Amanda Owen is a consultant-coach in the areas of spirituality, empowerment, and self-improvement, and has created the transformative "Receive and Manifest" seminars and workshops. Her research over the past 20 years into the nature of receptivity and its link to manifestation, along with her studies in quantum theory and Buddhism, led her to develop a system that helps people manifest the lives they want by developing their capacity to receive them.
One of the most surprising appearances in this book is the evangelical Christian preacher Billy Graham who says: "God gave us two hands, one to receive with and the other to give with." The problem with many of us is that we find it much easier to give than to receive. We still cling to the myths of independence and certainly don't want to be beholden to anyone. Yet as Buddhist spiritual teachers have pointed out, we are dependent on a gigantic network of people whose services help us function and keep going every day.
Owen maintains that receiving is a skill that can be learned, developed, and strengthened. In her research, she has found that people who are physically exhausted, emotionally unappreciated, and spiritually depleted are often unable to acknowledge a compliment, a helping hand, or an apology. The author affirms receptivity as "a willingness or readiness to receive impressions or ideas." Information is flowing into our consciousness all the time from our feelings, other people, and the environment. The challenge for the receiver is to be open to this information and what it is doing to us and for us.
"Don't turn away from what life wants to give to you," writes Owen. She suggests three steps to take on the path of receiving:
1. Accept all compliments,
2. Count your blessings, and
3. Be spiritually naked (self-revealing).
The rest of the book consists of exercises and practices to enable you to manifest the life of your dreams including commiting to a complaint fast, creating a monster celebration, and making the most out of your senses.
