An offering is something given with pure and positive intention. It can be given to anyone living or deceased.
The act of giving is an exchange that benefits everyone involved. This act allows for a variety of events to occur cyclically.
For the Giver:
Release of Dopamine, Serotonin, Oxytocin
Stress Reduction
Increase Self Esteem
Foster Social Connection
Increase Gratitude
Stimulate Brain Centers of Pleasure and Trust
Reduce Guilt
Influences a more Harmonious Environment
For the Receiver:
Increase Joy
Increase Feelings of being Appreciated
Enhance Emotional Well-being
Increase Gratitude
Reduce Stress
Strengthen Social Bonds
Reduce Anxiety
Creates Positive Memories
Reduce feelings of Isolation
Increase Desire of Reciprocity
When we think of giving we often think of holidays. One season in particular that is common for gift giving is winter. During the typical winter holiday season gifts are being exchanged and groups of family/friends come together. These celebrations can range from several different traditions, for example, Winter Solstice, Yule, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza to name a few. Seasonal giving can be practical when considering the busy everyday hustle of life.
People often find themselves looking forward to these magickal times of the year. However,we can manifest the same spirit and electricity we feel during those special seasons in our daily lives.
The magic we feel is simply positive energy as a product of giving and receiving. If everyone gives, everyone will receive. We have to ignite the energy to begin the cycle. There is no limit to what can be given, the only requirement is that it is fueled with love. Once this energy is created, constant feeding will allow it to grow into a force that can completely expel negativity.
You fuel a gift with love by being thoughtful. To be thoughtful you need to sacrifice time. After sufficient time has been spent you may also be able to offer time as an offering or a gift as well. Time is one of the most precious “possessions” we have. When you devote attention to someone you are being selfless and relaying a message that says “ I want you in my life and I am willing to do what it takes to keep you here.” In addition, you begin to learn more about the person and will be able to better serve them in your relationship. Time becomes a gift/offering to someone when the moments you spend together add useful meaning to their life. You can do this by observing what they like to do and asking if you can join them. Alternatively, you can plan things you have learned they like to do and invite them to join you; showing initiative in the relationship.
Gifts fueled by love can also come from communication. The easiest way to build a relationship with someone is by expressing ourselves through words. It is easy to forget how much goes on in a person’s life, sometimes we get caught up in our own minds and think that those around us can anticipate our wants/needs. When this happens we often feel lonely, unappreciated, or invisible. Having the people who are close to us, verbally express their gratitude to us, can remove negative thought patterns. Speaking to the person directly, writing a letter or a poem are examples of how you can provide words of affirmation to someone you care about.
Being considerate is a combination of time and communication and can be used to fuel a gift with love as well. To be considerate is to be helpful without being explicitly asked/told what to do. In order to do this you have to be observant of the person you care about. Observe their everyday tasks, listen closely to the topics they bring up and how they feel. Usually you can detect where a person could use some assistance or maybe just a little TLC. This will look different for everyone depending on your relationship. This could be you walking the dog first thing in the morning instead of your parent or it could be taking out the trash if you see that it is full. Anything that would be helpful to someone else would make a perfect gift.
One of the most tangible gifts that is fueled by love is physical touch. This form of gift giving is the most unique and rare. Although we are surrounded by other people on a daily basis, we are not always intimately involved with everyone that enters our space. Some individuals travel throughout their day without a single handshake, hug or kiss. The effect is subtle at first but overtime the void builds into a large unavoidable feeling of stress, anxiety and depression. Expressing your affection physically can register as a necessary gift for healthy mental function.
For our ancestors, most offerings can be given in the same manner. This is entirely dependent on the givers comfort level.
To offer time or communicate you can sit with as many personal items of theirs as you would like. These items could be photos, trinkets, jewelry, their favorite perfume, or pieces of clothing, as a few examples. Some people set up areas in their space and fill it with items that belong to their ancestors. With the item(s) nearby touch them, smell them, hold them. Think of the person you’re trying to reach, bring the memories you have of them to the front of your mind. Allow your mind to roam and explore, breathe, relax and appreciate the moment. During this time you may also participate in activities they would enjoy and invite them to join you. Similarly to the above you can also write them, keeping letters/messages in dedicated boxes or on altars.
If you are keeping items from your ancestors or creating an altar for them you can still be considerate of them. Over time dirt, dust and clutter accumulates. As a part of your gift to them you can keep their space and possessions in pristine condition. It is customary to clean and reset altars regularly. For example, if you like to leave flowers for your ancestor, be sure to keep the vase and water clean and replace dead bouquets.
Offerings are not limited to the above mentioned. Remember to be heartfelt and sincere with your gift.
The more given the more received.