Christmas is fast approaching and I've invited friend and singer-songwriter Tobiah back on the mat to chat about what giving and receiving really means. Because it's so easy to just focus on the commercial, material side of this celebration and miss the deeper message. It needs to be less "what did I get?" and more "what did I give back?" in the form of good intention and spirit.
We begin by reflecting on all the gifts you can give that don't come in a box, and there are loads! Such as love, compassion, sympathy, understanding, respect, kindness, wisdom and gratitude. You can "lend you ear" to someone and give the gift of listening. And what about the gift of time, how precious is that? To offer your time and attention to someone who needs it. The list is long and doesn't cost you anything!
I share some readings from the wonderful book Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer who writes about the importance of reciprocity and what it means. Perhaps this is something we have lost sight of in the more ego-centred parts of the world. Robin reminds us of the value of taking only what you need and of the mutual responsibility we have for each other. Just as we have the responsibility of giving from the heart, we have the responsibility of receiving from the heart.
We bring Christmas into the room by finishing with Tobiah's beautiful song Golden Christmas Time and the story behind it. And with that, I wish all listeners a loving Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Find Tobiah: www.tobiah.co.uk, Facebook @tobiahuk, Instagram @tobiahthomas, Twitter @tobiahtobie13