Stress less with this conscious Christmas gift guide
Things, things things, the more we have, the more we want! With modern life presenting an abundance of opportunity for exploration into worlds completely novel to us, like new media, or our newfound technological environment, that can facilitate so much promise in many areas, this rapid progression of society has also brought about a perceived obsession with materialism.
We have all we could want, so we become entrapped in a cascade of short-term dopamine hits that keep our surface level satisfied and content. Our lizard brain, or deepest chasms of our psyche, found in the brainstem and cerebellum - which are concerned with purely surviving, is being clouded with comfort, frequent, attention derived desire, and a crisis of existentialism.
LearN about this yogic concept : Ah - parry - gra - ha:
A yogic and vedic underpinning of philosophical thought and part of a blueprint to a life of less resistance - this is the concept of non-possessiveness, non-attachment, and the capacity to be aware of the issues that stem from the acquisition and preservation of things.
The most precious and promising layers of our being are being engulfed by the relentless protrusion of our egos, as we seek social solace and a comfort around others - our own human race - that never existed in the first place.
The concept of materialism revolves around a necessity to fill a void of lack, with things, designer clothes, cars, fancy shoes, glittering watches, that do not serve any value to our true vessel, the spirit that we enter this world in and depart within.
This body is clothless upon its entrance and exit from the world, but one thing is always there. And it’s the most important by a mile.
The set of values and principles you uphold, the way you conduct yourself and interact within this crazy, beautiful world, and the depth in which you immerse into genuine social interaction and relationships is what truly matters.
You see, what we own, ends up owning us, thanks to the addictive potential of dopamine stimulation and social gratification, as our ego bolsters, but our true self becomes hindered in the process.
If others cannot see past the clothes you wear, or the cars you drive, to your true you, then they are navigating through a dimly lit road.
Because, in essence, when you are fixated, and your entire energetic existence is pinned onto the outer layer of yourself, and how these cultural associations define you around others, as to fit in then you have no remaining energy to go within and explore what it is really like to be human!
So, this Christmas, stop buying things no one need and swap ‘presents’ for the gift of present moment
Who needs another perfume or candle nowadays? Present moment is the best gift we could ask for.
If you’re stuck, here are some gift ideas to help the mind of your loved ones to be here and now in what we call the present moment.
Gift Idea 1, The Ultimate Conscious Gift:
Offer a wellbeing retreat experience, this is the ultimate treat to your loved one.
Offer your partner the opportunity to reconnect with themselves or travel together so that you can find yourself again as a couple and reconnect with your loved one. My retreat in Puglia “Yoga ad Farninente” is a great option for that. You will relax, recharge and up your yoga practice.
I have two rooms left only, see details here
GIFT IDEA 2, THE beginner YOGA GIFT:
We all know someone who should try yoga but its hard to drag them in class… They somehow always have something else to do! Many want to get started with yoga but are too intimidated to take group classes. This is why I created my beginner yoga program. The objective of the program is for users to feel confident rocking to group classes having learned the fundamentals.
Its a 4 weeks program with videos, ebook, quizzes and a private consultation with me.
My course is currently discounted to £75 only during the holidays which is less than a single private class. Of course you will get way more than one hour of private class in this course and you will keep access to the content for a full year. See the details here and grab the deal.
GIFT IDEA 3, the yoga studio pass:
And if you’re really struggling for last minute tokens of appreciation for your nearest and dearest, there doesn’t come any simpler than the TriYoga gift card, as you spread the benefits that yoga can provide and really impact the lives of those you love this Christmas.
Triyoga offers yoga, pilates and barre classes across Camden, Chelsea, Shoreditch, Ealing, Kensal Rise and Online. They also offer a full range of treatments for the ultimate self care package!
Find many gift card options, pick and choose your price to practice anywhere. Find it here
GIFT IDEA 4, private yoga and meditation:
Traditionally yoga was taught on a one to one basis which is the most efficient way to learn and practice. If you want to offer private tuition in yoga or meditation, send me a message with the location for a quote. My hourly rate is £120 for drop in session in west London but I also offer class packs of 5 or 10 classes which I will price upon confirmation of the location. I can also refer other experienced teachers in your area if you are in London but out of my reach.
Approaching the final musings of this blog, I just want to leave you amazing people with this, and the ideology that keeps the practice of Aparigraha so deeply etched in the conscious minds of yogis and yoginis throughout the world.
If you really want inner peace and a sense of self-success in this wonderful life, dampen the obsession with material objects, and chase genuine experiences that can produce powerful, healing memories that stay with you forever, and reignite that lust for life that makes it all worthwhile.
With love, Sarah x