I've been thinking a lot about giving lately.
I recently finished Adam Grant's book, Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives our Success. I listened to it while driving here and there, which in Wyoming means lots of time to listen to books on tape. In it, he talks about reciprocity rings. The idea is so simple: an intentional space and time to show up with one another and ask for help, and offer to help.
I was so inspired by this idea, I asked people in my world if they'd be interested in experimenting with a virtual giving circle, where the only thing we have in common (at least at first glance) is being drawn to the idea. Over 20 people jumped on board, I created a Slack space for us to communicate with each other, and we had our first call today. It was so simple, and yet so beautiful. Seven of us on a video call spread out across the globe, from Portland, OR to Wellington, New Zealand. People shared tools and resources, offering up introductions, and creating this virtual vibe of generosity and good will.
One of the things that came up, not to my surprise really, was how hard it can be to ask for help. It makes us feel vulnerable. Scared. Maybe stupid. Which is funny - because if everyone gave and no-one asked for help... who would the helpers help?
I'm coming to think of the act of asking for help as a gift in and of itself.
I don't know where it will go - we did agree to meet monthly. I'm confident that the spirit that everyone brought will continue to inspire and excite me (and hopefully others). And it feels fitting that this is the first post on this blog that I am finally getting going - because that's the same spirit that I hope will infuse my coaching and consulting practice, and my life.
What can you do to help someone out today?
