Seva is Sanskrit for “selfless service” and in a world in which we are encouraged to be constantly grafting or striving, Seva encourages us to give without expectation of return or reward. The practice drives you to consider the wellbeing of others, and how you can contribute back to society.

For as long as I can remember, I have struggled with seeing injustices or sad things that people went through in the world. I felt helpless and snowed under by all of it, overwhelmed that there was so much to change and yet that I didn’t know how I could have an impact. But there came a point that I realised that every and any action, no matter how small, was worth doing if it helped someone. In a world where you could do nothing or something, do SOMETHING. At this time, I didn’t have a lot of money to give away, so I turned to alternative ways that I could have an impact. The act of giving can take many forms, whether it’s donating money, time, resources or just completing small random acts of kindness. There is no single right way to give, and with all life’s variety, it’s okay that the way you give might look a little different to the way that others might.

One way that I love to give my time and energy, is through donating handwritten letters to the charity From Me To You Letters. This charity helps people with cancer through the experience of social isolation and loneliness, by distributing written letters of support as well as encouraging individuals similarly to support loved ones in their lives. As part of their ‘Donate A Letter Scheme,’ volunteers write one way letters to people going through cancer treatment and diagnosis. Sitting down to pour time and care into a letter is a magical way to show that you are thinking of the recipient and as they can choose when to read the letter, it empowers them with control in a time when they feel overwhelmed. Though a letter might seem so small and simple, it does wonders in helping support someone through a challenging time. Donating letters to From Me To You is a way to show love and support while expecting no reward in return. It’s for this reason that it’s a perfect example of practicing seva in your life. 

Seva reminds me that we have the power and significance to give back to the world around us; even when we think the impact that we make is miniscule, this alone has immense effect. I hope you take this little reflection as a bit of motivation to go out into the world, and give freely without expecting or anticipating receiving anything back in return. 

Always,

Imogen x

P.s. If this has inspired you to find out more about From Me To You Letters, I have included some important links to their website below to help you along on your way.

For more information about donating letters (whether regularly or as a one off) to their scheme:

From me to you | Letter writing tips (frommetoyouletters.co.uk)

To apply to  receive a donated letter for someone near or dear to you going through cancer treatment, follow:

Happy Box – From Me To You Letters

As there are many great ways to give to causes, if you want to find out how to donate money to From Me to You Letters, follow:

From me to you | write a letter to a friend with cancer | UK (frommetoyouletters.co.uk)

-£3 puts stamps on five letters being sent to cancer patients receiving treatment at home.

-£5 pays for the postage to send a pack of 20 donated letters to cancer patients in hospital.

-£10 pays for a letter-writing kit for a new writer. Our writers generate, on average, 11 letters a year. Every year we deliver thousands of letters.

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