Lately, my meditations have focused on the art of receiving.

Looking back at my life, I can see that receiving has been uncomfortable, sticky at best. I've closed off to compliments, denied gifts, and shut down when I could have expanded.

I think a lot of us do this on different levels. Often, we unconsciously worry that it will create an obligation, that we will owe the other person something. We can believe that we are undeserving of the praise. We can shy away from attention because we're used to hiding.

I was reminded of a moment years ago, when I was part of a speaking event. I was happy to be "on stage," speaking about what I knew. That was the easy part. Later on, I was collecting materials and shrinking down so that I didn't get in anyone's way. A friend shouted out to me, "Jennifer, take up space!" and something clicked. I realised that I was afraid to take up space at the expense of another. The reality is that there is plenty for each of us. I didn't want to be intrusive,...