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Dec 6, 2008

"In our culture, we have no relationship with not-knowing. But not-knowing is the essence of receiving." --Mary Saunders

The Art of Receiving

Receiving isn't easy. If it were, more of us would do it with grace and gratitude. Is there a way to change that? Can we learn to receive so we can be nourished and empowered? These are crucial questions, not just because the holiday season is a time when giving and receiving are part of our daily experience. The ability to receive is, in fact, essential to physical health, psychological balance and spiritual engagement. Before we can enhance our receptivity, though, it's helpful to take a look at the reasons we fail to receive. Citing broad sources -- from a teacher of the Dagara tribe of Burkina Faso, to Harvard Professor Ellen Langer -- this in-depth Ode Magazine article explores why receiving is harder than giving, but how it can lead to even greater personal and spiritual growth.