EFT Blog

It is even harder to be able to give,when you know that there's longer enough in the bank for you to draw from and you're not as young as the one who is begging!

Good for you for overriding the skeptical voice. It's very hard to evaluate a situation like that, in an instant. But I love your perspective that he could have been sent as a teacher to you. In fact, I think he was . . .

Thanks for this, Gary! This is the story I needed to read right now. I really appreciate you posting this, since it is relevant to something I am struggling with. I am glad to see that you believe truly connecting and loving can be just as appropriate as being distant and professional. It's all in what you wish to create and attract, isn't it? Thanks again.

Gary, I think there is a lot of wisdom in the story you relate to us about the veteran.  The sudden desire to help is a loving impulse from the heart.  You do a nice job of reporting your mind's actions to try to stop you from helping this man.  You did good!  What the world needs desperately is more heart and less mind.

Nice story!.........Chuck

A beautiful story. No doubt that Love is the ultimate healer...

Beautiful, thank you for sharing this story and EFT!

Thank you, Gary.  This really touched my heart.

"To give and to receive are the same in Truth" ~ ACIM

Thanks to you, Gary, this story will help me remember the core of this lesson.

Love,

~V

That was a great story Gary. Made me remember what Kahlil Kibran writes in The Prophet about giving. Actually he writes quite a lot about giving and the many ways of giving. About giving when asked he says "It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked, through understanding; And to the open handed the search for one who shall receive is joy greater than giving.' and he also says " You often say 'I would give,but only to the deserving," The trees in your orchard say not so,nor the flocks in your pasture. They give so that they may live, for to withhold is to perish".  Then ,what I think is very powerful stuff, Kibran says this "See first that you deserve to be a giver, and an instrument of giving, For in truth it is life that gives unto life--While you, who deem yourself a giver, are but a witness" I think you past that test Gary with flying colours!!!!

Thank you for sharing your beautiful story of giving the young man the $20 when he asked for 30 cents. We are continually warned to be suspicious of those begging for money or food. You have inspired me as you allowed your heart to go out to him. You may not feel that you did; however, you truly connected with him and impacted him possibly for a lifetime.

Reminded me of a homeless, jobless man who I met a few years ago.  I walked across a busy bridge - over a busy highway - every day.  I stopped to talk to the man at this intersection who was asking for help.  Duing our conversation, he learned I was on a limited income - and when I offered him money, he wouldn't take it because he said I needed to eat, too!  I saw him there many times after that, and only once, because I absolutely insisted, did he accept any donation from me.  And Joan - I love your quotes from Kahlil Gibran.  I gave my copy to my grandson when he graduated from High School - now I'm going to get another copy, I had forgotten how much I loved his book, The Prophet.  Blessings all.

that waqs a moving account, Gary. Thank you.

May I relate a similar incident that Happened to me , many years ago?

One cold and rainy day, I had been laid off from my construction job, just before

Christams and I  was returning from the grocery store. As I was unloading several sacks of groceries, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a young man coming toward rapidly toward me. He was wearing an oversized coat, ragged tennis shoes, and and old army wool skull cap. I turned and prepared to defend myself, as my first impulse was that he was about to attack me. I knew he wasnt from the area.

As I turned, he stopped suddenly, about six feet from me and said to me in Spanish "Could you give me a piece of bread or something to eat, I havent had anything to eat in three days ? I an an illegal immigrant from Mexico and I cant find any work. I said sure, let me get you something.

It was late in the afternoon and my wife had supper ready. I asked her to fix a plate for the young man outside. I called him in and asked him to come in and eat supper with us, but he said, no, he couldnt do that, because he a was too, dirty and smelled bad,  to come into my home, like that. I took the plate out to him and a mug of hot coffee. He sat at the kitchen door steps and ate, hungrily.

I went out to see if he needed anything and he said no, everything was fine. I asked him what his name was . He looked up at me, with big, wide blue eyes and said, "my name is Israel !" I got a cold chill down my  spine and walked away to

allow him to finish his meal. In a few minutes I returned from the garage only to find that he was gone. He left a pretty, shiny, white stone in the plate. I still have that small stone. The next day, I was called to a new job that would last two years.

For many years, I expected to see my friend again. Now and then, when its cold and rainy, he glimpses through my mind, and I do expect to see him

again,......one day !      

Leonard Cantu, Texas  

when i feel compelled to give, i do so without question.  it is none of my business what the receiver does with the gift.  my only business is to follow my spirit without hesitation.  in that comes an uplifting that is indescribable joy and i know another me received exactly what was needed at the time of the giving.  there is only me and thee and me does not exist separate from thee, we are One.  peace be with you

I love to help people, and always go another mile for my friends and family, after I read this, I stop and think....who is helping me...I don't want money, I just want work I am an accountant but I will do housekeeping  just to feed mine and those with tears and often no voice just eye's speaking of pain.

Your story shows us that no matter how bad our own situations (seem) to be, there is always another soul who is struggling even more than us.  When we meet these people, we give freely and unconditionally - to help them, to remind ourselves that we are blessed enough to be able to help.  

However, the real giving is as you said - is not so much in the money - but in the giving of love.  Of acknowlegding that soul as someone who matters, who is worth our time, and who by the Grace of God - could so easily be us tomorrow.

We are all connected and it really is our responsibility to acknowledge, to help and reach out our hand to those who ask.

Bless you.

Thanks, Gary, for opening up this important way of being.  I, too, enjoy giving when asked.  There are times when I sense that this is someone who asks anyone they can, but I always remember Neale Donald Walsch's experience and give anyway with an open heart.   What I get from the experience is always more than what I give.  And often the appreciation is heartwarming.

It was funny recently as I walked out of the Safeway and noticed a man maybe in his thirties in a wheelchair and had a feeling he was going to ask for something.  And he did.  He said he was hungry and wanted to get something to eat.  I said do you need money or food.  He said either.  I gave him a $20 and he said "my God, woman!" and spun that wheelchair around and headed in.  It truly doesn't matter to me what they do with it.  For me it is always a feel good experience.

One man standing at an intersection about a year ago to catch people at the light asked me why I gave to him ($20).  I smiled and said because I care and because I can.  He asked if I was a Christian.  I shared that I was from a Catholic family, but that today I'm simply a spiritual person and that I was grateful that I could help.  He said I wish I could give you a kiss!  The light turned and I smiled and drove off.  I love seeing the joy in someone else's face.

