The Law of Giving and Receiving

“The universe operates through dynamic exchange . . . giving and receiving are different aspects of the flow of energy in the universe. And in our willingness to give that which we seek, we keep the abundance of the universe circulating in our lives.”  The Chopra Center

Giving and receiving is not just something that we do around the holidays; it is a way of life.  What we give in our lifetime; we will receive.  Giving is a way of being.  I am not talking about material gifts, although that is a way of giving; I’m talking about giving from our hearts.  I’m talking about listening to someone’s pain and sorrow, giving a hug to a friend, family or a stranger.  I’m talking about silently wishing love, peace and happiness to your coworkers, family, friends, the grocery store clerk, the mailman, the garbage collector, and the person standing in line in front of you. 

Receiving from the heart is just as important as giving from the heart.  Receiving can sometimes seem harder than giving.  We should practice receiving with open arms and with gratitude.  Just look around you and receive all that nature has to offer, the snow on the trees, the blue sky, the beautiful butterfly on the flower, the thunder storm, mountains, lakes, the ocean.  Receive the simple things in life, the smile, the hug, children laughing, the smells of the kitchen, and spending time together.  Practice receiving by being present and notice all of the beauty that surrounds you.

Here are three steps from the Chopra Center to practice giving and receiving.

I will put the Law of Giving and Receiving into effect by making a commitment to take the following steps:

1. Wherever I go, and whomever I encounter, I will bring them a gift. The gift may be a compliment, a flower, or a prayer. Today, I will give something to everyone I come into contact with, and so I will begin the process of circulating joy, wealth and affluence in my life and in the lives of others.

2. Today I will gratefully receive all the gifts that life has to offer me. I will receive the gifts of nature: sunlight and the sound of birds singing, or spring showers or the first snow of winter. I will also be open to receiving from others, whether it be in the form of a material gift, money, a compliment or a prayer.

3. I will make a commitment to keep wealth circulating in my life by giving and receiving life’s most precious gifts: the gifts of caring, affection, appreciation and love. Each time I meet someone, I will silently wish them happiness, joy and laughter.

Notice how being mindful of giving and receiving changes your life.

Wishing you a very wonderful Thanksgiving holiday full of giving and receiving love, harmony, and laughter.

Namaste,

Betsy and Jesse