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Personal reflections on giving and receiving
Words KRISHNA EVERSON
It’s been said that it is better to give than to receive. I don’t think this is necessarily true, but you could ask 10 different people and get 10 different answers; the nuances are many and varied.
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Giving and receiving shows up in many ways; the giving and receiving of a compliment, a gift, love, advice, an idea, criticism, a product or service, a point of view, or information, just to name a few! I’ve noticed that the intent behind giving can make a big difference.
For example, giving without expectation; giving expecting something in return; giving for the joy of giving, and giving that is mutually reciprocal! We can also receive gracefully, compliantly, reluctantly or not at all! The exchange between two people or entities is fascinating to watch, and I have always enjoyed observing how the human condition plays out. However, during COVID-19 restrictions and adjustments, the ebb and flow of giving and receiving have been somewhat overwhelming as we experience a completely new way of being. We have either become acutely aware of our limitations or of our limitless potential, dependant on our perspective, sometimes swinging erratically between both! Arguably, both the best and the worst have shown up.
There has been an outpouring of generosity as people have supported others in their community who are struggling or may not have access to what they need. I have witnessed beautiful vulnerability as people have reached out, who may not usually, but there is unwritten permission that it is okay to ask! I have seen courage and creativity as people have tapped deeply into gifts and talents, and created new businesses and added new services to help those who need them, and being compensated for their efforts.
This has been a time of personal growth, global shake-up, awakening, awareness, and extreme healing, and it has not been easy.
I choose to see this time as a gift, to ourselves and to our planet. We have been given time to reflect, to go within, to reconsider, to grow. May it be the change that we have been asking for.
Go gently in love, and remember to follow your bliss.
