ON BEING A PATRON

The Patron’s Path: Investing in Change, Cultivating Goodness

By Carmen Greger

Embracing the Role of Patronage in Nurturing Positive Impact & Collective Growth

In today’s world, where the flux of societal needs and creative endeavors is ever-present, the role of a patron has evolved from a mere title of nobility or wealth to a symbol of proactive engagement and meaningful contribution. Being a patron is not just about financial support; it’s about aligning with a mission that resonates with one’s values and beliefs, and actively participating in the propagation of positive change.

Understanding Patronage: A Definition

At its core, patronage is the support, encouragement, or financial aid that an individual or organization provides to another. Historically, patrons were those who commissioned artists, supported scholars, or funded scientific research. Today, this concept has broadened to include support for a range of causes, from environmental initiatives to social justice movements.

The Power of Monetary Support: Currency as a Current of Energy

Money, often viewed merely as a transactional tool, holds a deeper significance in the realm of patronage. It’s a form of energy, a current that keeps the wheels of progress turning. By investing in causes and individuals that align with positive values, patrons help channel this energy in directions that can create real and lasting impact. This investment is not just monetary; it’s an investment of trust, hope, and vision for a better world.

Case in Point: Miranda Pleasant & Mantra Magazine

An exemplary model of this is Miranda Pleasant’s Patron page in Mantra Magazine. Pleasant, through her work, has inspired countless individuals. Her readers, moved by the deep insight, organic beauty and profound impact of her work, are drawn to support her mission. This support goes beyond mere admiration; it’s an active participation in a shared journey towards creating a world rooted in goodness.

Mantra Magazine, one of Miranda’s “print babies” is one of my all time faves; she is an exceptional Editor in Chief of the mags she has founded. In Volume 44 of Mantra, the “Ultimate Wellness Guide; Inspo for Vibrant Living”, her beautiful Patron page not only offers a platform for financial support but also creates a community of like-minded individuals who are committed to the magazine’s mission. It’s a testament to the power of patronage in bringing together a community for a common cause; It’s a kind gesture, a “win-win”, a personal invitation to contribute to the ongoing success of Mantra, to feel good about doing so and to have a sense of pride in deepening the connection to the community and fostering its growth. This photo was taken from the copy I have on my coffee table; check out www.MantraMagazine.com when you have a minute for more beautiful Inspo on “creative inspired living, well-bing, self-care tools & makers”.

The Ripple Effect: How Patronage Spreads Goodness

Investing in positive causes creates a ripple effect. It’s not just about the immediate impact of the financial support but about the inspiration it ignites in others. When people witness the positive outcomes of patronage, they are more likely to engage in similar acts of support. This creates a virtuous cycle, where the act of giving not only benefits the immediate recipient but also inspires a broader culture of generosity and support.

Beyond Financial Rewards: The Intangible Benefits of Being a Patron

While the primary goal of patronage is to support others, patrons often find themselves rewarded in ways that transcend material gain. This may include recognition, like a mention on a website or a name engraved on a plaque. But more importantly, patrons often experience a profound sense of fulfillment and connection. They become part of something larger than themselves, a narrative of positive change and collective growth.

Patronage as a Reflection of One’s Values

Choosing where and how to offer support as a patron is a deeply personal decision. It reflects one’s values, beliefs, and vision for the world. By supporting causes that align with these values, patrons reinforce their commitment to these ideals, becoming active participants in shaping the world according to their vision of goodness.

The Patron’s Gift to the World

The world, envisioned as a gift rooted in goodness, is nurtured and sustained by the acts of its patrons. Their contributions, whether big or small, are like seeds of positive change that, when nurtured with time, money, and energy, grow into powerful forces for good. In embracing the role of patronage, individuals not only contribute to the immediate needs of a cause or a creative endeavor but also participate in the larger narrative of shaping a brighter, lighter, and better world.

Throughout this journey of patronage, it becomes clear that the act of giving is not just a transaction; it’s a transformation — of the self, of others, and of the world. As we invest in the positives, we illuminate the path for others to follow, creating a legacy of goodness that transcends time and space. In the end, being a patron is not just about what we give but about what we help to grow and flourish in the world.