Modes of Giving and Receiving

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Have you ever had someone do something kind for you but feel strange about the reception?  I currently have two thoughts on why this may be:

1. You’re out of practice in receiving.

2.  The intention of the giver was off.

When we offer an act of kindness, it is important that the act come from a want to nurture, uplift, or assist another human instead of from a need for personal gratification or control of a situation.  Anyone who is sensitive to the motivations of others will feel the source, and the action will take on the energy of the motivation instead of the outward appearance of kindness.

If the issue is the first suggestion, a change in awareness and opening up to receive may help.  Sometimes people offer to help out of obligation, but more often than not if someone is offering to help you – they want to!  You should let them! Take it as an opportunity to practice the art of graceful acceptance and gratitude.

I am progressively feeling the importance and worth of the words:

Trust. Love. Give.

And for the purpose of assuming all the parts of a balanced cycle:  Receive!

 

4 thoughts on “Modes of Giving and Receiving”

  1. I was just reading Thich Nhat Hanh yesterday about the nature of helping others. And ‘ if you feel overwhelmed with another, you’re trying TOO HARD. That kind of energy does not help the other person and it does not does not help you. There are two things, to be and to do. –to be, is first. To be peace. To be joy. To be happiness. and then to do joy and do happiness–on the basis of being. So first you have to focus on the practice of BEING. It’s like if another person is sitting at the foot of a tree. The tree does not do anything, but the tree is fresh and alive. When you are like that tree, sending out waves of freshness, you help calm down the suffering in another person.’
    I loved reading this along with your post. Thank you!

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    1. I cannot say enough thanks for the moment when Peace is Every Step was mentioned to me on a playground when my kiddos were very little and my mother was diagnosed with cancer. It came exactly when I needed it and was ready to make changes in my reactions to life as well as what I give. I especially like the tree analogy having recently experienced a shift in feeling when an unhealthy tree was removed from the backyard here. 💕 Love you so much Jess! Thank you for your comment, beautiful girl 🌸

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      1. and YOU gave me that book! and I have read it and used it in class countless times. and now I continue to read him – he is incredible and simple and so full of love.

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