The Art of Giving and Receiving
It’s an innate urge to give. Give help, give gifts, give love. It makes us feel better. But how are you on receiving? I have talked to a lot of people in my profession who have a hard time receiving.
Why is giving so easy but receiving difficult for some?
Receiving has to do with our openness to life. Our own feelings toward ourselves and our self-worth. No matter what the block is toward receiving a helpful tip is to accept with gratitude.
For example, have you ever received a gift that you didn’t like. But instead of just saying thank you, you said, “Oh, that’s not the right size!” etc. Or someone tried to help you out with a task or chore and you said, “That’s not the way I do it.” Those slight objections send out signals to the Universe and others that you are not open to receiving. Your reaction creates a barrier between you and the person who was trying to be helpful and the universe trying to give you a gift.
In The Power Is Within You, Author Louise L. Hay addresses the importance of receiving.
“In whatever way the Universe has decided to respond to your need, be grateful,” she said. “Learn to receive with thanks. Learn to accept, because the Universe perceives our openness to receive as not just exchanging prosperity. There will come a time when you will help somebody else. It may not be with money, but with time or compassion. Sometimes we don't realize that these things can be more valuable than money.”
Hay also writes about how certain body parts represent areas in our lives where we are stuck. For example, if you have issues with your ankle it could represent Inflexibility and guilt. Ankles represent the ability to receive pleasure. So if you have been noticing sore ankles, or you tend to get a lot of sprains, you may want to look into what the body part is trying to tell you.
Giving too much?
There is a fine balance between giving and receiving. It’s like an energetic circuit. In order for it to be balanced, you have to be able to receive as well. If you give too much and don’t receive then you stop the natural progression of the energy exchange. Over giving can lead to resentment, burnout, and depletion. If you are left joyless you’re probably giving too much. These emotions are a sign that your giving/receiving is out of balance. You can’t fill another’s cup from a dry well. Take the time to receive help, love, and care so that you are able to give back.
An Attitude of Gratitude
It’s important to be grateful for what we do have, so that we can attract more good to us. Again, if we focus on lack, then we will draw it to us. Being a graceful receiver you allow yourself to feel cared for and loved. Gratitude is a higher frequency than resentment and anger. If you are resonating at high vibration of gratitude, then your energy field is more open to events and gifts that match your state of gratitude. If you are ruminating in anger and despair, then that is what you are putting out there to the Universe and what you will attract. So try to enhance your gratitude in everything you do.
Learn to Receive with Grace
Receiving is another form of self-love. Just as you are willing to give to others, you also need to be given too as well. Being a receiver is also being a giver, because you allow the person giving to you the “good feeling”they get for being able to give. By receiving you are showing the Universe that you are open to receiving all the gifts it has in store for you.
Here are a few ways you can practice receiving:
Accept compliments with a genuine thank you.
Accept help when it is offered. Even if you feel you can do it yourself, show gratitude by accepting in that way you will always have the energy of support around whether you need it or not.
Before you start your day, try listing about 10 things you are grateful for.
Acknowledge the unexpected gifts and surprises throughout the day
When you get frustrated or upset, disrupt the mood by focusing on gratitude.
Give yourself permission and ask for help if you need it. There is no shame. It’s an act of self-love to help yourself not get overwhelmed.
Pay attention to the gifts of life that surround you and acknowledge them.
This holiday season give yourself the gift of receiving. You are your greatest advocate and cheerleader. Take a moment to tap into yourself and discover what you need. Because a healthy, joyful you is unstoppable. And you can share that energy with those you love and support. We all need support sometimes, but we also need to make sure we are supporting and receiving the care and nurturing we need too!