Mahatma Gandhi poem

Even as we serve others,
We are working on ourselves;
Every act, every work,
Every gesture of genuine compassion
Naturally nourishes our own hearts as well.

It is not a question of who is helped first,
When we attend to ourselves with compassion and mercy,
More healing is made available for others.

And when we serve others
With our open and generous heart,
Great healing comes to us.

As we heal the wounds of the past,
We carry less pain into the world,
Less confusion and anger,
And we bring more charity and peace.

It is no longer simply for personal gain;
It becomes our gift,
Our offering to the earth
And the Divine Spirit within us all.

Mahatma Gandhi