"The price of Love is Love. The price of greed is agony." — Walter Russell
Like many of our inner worlds, San Francisco has parts that are uncomfortable to encounter. During my year there, I was fortunate enough to live within walking distance of a local grocery store. On one occasion, I exited the store to the sound of, "Spare some change?". Hobbled over a cane stood a beautifully wrinkled face. It was as if the weight of a lifetime of struggle bore down on someone's grandmother. My hands were full and my headphones blaring as I instinctively offered a smile. Instantly, my mind began generating reasons to keep my money in my pocket.
"If I gave her money, what if she expects it every time I see her?"
"What if she uses it to get corked?"
"What if she already has enough money?"
All these were plausible, and all of them based in fear, fear, and fear.
While it's unfortunate to acknowledge, my heart did not have an equal voice at the time.
And the same the next week.
And the next.
Until one long walk home from the store, I realized, "Damn, I'm paying either way." Either with cash or with a constricted heart, and these were not equal price tags.
During our next encounter, not only did I offer a smile, but I also offered a five-dollar bill. Placing it into her calloused hands, I received back a quiet, "god bless you." My heart opened like an eagle taking flight, and I felt truly joyful.
So... since that encounter, have I always given money to a request from someone on the street?
No.
But… do I decline because I'm worried about not having enough money or being taken advantage of?
Most certainly not.
It all grounds down in alignment. Does it feel aligned in this moment to gift this expression of God money? Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. But the No is never constricting. Love isn't born of reason. Aligned choices don't constrict.
Soften into yourself
Decide from there
For Love is always Love
And it can express everywhere