As a writer, podcast host/producer and volunteer for the Pachamama Alliance, where I facilitate “Awakening the Dreamer” symposiums and moderate “Game Changer Intensives”, and as a human being, I have a longing to share my gifts with the world. That part is easier than receiving. So, I am almost forcing myself to ask for gifts in return.
I am committed to bringing about, as Pachamama Alliance says, an environmentally sustainable, socially just and spiritually fulfilling human presence on planet Earth. I am also deeply into the work of Charles Eisenstein who writes about creating the more beautiful world our hearts know is possible. and works for “the evolution of the deep narratives, the invisible mythologies, that run our civilization.”
I am currently enrolled in his “ Living in the Gift” course and am exploring ways to share my gift(s) in new and truly giving ways, as well as learning how to receive.
One of my gifts is my podcast, “Edgetalkers”, where I get to practice one of the true joys in my life: conversations. Deep, meaningful, fun, confusing, and, yes, “edgy” conversations. I will continue to offer that freely with no paywalls or subscriptions or advertisements. This Patreon page is not a barrier, it is an invitation. Any and all content I create will always be given freely: no “bait and switch”, no “free for today but costs money to listen tomorrow” pitches.
What I want to practice here is giving and receiving without expectations. To quote Charles Eisenstein:
“I operate as much as I dare in gift economy, following an impulse that I share with many artists, musicians, healers… in fact anyone whose work is sacred to them. We don’t want to withhold our creations in search of a payment, and we don’t want money to limit who receives them. Therefore, the proper price is zero. On the other hand, we hold those gifts as valuable and precious, and prefer not to reduce them to a fixed price. Therefore, the proper price is infinity.”
So, as with his Patreon page, I have decided to offer this podcast and associated Patreon content as a gift, letting you decide what your return gift might be. Let your feelings of gratitude and desire guide you, not what you think my offerings are worth in monetary terms.
Anything offered here will be offered whether you pay zero dollars or $10,000 per month. That is not to say that your financial contributions are not appreciated…they are! But I will also appreciate everyone who takes the time to read my writing, listen to the podcast or consider what my guests might offer with no regard for compensation. I will also be posting ways to support them with your gifts.
To those who can contribute financially, know that I honor that commitment and support of what I offer. The money I receive will defray expenses for podcast equipment, web hosting and other costs of doing business online. It will also go to contributing to my partner Rachelle, my community and my work with Pachamama Alliance–allowing me to do the things so important to me in making a difference in the world.
I also welcome gifts of other kinds than money. Would you like to be a guest on “Edgetalkers”? Can you gift your time or other resources? Can you “pay it forward” and share “Edgetalkers” with your family and friends? Can you give me a rating on Apple Podcasts and write a review? I believe that what goes around, does indeed come back around, in one way, or in many others.
I thank you deeply for what you contribute to me, just by listening and allowing me to be in a relationship with you and our beautiful living Mother Earth.
-Todd Lejnieks