no wrapping required
Teach others how to be kind through your own kindness. Teach others how to love through your own love. Teach others how to heal through your own healing. Because there are lives out there earnestly waiting for you to show them / to guide them / to lead them / to unlock the door to their own transformation.
The joy we receive from giving is a gift in and of itself — serving others just because we feel like it benefits other’s and our own hearts to boot. Win win.
In both the spirit of the season and an earth-friendly act of avoiding over-consuming, I offer you a few things you can give this year that don’t cost a penny:
- A smile. Whether you know the person or not, smiling spreads love, and this simple act will lift you up as an added bonus.
- A hug. Heart to heart. Take a breath, hang out there for a bit and offer someone the comfort of being held. This loving human connection will make you feel good, too.
- A laugh. Giggle with someone. Doesn’t matter if they [or you, for that matter] are having a spectacular or shitty day — tell a joke, send silly a meme. Lift spirits.
- A dance party in your kitchen, living room, bedroom, outside – wherever you’re feelin’ it [maybe avoid the subway…]. Put on some funky beats and get people to groove like no one is watching. I could list some statistics about how moving your body boosts endorphins, but just have a go at it and let me know how you feel, OK?
- A compliment — especially if it is a quality you admire about someone versus their appearance [although it is certainly swell to hear when someone likes your outfit] — without needing to hear anything in return. Nothing beats the light in a friend’s or stranger’s eyes when you genuinely comment on something you dig about them.
- Your acceptance of a compliment without disclaimers [i.e. “Your hair looks great!” followed by a response like “It’s probably just because I washed it.”] or conditions; without the need to offer one back. Just say “thank you.” It is a gift to the compliment giver, and gives them permission to accept love from others as well.
- Your attention. Listen without interrupting; with an open heart. Hold space for whoever you’re interacting with without needing to fix things or fill awkward space; let people be themselves without you having to change them or the situation. Being present with someone — making them feel seen, heard, safe — is sweeter than any stocking stuffer.
- Celebrations and congratulations. Tell someone you’re proud of them; they’re doing an amazing job. Wouldn’t you love to know that someone notices and appreciates your efforts?
- An open door. Literally – hold the door open for someone. Because why not?
Most importantly, enjoy this time of year when the act of giving is so prevalent, and perhaps even consider adopting some these practices year-round.
Read the newsletter for eco-conscious, nourishing holiday discounts if you are into gift-giving. Also includes a delicious tahini hot cacao recipe concocted by myself and Paige, upcoming events like my Costa Rica retreat in February 2019, YouTube yoga + meditation classes, good tunes and good vibes.
What can you do this season to offer a piece of your heart to others, no wrapping required?
Photo by Grant Henry Media at YogaWorks Soho, NYC.
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