld in which re-gifting and de-gifting were ongoing jokes and introduced to the language.

The words giving and gifting both have their roots in two separate middle Scandinavian languages. Thus, their roots are related, but not necessarily from the same word. Giving has many more meanings than gifting. Still they can be used as synonyms for each other.

My favorite definition of gifting and giving is: something given to another without any expectation of something in return (Merriam-Webster, 2023). This definition aligns with Karma Yoga which I discuss below.

That is, gifting comes from the heart when you expect nothing in compensation (not even a tax break!) Gifting can help make us feel good because of the heartfelt meaning behind it. Knowing that you helped someone other than yourself is the gift to yourself. Allowing your heart to open as you give a gift is the most important thing you can do for yourself, your self-care and your giftee.

Karma Yoga: The Gift of Selfless Service

Karma yoga has 4 pillars. Proper attitude, authentic motivation, no expectations, and most importantly selfless service.

Karma yoga means providing for the common good through selfless service. That is, with no expectation of something in return. Karma yoga comes from the heart. Then only expectation I do have I return is that you find peace and relaxation after you experience this class. We will not do any movement. Just meditate.