This box of tangerines

Tangerines have arrived.

Winter means tangerines. And along with tangerines come the warm spaces we all remember—whether it’s the cozy warmth of a heater, a warm floor corner, or the snugness of a blanket. These objects and spaces, paired with tangerines in our memories, work a kind of magic: turning the unavoidable chill of winter into warmth and the sting of snow into something thrilling and delightful.

'I know someone who's a Jeju local~'

Most of the tangerine boxes piled up at the market must have come from Jeju. Still, I take my time to pick out the best ones from the display, and when I bring them home and spread them out, I feel a small sense of pride.

But when someone takes the time to select and send a box directly addressed to me, the shine begins from the box itself—it sparkles.

This box of tangerines, flown all the way from Jeju, feels like a Christmas letter from her—someone who always keeps in touch, making her presence felt as though she’s right beside me. She and her daughter, among the many wonderful people I know, embody a quiet strength. Their steady resilience has a grounding effect on me. When I connect with that energy, my restlessness settles, and I feel strongly anchored in my space—wide and expansive, deep and profound.

I take one tangerine out, place a few on the tea table, and close the box for now.

“These are for the party this week—meant to be shared. Don’t eat them!”

The one I hold in my hand feels so smooth that it’s almost a shame to peel it. The cold snap that began yesterday eased slightly today; if I slip two hot water bottles into my clothes, it feels warm to the point of being a bit annoying. The perfectly chilled tangerine, fresh from the box, fills my imagination with the cool sweetness of its flavor.

As I look at it for a moment, the stem in the center looks like a little nose. I draw round eyes and a mouth in my mind, curved into a smile. It almost seems to speak to me.

______~?!

I respond with laughter bubbling up from within.

And in this single tangerine, I rediscover the gratitude I so often forget.

Something changes.

From “Don’t eat this”

To “Just hold off for a bit.”

The most wonderful person in the world,

The most wonderful me,

The most delicious tangerine,

The most lovable everyone,

And all the moments of this world flow together.

I hope I can always recognize the beauty of this specialness.

Not too late—right in the moment, as it happens.

From me,

To the whole world,

Peace be with you!

Merry Christmas!

-Love, Nirvikalpa