The Giving is the Gift

Gifting is more about psychology than physics or economics—asserts Mujeeb Jaihoon

When We’re the Receiver

Think about the last time you received a gift. It’s natural to focus on the item itself: its beauty and value. The gift is a physical thing you can hold, a symbol of a moment.

But if we’re not careful, focusing only on the gift can make our world a little smaller. We might start to measure our relationships by what we get, leading to a feeling of being entitled or a little let down when the gifts stop coming. The joy of the gift can be short-lived, fading as the newness wears off. When our eyes are fixed on the item, we can miss the love that inspired it.

When We’re the Giver

The Giver’s perspective is a beautiful contrast. The true Giver doesn’t focus on the thing they’re giving away. Instead, their heart is set on the act itself: the love and joy that come from giving without expecting anything in return.
The gift isn’t the thing you give; the giving is the gift. It’s to realize that every act of generosity is a gesture of love. It liberates us from our ego, our need to possess, and from seeing relationships as mere transactions.

Seekers are Givers

This change in perspective mirrors our spiritual relationship with the Divine. As recipients, we often get caught up in the blessings we experience. We can become so focused on these gifts that we forget the Giver, the ultimate source of all goodness.
But the Divine, as the ultimate Giver, isn’t concerned with the blessings we receive, rather with the state of our hearts. Hence, the path of a true spiritual seekers isn’t about accumulating blessings, but about becoming Givers themselves.

What does giving mean to you?

Sep 04 2025