in a small, tucked-away village, there was a humble cottage where a wise and seasoned crone named leo lived. leo was known for their kindness and wisdom, but what truly set them apart was their cherished possession: the bowl of giving.
the bowl of giving was no ordinary object. it was a beautifully crafted bong, adorned with intricate patterns of swirling vines intertwined with blooming flowers and geometric shapes, creating an ever-changing tapestry of nature and symmetry that seemed to dance in the light. but its true magic lay in its ability to stay lit for exactly as long as its user needed, never more, never less.
one evening, a young traveler arrived at leo’s doorstep, weary from her long journey. she had heard tales of the bowl of giving and hoped that its magic could help her find clarity and rest. leo welcomed her warmly and invited her to sit by the hearth.
as they sat together, leo handed sally, as he had learned her name was, the bowl of giving. "light it," they said, "and it will burn for as long as you need."
sally's eyes lit up with excitement and anticipation. she eagerly lit the bong and inhaled deeply, a sense of calm washing over her. she felt her worries and exhaustion melt away, replaced by a serene clarity. the bowl glowed gently, its light steady and comforting.
leo watched with a knowing smile. "the bowl of giving understands what you need," they explained. "it will provide just enough to guide you without overwhelming you."
throughout the evening, sally lit the bowl of giving several times. each time she did, it brought her back to the perfect mindset, whether they were discussing the beauty of the night or sharing their visions for a better world.
"i've always believed that true freedom comes from within," sally said passionately, her eyes bright with excitement. "a place where everyone can contribute and support each other—it's the only way we can truly thrive."
leo nodded, their eyes meeting hers with a shared understanding. "exactly. it's about finding harmony and balance, where everyone, regardless of the situations of their birth, has a voice and a more importantly a role."
sally’s eyes danced to her the dreams of her heart echo through another. as they continued to speak, the connection between them deepened further. they realized that their dreams for an ideal community aligned perfectly, and a sense of solidarity and hope filled the room.
when sally finally felt ready to rest, she took one last inhale from the bowl of giving. as she exhaled, the bowl's light dimmed and gently extinguished, leaving her with a profound sense of peace and purpose.
the next morning, sally awoke refreshed and full of energy. she thanked leo for their hospitality and the wisdom of the bowl of giving. as she prepared to continue her journey, her mind was swimming with all the ways she could start organizing for a better world.
ideas danced through her thoughts like the flickering firelight: gatherings where people could share their hopes and dreams, networks of mutual aid where everyone could contribute and benefit, spaces where creativity and collaboration thrived, and communities built on trust and respect. she imagined people coming together to solve problems, share resources, and create a sense of belonging that transcended individual differences.
sally knew she had to begin somewhere, but for now, she was content to let these ideas simmer and grow. she carried with her the clarity and determination she had gained from her time with leo and the bowl of giving, ready to plant the seeds of a new way of living wherever she went.
leo watched her go, feeling a warmth in their heart. the bowl of giving remained with leo, ready to offer its magic to anyone who sought its gentle guidance. and so, the legend of the bowl of giving continued to grow, a testament to the power of thoughtful and mindful generosity, and the unexpected connections it could forge.
