mission monday:: receive

water lilies, nikon d50 digital

I am doing a two part mission monday on giving and receiving-with receiving today.

I chose receiving first because honestly, I think a lot of us (myself included) are not so great with the receiving thing. We think we have to do it all, that we have to provide for all, that we are independent so we can do it on our own.

Here's my theory-take it for what it's worth:

We are just as much of a pack animal as my dogs are. Did you know that if dogs don't live with other dogs that their humans become part of their pack? We just become funny looking dogs to them. They need the connection. They need a leader and community. They need comfort.

My life was forever changed for the better by what is considered to be the first truly 'self help' book: The Power of Positive Thinking.

And I think many have been able to better situations in their life because the culture of self help in the 80's gave them resources to talk about it and realize that they weren't alone.

Paradoxically though, I believe the 80's spawned a movement towards personal Independence that has been detrimental to the way we interact with others.

I completely agree with the idea that everyone should be free to make our own choices about their life, career, body, etc. However, I don't agree with the idea that we are independent little islands that never need anyone. That idea that I believe permeates alot of our culture has never proven to be true in my experience. We are not weak to need and want love, affection, support. It's okay if we can't do it on our own.

In fact, I've never spoken to a successful person who has accomplished anything completely on their own. Take for example, the band I used to manage. They got signed to a major label. They were talented and hard working, absolutely. They also had someone to book their gigs for them and farm out their CD's to labels and clubs (me) as well as DJ's that were willing to play their music and a producer that helped create a good CD and fans that would talk about them in their blogs and...

You get the idea. They didn't rise to a record deal by being completely closed off to others.

So the mission today, should you choose to accept it, is just to be open to receive this week. However that looks for you. You can start each morning with open hands and an affirmation: "I am open to receiving my good". Or notice every time you take an in breath. You need to receive oxygen to live and the receiving of it is part of the cycle of expelling to provide carbon to the atmosphere.

If nothing else, just notice your feelings and ideas that come up when you think of receiving. Do you feel uncomfortable or resistant? Fear? Or eagerness? Joy? Acceptance? And maybe explore those more-where do the feelings come from?

Next week I'll talk about my take on the giving part of it and I'll have some fun news to share then!

Until next week-rock on joy rebels!!!

p.s. I'm getting better about responding to your comments within the comments section so if you leave me a comment or question that prompts a response, please make sure to check back. I want to assure you that your comments are acknowledged.