The art of giving and receiving

We are better givers than receivers. When we give something to our children or spouse or even strangers we feel good. It gives us a feeling of doing something good, making someone happy. On the road junction if we help an old person cross it, it gives us a strange happiness of helping someone in need. More often than not it gives a feeling of being strong, capable, proud and empowered.

But when it comes to receive then we are hesitant. We feel that we are weak. It is normal because we have been brought up that way. But when we receive a complement for a nice dress we have put on, we enjoy that complement. And if that same old person thanks you for helping him cross the road, your most likely answer would be ‘oh, it was nothing’. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but when we receive it with gratitude then we are giving something back to the giver also.

Receiving is difficult because we have to accept in you that we need help. We are not used to it. It can make us uncomfortable especially in young age. To be a good receiver you have to allow another person in your life and space even if that is for a moment only. It is a pleasure to be with a good receiver because then you see how they appreciate and reciprocate by honoring the giver. It is a thing to learn. We should not deprive the receiver from showing his gratitude.

Many relations suffer not because they are not giving each other enough but because they are not receiving it. It should not be taken for granted. But once we acknowledge the love, help and complements we receive then it creates a strong sense of bonding. We have to master the art of receiving and not behave as if we are busy or preoccupied with something else.

It is not that we do not like receiving. We also like receiving gifts, joy, pleasure and surprises and we do appreciate the giver. If we think that it is better to give than to receive that means we are not thinking it correctly. It reflects our insecurity of showing our self weak and needy. But giving more does not mean that we should receive more also. As for you receiving something may be difficult so can be with others also. Don’t let your ego come in between. If you are giving it with the expectation of receiving something back then the whole purpose of your act of giving is wasted. Then it would be more of a deal than an act of love, kindness and compassion.

There is a difference between giving and receiving, and doing and taking. When we feel that we are only giving and not getting back anything that means we are actually doing it and not giving it. It can be either you are expecting to receive something or you are not allowing yourself to receive something. In both cases your purpose of giving is wrong. If you are expecting something in return that means you are in the ‘give and take’ mode. If you are not allowing yourself to receive something then you are in the ‘pride’ of giving mode. Both the case is wrong. A good giver has to learn to be a good receiver also otherwise you are depriving the receiver.

The world is functioning on giving and receiving. When we breathe in we are receiving the oxygen and when we exhale we are giving out carbon dioxide. The plants are receiving the carbon dioxide and using it with sunlight to grow and give us crops and fruits. In return it gives oxygen which we again receive. Now think can you just take in the oxygen and hold your breath for eternity. You cannot or else you will die. You will have to give something against what you have received.

Similarly you have to be a giver and a receiver. Always be a god receiver also and let the gratitude and blessings nourish you. Receive generously and show your appreciation on every occasion. This is the alchemy of the art of giving and receiving.