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This is probably going to be a 'dead thread', but this word has been resonating in my head since Mass yesterday. The priest used it during the sacrement of baptism. He stated that as Christians we are called to a life of selflessness. I am sure that this is not just a Christian character and I am in no way suggesting that it is, but I have not been able to get the word out of my mind. I wonder...how much better would this world be if we all lived a life of selflessness?
I think selflessness applies to Jesus and his ability to be a servant leader. If one doesnt think about themselves theres not time for the old ego, or "im better than you" mentality to creep in.
He stated that as Christians we are called to a life of selflessness.
I suspect that it depends on the context within which "selflessness" is implied. If your priest was underscoring the notion of selflessness based upon the actions of Jesus, then I can understand where that idea is coming from...If Jesus is upheld as the supreme example of "selflessness" in what he ultimately did and stood for, then I can see how a priest would borrow that notion/idea. However:
June tends to wonder to what extent "selflessness" can, or should, actually be applied. If you are talking about altruism, yes, that is a good thing. If you are talking about compassion, (which June always prefers!) then yes, that is a good thing as well. The difficulty I have with the concept of "selflessness" is in the fact that in order to truly be selfless I think one needs to have an investment in one's own self. I cannot give that which I do not have. I can't give away something that I do not already possess, as it would not be mine to give.
Self investment is a good thing. To take care of one's own self is a good thing. Self empathy lends compassion towards others. But I can't help but wonder whether it is not the case that it is only when I have sufficient self investment that I am genuinelly free to altruistically give aspects of my self away, all the while maintaining those aspects of self that are central to who and what I am...
I think that I may understand what June means. It's only when you have a sense of your own worth can you see the worth in others. I don't mean to infer that you place yourself above others, but to realize that you are able to do a lot for others., because you understand that you are capable of caring and compassion.
If we care for those around us because we WANT to, because it is something that NEEDS to be done and we know that we are capable of doing it, then it is a sign of selflessness. It's part of being self aware.
Your posts leaves me thinking about another homily that hit too close to home. In this sermon, the priest mentioned that 'you cannot get water from a dry well'. IMHO, mothers are sometimes guilty of giving too much of theirselves, hence often leaving the well dry.
Your posts leaves me thinking about another homily that hit too close to home. In this sermon, the priest mentioned that 'you cannot get water from a dry well'. IMHO, mothers are sometimes guilty of giving too much of theirselves, hence often leaving the well dry.
Ah, but dear Weather, ponder this:
June can't help but wonder whether part of acting with self investment (a.k.a. "selflessness") would also not seem to imply the following, as regards one's children! One of the best things I can perhaps teach my child is that which I have learned to do myself. It is good for children to know that sometimes everyone needs to take care of themselves, mothers especially. If a child grows up knowing that mommy needs to "replenish her well" then that child will model that self care behavior; thereby learning to apply the same standard of care to themselves. In other words, children can more than readily understand:
"Mommy is (resting, etc.) in order to replenish her well, such that she can bring more buckets of water to you!"
Selflessness does not equal "the well is dry." As a wise, old sage once said: "Water seeks it's own level." (Lao Tzu)
--And it's okay if sometimes the water is only delivered in table spoons!
We as Christians should not be in need for anything and when we have that chance to reach out to help others with a loving and giving heart it should be without gains or anything in return. It is by faith that God will bless us for giving of oneself.
We as Christians should not be in need for anything and when we have that chance to reach out to help others with a loving and giving heart it should be without gains or anything in return. It is by faith that God will bless us for giving of oneself.
Let's change that to, "We as PEOPLE......should not be in need for anything and when we have that chance to reach out to help others with a loving and giving heart it should be without gains or anything in return..."
This applys to Jew, agnostics, atheists, muslem, or whatever.
Christians aren't the only people that give without expecting something in return.
To me selflessness, egolessness, and humility are all extremely important to being Christian. And as a Christian, I have also found these concepts expressed in every other religion I have studied. In my understanding, it is the ego ( selfishness ) ( self-centeredness ) ( sin ) ( ignorance ) that stands between us and God. Doesn't mean we don't have any worth. Just means that we should care more about God and His children than we do our own selfish interests.
selflessness - acting with less concern for yourself than for the success of the joint activity
This definition is far too vague for me to form any opinion.
Concern for what? How much is "less?"
What constitutes "success?" What is the "joint activity," and who are involved?
I imagine there could be many scenarios in which the success of the joint activity requires one to put his needs above all others. For example, if a group is lost in the Sierra Nevada, finding its way out may require that the guide put his well-being ahead of all others.
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Idyll thoughts from June...
then yes, that is a good thing as well. The difficulty I have with the concept of "selflessness" is in the fact that in order to truly be selfless I think one needs to have an investment in one's own self. I cannot give that which I do not have. I can't give away something that I do not already possess, as it would not be mine to give.
