In week two of our seven week November-December class session, we put the Law of Giving and Receiving into practice on our yoga mats. The Law of Giving and Receiving states that the universe operates through a dynamic exchange, and we must be open to giving and receiving in order to keep the life force circulating within us.
The most important thing is the intention behind the giving and receiving. The intention should always be to create happiness for the giver and receiver. The return is proportional to the giving when it is unconditional and from the heart. This is why the act of giving has to be joyful–the frame of mind has to be one in which you feel joy in the very act of giving.
To put the Law of Giving and Receiving into effect on your yoga mat, take the following three steps:
1) Maintain breath awareness, effortlessly exchanging energy with the universe and your environment through the inflow and outflow of your breath. Anytime you feel resistance in your body, bring your attention to your breath and use it to regain your sense of effortless receiving and releasing.
2) Cultivate a sense of gratitude for your body and what you receive from it.
3) Rather than forcing your will on your body, listen to it, acknowledge what it needs and give it what it needs.
Outside of your yoga practice, have the intention to give something to everyone you come into contact with–a kind word, a compliment, a smile. And, be open to receiving the gifts that come to you during the day–gifts from nature, like a sunny morning or the songs of birds, and gifts from people in your life, like a warm embrace, a kind gesture or a helpful suggestion. Make the commitment to enliven the Law of Giving and Receiving by taking every opportunity to circulate love, caring, affection, appreciation and acceptance.
