learning to receive

Acts of kindness and generosity are good for both the giver and the receiver and cultivate a sense of connection and community. Most of us have experienced the joy and pleasure that comes from helping others.

For some of us, the challenge is to learn to RECEIVE and ACCEPT kindness and generosity from others. This has manifested for me in several ways. I have felt uncomfortable accepting help from others. I have felt awkward when someone offers to buy me coffee or lunch. And too many times, I have deflected or dismissed simple compliments from others.

When we welcome and appreciate these offers of kindness, though, it generates feelings of appreciation and gratitude within our self, and often creates feelings of joy or pleasure in the giver. Remember how good it feels when you extend generosity to others...? Well, the one trying to extend generosity to you will most likely feel that way too.

If you have been one to struggle with receiving from others, try practicing with simple things like:
Making note of what you are grateful for each day - small blessings or acts of kindness you have received, for example.
It can be as simple as saying "thank you" for a compliment received rather than brushing it off or excusing it away.
Or maybe you accept someone's invitation to buy you coffee or lunch rather than declining.

When you are the recipient of kindness and generosity, accept it with a heartfelt thank you and allow the thoughtfulness of others to touch your heart. With time and practice, learning to receive becomes easier.
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What makes it difficult for you to accept someone else's kindness?
What makes it easier to do so?
How can you practice the art of receiving this week?