This Saturday December 13th 8-9 PM on It’s A Question Of Balance with Ruth Copland we consider ‘What is the nature of a true gift?’ With the holidays coming up, gift-giving is in the air. Aviator and Writer Antoine de Sainte-Exupery (1900-1944) said
“In giving you are throwing a bridge across the chasm of your solitude.” Giving gifts can be as much a joy for the giver as for the receiver. But has this simple pleasure been affected by consumerism. Do we now think of gifts predominantly as material items? In tribal cultures, a gift is given in the knowledge that it will keep being given and never be stagnant. What would it be like if we thought of gifts in this way? St Francis of Assisi said “For it is in giving that we receive” but for some this has become rather literal. Has gift-giving become a barter exchange where we try to give gifts of equal value to what we will receive? Why do we give gifts at all? Some reasons might be to express gratitude; to bring someone joy; to express obligation; to garner favour; because someone gives us a gift – reciprocation; it is expected by our culture at certain times; it is expected by certain people. Why do YOU give gifts and what is a true gift to you?
What do you think? I get the views of people in the local area for our Out and About feature. Join us on Saturday 8-9 PM! For more info on the show and to hear past shows visit www.itsaquestionofbalance.com
