Why does the Boundless Love Project use gift economics?

When I hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2010 there were people who hikers affectionately called "Trail Angels." Trail angels helped hikers by giving us: rides into or out of town, a meal, a place to wash our clothes or take a shower, water on hot days, or various other goods and services that we wanted or needed. Their selfless generosity helped heal and transform me. When I ended my hike, I promised myself that I would try to bring that beautiful trail culture back home with me to Minnesota.

Long story short, this is why the Boundless Love Project operates using gift economics. We give our services away to benefit those who need or want them. If they find them of value, we hope they give back in a way that honors their story. They may volunteer, donate, and/or offer prayers and well-wishing. Through these gifts we gain the resources necessary to continue serving our community.

The Virtuous Cycle that Keeps on Giving

This virtuous cycle of receiving and giving is what gift economics is about. It's a virtuous cycle because it helps all participants connect with many beautiful qualities and values.

Gift economics cultivates in its participants generosity, kindness, selflessness, and gratitude.

Gift economics helps participants feel a sense of abundance, contentment, peace, love, and appreciation.

Gift economics fosters participants’ healing, cooperation, joyful service, simple living, and individual and community wellbeing.

Because gift economics promotes such beautiful qualities and values, we use gift economics as the basis of how we operate.

Will The boundless Love Project Thrive Using Gift Economics?

Will we thrive using gift economics? Probably, as long as we continue to provide services that benefit and enrich people's lives. And if what we have to offer is of no use or benefit to others, then the community will let us know by not supporting us. Either way, we center the needs of the community, so the community, and all of the individuals in it, may thrive.

Feel the love

In closing, the selfless love and generosity of the trail angels allowed me to feel loved, valued, appreciated, and helped me to heal. In the same way, the Boundless Love Project gives our services for your benefit that you too may feel loved, valued, and appreciated.

I hope this brief introduction to gift economics helps you understand why we operate this way and gets you excited about being a part of this virtuous cycle of receiving and giving.

My name is Freeman and I wish you all peace, love, and wisdom.

For More Info on Gift Economics

• Read the book Sacred Economics: Money, Gift and Society in the Age of Transition by Charles Eisenstein.

• Enjoy The Universe is a Gift Economy talk and article.