“Through openness and receptivity on the part of human consciousness, spirit is allow to infuse our lives, to give them meaning and direction.” – Marianne Williamson
What is Receptivity and why is it good for us?
Receptivity is a state of mind and consciousness. When we are receptive we are open, aware, awake and actively receiving what life has to offer us. We are in flow, we are in balance. We are both open and focused, surrendered and engaged.
Without receptivity, we often feel stuck and frustrated or even hopeless, anxious or overwhelmed. We tend to align ourselves with lack – the idea that there isn’t enough, there isn’t a way, not enough time, not enough money, not enough of whatever it is you think you need. “No” seems to be a very familiar word in both inner and outer dialogue and it’s easy to get caught up in trying to force things in order to feel “ok”.
Being receptive moves us out of this closed state of rigid, tunnel vision and into a state of openness, possibility and allowing. Connecting with receptivity allows us to receive what we (really) need without forcing or controlling an outcome or situation. It gives us the opportunity to experience reality on a deeper level , to shift perspective and to see the bigger picture. Being receptive affords us a break from the struggle of pushing to make something happen and offers the chance to gain some positive energy and insight. When we are in receptivity, we align ourselves with abundance rather than lack. Receptivity helps to restore balance – it isn’t just being open, it is also being focused and aware in the moment.
When we are receptive with others we are not only receiving (information, emotions, connection, love) we are also giving by allowing the other the opportunity to give. Being receptive in an exchange means that we recognize one another and acknowledge one-another, we connect. This improves our communication and deepens our relationships.
Try these 9 roads to receptivity and see what they have to offer you:
#1 – Be still and listen. First step to receptivity – silence all of that noise! The noise of thoughts, to-do lists, worries, plans. How can anything come in if your mind is full to overflowing? How can you hear if you are talking? How can you understand if you are not listening? Be still. Listen actively. Really commit to this moment and seek within it. Let go of distractions of future and past. What do you hear?
#2 – Let go of expectations. Expectations often get in the way of what’s happening here and now because we’re so focused on an end goal. Although it’s nice to have dreams and desires, it’s important to let go of the reigns every now and then and see what surprises lie in store. If we’re dead set on a certain outcome, we are narrowing our window of opportunity. When we let go of the struggle for an end result, we create a receptive space for creativity and possibility! Click here for tips on how to let go of your expectations.
#3 – Recognize abundance. In order to be receptive we must recognize that there is something to receive. The more we are aware of abundance and align with it, the more there is for us to receive. When we are focused on lack, our possibilities seem limited. As a result, we tend to squander and hold on. When we focus on abundance, we recognize the unlimited potential of the future and we allow for that abundance to come to us. Being grateful further amplifies your awareness of the abundance available to you. Try it!
#4 – Notice your “NO”s. If you find yourself saying “no” an awful lot, whether it’s to others or your own ideas, consider “Maybe”. Anytime you find yourself automatically saying “no” take an extra moment to notice this and reconsider. Sometimes, we get into the habit of shutting down possibilities before we’ve fully considered them. What would happen if you took more time to consider a suggestion or idea? The answer doesn’t always need to be “yes”, but if you’ve gotten into the habit of locking the door before asking who’s there, take a minute to look through the peep hole and you might just want to open the door.
#5 – Allow for possibility. Get yourself into a headspace of great imagining. Open your mind to creative thoughts and ideas. Be willing to see things differently and allow for infinite possibilities. If you aren’t considering the possibility of new and different possibilities then you’re shutting the door to them. Be curious! The possibilities are endless. Dwelling in possibility makes you even more receptive to additional possibilities! (that’s a lot of possibility!)
#6 – Be mindful.
Pay attention! Be fully present in this moment. Let go of any distractions of past or future. Concentrate only on the here and now. What is here? What does this moment have to offer? Being mindful of the world around you and the space within you will instantly make you more receptive. Click here for 8 simple steps to be more present.
#7 – Be open. Open your mind. Open your heart. Check in with yourself. Is there anywhere that you feel closed off – physically, mentally, or emotionally? Consciously open those places. Openness is essential for receptivity. Receiving is not the same thing as taking. Receptivity is passive. We must open our hands to be given a gift, we must open our minds to be given wisdom and we must open our hearts to be given love. Open yourself up and allow yourself to be receptive.
#8 – Expand. Expansion is a shift in perspective. Sometimes we have trouble seeing and remembering how unique we are, how vast the universe is, how incredible life is. When this happens, we tend to shrink. We feel smaller, less powerful, less connected to others, sometimes even cut off from the world or blocked from emotions like joy, inspiration and glee. We forget our awesomeness. Expand your awareness to include more than just what you see now. Connect with your energy, your emotions, that which you don’t see with your eyes and the spaces between. Envision yourself as more than your physical body, expand your consciousness beyond the limits of your physical form. Recognize your interconnectedness with all things, with all beings on the planet. Pull out of your immediate thoughts to see the bigger picture, the greater, deeper truth of your soul. See as far as you can and as all-encompassing as you can possibly imagine. From this place of expansion, you are even more aware, even more connected and fully receptive to it all.
#9 – Connect. Receptivity is a form of connection. When we’re receptive to the world around us, we are connected to it. We’re dialed in. We’re living here and now, in this moment, in flow and ease. When we connect deeply with others and truly see them, we are more receptive to them and are more likely to recognize what they have to offer without judging it. When we connect with our Authentic Selves, we are more receptive to our own inner wisdom. We are guided by our internal intelligence, the one that makes the choices that are best for us, not based on reactions or fear. When we connect with our greater purpose, we receive the gifts of expanded awareness, joy, freedom, courage, inspiration, passion, balance and alignment. Do what you can to really connect – with yourself, with others, with the world around you, with love. Plug in and receive the charge.
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