Until we can receive with an open heart, we’re never really giving with an open heart.

This quote from Brené Brown’s book “The Gifts of Imperfection” encourages us to examine our relationship with giving and receiving, and to strive for greater openness, compassion, and generosity in both aspects. Brown believes deeply in the importance of genuine connection, and teaches that for true connection to occur, energy must travel in both directions between people. If we have barriers or blocks to receiving — maybe due to fear of vulnerability, or a desire to maintain control — then our ability to give authentically and generously may also be limited. This quote invites us to consider how our capacity to give is intimately connected to our willingness to receive.