Giving and Receiving

Keeping it Balanced...

Giving and Receiving

"Before giving, the mind of the giver is happy; while giving, the mind of the giver is made peaceful; and having given, the mind of the giver is uplifted."

Buddha

The Art of Giving and Receiving

Because Receiving is just another way of giving...

Could there be giving, without someone willing to receive?

It is imperative for any giver to have a receiver – the act of giving cannot be complete without the receiving opposite.

This fact is often overseen – we often look at 'giving' as an act standing by itself. We perceive 'giving' as the ultimate positive characteristic.

Giving and Receiving vs. Doing and Taking

What is the difference between 'giving and receiving' and 'doing and taking'?

When we feel emptied and exhausted by 'giving, giving, giving' and feel we are not getting back – we are most probably in a 'doing' mode – and there are plenty of 'takers' to oblige...

So.. if your 'giving' is draining you... this page is for you.

In order to really understand 'Giving' we need to learn the 'Art of Receiving'.

The Law of Giving and Receiving

Deepak Chopra is a leading expert in mind/body medicine. As a physician, Dr. Chopra tackles far-reaching questions about our ability to heal ourselves.

In order to keep energy and prosperity coming to us, we have to keep the energy circulating.

A river must keep flowing, otherwise it begins to stagnate, to suffocate and strangle its very own life force.

Circulation keeps a river and every living thing in it alive and vital. Giving and receiving are different aspects of the flow of energy in the universe. If you stop the flow of either, you interfere with nature's intelligence.

The universe operates through dynamic exchange, giving and receiving are different aspects of the flow of energy in the universe.

The flow of life is nothing other than the harmonious interaction of all the elements and forces that structure the field of existence. This harmonious interaction of elements and forces in our life operates as the Law of Giving and Receiving.

The Art of Receiving

Every Giver needs a Receiver – So why does receiving make most of us feel uncomfortable?

We are offered a compliment and we find ways to brush it off – not accepting it.

Someone offers us help – and we quickly jump into the "No thanks, I'm fine... I'll manage..." mode.

Most of us associate receiving with shame and weakness – Where are we when it comes to RECEIVING?

Receiving requires us to open our hearts – become a vessel – letting go of our control and letting it happen... trust the giver and be humble.

Interestingly, receiving is the greatest gift of all.

A wonderful way to practice receiving is through Water Healing - Watsu.
I have found this therapeutic healing method to be most helpful in understanding how to receive.

Highly recommended!

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Receiving Exercises

1. Accept all compliments - let the giver do his/her part... and be thankful for the compliment - Thank You!

2. Gratitude - Be grateful - Count your blessings – Write down five things you are grateful about - every day – make it a daily routine.

3. Allow yourself to be YOU - with all the strengths and weaknesses you may have. Try not to pretend to be perfect, showing only your 'greatness' – be real.

This facilitates giving and receiving.

4. Stop complaining – What are we really saying when we complain? We are not happy with what we are receiving. We are not grateful and don't appreciate the given.

These 4 steps will make a big difference in perspective and they are the base for receiving – and giving.

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Giving and Receiving

What happens to the Giver when giving?

When I give – if material or other – it makes ME feel good! Thinking of the person I will give something to (the receiver) fills my heart with love for this person.

The more I give to this person... the more I love him/her.

This is how it works for me.

So – if you ever feel the need to increasing your love for someone specific... GIVE to that person... you'll see how your love for him/her grows.

Does this mean that my giving will make someone else feel the same way I do? Will this person love me more because I gave to him/her?

No, of course not...

But, really, it's all about how I perceive the world. That's all there is, really.

What happens to the person who is given to (the receiver)?

If this person is capable of receiving from the giver... the act is complete... perfect.

Both sides benefit from the process.

Love is increased... the world is a better place...

As I see it – being a recipient – is not that simple... as explained above.

We often associate receiving with weakness.

'Giving' cannot be complete if 'Receiving' is not honest.

What happens to the recipient who is not able to receive?

Giving to a person, who is not able to receive, will not have the intended results - on the contrary.

Give to this person once... ok... he'll open an account... twice... your love grows towards this person... and the more you love... the more you want to give – but – STOP!

This person is not able to receive... so what happens? This person cannot respond with happiness or thankfulness – rather feels guilt and powerless – and a dept starts growing... anger and resentment come in as well, because there is no place for the love that is given... no vessel to receive.

As this goes on... the 'giver' feels disappointed... because her/his love has grown – and there is no response from the other – no reciprocity – the circle cannot be closed.

We often misunderstand the signs... We might think – this person, whom I love so much (because of my giving) – is feeling bad... I will give her/him more... to make her/him feel better.

What happens is exactly the opposite – Giving in this case makes things worse... on both sides.

Giving and Receiving - Yin and Yang need to be in balance

Giving alone – will lead to unhappiness.

Receiving needs to be learned just as giving has to learned...

Once we learn to receive - Giving will have a whole new meaning... Receiving becomes Giving... and Giving becomes Receiving.