I also like to pick someone up if I feel in my heart that knowing that it is someone in need as I take notice of them…some carrying heavy bags down the street, some missing a bus and offering to help them catch it or if they're not going far taking them to their destination.  I always feel so fortunate to have a car so when I see a need that grabs me, I have to see if I can help.  I have had some amazing experiences over the years in connecting with some of these people and I'm always grateful when the opportunity presents itself.

Thank you, Gary, for the wonderful work that you do and for just being you.

love, light, peace,

Lonnie Graf, Phoenix

God bless you Gary your very sensitive an angel here on earth thanx for helping us with EfT and all you do and share

Gary Hi,

Thanks so much for relating this. Sometimes it's easy to remember to be open and compassionate in a seemingly harsh world. I appreciate the reminder and the gift of it.

Rhonda Joy

I must admit that I wish I had written my comment before reading all of yours.  What grabs me most about the story Gary is the conversation you had with yourself before actually giving the man anything.  Some mentioned "these people" as though the poor or in unfortunate circumstances are in some special category or different species altogether from the rest of us.

Yes, Gary because Love is the ultimate healer and for however short the time frame, it took over skepticism and doubt and fear in your mind and acted out of its compassion space.  We are all right now greatly blessed because of your allowance.

The Grace of God ~ why do we attach this blessing only to our being somehow in a state better off than another soul at a certain moment?  If it be true that we are truly all connected, why do those in need even have to ask?  Don't we all see the need?

Peace Always,

Sophia

Hi, Gary,

Lovely story.

I just wonder - did the process he initiated in you - and the other way around - make this situation a real Event for the both of you? One of learning of compassion? It reminded me of what Silvia Hartmann speaks of in her very recent book, Event Psychology (dragonrising.com/.../events_psychology) - your self-conversation was a result of the metacomments that had risen from previous, similar events..

Thank you for the great work you do for humanity,

Haakon

What a lovely start to my day (live in the UK) and what a lesson.

And this gives me the opportunity to tell you how much your newsletter means to me and how it lifts me up.

I'm not very good at body tapping, but I keep trying.

THANK YOU.

Lots of love and blessings,

Joan

Since my son hit rock bottom a few years ago I treat 'street people' with respect and love just as you did Gary. There are so many reasons why some people are having to struggle to survive and sometimes they die there alone in the cold and other times its just temporary until the change in circumstances comes along. Whatever the reason they are our teachers, lets not stand in judgement of anyone as they deserve even more love than the rest of us.

Peace always

Jade

I agree with some of the wonderful comments above, the teacher yes, no matter how bad we feel we are there is someone out there in a far worse state..  I may not have much but what I have I share always will..  The face of the person receiving is all the payment you need, you cannot put a price on that and the feeling. Thank you Gary for the EFT that has changed my life and even though I am still working I am meeting and sharing your info with my new friends you have been my  inspiration and I know you will others too..  

Thank you , Thank you , Thank you for giving me back my life with EFT

thank you Gary for this moving glimpse into your soul as well as the eyes of that Veteran ......a very familiar dilema for me .................blessings and gratitude..............Kathleen

Believe it or not, not all "homeless" are actually homeless. I was a "street" person once. It's a very complex issue and each person "on the street" has a different purpose. Many are cleverly playing on "givers" emotions and do so because they are too lazy to work. Some are mentally ill and society is ilequipped to remedy their problem and consequently they are subjected to living on the street. Some actually find folly in duping the unaware giver. Some are alcohol dependent, drug dependant, nicotine or caffiene dependent and resort to begging as a convenient way to satisfy their addiction. Very few are vessels of spiritual wisdom. My take on this is that the giver can paint any picture of the recipient they want and ultimately they are giving to themself. Whether for good or evil, each of us, prosperous or poor, desires power. Funny isn't it? What is important is how we manage the power we manifest. Giving and receiving are natural events in the cycle of life. We all need to be Christlike when giving or receiving. He was the ultimate in both arenas.

Hello Gary,

I'm an EFT newbie.

Thank you for your gift of EFT, your newsletters and relating the story of the beggar.

Does giving and receiving actually exist or is it just a matter of perspective? Is such perception really an observation, an experience by God of flows and transformations within God. Ignoring or blocking the flow narrows the perception (a blockage in our experience) but has no real effect on the true flow. Tuning in to the flow (removing blockages) brings joy as our observations and experience are then closer to God.

I have heard and read reports that we are on the cusp of the removal of significant blockages in the human group experience, as more and more of us join in then the tuning in becomes easier, more tools, such as EFT come our way. That certainly resonates with me.

Only recently starting to awake, my limited experience is enough to prove the adage "ask and ye shall receive". Seems to me that with such abundance flowing through me I must give, give, give! Or I'll block it and that just will not be!

Love being,

Mick

(a new tapper)

When you perform an act of kindness, it is an event unto itself.  How that act of kindness is received or used should be a separate issue.  It is best to be a bit selfish and experience the positive feeling you know you will have after giving or sharing something special with someone.  

Hi Gary,

Very moving .

Reminds of the time I lived in the Philippines and I  felt I was so fortunate.

There was this very old shaggy invalid beggar who was sitting near the entrance of the parking lot of this enormous shopping mall where cars of the rich people raced by.Hardly anyone ever stopped to give partly because it was rather dangerous for the rest of the traffic.And he was sitting there in the scorching heat unprotected from the baking sun.So I stopped my car (which caused some obstruction to the racing traffic) and gave PHP 1000.

I was so happy to see that the next time I saw him again he had bought an umbrella...but the the safety guards had sent him away form the entrance .Now he was sitting right in the middle of the crossroads ......

Alfred

Your story and all the comments helped me put a recent experience into better perspective.

A tall, middle-aged man asked me for a quarter a few weeks ago.  I hesitated, not because he frightened me in any way but because i have been unemployed for over a year and finding it much more difficult to find work after 65.  Then I remembered I had a quarter in my pocket and decided to give it to him because he asked for so little and I never wanted to feel so poor I couldn't give a quarter to someone who needed it badly enough to beg.

After thanking me he walked beside me telling me how I reminded him of a teacher he had as a child and I became uneasy and was glad to get away from him when I entered the building.  My daughter had dropped me off downtown so I could take some free computer classes the university was offering.  I hoped learning Excel would help me in my job search.  

