by Rev. Amari Magdalena
Some may call it give and take, reciprocity. Others may look at it as a balance in exchange. Our dictionary definitions include: when two or more people or nations have equal exchanges of good or services, they are enjoying reciprocity, a situation where each enjoys an equal benefit from the relationship. However the word is defined, in my opinion, it is about the infinity flow of good energy between others. When properly applied, reciprocity enhances all parties involved.
It is not news that many exchanges are viewed through the filter of givers and takers in our monetized society. Yet history has demonstrated that such exchanges always have inherent imbalances and leave feelings of dominance or want. In a time on our planet where the need for love is touted as the highest form of good, imbalances on all levels spell disaster.
In intimate, familial, and friend relationships, severe imbalances lead to breakdown. When that is not the ultimate outcome, unhealthy dependencies can develop, along with, anger, angst, and feelings of deep resentment. Effective relationships cannot tolerate such feelings long.
Many practitioners of spiritual practices and purveyors of alternative healing modalities are asked to do no-cost presentations or donate time and knowledge. Most of us do this gladly as community service. It is part of the "giveaway:" a time honored shamanic tradition. There is no expectation of reciprocity with this charitable work. There may be, however, a hope that the value of the gift is received, as occasion arises in the lives of the recipients, is shared with others who might benefit (either through testimony or recommendation). By doing this, it helps the practitioner support their work.
Another way that the receiver of the gift might reciprocate is to be of help when the practitioner has a need for assistance. I recently heard from someone who has gifted a lot to their community. They found themselves in need of assistance. Calling on a few people who they'd particularly supported, doors were closed with weak excuses as to why they could not come forward. In one case, one of the folks who said they were too busy, was later pictured on social media partying. This exemplifies a broken infinity of reciprocal good.
In tribal times, the healer, diviner, and teacher were all provided for by the tribe as acknowledgement of their contribution to the common good. Their basic life needs were happily provided for. All tribal members received from the greater good and shared from their unique talents. Sadly, most of us have lost that tribal tether and are often islands unto ourselves surviving.
Thus my call out to everyone to begin to look at the infinity flow of good everywhere in your lives. If you are on the receiving end of good, are you conscious of your responsibility to keep the flow going? Are you prepared to sometimes sacrifice your pleasure for helping someone who has helped you, not out of obligation, rather an awareness of balance? Are you wanting to actualize a world that breaks cycles of give and take, so that the need for wars, violence, and separation can subside? Isn't it time we all wake up from the illusion of separation and truly become our brothers and sisters keepers?*
If we are to realize the promised 1,000 years of peace, harmony, love and light on this small planet, I believe it is time. Time to be more conscious about the symbol of infinite flow between ourselves and others.
"Enlightenment is the AWARENESS that ALL is ONE and ONE is ALL. Ignorance is the illusion of separateness." Manprit Kaur
*Cain answered, "I know not, am I my brother's keeper?" Note: Cain's words have come to symbolize people's unwillingness to accept responsibility for the welfare of their fellows, "brothers" in the extended sense of the term."
Some may call it give and take, reciprocity. Others may look at it as a balance in exchange. Our dictionary definitions include: when two or more people or nations have equal exchanges of good or services, they are enjoying reciprocity, a situation where each enjoys an equal benefit from the relationship. However the word is defined, in my opinion, it is about the infinity flow of good energy between others. When properly applied, reciprocity enhances all parties involved.
It is not news that many exchanges are viewed through the filter of givers and takers in our monetized society. Yet history has demonstrated that such exchanges always have inherent imbalances and leave feelings of dominance or want. In a time on our planet where the need for love is touted as the highest form of good, imbalances on all levels spell disaster.
In intimate, familial, and friend relationships, severe imbalances lead to breakdown. When that is not the ultimate outcome, unhealthy dependencies can develop, along with, anger, angst, and feelings of deep resentment. Effective relationships cannot tolerate such feelings long.
Many practitioners of spiritual practices and purveyors of alternative healing modalities are asked to do no-cost presentations or donate time and knowledge. Most of us do this gladly as community service. It is part of the "giveaway:" a time honored shamanic tradition. There is no expectation of reciprocity with this charitable work. There may be, however, a hope that the value of the gift is received, as occasion arises in the lives of the recipients, is shared with others who might benefit (either through testimony or recommendation). By doing this, it helps the practitioner support their work.
Another way that the receiver of the gift might reciprocate is to be of help when the practitioner has a need for assistance. I recently heard from someone who has gifted a lot to their community. They found themselves in need of assistance. Calling on a few people who they'd particularly supported, doors were closed with weak excuses as to why they could not come forward. In one case, one of the folks who said they were too busy, was later pictured on social media partying. This exemplifies a broken infinity of reciprocal good.
In tribal times, the healer, diviner, and teacher were all provided for by the tribe as acknowledgement of their contribution to the common good. Their basic life needs were happily provided for. All tribal members received from the greater good and shared from their unique talents. Sadly, most of us have lost that tribal tether and are often islands unto ourselves surviving.
Thus my call out to everyone to begin to look at the infinity flow of good everywhere in your lives. If you are on the receiving end of good, are you conscious of your responsibility to keep the flow going? Are you prepared to sometimes sacrifice your pleasure for helping someone who has helped you, not out of obligation, rather an awareness of balance? Are you wanting to actualize a world that breaks cycles of give and take, so that the need for wars, violence, and separation can subside? Isn't it time we all wake up from the illusion of separation and truly become our brothers and sisters keepers?*
If we are to realize the promised 1,000 years of peace, harmony, love and light on this small planet, I believe it is time. Time to be more conscious about the symbol of infinite flow between ourselves and others.
"Enlightenment is the AWARENESS that ALL is ONE and ONE is ALL. Ignorance is the illusion of separateness." Manprit Kaur
*Cain answered, "I know not, am I my brother's keeper?" Note: Cain's words have come to symbolize people's unwillingness to accept responsibility for the welfare of their fellows, "brothers" in the extended sense of the term."
I didn't realize that a rainbow infinity sign is now thought of as a symbol of neurodiversity. As there are members of my own family experiencing that, perhaps it was an unconscious choice. In any event, diversity can enter into our balancing, accepting, and reciprocal energy exchanges.
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