As I was wrapping Christmas gifts, I noticed that the process of wrapping and unwrapping gifts holds many parallels to living a conscious life. AND that a life of presence is also a life of presents.
A few observations on wrapping:
Some wrap their gift with great care; some don’t. Some take great joy in making their gift look appealing from the outside; some don’t. Some can make old newspaper look enticing; some can mess up even gorgeous paper. Some add finishing touches with fine details; others are satisfied with the grand gesture. Some playfully try to disguise what is inside by placing the gift in bigger or odd-shaped packages before wrapping; others put everything in the standard-sized box. Some choose wrappings that are perfect for the receiver; others use whatever they can find in the house. Some take great joy in wrapping their own gifts; some find others who will wrap for them and still others give their gifts to volunteers whose wrapping serves charities.
As for unwrapping:
Some rip into the wrapping with great zeal, often not even seeing the careful wrapping; others methodically break the tape without damaging the paper and slowly remove the wrapping in one piece. Some try to guess what is inside before unwrapping; others are happier to be surprised. Some hold expectations for what is behind the wrapping, often disappointed with what eventually appears; others approach the gift with curiosity and a sense of discovery. And some children play with the tape and paper; oblivious to the gift that is wrapped inside—much to the consternation of adults who wrapped the gifts.
Whatever your approach to the many gifts of the season, being present enough to notice the care with which gifts are wrapped, given, received, and unwrapped can remind all of us to be open to the many gifts in our lives. AND have fun wrapping and unwrapping your own presents (presence?).
Merry Christmas