Three hours later I reached in my pocket for my cell phone to call my daughter to pick me up and my pocket was empty.  My mind immediately flashed to the overly-friendly panhandler and my heart sank.  I explained my predicament to the person in charge of training and was allowed to call my daughter on the school phone.  She said she would pick me up in 20 minutes at the same place where she dropped me off.   During those 20 minutes I told my story to a security guard near when I met the man.  He could not help me but redirected me to the  to the university police.  Because I was not a paying student the school police could not help me either and told me to report the pickpocket to the city police.  By then my 20 minutes were almost up so I went to stand in the place my daughter would pick me up.  Nearly an hour  passed and it began to rain.  Leaving my pick up spot I ducked into a small store where a lady let me use her phone to call my daughter again.  Each time I told my story and every time I was told how foolish I had been.  That one should NEVER even speak to a panhandler, let alone give them money.  

I felt very foolish and ashamed, but not as foolish and ashamed as I felt three days later when I found my cell phone in the crack between the car seat and gear shift.

Thanks for that Gary - you gave him hope, without hope there is nothing...

Love and light,

Heather xx

I love your story and newsletter and use eft regularly to remove blockages in my energy system . To brighten someone's day by conecting with another soul to me is magical. I try hard not to pass judgement on other's circumstances and see the individual. We are all striving in some way to release our negative behaviour patterns from past hurts and situations. I am shocked sometimes by some people's negative reactions to others. To judge another harshly is to judge oneself. The lessons go on and on we are all learning and growing on this lifes journey.

namaste lesley

I was raised by two extremely giving parents.  I was also.

Years later I became cynical about some people always asking, always wanting.  I was a single parent often working two and three jobs just to pay bills -- hoping to have money left for good food.

I remember once a young man, very umkempt, wearing a bottle of water around his neck approached me as I was going into a store.  He was very weary and sad looking.

He asked for my help.  I rejected him very rudely.

Later I saw him walking away -- such a sad, lonely figure -- as I was in a different way.

I immediately knew that I had lost in not helping him even with an encouraging word.

He haunts me still.  I wasn't good at praying then, but I certainly did pray for him and hope it helped.

I wonder what I lost that day.

Juanita

September 4, 2009/

Hi Gary,

Scripture says that "the poor will always be with us," and I see that, every day around me. The truth is that some days I am the poor, and other days I have abundance...we are all the same. We are all one body.

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and your heart with us.

Thank you for giving us EFT....I count it as part of my abundance!

Ruth

Gary,

I think you and EFT did the healing he needed.

Not only the money but Connection. Understanding. Not judgement, Holding, Faith. When he touched he showed the work was done.

EFT for me is this posture. Without tapping it can works. Without this posture tapping won´t work enough.

You received, you gave, he gave, he received. This is true healing.

Thanks for sharing and teaching us.

There is not one religious text that does not include this Truth: It is in giving that we receive.

more heart and less mind, yes, its that simple, thanks chuck, thanks for all the other insights and thanks gary for sharing.

A beautiful story. So much we can do to heal the world and you have done so

by letting us all learn and use EFT. You are on my daily gratitude list.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels skeptical. There is a man we see almost weekly in Philadelphia. When he's on the street corner my heart aches for him and we always try to find something to give him - whether it's dollars, spare change, or if we have enough to stop and get him a happy meal or something on the way back through. He's always genuinely grateful and even though times are tough we're glad we can give *something* at all...

Beautiful Gary, really lovely and thought provoking... and yes, Ive been there.  Why are we scared to make that human connection, even if we give of paper money or time, do we really want to get close to that person and help on a deeper level?  I guess, we cannot heal everyone, but we should keep our eyes open for the opportunities we do have to serve - we may learn something!

I have seen TV exposes where they reveal that panhandlers are frequently con-men and women.  Nevertheless, when I feel moved to give, I give.  It isn't up to me to decide who is deserving and who isn't.  It is up to me to decide the kind of person I want to be.  If I am deceived by a panhandler who winds up making more money than I do, then so-be-it.  In my heart and soul, I feel that I have done the right thing, and I become more compassionate and connect to humanity a little more.  I also give to humanitarian efforts that I know use the money to actually help people (rather than administratively) , and in so doing, don't have to even wonder if I'm supporting anyone's drug or alcohol dependency by giving.  If I have, I give...

Thank you for this,

I too have helped someone this week. It gives me great joy to give a helping hand to someone who needs the help. I too have needed help in the past and there were very few who would help me.

We are here to learn very valuable lessons and this is the one that gives the most benefit back to us.

Blessings,

Clara

How do you know he wasn't an angel 'in disguise' just checking you out. I had a similar thing happened with a tramp to whom I gave a sandwich, he too disappeared quickly without a trace. - we never know when we are going to be tested out.

best wishes Beth.

tap away u r thoughts is what i learnt in EFT

people r destened to come u r way due to past life karmas andwhat is destened to come between the relationship of two people will take placeand what is not in your /his destiny will not remain with u

so relax and leave some things in hand of God

Gary,

Your compassion touched not only this man, but also all of us.  I'll share this compassion exercise which comes from Harry Palmer, creator of the Avatar program.  It's from his book, ReSurfacing.

Compassion Exercise:

Honesty with yourself leads to

compassion for others.

Objective: To increase the amount

of compassion in the world.

Expected Result: A personal sense

of peace.

This exercise can be done anywhere people gather.  Parks, terminals, shopping malls, etc.  Pick a person and with attention on that person, quietly repeat the following exercise:

Step 1 With attention on the person,

repeat to yourself: “Just like me, this person

is seeking some happiness for his/her

life.”

Step 2 With attention on the person,

repeat to yourself: “Just like me, this person

is trying to avoid suffering in his/her

life.”

Step 3 With attention on the person,

repeat to yourself: “Just like me, this person

has known sadness, loneliness, and

despair.”

Step 4 With attention on the person,

repeat to yourself: “Just like me, this person

is seeking to fulfill his/her needs.”

Step 5 With attention on the person,

repeat to yourself: “Just like me, this person

is learning about life.”

As a variation, this can also be done with attention on a person with whom you have a conflict, anger, animosity, etc.

Thank you,

Steve

I give the money and usually a hug.  many people, not just street people, just need touch.  It tells them that I see them as another human being worthy of love.  It's all energy... we are just here to learn to love one another.

One thing I learned long ago was that giving was not about the person we give to but about us.  One day a couple came into an organization where I volunteered.  I had $2 on me and felt I should give it to them.  I didn't do it becuase I thought it was such a small amount what would it matter.  But I felt guilty so I put it out that if I was supposed to give it to them they would come back.  A few minutes later they walked back in for something, I don't remember exactly what.  I gave them the money and they say "Thank you, we have not had ciggarettes in over a week."  I was shocked but then that still small voice said you did what you were supposed to do.

