Perfect Poise, Perfect Life
Bring your body into balance and revolutionise your life
By Noel Kingsley
Publisher Hodder Mobius
AVAILABLE HERE
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Giving of presents
A friend told me yesterday that he had just bought a present for his brother and wife for Christmas, getting ahead of the rush and knowing what he wanted to give them, when he received an email from him, saying “Isn’t it about time we stopped giving presents for Christmas and Birthdays?” He suggested that they only do so on a special birthday that has a zero in it. Hmm. So what was he going to do with the present he had bought them? Enjoy it himself? Great!
Apparently they have only ever given presents to their immediate family so by stopping, presents would become a thing of the past. No more mystery packages, no anticipation or wonderment at what may be inside, no more sense that someone wanted to give them a surprise, and no more wrapping paper and string lying around to tidy up later. He was a bit miffed.
Also, they would be denied the pleasure of giving. It may not be a pleasure if there’s no thought, seen as a duty and being short of time or inclination, then certainly it could be discontinued without loss. But giving can be as much fun as receiving if we put some thought and energy into it. For myself, I’ve always enjoyed exchanging presents; indeed, looking forward to giving and receiving a gift at Christmas or a birthday helps to make the occasion what it is. My friend said he’s going to give his presents anyway!
Christmas may now be a commercial event and its true meaning mostly lost. But despite this, it is still a time when we can participate in simple pleasures and enjoy giving and receiving with our loved ones. We can put smiles on faces. Am I being simplistic and overly romantic? Maybe. But what is life about if it’s not to be healthy and happy? Let’s keep on giving.
Cheers.
