Overcoming Christmas Consumerism: Guidelines for Giving

The spirit of holiday gift giving is a beautiful notion, but remember: gifts from the heart are always more cherished than neatly shrink-wrapped baskets of scented soaps. Consider making presents for your friends and family this year - it's less expensive, less stressful and more meaningful.

Write personalized poems, short stories or thoughtful letters. Create miniature watercolors or drawings. Make candles, magnets or bookmarks. Not artistic? Make a mixed CD, bake bread, pot a plant. Stretch your imagination and boycott argyle socks, overpowering perfumes and processed fruitcakes this year.

Another great way to give is by volunteering in your community! Check out Volunteer Match for opportunities in your city.

Yoga Freedom. Health. Abundance. Freedom. (c) 2004. All rights reserved worldwide.

Holiday Eating: Take Mindful Mouthfuls

Somehow, it’s late November already and the holiday season is upon us. For many of us, this means a solid month of parties and gatherings, all accompanied by mounds of delicious, albeit usually unhealthy, hors d’oerves, cakes, cookies, cocktails and the like. This is the perfect time to employ the practice of mindful eating.

Mindfulness is a Buddhist concept that simply means paying attention. Bringing consciousness and presence to whatever you are doing in the present moment. Easy to understand, challenging to apply. But as with everything, practicing mindfulness integrates mindfulness into your daily life, and eventually it becomes second nature. So when you notice yourself eating that extra cookie or pouring a superfluous mug of egg nog, simply bring your awareness inward. Are you really hungry? Do you really want that cheesecake? Are you eating out of boredom? For comfort? Just because it’s there? Don’t overanalyze, but do notice your consumption habits.

When you do choose to eat, here are some tips for increasing mindfulness:
- Pause for a moment before each meal, whether you’re eating alone or with others, to express gratitude for the food you are about to eat
- Take small bites
- Chew excruciatingly slowly
- Notice the unique tastes, smells, textures and other elements of everything you eat
- Eat small amounts frequently throughout the day rather than three large meals

With a little mindfulness, holiday treats become yummier than ever – and you can avoid gaining seasonal inches around the waist.

Yoga Freedom. Health. Abundance. Freedom. (c) 2004. All rights reserved worldwide.