When to give and when not to give is not always easy to know. Here in Mexico, one has many opportunities to give to beggars. When one learns they have their own beggars union in Mexico City, it changes one's viewpoint.  I sometimes offer then a banana or apple from my grocery sack. Usually they look angry and reject it, which tells me their motives. Once in a while they take it and look pleased.

I have written a piece on a message board for men who are thinking of expatting.  When one marries a woman from the poor countries, there will be strong pressure to help her family.    At issue is, are they suffering? If so help out; if not, especially if they are living like their neighbors, don't. What are they doing for themselves? If her brother wants $5000 to buy a used pickup to run a transport business and has done nothing with his life, he is going to wreck it within a week, so keep your money.  If a young person is ambitious and wants to go to college, and can't without help, help her as long as she performs well.

The worst thing you can do is convince her family that they can stop working now; you will take care of them.  It happens.  Much the same thing applies to any request for help. On the street, assume you are doing it for yourself as Gary did, because there is no way to tell if the street beggar is really in need or lazy.

Dear Gary,

How strange that I should read this post just minutes after having a conversation with my friend about angels.   I was approached by a very scruffy and dishevelled vagrant at a large train station a few weeks ago.  He had a handful of pennies and was asking for enough money to stay in a shelter for the night.  I have been out of work (finding myself!) for the past two years, my financial situation is not looking pretty and instantly my judgement rose (well, what about ME?  do you think I have any money?)

But I looked in to his eyes and felt as though I was staring straight in to his soul.  I cannot describe the feeling.   I gave him £3, expecting gratitude but still he asked for more.  When I made excuses, he started to hang around the people at the cash-points, which gave me time to reflect on the lesson he was there to teach me.   I have a roof over my head, I have food in my fridge, I have clean clothes on my back.  I wish I had given more.

Angels have a habit of disappearing very quickly - but the rewards of responding to them in a positive way last much longer.

Thank you for sharing your story.

Love & Light

Deborah

Hey Gary

I know how you feel, some days I wish I could do more. My family and I stop to help people whenever we can, sometimes they offer to pay and we tell them to help someone else when they are able and plant a seed (randon acts of kindness are great).  usually I have the spirit/power of heaven whisper to me loudly when it is greatest sometimes it is a soft prompting.  We are all here on this earth as part of a journey, to grow, to learn, to share, to abide with all the people here and find peace. I believe that when we have someone come into our days that is in need of help, in any way it is for us to give.

I   hold it in my heart when I run opportunities like this.

"in as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me"(the savior)"

I find it is easier to share of what I have since I have so much and remember when it was so hard to make it through just starting out. If I have extra, it is there for me to share,  whether food, money, time or therapy.  

  I have had some people comment after I have shared something, "you know all they will do is waste it" "you know they are probably better off than you are" "they are just taking advantage of you", on and on the comments go. I believe that it is not our place to judge, once I have given something it is between that person and the lord not me. If I judge every situation and place, I would probably not help and that would put negative energy on me and the world. I would be repelling the very people who may need me, or are trying to better their lives and are for some are doing the hardest thing in their lives to do, Ask for help.

Who knows I may be the one being tested.  I believe the lord knows the intention of our hearts, and I would rather be too soft hearted, trying to save the world than be stingy and selfish.  I would rather ere on the side of kindness and love also, it puts better energy forward and It may just be payed forward to someone else. I send energy and prayers with them to heal their hearts and brighten their days.

so I applaud you for following your heart, and if you worry after this young man send positive loving energy to him and put him in your prayers.  let the Lord and guardian Angels help you look after his needs, and lead him where he needs to be. have a happy all and keep smiling

don't forget the random acts of kindness.

Angelina

Gary,

Thank you for sharing this story.  You and I have spoken about working with vets.  Twice I have been approached by young men asking for money.  Both times I said,  "I want to take you to lunch."  Both men slowly let their stories unfold as we ate together.  I then gave them EFT for dessert!  Both were "vets" of life gone sour.  I like to think they are now the ones taking someone to lunch.

Thank you for your gift to us all.

Gary,

Thank you for sharing your blessings generously with this man. I have been that man, and I assure you that you read him well, except for the intense embarrassment that he felt, as our society is not very accepting of a MAN who is in need. His masculinity was on the sidewalk, being walked on by everyone who passed him by. I firmly believe that your gentle act of love resonated throughout all space and time, and has strengthened the fabric of goodwill that exists in our world.

And, whether or not he was a "con man," that is only a judgement on your part about the role that the other is playing in life. What he is or is not really doesn't matter to you. It is what the test reveals about what YOU are that matters.

Although you missed the opportunity AT THE TIME to share EFT with him, this is a perfect opportunity for surrogate tapping.  No matter what his "true motives" were or are, odds are high that he is very much in need of self-love, self-acceptance and forgiveness. If there is any chance that what we do will help, we owe it to ourselves  to do it.

Even though I do not have the mental image that you have, I will tap on the connection that you have given us through your beautiful story. If it doesn't reach him, it will certainly reach me.

Deeply appreciative,

Bruce Wesley Chenoweth

The joy of giving, receiving and winning - you are joyful for giving, the street gentleman is joyful for receiving and the con is joyful for winning.

I always think it best not to judge this type of encounter and give a little extra - there is always a little extra. What does it cost someone with an income to give anyway?

I've often thought, would someone choose to beg if they really, really didn't need to?

What ever that need may be, what does it matter?

"In as much as you did it to the least of these, my brethren, you did it to me...."

A model for us all.  My beloved dad, who just passed away, once said something that stuck with me, informing everything I do now:  "As I've aged, I've come to recognize that my money is not my money, it is God's money. It was provided to me by God, through the abundance of my life.  We are but agents in the dispersal of this money. It is my children's money,  it is anyone's money who has deep need, and if God puts the idea of that need into my head, then I rob myself if I do not act on it."  And he proceeded to act that generosity out with me, in a time when I was desperately in need, without my asking, he sensed need and stepped in, no judgment, though I was now an adult in a difficult situation.  He seemed to feel glad that he had the resources, and there was no apparent hesitation on his part.  With such flow from the universe, how can I do otherwise?  I must pay it forward.  The times I have held back toward a person in need, I have felt robbed later on, as though I myself had missed out on an important gift.

Gary, what I find interesting about the story is that someone as humane and concerned about the human condition as you, can still have the struggle about giving as if the idea of the 'deserving poor' is still around.  We either give or we don't and the idea that the purpose of giving is to make us feel good I find difficult.  A lot of the comments, but certainly not all, I felt rather self-congratulatory and cosy.  Remember St Vincent de Paul said "Pray the poor forgive you for what you do for them."    Thanks for EFT, I always look at the newsletter especially to see what you have picked for quote of the day and I find it all very helpful and useful.  I still haven't done more EFT training but hope to.  Slainte

Thank you.

