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In our busy lives today, we're always chasing after material things. We hardly stop to appreciate our own potential and abilities. One thing that can really help us grow, but that we often ignore, is volunteering. Sadhguru, who started the Isha Foundation, strongly encourages volunteering. He highlights how important it is for both our own personal growth and for the betterment of society.
Volunteering - A Journey Beyond Self
As Sadhguru beautifully expresses, "Volunteering is a way of learning to make our lives into a process of just giving. This also entails joyfully repeating a task ten times incorrectly, because no one knows exactly how or what should be done. Even after you finally accomplish it the way you initially thought it should have been done, Isha volunteers can relate to this experience. This strong idea questions the common belief that our lives should mainly focus on gathering more and more things.. According to Sadhguru, the act of volunteering involves giving oneself fully, which in turn, leads to an expansive perception of life.
From Individual to Universal
In the words of Sadhguru, "When you volunteer, you become the higher possibility of what a human being can be." When you give yourself selflessly, you become part of a larger collective, transcending individual limitations. You begin to see how everything in the universe is connected, and how even the smallest action can cause changes in the world.
Joy of Giving
Volunteering allows you to experience profound joy that springs from selfless giving. "The most fulfilling thing in life is to be able to do something which is truly of value for all, and to do it well," says Sadhguru. Isha Foundation, through its numerous volunteering opportunities, allows individuals to experience this joy. From large-scale tree-planting initiatives to providing quality education to underprivileged children, volunteers become part of something larger than themselves.
Isha Foundation: An Embodiment of Volunteerism
Isha Foundation, an international non-profit organization founded by Sadhguru, is a testament to the power of volunteering. The foundation is run almost entirely by volunteers, with over 11 million people offering their time and skills across 300 city-based centers worldwide. Volunteers are the backbone of Isha, enabling the foundation's various initiatives that impact millions of people in areas of health, education, environmental conservation, and rural upliftment. Sadhguru's vision for Isha Foundation is not only to create a platform for service but also to provide an opportunity for people to grow. As he puts it, "Isha Foundation is not just an organization. It's a possibility. It's not made up of brick and stone. It's made up of people. "Volunteers at Isha Foundation find that their experiences reshape their perspectives on life. Many have discovered a profound sense of inner fulfillment that they had never experienced before. Volunteering in this context is not about charity or service; it's about growth, transformation, and ultimately, self-realization.
Concluding Thoughts
Even though volunteering might seem like you're just giving to others, it's actually a great way to gain something yourself. Volunteering helps you understand life better and your place in it. It gives you a sense of being part of something bigger, a happiness that makes you feel really good. As Sadhguru's teachings and the success of Isha Foundation demonstrate, volunteering has the potential to transform individuals and societies alike. So, whether you're offering your skills to a local charity or becoming part of a global initiative like Isha Foundation, know that your act of volunteering is a powerful step towards personal growth and societal wellbeing. In the words of Sadhguru, "The true joy of volunteering is that you willingly give a part of yourself, and in the process, gain a larger sense of who you are." It's time we embrace this joy and unlock the incredible power of volunteering.