Giving and receiving

And the interconnection between them

The yogi understands that there is no separation between them and the universe: that every living being, thing, object and cause is intrinsically connected.

When one truly understands this, giving becomes not only fun but fulfilling. To be able to take your awareness from self to other can help you out of dumps of depression and mild cases of anxiety. You realise that there is more to life. There’s a much bigger picture than the dramas that are playing out in your own head.

Yes, sometimes big stuff happens that we need to lean into and pay attention to, but for the most part we could diminish the drama, open our eyes to what’s around us and realise that by helping others, we help self. It’s a beautiful collaboration.

We can’t really expect to give fully without also being able to receive. It’s a two-way street. One without the other lacks lustre. The two combined are a potent recipe for manifesting what you want in life.

One of my favourite books is a tiny but terrific little read: The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra. The laws are universal truths that can help us navigate life and understand it, in order to live in harmony with the things that seem out of our control.

One such law, The Law of Giving and Receiving, states that the two are different expressions of the same flow of energy in the universe. Since the universe is in a constant and dynamic exchange of energy, you need both the give and take to maintain a steady flow of abundance, love and anything else you want to manifest in your life. We can consciously cultivate an environment for that flow to be abundant and flourish, although not without discipline and effort at times. It’s rather easy, but totally energy zapping, to drop into a selfish state of take, take, take. To think only of one’s self, especially when we’re down, and to close ourselves off from those around us.

All human beings represent an opportunity to give. All people, situations and places are ‘on purpose’ and when we intentionally make space for them, magic happens. And giving doesn’t always have to be at the cost of your back pocket or bank account. Giving could be wishing a stranger good fortune; silently blessing a friend who is going through something traumatic; dedicating your next surf, walk, yoga practice, meditation or the savouring of a meal to someone who needs the energy of that activity; or perhaps the biggest give of all – giving your time.

It’s not about the money. It’s what we put behind the act that counts.

Do you ever – or often – find yourself meaning to ‘give’ in some way, but then not following through? Too busy, not sure of how… it happens to us all. But intention without action is kind of useless. And, if repeated often, can make us feel rather shallow. There is a way past this – it just takes practise.

The thought to give starts at the heart, then the follow through comes from the solar plexus region, which yoga and energy anatomy says is the place in which our discipline, will power and confidence reside. Giving wholeheartedly is a beautiful co-creation between these two energetic centres of heart and solar plexus.

The Own The Flow that follows is a stunning visualisation that I love. It reminds me of how these two centres work together and helps cultivate an effortless flow between the two.