Karen Heartsong you took he words right out of my mouth. I too believe that when you give, the responsibility  of what to do with that gift leaves you and is bestowed on the person accepting. We can't be responsible for the end result. We have done our part and it is a good thing. What is done with it is up to them.

I think that is true too when someone asks for a loan. I tell them it is a gift. It need not be paid back. That way I don't lose a friend or relative because of expectations.

I give with Love. If you give with Love then you have already received what you  expect.

Thanks, Gary, for posting your story.  I often feel in a dilemma about whether to give or not, and a part of me wants to know more about this person too.  Sometimes the 'he is a con artist' thoughts win out, and sometimes with good reason.  I was recently going to the post office, and a homeless man in a wheelchair was asking for money.  I did not offer up.  As I was driving home from the post office, I saw the same man, wheelchair folded up, walking across the street.  There are, of course, con artists out there too.  But, other times, I have given, and I instinctively knew the person was really in need.  I will never forget the time a woman came up to me and begged for money near a fast food place so she could have a meal.  I felt so wonderful giving and she was so appreciate, and I observed her going for a meal.  

I guess we have to trust our instincts too.  Maybe we do not want to give in some instances because we sense something is off.  I have often thought of just making up a card of some local resources to give to these folks too, just in case they are not aware of them.  I carry cards about homeless pet resources.  Why not people resources too?

Marvelous Gary, the most beautiful thing is always to have an open mind and heart and to be Present for all those in need

Nevertheless next time the thinking man will dissapear and the loving man will go all the way

Congratulations to a great person You and the veteran

who are just the same one

your reflection

Silver

I so enjoyed reading everyone's comments as this is a subject that literally haunts me daily.  In my town there are the same people daily on certain corners (I tend to think of them as being at work) and young  people around the stores asking for money.  I have always battled with my feeling of giving them food and resisting giving money as make the judgment of not wanting to give money for cigaretts  alchol or drugs.  I will ask if they would like some food if I am enroute into a store and will purchase a piece of fruit or vegetable or something healthy and bring it to them enroute out.  Many of the comments I have just read state many of you say it doesn't matter to you what they do with it as you have given.  I can't seem to get past my feeling of wanting them to have something I think they should have  but is that what is right???  I do usually  have eye contact with them (particulary those at stoplights) and smile but feel that isn't really what they want.  I am haunted still by a family that was at a corner with their toddler and the mother was obviously pregnant asking for money.  I drove on making judgements about  why are you bringing babies into this situation and 10 days later cannot get them out of my mind  There is also a part of me that wants to offer a hot shower and warm meal and then the fear of them wanting more stops me.  The whole issue for me is a jumble in my mind and it has helped to read and see what others think/do with this.  Is it enough to carry packets of dog food and non perishible food to hand out the car window (ie pbj's and an apple).  Gary you are an invaluable resource to me and once aware of emo and tapping has changed my life.  thank you beyond words

I would also like to relate something that happened to me while my husband and I were out to dinner. As we were returning to our car we saw a young woman talking to someone at another car, the person in the car turned away and rolled up his window, as he did I could see the sadness on the young woman's face, she looked desperate and ready to cry, she had some papers in her hand and she hung her head as she walked away. I asked my husband to roll down the window to see what was wrong. She told us her car had broken down and she had an estimate from a local garage to get it fixed. She had been here with her 3 children on an outing with her mother but when her car broke down they all ended up staying at a local shelter. She was only trying to get enough money to fix the car and go home to Alabama. She had already gotten part of the money but still needed $45 to get the car fixed and about $30 for gas to get home. My husband gave her $25 and we started to pull out of the parking lot. She had looked so grateful when we gave her the money and even said she was surprised since we had asked her if we could help her rather than her having to ask us.

As I looked back at her still asking for help I suddenly decided that I wanted to help her more and since I have 3 children of my own I just couldn't drive away. We circled the parking lot and called her back over to the car, I had $50 in 'mad money' stuck away and I gave the money to her telling her to stop asking and go get her car fixed and her kids home. She started crying and thanked us, saying she couldn't believe our generosity. She wanted to give us her home address and get ours so that she could return the money to us when she got back. I told her to just remember what had happened to her and when she saw someone else in a troubled situation to stop and think and pass this help on to the next person that she saw needed it. We didn't need any more from her the Universal Spirit would pay us in Love and Light and that was all we needed to know. As we drove away my husband questioned me abut my feelings and asked how I knew whether or not she really needed the money for what she said or if it was just another scam. I told him none of that mattered, as long as we were giving in Love, love would be returned in kind. We didn't have any control over her or her situation, only what we did. It wasn't the situation, only our reaction to the situation that mattered. I have learned this as well with EFT, if we react in Love we won't traumatize our selves or our bodies. As we rode away I began tapping for her so that she could remain calm in whatever situation that was affecting her. We have been back to the same place several times and have never seen her again in the area.

Just a few thoughts - these homeless people may not be homeless, as someone else said, but I know from my work in housing advocacy that if they aren't, they may be paying 70, 80, 90% of their income (welfare, disability, min.wage) to keep a roof over their heads, often in a tiny, one-room apt.

I've also worked at a food bank, and know that they only allow one visit per month.

There are people who scam the food banks, we saw it, but we took the position, that beyond asking basic questions, we couldn't completely prevent that.  We also needed to protect the dignity of our 'customers' by not assuming or implying that they were somehow unworthy or dishonest.  It's hard enough to swallow your pride and face the fact that you need to ask for food.

Sometimes people need money to get back to someplace where family and friends can help - in that case buying a bus ticket can make all the difference.

As a Viet Nam vet, and someone that works with parolees and homeless people in addiction disorders, I can say with some experience, I do understand the manipulative behavior of this population.  What you did Gary was kind, and came from your heart.  In retrospect, given the programs offered by the VA to help vets get back on their feet; I do not feel sorry for those that choose not to take advantage of these programs.

On a daily basis I deal with this population, including vets that have just given up, have severe addiction disorders and no ambition to change.  When I try to intervene in a therapeutic manner there is ambivalence in their desire to make changes, and the strong desire to relapse in their program.  In this situation I feel the old saying “Give a man a fish and you feed him once, teach him to fish and you feed him for life.”  does apply.

Thank you for sharing your story. When somone asked me for coffee, I used to give gift certificates from McDonalds, "good for one coffee," "good for one salad." I was insured they would get a meal. People used to get mad when they got that from me instead of money, but later on they told me they used the gift certificate.

