You May be a Giver, but Are You a Receiver?

We all have heard that Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Somehow, in our minds, many have taken that to mean that we should not be receivers. This could never be farther from the truth, for the Universal Law of Giving and Receiving requires a balance. You need to be open to being a good receiver just as you must be a good giver.

Everything in the Universe is energy. Energy is always flowing. When you give, you are not just giving a thing or an act, but you are also giving energy. Receiving allows us to be refreshed and renewed with the energy that the giver attached.

What keeps you from receiving and blocking the flow of energy? Perhaps you are not a good receiver, because of feelings of unworthiness. This may show up as a belief that others have more need, thus you hold feelings of guilt about receiving. This negates your own value. By receiving graciously, you are in a better position to be a giver. Let’s say you enter a contest to win a car, home or money. If you believe others have more need, then you may block becoming a winner. Your thoughts are creating this reality, so ultimately, you reinforce your feelings of unworthiness, because you did not win.

Feelings of unworthiness may cause you to be ungracious towards the giver which dishonors them. When presented with a gift, have you ever said, “You shouldn’t have.” They felt you were worthy of receiving or they would not have made the effort, and now you are questioning their judgment. This ruins any good feeling they may have had about being a giver.

If you feel that receiving is a sign that something is lacking in you, there may be feelings of anger or resentment that you have a need. If that is the case, let it go! We all have needs. No one person is so talented that they can do all things alone. Sri Chinmoy said, “Independent. Nobody is – We just fool ourselves.”

Then again you may feel that there is honor in giving, but not in receiving. This equates receiving with selfishness, which may make you feel shameful. However, selfishness is a good thing if it means that you are receiving in order to make yourself better able to give in the future. For example, if you are a caregiver for a sick family member, not accepting an opportunity for a break may mean that you become worn down, or ill and can no longer continue to be a caregiver.

If you are like me, your day is busy, but there is always time to acknowledge the gifts the Universe, family and friends provide that often go unnoticed. Be grateful for all that nature provides – sunlight, rain, beautiful flowers, fruit, etc. Be grateful for the little things that family members do to make life easier for us like: love, prayers, companionship, walking the dog, emptying the trash, doing errands, making repairs. Don’t forget to graciously accept what friends offer: love, companionship, prayers, compliments, kind words, a listening ear, and support.

My hope is that you will share your gifts with others and graciously receive all that life has to offer. You need not allow yourself to be totally drained before learning to receive. There are many gifts bestowed on us that can enable us to be a gracious giver. You just have to allow yourself to receive in order to be a better giver, because then your energy is in balance and in the flow.