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LIVING BY DESIGN NEWSLETTER
by Leslie Karen Sann, MA, LCPC
V2, #11
December 13, 2002
IN THIS ISSUE
'Tis the Season for
Receiving
Quotes
Practically Speaking
Wonder Questions
'TIS
THE SEASON FOR RECEIVING
When we allow ourselves to see past the
commercialism that abounds this time of year, we uncover something
essential: the holiday season is about love and connection. We've
ritualized this through the form of giving and receiving gifts, parties,
cards, greetings.
Unfortunately, we often get over involved in the
giving part that we don't allow ourselves to really receive the abundance
and the joy of the season.
For many, it is much easier to give than to receive.
We are oriented towards giving, providing, supporting, sustaining, taking
care of - being the one in charge. We like to be in control.
Some people feel vulnerable receiving, and put up
all sorts of barriers. Deflection, self-deprecation, changing the subject,
deciding the gift is the wrong gift, or it was given in the wrong way. We
can be very creative in blocking ourselves from receiving.
How do YOU stop yourself from receiving fully?
People report they literally look away and either
break, or avoid eye contact. Others notice they hold their breath. Some
counter the giving with a self-deprecating remark.
Do any of these seem familiar?
How many times has someone thanked you for something
you've done and your reply was, "It was nothing, no big deal."?
Begin to notice how you respond. Do you actually
take in the gift, and the essence of the gift? Or do you distract yourself
or the other person in some way? Ask yourself if you are open to deepening
your capacity to receive.
To me, when I really look, I see that love is the
essence of a gift, a compliment, a gesture. The unconditional loving of
one being to another. The gracious gesture of namasté - the sacred in me,
honoring the sacred in you.
What would it be like if you took the time this
holiday season to pause and really receive the gifts given, the cards
sent, the greetings exchanged. What if you slowed down a bit, took a
breath, and let it all in. It is a rich and wonderful time of the year.
We are all learning to open our capacity to give
more and to receive more. What a great time of year to practice. 'Tis the
season!
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QUOTES:
"Grace shows up unexpected in it's full
glory
asking only that we receive."
~ Martha Ringer ~
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PRACTICALLY SPEAKING:
- Make a commitment to deepen your capacity to
receive.
- Notice how you deflect receiving. What is your
favorite strategy?
- Commit to allowing yourself to receive.
- When given something, pause, take a breath and
say, 'thank you'.
- Keep a journal, track, notice what you are
learning about receiving.
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WONDER QUESTIONS:
- What can I learn about receiving?
- How can I expand my ability to receive?
- What can I learn about the joy of receiving?
- How are giving and receiving the same?
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COPYRIGHT/CONTACT INFO/REPRINT PERMISSION
c Copyright 2002 by Leslie Karen Sann, Living by Design
Visit this link for contact information:
leslie@living-bydesign.com
Reprint permission granted in part or whole when the following credit appears in full:
Copyright 2002 by Leslie Karen Sann,
Living by Design.All rights reserved.
Web site. http://www.living-bydesign.com
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