I know how it is to "want" after my son completed his suicide two days before my husband of 25 years died of cancer, 12 years ago, I will never judge someone who needs help. Working with suicide prevention humbles me to the reality that I only know of one Judge. Peace be with you all, bless you for what you do. /Barb

Gary, I found  your experience very moving.  I also suffer from the "should I" or "shouldn't I" problem.  Your story and the resultant comments give me much to ponder!  I thank you very much for your generosity in sharing EFT with me - EFT has truly been a life changing ongoing event for me.  Of the many people that I have shared EFT with only a few have actually tried to use it - but those that have often thank me for doing so.  Thank you again.

I always ask myself...What would Jesus do?Then you will always do the right thing. I always give and speak kind ,positive thoughts to them and give them ideas to help them. Sometimes I sit with them and chat for a bit. Sometimes they don't even know where the homeless shelters are. I think what scares us is we too can be a victim of a cycle of bad luck. So its easier to put them in another category than ourselves. Don't judge just love.

Franci Lucero

Thank you for your inspiring stories.  the one thing that no one has mentioned is the idea of giving someone a chance at recovering their dignity.  I live in an impoverished place with exteme unemployment.  Most of the legitimately down and out would feel best if they could do some small amount of work.  I have paid three brothers who were teenagers from an unstable home with no money $50 to clean up my yard of debris and they had enoughy to buy food for a week. You will be happy to know that all of those boys are now in college on scholarship!

When I saw an older man picking up aluminum cans along the street and highway, I gave him my bag of cans so he could cash it in.  I know if I waas out of work that money would only be part of the problem.  Having no where to go and nothing to do makes poverty even more unbearable.  A sense of purpose in life is priceless.  ... And tell them that if you will see if any of your friends need help.

I saw someone who asked for anything I could give, so I gave them whatever I had on me...which was maybe $5 - $7 dollars.  My Mother-in-law asked, what if they were just a con man.  To which I replied, " What if he wasn't?"  We take a stab at buying lottery tickets to win the "big pot."  Yet, we debate about handing less money than we'll spend in a year on lottery tickets, to a person who is standing there with hunger pains.  So you hand over money, big deal----it's a gamble that whether you win or lose, you've gained.  It's not always about what you "get."

Isn't it great that we can have a dialog  between us, thanks to the Internet? To share our own responses to homelessness (or con artists) and reflect about times when we' ve experienced similar events. I go once every few wks to the VA in Boston.  We have a big population of homeless vets and even familys living in cars. It bothers me that  even here in the USA,  1 of the richest countries  in the world

Children can  still go to sleep hungry. I don't pretend to have the answers.  I can only go by  my  feelings inside. I don't understand the Politics. When I  see a Vet missing his arm, lost it because he fought in a war long ago. So that we could sleep peacefully at night,safe.  How can we not guarentee that he have a bed to sleep in himself? I don't have the answers...It bothers me

When this kind of opportunity comes ones way, it can be hard to tell whether it is sincere or a con. We must feel for it. Sometimes that is hard to do, but, I learned an important lesson from my mother years ago and I have used it since and that way you really know if you are helping someone. A beggar stop by us asking for money for he was hungry, not one to ever let anyone go hungry my mother said, if you are hungry I will buy you food and the reply was I don't want food, I want money. Of course he didn't get money. Somehow she knew he was a con. Probably through her life experiences. Meanwhile, I have learned to look at peoples eyes. They tell you a lot. It is hard to fake true sincerity and I have been known to give into the someone in need because of what I saw in their eyes.

Beautiful.  Thank you Gary.  

I have always felt that if something is laid on your heart (an issue or a person before you) - you deal with it.  If not, one is free to let it go - move on.  This is not advice, just a personal thing which works for me.

I do agree with most of your commenters that it is NOT for us to judge, that we can not if we would enjoy any true harmony within self.  At times, we all need help.  If we would take the time to see it, we all put in and take out of this "pool of life"  and it is magic when we can do so without 'judgment'.  Here and there, some of these moments can lift us above the need to understand to a moment without measure.  We all live for these.

Thank you for this intimacy you have shared with us.  It was so naked - it humbles any who read it.          

                                                Jan

I have read this story and all the comments, and they have moved me greatly.  Gary, don't worry.  If the universe wants you to meet that man again you will.  I have recorded the compassion exercise which Steve gave us, and will use it often.  I, like most of us I am sure, have been in the position of needing help and either not getting it, which leads to dejection and despair, and receiving it, which leads to hope and encouragement.  I think we all judge too much, and if we judged less the world would be more full of love.  I always look forward to your EFT newsletters, Gary, as they provide so much interest and encouragement to keep on tapping.  Thank you for all the inspiration you give us, and for creating EFT.

Gary, This story was very moving. Thank you for sharing with us. My youngest brother has been one of those young men and living under a freeway... He managed to get himself into better circumstances luckily but i always see him in those less forturnate... If I have i will give...I also enjoyed reading all the comments. One thing that occured to me is that this one post by you has reached out and touched so many other, who will then share with those they know... I am going to post the link on my blog and encourage my readers though they are not many... to come and read this... That will result in more giving in one way or another...

Much love and thank you for this... you have blessed us all...

even better,,,take 30 min. and take him into a dinor or mcd and share a personal touch.

Gary, thank you.  And thank all of you for beautiful comments.  So often, when I scroll down to the "comments" section on other sites, the attacks and negativity are so sad.

I have given in similar situations and felt elated having done so.  I have been amazed at what I have received, at times, within days of having opened my heart and my wallet in this way.  

Like Anne-Marie Heartsong, I remind myself it's not my business how the money is used after I've given it.  I imagine begging is a tough profession requiring a real prostration of self, ego and dignity, whether borne of desperation or dishonesty. I try to give along with a silent, inconspicuous prayer or blessing.

Happened to me once. This addict bum wanted some money. So I talked to him. He admittd to heroin addiction. I asked him why, and he relpied his best friend was killed several years ago in a car accident and he, that day decided not to go with him. Now is is alive and his friend is dead, he said. The years of survivors guilt had lead to heroin. I asked him to my office and he agreed to EFT. After an hour tapping on the pain, he was freed of the memories and his "high" was gone. Several months later he returned to thank me and told me how his addiction subsided and he had not used heroin in two months. He did not know that I knew the brother of his friend who died and the entire story. He must have been sent to me somehow as no one else would know the story of his friend dying and could help him with EFT. Miracles do happen. Thanks Gary!!

Thank you Gary.  You are a wonderful person.  You must have had wonderful parents.

