I wonder if you can be happy if your life doesn’t incorporate a drive to be of service to others. I find there’s where I find my greatest fulfilment and joy - giving openheartedly without expectation of anything in return feels like the biggest gift to myself. But I know there’s a fine line. Is the drive I feel really an egoic reliance on my perception of others’ opinion of me to fuel my sense of self-worth then translating into a ‘people pleasing’ approach to life without really satisfying my needs. And does it matter if it is?
Great thought, Damian. I share your belief that selfless service (or Sevā, in Sanskrit) is a gift that contributes immensely to a good life. Is there ego in it? Probably. We are human, complex, and imperfect. But as you said, if you're being a true gift in someone else's life, does it really matter if there's some ego involved? Btw, to me, your doubt is proof of the purity of your intentions.
I wonder if you can be happy if your life doesn’t incorporate a drive to be of service to others. I find there’s where I find my greatest fulfilment and joy - giving openheartedly without expectation of anything in return feels like the biggest gift to myself. But I know there’s a fine line. Is the drive I feel really an egoic reliance on my perception of others’ opinion of me to fuel my sense of self-worth then translating into a ‘people pleasing’ approach to life without really satisfying my needs. And does it matter if it is?
Great thought, Damian. I share your belief that selfless service (or Sevā, in Sanskrit) is a gift that contributes immensely to a good life. Is there ego in it? Probably. We are human, complex, and imperfect. But as you said, if you're being a true gift in someone else's life, does it really matter if there's some ego involved? Btw, to me, your doubt is proof of the purity of your intentions.