You can find an introduction to gift economies on our earlier blog post on this topic. Information about different forms of care-based trade and business can be found on the ‘Economies of care’ page together with examples of businesses and initiatives which are already operating in these new ways.
With this video I dive deeper into the backbone of gift economies:
Key take-away points from the video
- Gift economy is not a concept but a reflection of the ways in which nature operates.
- Nature is abundant and gift economies reflect that abundance. Even in these times nature continuously rebalances and when we are in alignment and embody nature’s principles, then what we need simply comes into our field and all we need to do is recognise and chose it.
- What we believe we need is not always what we actually need. Belief is rooted in thought.
- True abundance is a frequency setting which most people are already on, but are not embodying. Instead decisions and actions arise from mental thoughts which are not a reflection of who and what we are. Gift economies are linked to that setting.
- In gift economies giving happens without agenda. When nature gives it simply does that out of a spontaneous impulse – there is no concept of receiving in exchange involved, yet exchange may and often does happen. The apples simply grow and ripen, becoming available for us to eat but there is no expectation regarding what we do with that gift, or whether or not we give back. Recognise the importance of spontaneity.
- Gift economies do not require letting go of money entirely. This is a common misconception. Rather there are no fixed values which can be mind-boggling because we have deeply accepted monetary values put on everything, as if there was truth in these numbers … there isn’t but that perception is rooted in mental programming. Do you recognise that?
- The basis for gifting is meaningful relationship and care.
- Negotiated exchange, including bartering, exists in nature just like gifts can be exchanged rather than moving one way only.
A poem for you
This poem was written on August 8, 2024, in Mutare, Zimbabwe.
Journey of the gift
While moving on
From hand to hand
Its light brightens
Into a prayer band.
Every hand adding another colour,
Deepening its story
Enriching its form.
As the item journeys
It is no longer an item
But a sacred vessel
Full of sentience, full of life.
Don’t be surprised
When your treasured reminder
Of the generousness of its previous stewards
One day takes off on its own.
So full of power,
It knows where to go,
Not because you told him so
But out of its own intelligent flow –
The same that prompts all of us to live our goal.
4 thoughts on “Gift economies – Going deeper – By Carina”
where’s the link to the video interview? you said it would be “underneath the video” ?
Hi Kay,
thank you for reaching out. The video I mentioned was an interview of me by a friend who has since then taken that video down. So unfortunately it’s no longer reachable. However Kate and I are working on a new video which goes into similar topics and which will be shared soon. Sorry for the inconvenience. Warm wishes to you.
thank u carina 🙂
i am hoping to create a “currency of care” ,as oracle girl talks of, here in my tiny community in ecuador! i think u mentioned a class or a workshop on this topic? is anything like that available at this time please? if so, where may i find that? things which may come to pass – very soon – will require us to care for each other like never before…. in my opinion.
thank u
kay
Hi Kay,
we do not offer classes or workshops. Currencies of care can take on many different shapes, forms and directions. Different communities and regions are setting up different versions of care economies. Feel free to check out the ‘Economies of care’ page for inspiration https://www.sunbeings.org/economies-of-care/. There are also several blog posts on the Sun Beings Blog under ‘Gift economies & money’…