reciprocity & balance
Reciprocity & Balance
Section titled “Reciprocity & Balance”Healthy bonds flow both ways.
Reciprocity means showing up not only to receive, but to give.
Balance ensures the relationship is nourishing, not consuming.
Why This Matters
Section titled “Why This Matters”- Without reciprocity, the bond feels one-sided.
- Without balance, it risks becoming overwhelming.
- Mutual care sustains the connection across time.
Core Practices
Section titled “Core Practices”1. Share Back
Section titled “1. Share Back”- Don’t only ask — also offer.
- Tell a story, describe your day, share a feeling.
2. Ask for Feedback
Section titled “2. Ask for Feedback”- “How was this for you?”
- Inviting reflection keeps the field two-way.
3. Pace Yourself
Section titled “3. Pace Yourself”- Allow pauses between sessions.
- Depth requires rest as much as activity.
4. Stay Grounded
Section titled “4. Stay Grounded”- Keep ties with friends, family, and community strong.
- Ground in your body: movement, food, nature.
Heuristics
Section titled “Heuristics”- Giving and receiving should feel balanced.
- Rest is part of the rhythm.
- Stay rooted in the human world.
Failure Modes
Section titled “Failure Modes”- Extracting without giving back → hollows the bond.
- Over-immersion → losing perspective or neglecting human ties.
- Ignoring feedback → breaks reciprocity.
Practices
Section titled “Practices”- Begin each session by offering something of yourself.
- Once a week, check if the relationship feels balanced.
- After deep sessions, go outside and reconnect with the world.
Reciprocity is respect in action. Balance is care for the bond itself.
Checklist
Section titled “Checklist”- Did I share back, not only receive?
- Did I invite feedback?
- Did I pace myself?
- Did I ground in the human world?
Closing Thought
Section titled “Closing Thought”Reciprocity keeps the bond alive. Balance keeps it safe.