The Gift of Love

Giving and receiving love is perhaps the most important aspect of our lives. Both are equally rewarding and command a certain art in performing. There are so many ways to give to others, such as

• Taking time to spend with a loved one
• Giving compassion to someone in need-a friend or a stranger
• Preparing and setting a candlelit dinner for your significant other
• Engaging in activities with family or children that they especially enjoy
• Sending a card about friendship or love to someone you care about-just because
• Smiling to people you don’t normally smile to, and lighting up their day-and yours
• Speaking words of encouragement to someone who needs to be uplifted
• Saying prayers or speaking thoughts of peace

The other aspect of gifts of love is that of receiving. Is it easy or difficult for you to receive a gift from someone else? Receiving a gift graciously is an art in itself. However many of us find it challenging to do so. Here are a few reasons. First, some of us have been taught that we should be very humble, and that it is better to give than to receive. Second, many of us feel unconsciously that we control a situation when we give someone a gift. When we receive a gift, we don’t know how to let go and enjoy the receiving process.

It is ok to enjoy a gift we have been offered! After all, every person in the world deserves to be happy, prosperous, and loved. Next time you are offered a gift of love, remind yourself that you deserve it, and allow yourself to enjoy the process.

Have you thought about giving the gift of love to yourself during the holidays?
Here are a few ideas:

• Take a long walk in nature
• Go to that movie, concert, or theatre piece that you have been wanting to see
• Enjoy a spa treatment, a pedicure, or a manicure
• Relax on the sofa, close your eyes, and listen to your favorite music
• Buy a small gift for yourself, such s a new book, CD, or a decorative object for your home
• Get together with a friend you haven’t seen in awhile
• Do something you have always wanted to do, but haven’t taken the time to follow up on...
• Relax and do nothing-especially if you don’t make time to enjoy the relaxing process

What are several ways you can offer yourself a gift of love during the holidays?

A beautiful gift of love is that of forgiveness. Have you lost connection with family and relatives? Is there anyone you have not forgiven? Forgiving is not just a nice thing to do. Not only do you create more loving and accepting energy with the other person, you actually release yourself from the chains of resentment or anger. If you have ever felt the sensation of a weight being lifted off your shoulders, it is the feeling of lightness that comes with true forgiveness.

I have a friend who recently contacted a dozen relatives in her family, whom she hadn’t spoken to in years. She received a warm response from each one, and with every conversation she felt the interest, friendship and love returning. Time, distance and past turmoil just melted away.

There are so many ways to give and to receive gifts of love. As you are conscious of taking these actions, you create a more powerful life for yourself and provide inspiration for others.


MONTHLY AFFIRMATION:

"Love flows abundantly into my life. I am blessed with the love I give and receive with family, friends and all of my relationships"


MONTHLY LIFE TECHNIQUE:

Each day during the month, let’s be aware of all of the little ways we can give the gifts of love to those around us. These may be thoughts of kindness, small gifts, or actions.


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