Personal reflections on avarice would be to notice if and when you refuse to share invaluable information with someone because you are afraid that by helping them you will have less. Also notice if you feel avarice around certain people in your life. And do you say something along the lines of: "I don't want to be kind to him because if I'm kind to him then he will be happy and feel good about himself."
Do you ever notice that you actually want other people to feel bad and that by making them feel bad about themselves you feel better? This is also part of avarice. And what about the times when inside you think someone is really wonderful, yet in their presence you refuse to tell them so. What would happen if you told them how you really feel? It is true that you will feel vulnerable, but consider that nine times out of ten you get back what you give. And isnt' it wonderful to make others feel happy? Consider the last time someone said something kind to you. What a gift!
One woman during Tuesday night's meditation class suggested that, following the native American give-away tradition, that we each practice giving something of value away. Maybe this "thing" of value is wisdom, kindness, something material, love, your time. Find something to give away and see that you don't really lose anything. In fact you gain joy!
