My neighbour asked if he could use my lawnmower and I told him of

O Seekers of Harmony, listen closely to the words of Eric Morecambe, for within his humorous quip lies a profound reflection on community, boundaries, and the nature of sharing. "My neighbour asked if he could use my lawnmower and I told him of course he could, so long as he didn't take it out of my garden." At first, these words may seem lighthearted, a playful jest about a common interaction between neighbors. But beneath the surface, they offer a deeper insight into the delicate balance of generosity and self-preservation. To lend, to share, is to extend trust, but it also requires wisdom in maintaining the integrity of what is ours.

In the ancient world, there was deep respect for the idea of boundaries—both physical and emotional. The Greeks believed that a man’s property, his land, and his personal space were reflections of his honor and dignity. They taught that to give to others was a noble act, but that giving should always be done with the understanding of what one could afford to share, and what one must protect. Eric Morecambe’s words echo this ancient wisdom. The lawnmower, an instrument that helps shape the garden, is not merely an object; it represents the boundaries of one’s labor, one’s effort, and the space one carves out in the world. By allowing the neighbor to use it, Morecambe is extending kindness, but only within the confines of his garden, his territory—where he has control over what is given and what remains.

Consider, O Seeker, the story of the early Romans, who, despite their military might, understood the importance of neighborly relationships and the boundaries of personal property. Cicero, the Roman philosopher, wrote about the importance of community and the duty we have toward others. However, he also warned of the dangers of overextension—of offering too much without maintaining the integrity of one's own space and needs. Just as the Roman citizen carefully guarded his property, his land, and his rights, so too must we consider what we are willing to give and what we must retain for ourselves. The balance of giving and preserving is one that the ancients knew was vital for a harmonious life.

The message in Morecambe’s words also speaks to the human need for balance in relationships. To be generous is a virtue, but to lose ourselves in selflessness without boundaries is to risk being consumed. In the Buddhist tradition, there is a deep respect for both the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of maintaining personal space. The Buddha taught that to live in harmony with others, we must also honor our own boundaries. Eric Morecambe’s jest reminds us that we must not give so freely that we deplete ourselves, but must also understand when to say "yes" and when to protect what is precious to us. Just as a garden thrives with careful tending, so too must we nurture our own boundaries to protect our inner peace.

This wisdom is also reflected in the story of King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom. One of his most famous judgments involved two women who came before him, both claiming to be the mother of the same child. Solomon, in his infinite wisdom, proposed dividing the child in half, to which the true mother immediately gave up her claim to save the child. Solomon understood that true generosity requires not just selflessness, but also discernment. To protect the life of the child, a boundary needed to be respected. Just as Solomon knew the value of safeguarding life, Morecambe knew that the lawnmower, though a gift, must remain within the garden, the space that he controlled.

The lesson here, O Seeker, is one of balance and discernment in our relationships with others. Generosity, like the lawnmower, is a tool of connection, a way to offer help and support. But it must be done with an understanding of what is shared and what must remain protected. Just as the gardener knows where the boundaries of his plot lie, so too must we know the limits of what we give. The key to harmonious living lies not only in what we offer to others but also in the preservation of our own space, energy, and resources.

So, O Seeker, in your own life, consider where you must maintain your own boundaries while still being generous. When you share your time, your resources, or your love, ask yourself: how can I offer what I can without losing my integrity? Like Eric Morecambe, may you be wise in your generosity, understanding that offering help is a beautiful act, but it must be done with discernment. Nurture your garden, tend to your relationships, and understand that true balance lies in giving with care and maintaining the sanctity of what is yours.

In conclusion, remember this, O Seeker: give, but also protect. In every interaction, whether with a neighbor or with the world, let generosity be tempered by the wisdom of knowing what belongs to you, what you can afford to share, and what must remain safeguarded. Let your garden be a place where you nourish both others and yourself, with boundaries that ensure the health of all that you hold dear.