The Puzzle of Packing: Finding Mindfulness in Unexpected Moments

The other day I was packing an order to go to Perth. During my daughter's nap. So I had to do everything silently, and on the only free surface available - a small part of the kitchen bench.

All of a sudden, everything slowed down. Time stretched out as I purposefully cut specific lengths of butcher paper to scrunch in predetermined scrunch types based on which parts of which puzzles needed to be cushioned in exactly the right way.

Before I knew it, the box was snugly packed, labelled and ready to go. It struck me how peaceful I felt - like those few minutes were a little pocket of time outside everything else.

Like I'd just solved a little puzzle of my own.

The Joy of Thoughtful Preparation

The customer had ordered 5 different puzzles, which meant free express shipping – and as I packed this order, I couldn't help picturing the moment they'd be opened on the other side of the country.

That's the thing about wooden puzzles and brain teasers – they invite us to slow down, to be present, to find satisfaction in the process rather than just the solution. And sometimes, that mindfulness shows up in the most unexpected places.

Even in packing a box during naptime.