There comes a moment when wellbeing expands beyond the body and mind, when we realise to be truly well is also to be connected with others.
The sense that we can create value in the world, contribute, and feel part of something larger than ourselves is essential for our social wellbeing.
Giving ourselves to the world is one of the most natural ways to nurture this connection. It is a beautiful way of participating in life, of recognising that our presence and actions — no matter how small — matter beyond ourselves.
Yet giving, from the mindfulness perspective, is not about self-sacrifice or depletion. We do not lose who we are.
Rather, we allow parts of ourselves to extend outward, authentically and sustainably.
We always begin with presence — simply being here, noticing, listening deeply, making others feel seen and heard. Even that is already a gift.
We give by offering our true nature — not by trying to be who we think the world wants us to be, but by uncovering and expressing our innate qualities and gifts.
We care for ourselves so that our giving flows from fullness, not from an empty cup.
And finally, we let go of outcomes. We trust that our intentions and actions, rooted in sincerity, will find their way into the world in their own time.
In this Take A Pause session recorded on 31 August 2025, the TAP community contemplated how we might give ourselves to the world.
At the end of our meditation, we listened to the poem Clearing by Martha Postlethwaite.
Meditation Begins: 05:58
Reading Begins: 27:39
Practice Duration: 22 minutes
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