Hear Sangeet's Message: Real / WMA / MP3 / I need Help!
	December, 2006
	"Giving is the Only Living"

Many years ago our beloved teacher Yogi Bhajan spoke these words and they rang like pure gold in my mind. I may have been the only one present who engraved them in permanent RAM, since it was only one phrase in a long lecture that I have never seen reprinted since. But it stuck with me. He wasn't talking about a season for giving - like the season of holidays we're in now, nor was he talking about having a reason for giving such as a birthday or another special event.

He was talking about a life spent giving - giving with no concern about getting anything back in return. Not even a "pay it forward" concept. That's still looking for a return.

So what do we give? Gifts, things, stuff, presents filling shelves, drawers, closets and eventually bags of giveaways. Just so much mental candy - here for a moment and then gone and forgotten.

What if the best present you could ever give were your presence? Just being there for someone, bringing a smile, a kindness, a touch, laughter, a few thoughtful words of support.

What would it cost you? Nothing, or at least nothing measurable that depletes a bank account. Oh there's a cost, to be sure. To be a present you have to think, look and act like one. No more grouchy words or sullen faces.

Each word you speak can create a universe - did you realize that? So what kind of a universe do you want to create - a universe of smiles and kindness or one of anger and worry? The impact you have on others is up to you. Sure you can have a low day, but when you do your best to shine on others, the sun will shine on you.

So what does this come down to in ordinary relationships? I guess what I'm asking you to do is forget the word "ordinary." Look at every relationship in your life as extraordinary and then put energy into making it so for both you and the other person. Don't rest and don't quit until you help make it a better day for them.

If that person is your husband, stop pushing to have the last word all the time. And don't let him withdraw to his cave without some little sweet at the door just to remind him how special he is and that someone cares for him. If that person is your wife, get her to laugh, and do whatever will remind her you and she are still kids at heart.

Don't tell me you can't budge that other person and you've tried. Have you been honest in your words? Have you listened fully to them? Have you touched them on the arm when it counts most and shared a hug? When did you last share a belly laugh together, or have a pillow fight, or dance to a slow love song together across a living room floor? Have you been putting 110% of your creativity and personal power into being such a present? Or are you just a 50-per center? No, I don't mean you should get in their face and be all pushy.

Get into their heart. The only way you can do that is to come from your own. And then don't ever leave that heart-space. The heart is the natural home of the soul, and when souls are playful together the mind's fears, worries and frustrations depart. I've never seen a neurotic soul, have you?

So that's what I'm asking you to do for the New Year and every year forward. Be a present in the lives of others. And as you do that, day after day, month after month, you begin to conquer your mind and in this way you conquer the entire universe.

So it was written in ancient texts, and so the promise shall be kept. To those who seek to live such a life, they become the presents that truly make a difference in this world. God bows in gratitude to such angels come down to Earth.

Bless you in all ways always!