it’s kept pristinely in its box. What is the value in housing
a mini-warehouse of items waiting to see if they are one
day going to resell for several times its original purchase
price? Tardis replicas take up space, even if they “are
bigger on the inside”; the more we have, the more we
become weighed down. Think about it, the first thought
is probably in defense of feeling any impact from the
collection of stuff around us, because on the surface, it’s
out of the way on the shelf in the closet. As we take time
to consider that it sits there, taking up physical space, and
will eventually have to be moved, either to make space
for something else that isn’t being used on a regular basis,
or to vacate the premises in the event a larger house is in
order. Add to that the boxes in the garage never unpacked,
or storage containers of childhood memories; these items,
you realize in actuality, those forgotten items buried deep
do indeed carry energetic baggage both physical and
emotional. Understanding what this means ultimately
leads to more mindful giving as consideration for our
own possessions increases.
Mindful giving not only augments the emotion behind
the act of giving, but in the gift itself. Many items chosen
aren’t in alignment with the recipient’s taste or preference.
Clothes and toiletries items given in our younger years
help to mold our tastes for the future, but as we mature,
we know what we like and don’t. When choosing a gift
for your brother, or your best friend, keep in mind the
idea they should welcome the item into their world as an
enhancement, rather than a burden to hang onto until
it’s ok to donate or give it away. A gift should uplift and
add to their life, rather than bring feelings of guilt over
thermal bedroom slippers received when they live in
Florida where no one even wears socks, yet they’re kept
for an indefinite amount of time so as not to cause hurt
feelings.
Avoiding this emotional tipping of the scales begins
with an honest and appreciative approach towards gift
buying. Align gift purchases with supporting local talent,
or encourage handmade items that are more thoughtful
and will inspire for years to come. Share vocally that
Kahlua flavored ground coffee and blank journals are
items endeavored to receive if crafting isn’t a specialty. The
giver then gets to pick the flavor, or the aesthetic cover to
fulfill the personal touch and the gift is a success on both
ends resulting in a positive connection between friends.
The impact upon the environment is kept to a minimum
with fewer fuel shipping miles or wasted resources.
On the other hand, we have been so ingrained into thinking
that the availability of inexpensively mass-produced
toys of the year, disposable cleaning equipment, and the
throw-away mentality that is attached to decorative party
plates, plasticware and coordinating paper napkins makes
continued on pg. 47
DECEMBER 2018
|
WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE |
33