Gracefully receiving is just as important as giving

By Cherie Dirksen

“Giving opens the way for receiving.” — Florence Scovel Shinn.

Deepak Chopra wrote a book that changed my outlook on life. I stumbled upon it very early on in my quest for spiritual truth — it’s called The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success.

Now I know you have probably read it or heard of it, but I wanted to briefly recap on Law no. 2.

Deepak states that the flow of life is the harmony of interaction between all elements and forces that make up the field of existence. Because our consciousness and body are in constant flux (as is the universe), stopping the circulation of vital energy would be tantamount to stopping the flowing of our blood.
No blood flow = blood clot. Now, you don’t want to be a clot, do you?

His conclusion was that in order to keep this vital chi force from stagnating we must learn to give and receive. So whatever you are wanting to manifest in life — be it good company, money, affluence, love, joy, etc. — that is what it is necessary for us to give out into the world.

Easier Said Than Done?

A lot of people have no problem giving — it is the receiving part that most shudder at.

Perhaps we were taught that receiving was impolite and we should graciously decline offerings of any sort. Or, maybe some think that if someone is trying to give us something it appears that we are lacking in some way. Therefore we shun the gift so as not to look needy or ‘down and out’.
This is an ego trap.

When you block someone from giving, you are stopping that vital energetic exchange from circulating. How would you feel if your gifts weren’t received?
It gives most of us great joy to be able to give, so why stop that joy from others? Allow other people to give to you or you may be hampering their ability to be in the universal flow.

How Do I Start Today to Bring the Flow into My Life?

According to the mentioned book, when you come into contact with anyone, you give them something. This doesn’t have to be material things, it could be a blessing, a flower, a sincere compliment, etc. You’ll find that sometimes the most powerful gestures of giving are non-material (you can occasionally offer something of a material nature too though).

“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.” — Lao Tzu.

Think about it — giving the gift of your undivided attention or heart-felt affection and caring are priceless gifts and they won’t break the bank!

In a Nutshell…

Don’t underestimate the power of giving as you will receive it back multiplied! Just keep that flow going and be aware every time you feel you want to decline a gift or gesture — remember to allow for others to give as well.

yogaesoteric

July 3, 2019

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