“The Universe operates through dynamic exchange. Giving and receiving are aspects of the flow of energy in the Universe.”
– Deepak Chopra
I think we can all agree that most women love to be pampered. I am not one of these women. So when my yoga teacher gave me a gift certificate to a day spa for Christmas, I was more afraid than excited.
My monkey mind leapt around my brain in terror: “Uh-Oh”, I thought. “This means I’m going to have to RECEIVE!!!”
Receiving is not my forte. I am much more comfortable giving, because when I’m giving, I don’t have to think about whether or not I am worthy to receive. And this is the silly reason why, at the ripe age of 33, I had never experienced the joy of a facial.
I’m not the only person with this issue. Moms, in particular, are notorious for endlessly giving of themselves without ever taking time to receive. We mistakenly believe there is nobility in this kind of behavior, when in reality our unreceptivity disrupts the flow of energy in our lives.
Everything in the Universe operates through an exchange of energy. When you are open to both giving and receiving, you keep the flow of abundance circulating. But when you don’t feel worthy enough to receive, your ability to give also suffers, and your life stagnates.
In order to keep giving, you HAVE to be able to receive and vice versa. Cutting off this energetic flow is like cutting off the flow of your blood, which is why life will be dull and lifeless until you’ve mastered the art of giving and receiving.
If you are reluctant to receive, it’s probably because on some level you believe you’re not worthy. Maybe you’ve chosen to listen to the destructive self-criticism of the ego instead of the encouraging wisdom of your heart.
Even when your ego feels guilty about receiving, your heart knows the truth. Your heart will always remind you that you are priceless, and that no matter what you’ve said or done in the past, you are always perfect in the eyes of the Universe, and therefore always worthy to receive.
I was reminded of my divine worth last week when a friend sent me a message on Facebook saying, “The Universe wants to pamper you”. I promptly ditched all feelings of unworthiness and headed over to the absolutely beautiful and highly recommended Yew Tree Spa to celebrate. After a body treatment and facial, I left feeling renewed, rejuvenated, and overflowing with new ideas to offer the world.
Maybe being pampered isn’t such a bad thing after all… ☺
You are a star!
haha! Thank you dear Diana!! xo
Love this! Thanks Karen! Glad you enjoyed your Yew Tree Experience! Many more to come!
Thank you for this! So well said! I am in the healing arts/helping profession and for years would give and give from my heart, but rarely slowed down to receive. I have learned now to take better care of myself and allow others to give care to me, too. It is so important to allow our well to fill back up again. Worthiness seems to be a theme that challenges many of us, perhaps from our sense of separation. As as we learn to love, accept ourselves, and realize our worth we will more kind to ourselves and others. Great post – thank you!
What a lovely article, thank you! I especially loved your description of “The flow of Abundance”, it is so visual from me. 🙂