The gift of giving
“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”
Maya Angelou
One of many things I love about compassion and caring for others is that there is an immense feeling of gratitude, joy and reward.
To practice compassion and connection with others, is to look at life and the people around us, and to say: “I am all in.”
Some of my best childhood memories involve caring for a friend. I remember that my mum was worried because I stayed with her for three days in a row, She had a high temperature and a sore throat. It was a hot summer back then in Germany. The blinds were shut. I sat on the bed next to my friend Michaela holding hands and holding her cup of hot chocolate. My mum was concerned that I would get sick too.
My mother loved to sew. She made costumes for our yearly Carnaval celebration (called Fasnacht in South Germany). She taught me a few tricks on the sewing machine. She was great with altering peoples’ clothes, and one school holiday she helped me to make a two piece costume. We bought really nice fabric. I remember that I had a little bit left over that I gave to someone. My memories involving creating and gifting are so real and evoke deep feelings . I can almost feel and smell them. I can see my friend Michaelas face very clearly in front of me too.
My interest in creating has never died.
I have started making birthday cards. I collect sea glass and create something nice to add to each card. I love shopping for gifts. Christmas is one of those special times in the year where I am feeling good about myself, my life and my family.
I have realised that much of what I do in my work is creative.
It is all about embodiment, healing, making connections not only in body, mind and spirit but also connecting in the community and supporting others. Creativity is the form of expression of our original self. It helps us to stay mindful that whatever we bring to the world is completely original and cannot be compared. It brings so much joy.
I remember telling one of my colleagues that I love the Christmas season. She looked confused. “Really? I thought you wouldn’t like this season. It can be very noisy, externally oriented.”
But I just love giving gifts. To save myself all the hustle I shop between September and November, and by mid December I am pretty happy that I can sit back and don’t have to run to the shops.
I think if we invite more creative practices and play, there will be less overstressed adults. People think that staying in the rat race and having commitments and accomplishments on the list will brings joy and meaning but I think it is the opposite. We need to slow down to be able to speed up at the right time. So let’s cultivate some calm in the silly season, so we can be more compassionate with ourselves and others!
If you are looking for a perfect gift:
Easy and simple steps to buy a gift card at Create Movement. Click on link below.
https://www.createmovement.com.au/gift-voucher
Both sessions are designed to bring body, mind, soul and spirit in balance.
Stillness and Calm.
“Stillness is not about focusing on nothingness; it’s about creating a clearing. It’s opening up an emotionally clutter -free space and allowing ourselves to feel and think and dream and stay curious.