I sent someone a book and I received this note of appreciation: “Thank you very much for your kindness and for the opportunity to practice receiving.”

It’s a curious phrase that has stuck with me. We often talk of generosity and of gratitude. But this specific concept — to practice receiving — is a natural element within a culture of giving. As much as we like to be generous, we can be clumsy when it comes to accepting generosity.

Here’s to giving selflessly and to receiving graciously. Practice both.