The gift of receiving...

Joy is the happiness that doesn’t depend on what happens. – Br. David Steindl-Rast

Notwithstanding my limited resources as a member of the shorter end of the 99%, I nonetheless find joy in giving what and when I can. That said, I have found that if I want others to enjoy giving as much as I do, then I have to take my turn receiving, too. The Universe is reciprocal: the unfolding and enfolding of infinite potential into possibility.

In the end, it’s not so important who gives and who receives. What matters is cultivating the openhandedness that takes us beyond clinging to our separation and into an awareness that all is given and received...Reciprocity is a dance like life itself. – Melina Bondy, “The Dance of Reciprocity,” in Tricycle, Winter 2019, and re-published online, 2.27.2022.

Everything we touch becomes a jewel for our enjoyment. We do not have to possess them, because every jewel is available for our delight. Everyone and everything here is a jewel. – Thich Nhat Hanh