On a beautiful sunny afternoon in Vancouver, I was riding my bike to the bus station. I was on my way to catch a bus that would transport me and my bike to the ferry terminal. I had just spent the weekend with good friends and was happy about the unexpected warm weather.

As I stopped at a red traffic light a man, who looked like a homeless person, walked towards me with a bunch of daffodils in his hand. I guess he had picked them in a nearby park. As he came closer, he extended his hand with the bouquet towards me, smiled a toothless smile and walked on. I only had a moment to receive the flowers and thank him. I was touched by the unexpected act of kindness, especially coming from someone who seemed to possess so little.  

As I sat on the bus, the daffodils in my hand, another passenger struck up a conversation with me. I shared how I received the flowers and that I wanted to enjoy them as much as I could while they lasted. She taught me a trick to revive flowers: You fully submerge them in water and let them soak over night. I was filled with gratitude and eager to follow her advice.

When I arrived at my home in Victoria several hours later, I soaked the wilted daffodils in my sink. The next morning they had indeed perked up and lasted for a few more days in a vase on my table.

I was still filled with gratitude and joy when I shared my recent experience with a friend.

To my surprise, my friend was most touched by the joy and gratitude I received from these small acts of kindness. Up to that point, I had not given this aspect of my story much thought. I simply couldn't have imagined another way to respond. However, I recognize now that without me receiving these gifts, the whole experience would have been meaningless.

Unfortunately there is a widespread myth that giving is nobler than receiving. For many people this makes receiving difficult. However, giving and receiving really are equal partners. If you have ever given a gift, a compliment or an act of kindness that was not well received, you know what I am talking about. It takes the joy out of giving. As Veronique Vienne put it aptly, "receiving requires as much generosity as giving." I encourage you to stretch your receiving-muscle more often.

Three keys to receiving generously:

1. Notice your urge to reciprocate or deflect when you have been given something (a compliment, a gift, an act of kindness, a smile).
2. Instead of following your urge, take a moment to fully receive the gift. Allow yourself to feel the joy and gratitude. 
3. Then take a moment to notice the positive impact your joy has on the giver. Receiving fully is a gift in itself. 

Every day we have countless opportunities to receive kindness from the people around us. It makes the world of a difference when you do!   

Do you feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities?

Do you rushed and impatient?

Do you feel alone with your challenges?

 

Please join me in Victoria for an afternoon of Mini-Retreats! 

 

FINDING LIFE BALANCE WITH MINI-RETREATS
Learn how to:

• Improve your health, performance & happiness in minutes a day
• Completely relax in minutes no matter where you are
• Create the environment for your relaxed way of life

WHERE: Oaklands Neighbourhood House, 2629 Victor Street, Victoria, BC
WHEN: Saturday, 2 - 5 pm, June 2
INVESTMENT: $50 

Space is limited, to register call 250-370-9101