The work of Receiving

Someone described to me today their goals for 2012, and I began to think differently about "receiving."
When I think of work I think of producing, creating, fixing - energy out type of activities.
But I began to think of receiving as work. Do we passively receive, or do we work at it? Are we actively working the muscles of our hands and heart to open? Are we actively working to create a holding space for all that we could receive?
If someone throws something at you but you refuse to lift up your arms or wrap your hands around...how much can you possibly receive?

Today I will be aware of my receiving, and I will work harder at receiving.