International Volunteer Day – 5 December

“To be able, to have someone and to do Good is, in fact,
a privilege of our existence.”

Leo Radutz

Today, December 5, we celebrate the naturalness of doing Good and love manifested through selfless actions, which in yoga is deepened in the lessons on Karma Yoga – the yoga of action.

And for us, in Abheda, this day has a special significance, because we relate with joy to our mission… 🙂
“Let’s acquire mastery in doing good!”

In fact, volunteering doesn’t necessarily mean doing something we don’t get paid for.

Of course, especially the probono actions are volunteering, but the concept of Karma Yoga is fascinating and goes much further, being able to generate a fundamental meaning in anyone’s life.

Even if we are employed and have a salary or even if we receive a reward (from the perspective of the one who offers it) for the work done,
It is fundamental to do everything with the inner attitude that what we have received (if we have received) is not a countervalue of what we have given but another gift that life, through someone, has given us.

On this day we can relate with admiration, gratitude and even love to those who give time, energy, compassion, talent and various skills, to do the Good, without expecting anything in return.

The holiday was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985 to highlight the important contribution of volunteering actions in the development of society, but also to provide examples to follow in this regard.

This day is an opportunity for volunteer organizations and volunteers to celebrate their efforts over the course of a year, to share with others the values they value and to promote their work in communities, non-governmental organizations, UN agencies, government authorities or the private sector.

United Nations

Why volunteering?

Because living life having a clear, authentic meaning and doing Good for Us and Good for Others is a privilege.

Looking at how society has come, we could say about volunteers that they are a different species of people, but still, volunteering is within our reach, all of us. Our world badly needs good-doers.

Volunteering fulfills our souls and helps us acquire or amplify exceptional human virtues,such as generosity, compassion, enthusiasm, responsibility or initiative. In addition, volunteerers confess that it has helped them get to know themselves better.

Voluntary attitude can also be applied in everyday life

When we volunteer, it is important to be detached from our work and its results. Even if we are not remunerated for our effort, to be truly voluntary, it is important not to expect praise, thanks from those helped or any other kind of “payment”.
However, there are situations where we may be offered various for the work we have done. In this case, we can accept those offerings if we can refer to them as a non-binding gift, optional, not as a consideration of our effort.

We can appropriate this attitude and use it even in the way we relate to going to work– for which we are paid. That is, to refer to the money earned with detachment, not as an exchange.

And only he is a great one who knows how to transform the voice of the wind into a song that is heard even more comforting because of his love.
Work is love brought to light.
And if you cannot work with love but with loathing, then you better leave your work and sit at the temple gate to receive alms from those who joyfully work.

“The Prophet” – about work, khalil gibran