Part 4 …. Giving and Creativity
When we have to give a present, most of us make a trip to the stores to buy it. But to make it an extra especial gift, try giving one which you have created. Use your talents and imagination to come up with an exclusive ‘made especially for the other’ gift. When we give such a gift, we are not simply giving a ‘thing’, but we are giving a part of ourselves with it too. The bond created in this instance will be stronger than super glue! The receiver can feel the love you have put into the gift. In return, automatically she / he loves you back! Is it any wonder then that, with this love going back and forth between the giver and the receiver, their relationship grows to the next higher level?!
If you paint, make a little personal painting on a theme the receiver would like, and watch the joy it gives him when he receives it. If you are good at poetry and words, try writing a poem or story for the other. On the wedding of his daughter Anmol, my brother in law Nandlal sang a farewell (bidai) song with his own lyrics for his daughter based on the song ‘yeh kagaz ki khasti’ while scenes of her childhood and teens played on the wall screen. This special present remains imprinted in Anmol’s memory, as the sweetest gift ever!
Similarly, my sons and daughter in law celebrated my husbands and my birthdays with our extended family and friends by giving a surprise party during which they made a video presentation of our lives featuring our childhood, the day we got married, had children, grew professionally and all other milestones that marked the years. Words cannot express our joy and gratitude at this lovely, unexpected gift. It occupies a very special place in our hearts!
Giving can also take the form of helping out with the shopping of an elderly / invalid neighbor or friend. When Saira (name changed) underwent a detached retina operation, her neighbours not only did the shopping for her, but one of them came weekly to her house to clean and tidy it as well. Although theirs was not a tangible gift, they showed they cared for Saira and her comfort by giving up their time.
Then of course who does not like the home made cakes, biscuits, pickles and sweets we receive from family, friends and neighbours? And since it is a tradition in most cultures to never return a plate or container empty, we give back in kind for these delicious items. In this way, as the articles are being exchanged, love too is being exchanged. This is called ‘engaging with each other’. The relationship soon evolves from just gift giving to caring for each other.
Next week: The Art of Receiving
Kamal Tolia