“For it is in giving that we receive.”~ St. Francis of Assisi
In order to complete the process of giving one must receive. There are two critical, and scientific, components of giving; the act of giving and the art of receiving. I say art because, for me, giving and receiving from a space of unconditional love, without thought of compensation, is not something that I have been comfortable with. It has taken several years to comprehend this. I am, just now, beginning to settle into the relationship of giver and receiver.
In the past, I gave begrudgingly out of martyrdom, or from a sense of obligation or duty as a mother, woman, wife, lover, daughter, sister, or friend. I was not aware that truly giving of oneself was, in fact, a gift to oneself. I had to realize that I was not losing something by giving. I also had to realize that I was not being short changed or excluded from receiving by the act of giving. In order for a giver to be a giver, the giver must graciously learn to receive.
Changing my mindset and thought process started with saying “Thank You” instead of rationalizing the how’s, why’s, and conditions of receiving. This act of doing something differently has been a tremendous gift in itself. I realized that I must be able to receive if I am to be in harmony with giving. This is the law that keeps giving and receiving in balance with one another, otherwise the rhythmic flow of giving and receiving is disrupted. Giving and receiving is a never-ending cycle of unconditional love.
In love and in life, I am learning that giving and receiving are truly one. I give of my love, my time, and my resources with the understanding that I may not ever see any return for the gifts I give, but I will feel the return in my consciousness and deep within my spiritual heart. This kind of unconditional giving is essential for my soul to grow through the process of learning how to be open to the vulnerabilities of receiving.
“Your most precious, valued possessions and your greatest powers are invisible and intangible. No one can take them. You, and you alone, can give them. You will receive abundance for your giving.”
~ W. Clement Stone
Originally published at www.rebeccaledwards.com on November 28, 2015.
Originally published at medium.com