Are You Willing to Receive?

Dear Reader,

A few nights ago, I went for an evening stroll along the harbor here in Lerwick. My mind was racing with thoughts from the day as I started out, but I decided to let go and allow whatever impressions I received from my surroundings along the way.

That receptive state was so pleasant, so relaxing…

The smell of pipe smoke, followed immediately by the smell of freshly turned earth; the pale pink light from a sun that had just set; the drone of a tug boat as it left the harbor; the feeling of a light breeze on my skin – one sensation after another after another.

Mixed in with those sensations were memories – from childhood, from my early adult years hitch hiking across America, from early in my time living in New York City – as well as insights and ideas.

In my receptive state, I didn’t bother to classify, identify, analyze or judge.

I simply received.

The ability to receive is crucial in life, and vital specifically to accessing your intuition. If receiving is something you struggle with, whether receiving impressions, sensations, thoughts, ideas, gifts, assistance or money, you may have difficulty accessing your inner wisdom.

We so often focus on giving, especially people who are focused on being of service in the world. Or we shut down to both giving and receiving, perhaps because we are overwhelmed, or stuck in our lives. We forget or don’t realize that giving and receiving are part of the same process, and if we have a challenge with receiving in any area of our lives, it may block us in other areas.

So, check in time, dear reader: are you willing to receive? Really? Truly? How do you take a compliment? Do you fully take it in and experience it? Do you get a little uncomfortable, or change the subject, or put yourself down, or fire off a compliment in return? How do you receive gifts, or income? How do you receive thoughts, impressions – even the icky ones? Do you immediately push them away, or try to ignore them? Or do you accept them, before making the choice to allow them to continue or to let them go and shift your focus?

We all have to work with filters, to accept or screen out information, but hopefully over time we cultivate an ability to allow our own experience in a healthy way. Then, when it comes time to ask for that guidance, that intuitive voice we cherish, we really able to receive it.

Try taking a walk in a truly receptive state, and allow your experience to unfold. Notice how you feel, both during and after. Who knows what gems you might receive?

I honor your loving heart,

John