Allowing Receptivity

As I was pondering the topic “Allowing Receptivity,” I realized I didn’t have a clear set of words to describe it.   I believe I have a deep internal sense of what “Allowing Receptivity” means.  And, because Rodney didn’t really define this term, I thought maybe I should just check the actual meaning.   So I turned to Webster – Merriam-Webster that is. 

But -

Do you remember when we were kids, we were always taught that you can’t define a word with the word.  Well, that is exactly what happened.  Receptivity is the ability to be receptive!  Thanks.
Since that didn’t help very much, I looked some more and found this:  receptive is “willing or able to accept new suggestions or ideas.”  And by new, I’m guessing they just mean different than the idea or thought that you might be carrying around with you. 

And you can change out the word “accept” with words like “listen” or “consider.” Rodney uses the term “allowing.”  I think he is spot on.  Because we can be receptive – to a point.  We can begin and then stop.  But if we allow then we get to go deeper.

But receptivity is more than just a couple of words.  To me there’s a feeling associated with the sense of being receptive.  There’s an openness, a lightness, and a sense of curiosity.  And, there’s a sense of letting it in.  Whatever it is, you are allowing this new idea into your being, into your thoughts, into your body with a welcoming heart.  No judgements, no rejection.

In our bodies, we can use our breath to facilitate receptivity.  We breath in to create an opening in the chest, we exhale and allow a softening.  We breath in and receive the breath, we exhale and receive the stretch associated with the softening.  In our minds we can be open.  When we rest our minds in meditation, it creates space that allows attention to roam and new ideas to arrive.  By being receptive to ideas, suggestions and the like, we can try them on for size.

Allowing doesn’t mean that you’ve made a decision.  That this new idea is permanent in your world.  Nope.  You’re just trying it on.  How does it feel?  You get to explore this new concept.  And once you decide that this new idea is acceptable, or worthwhile, then you make the decision that it truly becomes part of your life.  Or maybe we should look at it from a different perspective.  Because I now see that this new idea is more acceptable, I can let go of this old thought or belief.

Allowing Receptivity opens us up. It moves us forward.  Being receptive opens muscles to relieve tension, opens our hearts to welcome in love and inspiration, and opens our minds to new ideas.  It helps us live life in a more full, loving and meaningful way.

I’ll see you on the mat to practice “Allowing Receptivity.”

Blessings to you,
 
Vicki