Give and take

In giving, give all.
In taking, first be empty.

The process of give and take can be a beautiful cycle or a terrible downward spiral. It is one reason I find such deep communion with nature. Nature gives and gives — there’s nothing it holds back, and yet, what we offer in return is what completes and defines that relationship. It seems to me to be the same in all of our relationships.

Of all the things to give, gratitude is what allows us to really empty out everything we have. Gratitude is a pure motive, untampered by desire. Gratitude spurs the contented joy we feel in our bodies — a true “aliveness.” Maybe as it turns out it’s not something we’re looking for after all, but something we offer instead.

Find out more about the print here.