Frank

A few years ago my husband and I were on vacation and attended a church near the hotel in this very small seaside town.  The Catholic priest was a very weak and ancient looking man being guided through the service by a very patient and very worried looking younger priest hoping his senior would not forget where he was, fall, etc.  When the senior priest started his homily, he immediately gained the strength of 10 men and began speaking earnestly and passionately about God's love and compassion.  

One of his most ardent instructions was for us to give fully when asked, especially requests on the street.  I remember distinctly how he began glowing and his posture became so upright and glorious when he joyously exclaimed that what the recipient did with the money was GOD's BUSINESS -- not ours!!  Christ asked us to give, he didn't ask us to do the due diligence whether the recipient was worthy or not.  This was truly a blunt and shocking point that the whole congretations appeared to be stunned and also encouraged by.

It was a powerful message of compassion that went on with many tangents and far longer than the young priest helping was comfortable with but the fully packed church was rapt with attention.

My husband and I now laugh every time we think of that little church and its priests, and it has encouraged us to laugh and say "it's God's business" every time we give money on the street.

God knows what He's doing even when our hearts are still growing into His love.

The sermon

I just wanted to say that giving the money was nice but wouldn't it have been more caring to take him to  any number of fast or convenience stores and purchased something? I found this seperates those in need from those with greed.

Thank-you Gary, for sharing your inner process so honestly and movingly.  I have learned so much from all the comments, that I feel like this blog reflects your generous heart, because that man got an unexpected $20, I got your beautiful story and all the enlightening thought provoking perspectives from the comments, and so much more.  

You have given all of us EFT, which I get to share with so many people in helpful ways.  And they then get to share it with others.  You have given me a gift that keeps giving.  Yes I share a smile, a ride, some money, some food, as I go along in my life, and I pray to have a more generous heart every day.  But Gary, you have created a simple, easy to apply technique that gives emotional freedom, that has spread across the World.  How Generous is that?

A Teacher for you...this is the deeper question. When we're given the opportunity to look at the edges of our own disturbances; what a gift we've just been given.

I was given a rather nice blue jacket that was too big for me, unfortunately, and I took it with me when I went into the city to meet friends and have a meal together.

I carried that darned jacket around with me for hours, and completely forgot to drop it into the charity shop along the way.

The Gods must have decided there was a better destination for the jacket, as I found out later in the evening!

I walked downtown towards the railway station to catch a bus home, and saw a young man sitting in a doorway with a sign at his feet, saying he had been robbed of his belongings in another part of the city, and needed money to pay for a ticket on the ferry to the South Island so he could go home.

I had no spare money on me, and felt I could not help in any way.

I walked away, then it was as if someone hit me on the head to remind me about what was in my backpack!!

Of course - the jacket !!

I went back to the young man and asked if he was cold. He said 'he was freezing' so I handed the jacket to him and it was immediately put on with great speed, and I had the satisfaction of knowing he would now be warm, although no richer.

I was so glad to have a much lighter bag and hoped he got enough money to get home.

The next day, I bought a lottery ticket and won $50 which was really great, and paid for food for the cat and I for a few days.

Did the Gods organise this?  Did the young man give thanks to Higher Powers on my behalf?

I'll never know what happened to him as I did not think to ask him to contact me when he got home, so I would not worry about him any more.

I know the 'reminder' about the jacket came from behind or above me, so I assume it was 'angelic hands' that did the reminding !!!

I had a big smile on my face for a long time after that remembering the look of relief on the young man's face at at last being warm while begging !!!

My reward for such a small act of kindness !

We can help others in various ways and their motives are not ours to judge, although it is difficult NOT to judge them.

So much help has been given to me, sometimes in unexpected fashion, and by those I did not expect good things from, as well as from family and friends etc.

My life has been enriched by their actions and care for me and now it is my turn to do the same for others in need.

I have been approached so many times by people asking for money and food. Some of these I know are professional beggars/con artists ( I have seen them working the same areas for years). They are comfortable and even aggressive with their asking. What I tell them is that I give to local organizations who extend help to people who need help and the organizations don't ask questions.

IF someone were to say, "I don't know where these places are" I would gladly show them. No one has ever asked or been interested.

I do not want to be used and lied to. I have done my share of giving $20 to people begging.  I come away feeling used. I am sure there are people who are truly in uncomfortable situations who truly need help and there are charitable groups dedicated to helping them.

We all do what is personally right for each of us. I give to charity groups and this feels very right for me.

At that time, there was a feeling of giving and if this young man's intentions were real or not, it is not necessary for it to be known.

Not only was there a message for the giver, there was also a message for the ill-hearted or the healthy-hearted man. Hopeful, that at some point in life is a positive change that could be this time or the next, as we are just a stepping stone in their life lessons. However, it became a stepping stone too.

The young man is in your vision and thoughts and now in ours - thank you.

Hello Everyone. Thank you Gary for sharing your experience with us.

The same man sits outside my local supermarket, with a sign in Spanish, saying he has children and no work. He is a little overweight, but is there everyday; for at least 11 months since we have lived here. I have given to him, however, all the time the sceptic within me doubting his sincerity.

I watched him from a distance and saw him do the classic, however, restrained, punch in the air in front of him after a lady gave him a 5 euro note. After thinking about the whole thing, I concluded he is indeed "working". His work is making people feel good about themselves; and also his gifts from people will ultimately find their way back into the money-go-round, the sharing, one more family feeling the comforts of life, when he returns from "work". Thankfully, a kind of work very few of us have to do.

EFT, help 4 free. Thank you Gary. Tony Samson  

Thanks for raising the issues Gary.  Mostly agree with everyone, but concerned only Bruce (and maybe one other) mentioned about Surrogate Tapping.  I'm wondering why Gary you didn't do this afterward.  I've done surrogate tapping myself now successfully several times, even though not until after I read a story of surrogacy in your newsletter.  I think we should all be tapping for those in need ..............remember the story of a butterfly flapping its wings causing a tsunami in another part of the world!! Love and Light rain down on everyone. HUGS!

Certainly 'food' for thought Gary!

While many of us are struggling during these challenging economic times, it helps to remember that there are always those who are worse off !

