An Avenue of Gratitude
Over the past few months I have been studying, experimenting, and storytelling about the best ways in which to align oneself with the spirit of the gift. A foundational element of gifting is the notion of “valuing the flow” – making sure that anything in excess abundance within your life is being passed on to another community member who needs to use it. In essence it is a mirror reflection of our current value of accumulation.
Making an every-day effort to align myself with gifting – with passing on what is not needed, as well as offering my time for free – has opened my life up to the equally beautiful counterpart of gifting: receiving. Receiving requires that one be open to the return flow; a river only runs freely if all dams are removed. I have noticed that my ability to truly give directly parallels my ability to openly receive. It is interesting to hear that many indigenous cultures only had one word for giving and receiving.
The feeling of gratitude is another aspect of gifting which arises within the receiver as a result of the gift. The true purpose of a gift is to create gratitude – and to ultimately strengthen the bonds and relationships between community members. When we are closed to openly receiving, then we have taken away that opportunity. Instead of saying things like “oh you shouldn’t have” or “I feel bad I didn’t get you anything”, try a nice big THANK YOU!!! (Hugs are always great too 😉
Guess what people who are bursting with gratitude want to do? Generate more of course! I know I can say with certainty that the inspiration I feel when I witness acts of generosity causes me to be even more generous with others. Aligning myself with the gift has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and I want to continue weaving this story with the incredible community on planet Earth.
Lately in my own life, I have been reflecting on my personal negativities toward money. I do believe we can thrive as a species without the use of it, and yet I also recognize that living within the heart of a Western society, certain levels of financial abundance are necessary. I am going to try an experiment to find the best way of overcoming my negative views of money, while at the same time further aligning myself with the gift. After all, if you value the flow, any extra money is really being earned for other people when they need it!
What I love spending my time on is learning, teaching, growing, conversing, planning Evolver events and connections, helping people who need it, sharing in the healing sanctuary at Eden’s Cove, coordinating the Calgary Time Bank, presenting and running workshops on alternative economies and gifting, helping people shift paradigms, facilitating belief re-patterning workshops, and offering one-on-one sessions for finding your gifts and sparking inspiration in your life (Mat Rix Evolution Group). The two things that are currently in opposition are my desire to further align with the gift by gifting my time and support to others and the need to make enough money to pay monthly expenses.
The solution to my conundrum came to me while I was floating not too long ago. In order for me to be open to receiving financial help from others I must personally be open to the receiving, I need to create awareness of my need, and there needs to be a way for people to do so. I have set up a paypal account and can now accept email transfers to my new email account: mat.rix@live.com. If you feel the desire to give to me – if you feel gratitude from some impact in your life – be it from me or another – and you wish to assist my gift, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
In an effort to remain fully transparent and honest, I will be openly sharing what my budget looks like and where my money goes. A thing as beautiful as a gift should never be wasted – it is the stories that are attached to the gifts that create meaning in our lives. If you feel like supporting my story and want to assist me in providing more time to devote to the things I love, know that you have my deepest gratitude, support, and love.
My life has been one full of love and abundance and it is my greatest desire to spread both around as much as possible. Aligning myself to gifting and spending each day doing what I am passionate about are two of my ultimate goals in life. It is my strongest belief that one day each and every human being will be able to live each day doing what they love the most. If you help me create this story, I promise you that you have my full support with your journey to uncover your gifts.
One Love,
Mat Rix
mat.rix@live.com