In the fall I saw an adult education class titled “The Mindfulness Side of Meditation”. The description read that the course teaches mindfulness based practices that will reduce stress, develop a calm relaxed attitude and a sense of well being intentionally bringing awareness to your daily experiences.  I AM IN!! It went on to say that Mindfulness is “the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose in the present moment, non-judgementally to the unfolding of experience moment by moment” (Jon Kabat-Zinn). It said that Mindfulness is an excellent practice for teahers and parents to practice and it helps to develop a sense of calmness and awareness and focus in children. I thought, perhaps this would be good me to practice and bring some of this to my mother since we are now the parent to her and it might help with her anxiety. I have to say, it has helped me and I plan on taking another class in the spring.

The biggest thing I got out of this so far is the meditaion. I have been able to focus my thoughts and stay a bit more calm, breathing and allowing space for emotion. Recognizing what you are feeling is such a good feeling . I am learning to accept how I feel in that moment without judging it or needing to change it.  It teaches us to understand that you can’t fix an emotion, just be with it.

I think it is important to start each day with gratitude. It is important to bring awareness to your speech and interaction with others. Mindfulness is non-judgementally experiencing what IS. It would be a much more pleasant way to spend your day if you are not judgemental. You can not change another’s behavior but you can change how it affects you. Be kind to yourself.

I leave you with a thought from my teacher that made us all laugh.   The author of this quote is unknown. “Spiritual Fitness:  If you can start the day without caffeine or pep pills, If you can be cheerful of aches and pains, If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles, If you can take criticism and blame without resentment, If you can face the world without lies and deceit, If you can relax without liquor, If you can sleep without the aid of drugs, Then you are probably a dog.”

Be kind to yourself and that kindness will overflow.

Happy New Year.

It’s that time of year again…time to rack your brain for the perfect gift for someone on your list.

For that special woman on your list, diamond anything is always a spectacular option...but not always in the budget.

May I make a few suggestions?

Gifts for someone who has a trip planned: There are two new  items this year which I think are great items for someone on the go. The first is a leather portfolio from GILI on QVC. They combined a fashionable pebble leather clutch with the technology from Halo. It is lined with Haloguard for shock absorption and water resistance and RFID technology which guards against identity theft. You can fit your tablet as well as cell phones and credit cards in the portfolio. If it falls on the ground there is no damage to your  devices! And then, you can empty it and use it as a clutch. The portfolio size is A274050 and sells for $91.32.  There is also a smaller version, A274053, which sells for $69.50. The second item is a unisex item that comes from LUG. It is available at QVC and other retailers. The one I like the best is the overnight “puddle jumper”.  It is a quilted water repellent material and has great organization. At QVC it is F11647 and retails at $86.00.

A gift for the whole family: Vinyl is making a comeback and many of us surrendered our turntables years ago. The two most popular companies supplying these item are Aviator and Crosley. They can be found at QVC and HSN and I also saw the Crosley item on sale at JCPenney for $129. The one I liked best is the Aviator which plays 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM and plays cassettes and CDs, and has an AM/FM radio. The best part is that you can record CDs from vinyl or cassettes!!

For the home:  In my 7/29/15 blog I talked about a “shabby chic” home accessory- rustic wooden/metal marquee letters with LED lights. This item got bigger as the season progressed. Look for this at QVC from the Ellen De Generes line and also at JCPenney and Nordstrom.   Another great         cozy gift is a velvet plush throw. Perfect for getting comfortable watching TV. A great selection can be found at JCPenney.

For the women on your list: A gift of beauty is always welcomed. WEN hair products are always popular with the women I know. I love the Mandarin Italian Fig fragrance which is made with rice protein and helps to strengthen and restore elasticity. Six Thirteen is also a great cleanser.  I found a gift at Sephora which is good for all ages. It is called “Color Around the World” and has 4 palettes of color for the eyes and face…Paris, New York, Rome, Rio. Great set for the “20 somethings” on your list as well as yourself!

For the always impossible to buy for men on your list:           Guys usually buy things on an “as needed” basis so this becomes a real challenge at Christmas. You can’t go wrong with food and alcohol!! Specialty items put together at this time of year are usually good. For the beer drinkers there is so much available in craft beers and you can make your own assortment at Total Wine. There are also beer making kits out his year. These can be found in many retailers including Nordstrom for about $40.00. Wine is always a favorite…you can put together something from a vineyard that is from an area you have visited or plan to visit. It is always good to go with music, tickets to an upcoming event or favorite books to include crosswords and other word games.

Good luck with your holiday shopping. Gifts are great, but remember that love and friendship are the best gifts to give and receive.