I think a lot of people have a strong element of sacrifice or doing without themselves in order to serve others
My intention is to be of service to the group (I am included in the group) rather than being of service to others
If I care for myself, grow as a human being, I will have so much more to offer others. A patient, compassionate me is much more beneficial to those around me than an impatient, judgemental me
If someone is in service to the group the next question becomes what is that group? Is my group my family and friends? My town? Humanity? Mother Nature? All beings? The Universe? Humanity cannot possibly thrive without the other life forms with whom we share this planet, not to mention the planet itself. And where would the planet be without a harmonious Cosmos?
Wanting to serve humanity or the planet as a whole can feel daunting. Where do I start? Who am I to think I can make such a change? But serving humanity, for example, doesn’t mean it must be some monumental accomplishment. It is anything that serves the collective, and serving even one person lifts us, humanity, as a group
When I am truly being of service, there is almost a clear or transparent feeling to it. Maybe the feeling of ego stepping aside? Of the Universe/Life/Source/God shinning through
