Trust and Giving

Trust is giving without knowing what will be returned. The world currently works off the idea that we only give when we know it will be returned.

This lack of trust keeps us from opening up. Creates a stalemate, where we butt up against one another's walls and are unable to compromise because neither is willing to give before knowing he or she will get in return.

Where does this lack of trust come from? Is it innate or learned? What are we so afraid of? Losing, being taken advantage of, looking stupid, being made a fool? Why is that so bad? Who does it really hurt to be made to look silly or stupid or be taken advantage of. Maybe that's the most compassionate, giving thing you can do. To give, knowing you may very well be the loser in the situation. This idea of protecting oneself. Protecting one's ego, one's heart, one's self. What is the worst that can happen? Perhaps our heart can break in a way that allows everyone in. Perhaps the pain can open us to the pain of the world, amplifying our compassion and touching that soft spot inside, deep down where it's scary to go.

Can I work at allowing the pain to open me up with compassion rather than shut down with fear?