What is Service?

Rather than viewing service as volunteerism or activism, we see service as any action that is other-centered.  You might wash the dishes for a family member, visit a friend when they are sick, or let someone enter a line in front of you at the grocery store. Rather than being a particular kind of action, we see service as the result of a particular type of intention. Therefore, at the Shinnyo-en Foundation, we see service as a combination of both the external actions we take in the world, and the internal motivations that drive our actions.  By looking into what motivates you to serve, you can make more conscious decisions about the actions you take.  

For a wide range of reasons, you might be serving because others want you to do it; because you want some particular reward, or because saying no is too difficult.  There may be other things that you wish you could do, but feel too tired or busy to do them.  Perhaps you don’t feel skilled enough, or know where to start.  Any of the thoughts described above might cause internal conflict, tension, and stress that can lead to burnout or exhaustion. As you become more aware of the connections between your actions and your attitudes, beliefs, and values, you can learn to shift your perspectives or your actions so that service can become more meaningful and sustainable to you.

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