Could you take the time to address the comment brought up about surrogacy? Though not professionally, I work with several different energy healing modalities.  It was my understanding that it was not 'proper' to work on people without their permission.  While it is noble to want to 'fix' everyone we may consider 'broken' ... is it right?

linda

www.getthebestdomains.com

Gary,

I am in your situation on a daily basis.  I'm an Occupational Therapist at a local hospital.  I have all the "tools" to help these people, but am unable to use them as of yet.  For some reason, people pour out their "troubles" to me.  Of course, there is always the physical pain, but when they start talking about loss of children, friends, war etc....all I can do is listen.  I do leave information about where to look up EFT...if they so choose.  We all are given these Golden Opportunities to help people.  Sometimes.....the timing is just not right.  If you are meant to help this vet, your opportunity will come again.....but maybe, just maybe, you held back, because God had placed him there, not for his immediate assist with EFT, but for the people you have touched with this story...who may reach out because of it.  So you see, it had to happen that way.

God Bless

Terri

Thank you for sharing this story...the only thing that really matters is that golden arc

of love that is created when someone in need says,"May I have...?" and another is

fortunate enough to say,"Sure" and give. An arc of love has passed between two human beings...the money is incidental...the love that flows between two folks and

then gently enters the world is a gift to all of us & a thank you to God. Jaded and

"practical" often get in the way of opportunites to give love to another& to the world...your heart won and so did the rest of us. Love~

Gary,  

I personally have fed many on the streets of downtown Dallas.  There are many alcoholics here.  Instead of passing out money, I would carry a burger, fries, etc.  St. Jude's has a small plaza and I always found young and old there who needed a kind and gentle voice of encouragement accompanied with a bag of food.

Our son chose that life of drugs and alcohol for more than four years, and I would  give from the heart, praying that someone would do the same for my own son.

God bless you all who take the time to care.

p.s.  Today, our son is looking at a future filled with hope because of prayer and people who took the time to care and love.  Giving is after all a joyful thing.

There is much love weaving it's way through this Forum. As  S. N. Goenka

(Vippassana) always used to say in our meditation retreats " So much of Love , so much of Compassion".

And is there anything greater in the world than Love and in the service of helping others.

Allan

Australia

Gary, thanks.  It is a message we all need to hear over and over, for we forget.  It really didn't matter whether or not the man was a veteran, as you sensed.  What mattered was, there was a person calling out to you and you answered the call in a way which benefitted both of you.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and responses, it made the story more meaningful to all.  It is a beautiful story and gives me an example of what I want to be.

Donald Walsh cured me once and for all. .

He was on the other side, he experienced hunger, and he is an authority for me.

'Give'  is his answer. Give!  I do not qualify! If I can share I just d that because  

hunger is something nobody should ever experience.

Your story reminded me of one day at a fast food with my daughter many years ago.  We were in a poor city neighborhood.  My daughter was little and was eating one of the kids meals.  There was a very thin woman there who was watching us and she had a desperate look in her eyes.  I gave her $5.  She went to the counter and bought the cheapest item and brought me back $4 in change.  I refused the change and told her it was for her.  She thanked me with tears in her eyes and told me that before we arrived, she had eaten a paper napkin.  It scares me to this day to think what kind of world this would be if we didn't listen to these kindler, gentler impulses.

What price does a man pay for contributing to life? If the guy was a con man isn' t his karmic presence affected by his deceit? I feel that your inner cosmic knowledge has been given a quick polish for helping another human on their way, no matter the path!  I feel your spirit is strong and great because you help by giving and teaching others by EFT!!

Thank you for helping, and kudos on trying to help veterans who are suffering. I am a vet who goes to the Martinsburg , W VA hospital.

"When a person is down in the world a ounce of help is better than a pound of preaching."

Bulwer

Happy trails to all

*** Bloom

dickbloom.com

P.S.

please visit ahealthymentality.com to see some of my ramblings on life, my posts are not in color.

Gary, Thanks for your story,  I have a similar story...with an ending.

It was Good Friday and I won't even leave the house between 12:00 and 3:00, so at 3:15 I left to go to Walgreen's and the Organic Vegetable Market.  I had recently been laid off but my husband's job was carrying us.  I used to work in the city where people would beg for money daily so I've learned not to have eye contact with them and just keep going.  Well, this day when I came out of Walgreen's a man with a shopping cart with all of his belongings in it, asked me for some change, I kept going and he said he just wanted to buy a sandwhich cause he was hungry...I couldn't get his words otta my head as I got into my car.  I thought about my nice cozy home and how I could still buy my vegetables at the organic market and I was frozen in my car.  I looked in my purse to see what cash I might have and I had 2 twenty dollar bills and nothing smaller.  My first thought was that husband would kill me if I gave away a twenty, but I couldn't move.  My second thought was to give him half of what I had...and not tell my husband and my second thought won.  I pulled out and drove up beside him, rolled down my window and gave him one of my twenties.  Just his face...which I'll never forget...lit up and he thanked me about 3 times.  I drove away thinking he'll be at a bar in a few minutes, so I went to my second stop and on the way home I saw this man.  He had bags from the grocery store in his cart, along with a gallon of drinking water and just looked as happy as he could be walking down the sidewalk.  My heart lit up and I did tell my husband and he was as happy as I was.

This story touched me and I was reminded of a time in my own life. Over 25 years ago I worked in a local church doing administration and was often approached for funds from our Benevolent Fund. Our church was located just outside a large metropolitan area and transients frequently passed our way. I was young and often uncertain about giving money to the many who came looking for it because along with those who truly needed our help there were also those who "knew how to play the system". Surrounded by a team of ministers and elders I was surprised that the real words of wisdom around this came from the caretaker at the church. He told me simply that he would rather give money to someone who might not really need it than not  give it to someone who did. I never forgot those words or the lesson in them.

Hi Gary,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts about your experience with this man.

Your post, along with so many others here, gives me a lot to think about. My experiences echos some of the above. But I must admit after learning EFT, I have felt better prepared to offer something of lasting value in these situations. So far I've had only one experience trying to teach EFT to a young man on the street, and it wasn't very successful. But it was a start. And I did present a successful 3-hour workshop at a local women's shelter where quite a few found some real relief. Thanks again, Gary, for sharing EFT with the world.

great story...

beautiful story....

When you gave that guy $20.00 all you did was reinforce old values of NOT working or EARNING that $20.

If you had not given him any money, he would have realized he needs to take personal responsibility for his life situation and would soon seek employment to EARN a LIVING.

Instead, you gave him $20 and he thinks to myself, WOW, Why should I WORK each day to EARN money when I can just go around finding gullable SUCKERS like this guy who will HAND ME their Hard Earned $$$$!!! Thanks America!!! Land of the LAZY!!!

As soon as you gave him that $20 he spent 5 at McDonalds and the other $15 on BEER, and Cigarettes.

Stop FEEDING PEOPLES ADDICTIONS AND PROBLEMS.