A Sticky Subject

Yellow garden spider - photo by Jill Spencer

          Researchers, supported by the National Science Foundation, have been studying the glue-like substance produced by orb-weaving spiders that make their webs sticky. The gummy material was found to be composed of entangled polymers, giving it a consistency that was both viscous and elastic. The substance is also water resistant; however, without humid conditions, it begins to lose its stickiness. Spiders apply drops to only the spiral threads of their web, leaving the spoke threads free of it. Orb-weavers have a nonstick coating on their legs that repels the polymers. When moving across the web, the spider touches it delicately, gripping the threads with a layer of hairs and claws on its feet. These weavers have evolved traits that keep them from becoming stuck in their own sticky trap.

          When it comes to giving freely - whether of time, attention or material resources - things can get sticky for most people. Jan Chozen Bays explained that although generosity lies within each of us, "it has been obscured by the inevitable wounds, duties, and worries of our busy lives." We may be self-absorbed with our own challenges, think we have nothing worthwhile to offer or fear to let go of what we have. Yet even a small, generous act can help reduce our fear and clinging. It allows us to remember our interconnection with the rest of the world. But perhaps the greatest consequence of generosity is that it helps us accept change. Our personal ability to let go will support us in adapting to the natural ebb and flow inherent in life.

For more information on generosity, see this post.

          

Principles: Generosity

The following cards (#13-30) are additional spiritual principles and practices that can be essential in recovery.

Dog sharing food with raccoon

          Ba’al Shem Tov, the founder of Hasidism, gave a description of hell and heaven that perfectly compares the traits of self-centeredness and generosity. Hell, he explained, was similar to a huge banquet table loaded with delicious food. Unfortunately, the people sitting at the table could eat none of it. Attached to their hands were forks six feet in length, which they couldn’t get to their mouths. Heaven had the same sort of table and forks, but here each person fed the person directly across from them. We are generous when we willingly share our resources, including our time, energy and attention. What is given with generosity has value and meaning to us. Sometimes our hearts are moved, and we give easily. At other times, our fears and biases hold us back. Although there’s no need to become impoverished or overburdened, we can practice giving during such times to challenge our ego’s resistance. These actions may eventually soften our heart, allowing us to experience the warmth and joy that result from unconditional altruism. It is not the magnitude of any deed that will shape our character, but the decision to consistently choose a selfless rather than selfish response.

Real generosity means not only giving something practical that will be of help to someone, it also means changing something in yourself. 

~ Alan Morinis

For more information on generosity, see this post.