Many people find a sense of purpose and connection when they give of themselves in service. Some small children raise money for charities they believe in. There are very busy adults who thought they would wait until some undetermined future date to give back, only to be so moved by a cause that they made time to support it. If you want to help others and the earth more than you have been, or help in different ways than you have in the past, you might want to consider some new ideas on how to be of service.

Take a Fresh Look at Your Charitable Donations

One way to serve is to donate money to charities. How do you decide which ones to support? I believe in funding charities that have the most meaning for you for whatever reason. You could become overwhelmed by the possibilities, but you can feel good about giving even if you just help out one or two that are closest to your heart.

Give Differently

Another way to give is with your time and talents. I fund charities through my foundation, and I have talked with the executive directors of organizations we support to learn more about their challenges. I have offered any help I can based on my years of running a business and leading shamanic workshops. For example, I’ve found in workshops that conversations held in a circle can be more productive and involve less conflict than if people are positioned opposite each other, a tip many have found useful.

What about your skills? Do you have writing, organizing, or marketing skills you can offer?

You might even develop new skills through volunteer work. When no one is available to take up a task, you might give it a go and teach yourself how to do it on the charity’s behalf. Maybe you will find yourself doing something that takes you a little out of your comfort zone. But by working with others in supporting a good cause and learning from them, you could find yourself excited enough to continue.

Often, simply by doing an internet browser search for volunteer opportunities in your city or town, you can access a website that lists what kind of help local charities are seeking and the hours they would require as a commitment. You can also ask other people what they do for service and let them know you’re looking for outlets for your desire to give of yourself. Perhaps you will find yourself helping out a neighbor or friend who has needed help but was reluctant to ask for it.

Check in with Yourself

If you elect to be of service, connect with your emotions. They will motivate you to continue your service commitment.

How do you feel when you give in service?

Were you ever anxious or reluctant to step out and be of service but did it anyway, only to feel very glad you did?

If so, what can you learn from that experience about different ways to be of service?

Some would say that it’s not okay to have self-serving motives if you want to be of help. You might want to do volunteer work so you can address loneliness, have an opportunity to lead a group, or influence others. Is that so bad? When I was undergoing Jungian analysis (which I was required to do while studying to become a Jungian analyst), I discovered that one of my reasons for wanting to achieve my career goal was that I longed to help others. However, another was to feel special about my ability to make a difference in people’s lives. That hidden motivation might have turned into a problem if I hadn’t become aware of it. Once I did, I was able to accept that desire while also keeping it in check so that I could better serve my clients when I did become an analyst. 

If you want to be appreciated by the people you serve, the recipient of your service will benefit even though that part of your motivation could be considered selfish. You might even say that the people you serve are serving you, too, by giving you an opportunity to have certain experiences. 

What’s most important is the grace with which you give. 

Can you release your need to micromanage others and receive accolades for everything you do? Serving others without expectation of thanks in return is a marvelous gift. To paraphrase a friend of mine, Alberto Villoldo, PhD, who is an author on shamanism, spirituality, and well-being, you can do almost anything if you give up your need to take credit for doing it. 

If you give money to a cause or perform a service, you might want to consider how you would feel if you did it anonymously. However, you might also think about the fact that having people see you volunteering or spot your name on a donation list might inspire them to give, too. 

To be of greater service than you have been until now, you might want to take some time to meditate until you are in a calm state of mind, with your analytical brain quieted, and pose the following three questions to your wise inner self. This is the self that is clued into any hidden agendas you might have. Then, wait to see what answers arise.

Question 1: What do I not know about my being of service?

Question 2: To be of service (or of greater service), what do I need to let go of?

Question 3: To be of service (or of greater service), what do I need to bring in?

You might learn that you have a strong need for praise and acknowledgment when you give of yourself–or that you crave control, influence, or a leadership position. You might realize you need to let go of one energy, such as worry, and bring in another, such as confidence. You can make that energy exchange while you are in your meditative state by simply asking your wise inner self to help you. Notice whether you feel a release of one energy and an influx of another.

When you finish meditating, simply observe how you feel. Take the time to make notes without trying to analyze why you experienced what you did. You might want to return to a meditation cushion, or to an inviting spot in nature, later and ask your questions again, perhaps going deeper into a dialogue with your wise inner self by asking more questions. You might ask about what type of service you could perform. You might ask about any obstacles you need to clear away to be of service and how you might do that. Consult your wise inner self and see what you discover. Then, take what you learn and apply it by actually engaging in service. 

You can learn more about transformation and how to change your story and your life by reading my books, including my latest, Go Within to Change Your Life. They’re available at bookstores everywhere.