Friday 19 May 2017

May 19, 2017 Chautauqua



 
Beth's Ponderings

   I’m sure you’ve heard, as I have, that it is better to give than to receive.

   Yet, if there is no one, or nothing, to receive, then the giver isn’t really giving.

   Contrary to how we usually view the process, the two actions are not two separate, and completely opposite actions, but two expressions of the exact same action.

   For, when the giver gives, and the receiver receives, the receiver also gives and the giver receives.

   Thus, you would think that giving and receiving would come easily and naturally to us all.  Unfortunately, while we are born with that ability, it seems to lessen as we grow and mature.

   Because of society’s bias towards giving being better, we are taught to give endlessly, in a variety of ways, even to people - or especially to people - who do not want to receive what we are giving.  And, since the other party doesn’t really receive what we give, we haven’t really given anything, nor have we been able to receive anything, so must then try to give more and more and more, until we are depleted physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

   But, the secret to real giving and receiving, is that nothing is depleted, or lost, in the exchange.  It is an “exchange,” something given and something received, every time, by both parties.

   If asked, most of us would say we are pretty good givers and receivers, effectively balancing the two.  So, here’s a question for you...what is your reaction when someone compliments you?  Do you say a simple “thank you” (truly receiving) or do you brush it off (rejecting)?  When someone thanks you for something do you say a sincere “you’re welcome” (truly receiving) or do you brush it off by saying it was nothing or not important (rejecting)?  Or, we can test this in an even easier manner - how deep is your normal inhalation?  The breath never lies, so unless you are regularly breathing in full, deep inhalations, you aren’t really open to receiving, and thus, not truly giving either.  

   As we tend to ignore ourselves, start fully giving and receiving with yourself, and then share with others.

Beth 


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