Giving and receiving = utopia

The 365 Tao, 103, on Reciprocity (paraphrased):

• Hands grasp, but also give; and can teach us generosity.
• Mouths taste, but also speak; and can teach us to give thanks in word and song.
• Noses breathe, but also smell; and can teach us to learn from our environment.
• Eyes see, but also show; and can teach us to show compassion and sincerity.
• Ears hear, but also balance; and can teach us to remain balanced.

The eyes –some say virtual windows to the soul– of a dedicated person show an inner fortitude and charisma that the eyes of the ordinary do not. Each one of our senses gathers information and also serves as a channel of expression. All parts of ourselves give and receive; functioning on the principle of reciprocity inherent in their very character. Perhaps we can learn from our senses.

Google “tis better to give than to receive” and you’ll find that scientific research backs up the line attributed to Jesus in the book of Acts. However, living the suggestion in a consumer-society requires discipline and faith. As a closet utopian I love to entertain the notion of a society where we all simply do what we love; give away the fruits of our labor, spontaneously, from our hearts; without thought or expectation of return or payment; with the faith that our needs (or even wants) will somehow be met. Yet in my life as a micro business entrepreneur I must constantly put a price on my services. While I do practice heartfelt giving in my art and other areas of my life; I’v previously found it difficult to practice in my business. Some suggest that the “give-away” in business will also find its reciprocal balance.

Yesterday I gave a professional friend some professional service, straight from the heart, without expectations of any kind. Today the gift was reciprocated. Maybe Jesus knew what he was talking about.

Let’s all give work towards utopia without expecting to achieve it. To get started watch this video (be sure to click “watch in high quality” to the lower right, under the video controls).