Open heart, empty hands

When immersion feels like a burden on others

Deepa Ganachari

As part of a commitment to simple living and community immersion, Deepa chose to stay one night with a single mother (of three daughters) who was among the poorest families in the village. Deepa thought it might also mean alot to this mother that Deepa chose to stay with her over some of her wealthier peers. Based on what unfolded, however, Deepa ponders whether her act of immersing herself in the community may have been more of a burden than an act of service.

Something to think about

Have you ever had every intention to serve but realized you may have become a burden at the same time? How did you adjust your approach?
“Generosity is giving more than you can, and pride is taking less than you need.”― Kahlil Gibran (Poet), Sand and Foam. What does generosity mean to you, and what does it look like in a service context?
Some rural service projects involve meager living conditions- Think about how you would immerse yourself in an environment that may be initially uncomfortable for you?