Monday’s Meditation: On Giving and Receiving

August 20, 2012

I have inhabited the role of “giver” for much of my life. Circumstances have asked that of me, and along the way, have taught me how to be adept at giving. Giving has become my default mode, the role I naturally and repeatedly fall into.

I know far less of being a receiver, feel overly exposed and vulnerable when called to occupy this role. All too frequently I attempt to avoid it with an “oh, no, don’t worry, don’t trouble yourself.” Or, “that’s so sweet, but I’ll be fine.” I wouldn’t want to be a burden, wouldn’t want to cause anyone to do anything solely on my behalf– the horror, after all.

This is one of the lessons of my life, and perhaps one of yours as well: learning how to receive, learning to receive without hesitation, without discomfort.

Always and this week, I offer the following thoughts for you and I to meditate on:

When help is offered, and you are in need of it, do not go without. There is no nobility to be found in isolation or inauthenticity of need.

Accept gifts with an unburdened mind, knowing that your tendency to give will, in short time, return the universe to equilibrium.

Remember that your own opportunity to give has shaped you into a compassionate and capable person.  Allow others to further that aspect of themselves by accepting their kindness. Do not deny anyone the chance to give.

Remember that those who give the most are the ones who thus propel the universe to give back to them in equal proportion. Begin to expect that the world will reflect for you what you put forth into it.

Remember that we are all constantly shifting between the roles of giver and receiver, and that no person is meant to occupy just one.

Remember that no one has ever made it through life without accepting various gifts, that no one expects nor wishes you to pioneer that path.

Remember that kindnesses are meant to be recycled– that to avoid participating in that universal process is futile and in some way obstructs the world’s natural dynamic.

Remember that we are all meant to take care of each other.

Remember that giving is fluid. Let it come to you. Let it go to others. Let it flow easily in either direction.

* * *

P.S. Today a special thank you goes to a Mr. Zack Rosen, who gave of his time and talents to help construct this totally beautified website that you are a’ reading. My little internet world has gotten a giant ass face lift c/o Z.R. and I could not be more grateful. Do take a look around these parts and admire the scenery, I hope you love what you see as much as I do. All hats off to Zack. All of them.  

Image credit: The Wild Fleur 

4 Comments

  1. Rachel {little bits of lovely} on August 21, 2012 at 1:53 am

    Such a beautiful post Annie. I can completely relate to having feelings of vulnerability when being a reciever, but I love your comment about “accepting gifts with an unburdened mind, knowing that your tendency to give will return the universe to equilibrium”. Powerful stuff and after reading this I can see how the ability to accept being a receiver gracefully is the very essence of maintaining balance and harmony in human interactions xx

  2. Rachel {little bits of lovely} on August 21, 2012 at 1:54 am

    P.S I had to add that I love your new site design + that pic of you is gorgeous! xx

    • livesimplybyannie on August 24, 2012 at 2:05 pm

      Thank you so much Rachel!! 🙂

  3. Candice on November 11, 2014 at 5:52 am

    I was a giver, very independent at a young age, earning good money, travelling, giving a lot of gifts to family, lending money, giving my time and money to charity. Later I was forced into the awful position of being a receiver. However I found that I didn’t actually receive what I needed. There was a great deal of collateral damage. I did learn an awful lot about those around me and the kinds of people in my life, over which I had no control, as they are family. I wonder what the purpose of this is. What I have received is spiritual knowledge and growth but I could have happily continued in my life being a giver and I would have been a much more useful human being! I certainly didn’t need to learn not to be like those people because I never was but for some reason I had to know them. Does anyone know what the reason is?

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4 Comments

  1. Rachel {little bits of lovely} on August 21, 2012 at 1:53 am

    Such a beautiful post Annie. I can completely relate to having feelings of vulnerability when being a reciever, but I love your comment about “accepting gifts with an unburdened mind, knowing that your tendency to give will return the universe to equilibrium”. Powerful stuff and after reading this I can see how the ability to accept being a receiver gracefully is the very essence of maintaining balance and harmony in human interactions xx

  2. Rachel {little bits of lovely} on August 21, 2012 at 1:54 am

    P.S I had to add that I love your new site design + that pic of you is gorgeous! xx

    • livesimplybyannie on August 24, 2012 at 2:05 pm

      Thank you so much Rachel!! 🙂

  3. Candice on November 11, 2014 at 5:52 am

    I was a giver, very independent at a young age, earning good money, travelling, giving a lot of gifts to family, lending money, giving my time and money to charity. Later I was forced into the awful position of being a receiver. However I found that I didn’t actually receive what I needed. There was a great deal of collateral damage. I did learn an awful lot about those around me and the kinds of people in my life, over which I had no control, as they are family. I wonder what the purpose of this is. What I have received is spiritual knowledge and growth but I could have happily continued in my life being a giver and I would have been a much more useful human being! I certainly didn’t need to learn not to be like those people because I never was but for some reason I had to know them. Does anyone know what the reason is?

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