by Allison Prater |
Gifts that Inspire, and Promote Health and Wellness
“HELPED are those who receive only to give; always in their house will be the circular energy of generosity; and in their hearts a beginning of a new age on Earth: when no keys will be needed to unlock the heart and no locks will be needed on the doors.” —from “The Gospel according to Shug” from Alice Walker’s “The Temple of My Familiar.”
As the Holiday season approaches, and we begin to think about how we can possibly budget enough to get the perfect gift for everyone on our list, let us be inspired to creative new solutions, instead of spending the season consumed by stress. As we are bombarded with advertising encouraging us to buy this cutting edge gadget, or that hot new toy, or this piece of designer jewelry, let us have the presence of mind to be discerning. Let us contemplate the lasting impact that our gifts may have, not only on the receiver, but also on our communities, and even the planet as a whole. Let us give gifts that inspire wellness in others. Let us be inspired to give gifts that keep giving.
In “The Prophet” Kahlil Gibran says, “For what are your possessions but things you keep and guard for fear you may need them tomorrow?” Oftentimes the gift of a material item does bring the recipient joy. However, eventually that item gets lost in a sea of other items. It winds up misplaced, broken, used up, or it simply sits around taking up space out of courtesy for the giver’s feelings. Thankfully there are plenty of unique gifts that can offer lasting benefits to the receiver.
You can give the gift of fitness with class passes or memberships to a local yoga studio or gym. Perhaps the person you have in mind wants to do something new and adventurous, like take a dance class. The new year is a great time to reinvigorate one’s fitness goal’s, and this could be the perfect gift to help motivate them. You can also purchase sessions with a personal trainer, if your recipient prefers one-on-one guidance.
You can give the gift of relaxation by presenting your loved one with a gift certificate to a local spa. There are a host of spa packages to choose from that can be custom tailored to suit the needs of the recipient. If you know somebody that has been stressed out lately, and in need of a vacation, this is a great way to help them unwind.
You can give the gift of education by introducing your loved one to a new class, book, or workshop that relates to something in their life they would like to change or know more about. For example, perhaps they’d like to make changes in their diet. A cooking class, or a few sessions with a nutritional coach could provide them with some powerful tools to help them make those changes. Perhaps they are searching for a new purpose in life. A couple of sessions with a life coach would help them to discover a new passion.
There are plenty of healthy holiday treats that have benefits to the body, while satisfying the senses. Healthy dark chocolates, are full of anti-oxidants, which have been shown to support cardiovascular health. Herbal teas are a great way to help your loved ones stay warm this winter. There are plenty of good blends to address a multitude of health related needs, plus many that include favorite holiday flavors such as peppermint or ginger. Organic bath and body products are a great way to help someone you love pamper themselves at home, without the risk of exposure to the dangerous ingredients that are commonly found in mainstream cosmetics. When you purchase consumable gifts that were grown organically, with high quality, fair-traded ingredients you are also giving back to a more responsible global economy by encouraging practices that support a healthier planet.
Purchasing recycled gifts, such as renewed used clothing, is another way to contribute to planetary health. When you purchase gently used items that are still in good condition, instead of something brand new, you are reducing your carbon-footprint. Less fuel and resource is used in the process of giving a recycled gift. By shopping at local establishments you are also giving back to many people in your community, making it possible for them to give more to their loved ones in turn.
So as the frenzy of holiday shopping season comes upon us, let us reflect on the true spirit of giving, and what that may mean to us. Let us choose gifts that will have a lasting positive impact, not just on the receiver, but our communities and our planet too. Let us give gifts that inspire the circular energy of generosity. Let us give gifts that keep giving.
References:
- Walker, Alice, “The Temple of My Familiar,” pg. 287-288, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1989
- Gibran, Kahlil, “The Prophet”, pg. 19, Alfred A. Knopf, 1923
- Wolfe, David, “Eating for Beauty”, pg 110, Sunfood Publishing, 2007 (On the healthy benefits of chocolate)
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