Give the Gift of Receiving:
A Yoga-Inspired Take on Holiday Harmony
Fa La La, Ho Ho Ho, Season’s Greetings, and Let’s Go Shopping! The holiday season is here, with its glittering lights and endless to-do lists. Gifts to buy, meals to prepare, and a growing calendar of commitments—this swirl of activity feels like the rite of passage into the “holiday spirit,” doesn’t it? If you’re like me, you might even revel in the chaos (at first). But let’s pause and ask ourselves: Does it really have to be this way?
For many of us, especially women, the holidays can feel like a self-imposed performance of cheer, where we juggle a million things to create “the magic.” And truthfully? We’re often the ones tying the metaphorical hero’s cape around our own necks—so tight we forget to breathe. Somewhere between decking the halls and making everyone happy, we’ve convinced ourselves that only we can get things done right. Sound familiar? It’s no wonder the season meant for joy can sometimes feel more like a sprint toward burnout.
The Art of Receiving: A Yogic Perspective
The holiday season’s underlying message is giving—to loved ones, strangers, and the world. However, in the cycle of giving, one part often goes overlooked: receiving. In yoga philosophy, balance is everything. The breath itself teaches us this: every inhale requires an exhale, and every giving requires a receiving. It’s a dance of energies, or as we call it in yoga, prana—life force. Without balance, we falter.
We disrupt this natural flow when we try to do it all without allowing others to help. By refusing to receive, we deplete ourselves and deny someone else the joy of giving. Consider this: for every giver, there must be a receiver. If we pride ourselves on giving to others, why do we hesitate to let others do the same for us?
Why Is It So Hard to Receive?
Culturally, many of us are raised to equate receiving with weakness. We’re taught to be independent, to carry the load without complaint. And yes, past disappointments—unskilled coworkers or unreliable acquaintances—can reinforce the belief that it’s “easier” just to do things ourselves.
But this self-sufficient narrative is incomplete. Yoga philosophy reminds us that true strength comes not from independence but from interdependence. The Bhagavad Gita, one of yoga’s foundational texts, speaks to the importance of karma yoga, the yoga of action. But it also emphasizes detachment—letting go of the idea that everything rests solely on our shoulders. When we receive, we’re practicing santosha (contentment), trusting that the universe and our community support us.
Receiving Is a Gift, Too
When we allow ourselves to receive, we create space for others to step into their higher selves. Think about how good it feels when you give someone a gift or lend a helping hand. That warm glow? It’s no accident. It’s seva—selfless service—a practice deeply rooted in yoga. By giving, we align with our deeper purpose, our connection to something greater than ourselves.
The same is true for the people around us. By letting them help, we’re not being a burden; we’re offering them a chance to experience that same joy. Whether it’s delegating holiday tasks to family, letting a friend bake the cookies this year, or graciously accepting a thoughtful gesture, receiving is as much an act of love as giving.
Practical Tips for Practicing Receiving
- Shift Your Perspective: Instead of seeing help as a sign of weakness, view it as a way to build stronger connections. Yoga reminds us that we are all one; by receiving, you’re reinforcing that unity.
- Start Small: Accept compliments without deflecting. Let someone hold the door open. These small acts of receiving can build your comfort in accepting larger forms of help.
- Set Intentions: In our yoga practice, we often begin practice with a clear intention. This holiday season set the intention to receive graciously. Use a mantra like “I am worthy of support” or “I accept help with gratitude and joy.”
- Communicate Clearly: If you need support, ask for it. Be honest with your loved ones about what you can and can’t handle. You might be surprised by their eagerness to step in.
- Practice Restorative Yoga: Restorative poses like Child’s Pose (Balasana) or Supported Bridge (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana) embody the spirit of receiving. As you relax into the pose, imagine yourself opening to support—whether from the earth, the universe, or those around you.
Give Yourself the Gift of Balance
The holiday season is an opportunity to embrace the yoga of life—balancing action with surrender, giving with receiving, and joy with peace. Let’s take off the capes we’ve wrapped too tightly around our necks. Instead, let’s wrap ourselves in the knowledge that it’s okay to lean on others, to trust the people who love us, and to remember that we’re all connected.
So, this year, give yourself permission to pause. To breathe. To receive. By doing so, you’ll not only find more peace within yourself but also inspire those around you to do the same.
Happy Holidays, Season’s Greetings, and much love to you and yours. May you find balance, joy, and the courage to embrace the gift of receiving.
Jai Bhagwan,
Kristine