Theme of the Day: Receiving 7.15.2020

Receiving is not taking, it’s opening yourself up to the offerings of life. Receiving is being present with what is around you and allowing yourself to enjoy it, be nourished by it. Flowers, the stars at night, your favorite song, a good meal with friends are all cup-filling moments that are available to you as soon as you are present with them. Just as much as it is a challenge to learn how to express, give and create authentically, it is just as challenging to receive fully and in the way that you need to. It is a complete cycle of embracing the resources and gifts that are present and available to us all. 

We tend to get out the abacus and begin tallying what we have given, what we have gotten- keeping tabs on debts needing to someday be repaid- but none of that feels good and comes from a mindset of scarcity, like we don’t have enough so we need to be super careful about what we give and take. Receiving reminds us that there is enough to go around, especially when we don’t assume that what we need can only come in one singular, resource-draining form. 
Contributing and receiving are two equal parts of the circle of humanity, community, sangha. We cannot be fully engaged in the circle if we do not do both. You are not a better community member because you are constantly giving. There’s safety in giving- be it help, information or just stuff- because you’re on top, on the offensive, putting everything out there so that no one can see the man behind the curtain. It is disengaged from the whole of the community. Receiving is vulnerable, it’s admitting that although you might be able to do it alone, you don’t want to because it’s exhausting, lonely and unnecessary. It’s not saying that you’re not enough, it’s just saying that we’re better together. Receiving is less about being weak and needy and more about allowing yourself to be human, allowing others to share in your humanness with you and allowing yourself to experience the beauty of connection, compassion and kindness. 

For those ambitious Souls- life isn’t just about achievement and putting out there, it must be equally balanced with presence and allowing yourself to soak up the good and see and experience how those around you are shining, achieving and giving as well. For those lovers, nurturers and supports- receiving is a two way street and the best way to understand the value of yourself and all that you give is to allow yourself to be gifted with the same generosity.