12/23/2025
I promised more reflections around my personal advent calendar. Some are to be cherished and nurtured in private, hence the delay, but here is a big lesson for me that I can share.
✨Giving & Receiving ✨
Gifts are my love language. Always have been. I love collecting “data” on what is needed and desired amongst my loved ones and surprising them with a gift when they least expect it.
However, I was never good at receiving. Despite gifting being such an important part of my relationships, i never felt comfortable opening & receiving gifts myself.
The first time I received a gift from my boyfriend at the time, I hid in the bathroom as I couldn’t bear to be seen opening a gift box.
My first Christmas in Canada was a huge deal with days of gift exchanges, get-togethers and celebrations. I couldn’t enjoy any of it. I was obsessively rehearsing my reactions to receiving gifts. Believe it or not, I was making sure everyone felt my gratitude, but I myself couldn’t allow the thought, the love or care behind the gift to land in my heart.
Perhaps, secretly I believed this was my super power. Wishing for nothing. Ha.
Years ago, I was doing one of the trainings with my teacher Rod Stryker. The message that came through was “in order to transcend a desire, you have to have a desire.”
It became obvious that I had skipped half of the journey. 🤭 gotta love yoga.
So there I was, sheepishly navigating the energy of the second chakra, what do I want? What do I want? Why do I dismiss it?
The thought of denial of the fulfillment of my deep, cherished desires was debilitating. I couldn’t even imagine it.
It took a long time, slowly giving voice to those whispers that wanted, that were excited by things, situations and experiences for no reason other than just because…
The recent closing of the teachers training, Mulaversary and Xmas holidays reminded me of how far I’ve come.
I receive with an open heart now.
I cherish the thoughts, the effort, the love and care behind each card, gift or a hug.
The energy flows in both directions. Being able to receive freely, made me a better giver as well.
Be present. Be open. Root yourself in love. After all, it’s all about connection.
❤️🙏