A Dave of My Very Own

I was specifically listening to non-Christmas music a couple days ago and these lyrics jumped out at me while listening to my favorite Dave of all time. Dave Matthews Band - love em. Always have - Always will.

"...What I want is what I've not got

But what I need is all around me..." - via the song Jimi Thing.

I thought - how painfully accurate. Isn't this generally the case for most of us? Wanting whatever it is we don't have... while everything we need is right there. I could turn this into a whole yogi-thought post, but I think I'll just leave it there. Something to think on...

On another Dave note - I've always wanted to meet Dave. Instead, my brother met Dave. Turns out his now-ex-wife went to school with him at some point or something. They're apparently on hugging terms. boo... I want to hug Dave Matthews.

See there I go... wanting what I don't have...

photo obviously not mine: whose is it? *shrug*

Christmas Spirit

Maybe you're thinking all this focus on gift giving is getting to be too much. There are certainly many ways to celebrate Christmas and/or winter without focusing on material things. I get really into Christmas. My landlord came by recently and commented on how "someone was ready for Christmas". I love Christmas and I find ways to squeeze my holiday spirit into every nook and cranny of the day. Here are a few ways you can enjoy the season without risking life and limb in a Black Friday stampede.

Drink Hot Chocolate -
Go ahead, add some marshmallows. Drinking hot chocolate certainly doesn't celebrate spring or summer. It's definitely a wintery activity. I don't know anyone other than me that will drink hot chocolate in July when it's 90 degrees.

Play Christmas Music -
There are Christmas songs by almost every single musician out there. I have a collection of music that includes Frank Sinatra, Tenacious D, South Park, and Cheech & Chong to name a few. Music creates a mood, so just play it in the background all day. I have a rule in my house that if I'm doing something Christmassy - Christmas music must be playing.

Sing Along -
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear." - Buddy the Elf

Make paper snowflakes -
You don't have to be "good" at it. They're fun and easy to make if you don't mind the disapproval of trees. I hang them from the ceiling, tape them to the windows, and add some of them to my gift wrapping. I've been reusing the same snowflakes for at least 5 years because they store well and can just keep being re-hung. Here's a Martha Stewart How-To if you don't remember how to make them.

Watch Christmas Movies -
My favorites are Elf, Love Actually, A Charlie Brown Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the animated one), The Polar Express, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and right now I'm kinda into Bad Santa. It doesn't have to be all sweet to count - Gremlins is technically a Christmas movie.

Host/Attend a Potluck -
If you've been in the yoga community very long - then you know yogis love a potluck. They're the epitome of gathering and sharing - what's more yogic or Christmas embodied than that?

Bake a Sweet Treat -

Whether for giving away or gobbling immediately - baking is a fun family-friendly way to celebrate. Bonus - it adds even more heat to your home on frosty days. I love to bake, but I usually send my creations to work with my husband for everyone to enjoy.

Practice Kindness -
dandee has been on a journey of 30 Days of Kindness - focusing on one specific act of kindness each day. It's so simple, yet how often do we bother to follow through with small acts that can make someone else smile?

Did I leave out one of your favorite activities? Tell me in the comments!

Photo Source: All of them came from Dos Family - a Swedish blog that I adore year round.

5 Steps to Great Gifts

My mom is a Jehovah's Witness - she doesn't celebrate things like birthdays, Christmas, or well - anything. I have built from that - an abnormal focus on celebrating things and giving gifts. Gift Giving is like a mission to me. I seem to take it upon myself to make sure no one feels like someone doesn't give a damn.  All that being said - I'd rather get No Gift, than a Bad Gift. Bad gifts make me uncomfortable. You? If it's "the thought that counts" - a truly bad gift shows that no real thought was put into it.

If you want to be a famously good gift-giver - When shopping for gifts try to remember these tips:

Experiences are remembered far longer than "things" -
Do you remember how you felt when you received that meaningless item on your shelf? Do you even know where it came from? Is it even yours? Experience gifts - a yoga class, a trip, a massage, going to the theatre, cuddling by the fire with hot cocoa... all things that will be remembered and much appreciated.


If it's edible, you can't go wrong -
People love gifts they can eat. It won't go to waste. Someone will eat it and love it. It shows effort and appreciation to bake someone a gift. You can taste the love in each bite. Unless of course they have a lot of food allergies - then steer clear of the food thing.

The gift is not for you -
When looking for gifts, think about what that person's interests are. Think back to conversations you've had, things they wear, things just like what they buy but more "fancy", and things they would get if they were more selfish.  The best gifts are the ones that make someone feel listened to - like someone really KNOWS you. You don't have to like it. Definitely avoid buying a gift because YOU like it - regardless of the fact that they've never shown any interest in such a thing. Once, someone bought me a gift I HATED. HATED IT. Ranted to my friend about how much I hated it. Later - she was seriously considering getting me The Exact Same Thing. Um why?

Expensive does not equal Good -
I don't care if your baby seal skin rug cost a million dollars - I still won't like it. It will probably make me cry. On the other hand if you got a free scarf, but knew I wanted it - I'd still love it.

It's okay to ask -
If all else fails - ask them to provide you with a list. Santa gets a list - why not you? Nothing is worse than getting a gift that immediately makes you think - "How long do I have to keep this before I can give it away?" Especially if the terrible gift was expensive. Avoid being the bad gifter and get a list.

Yogi Gift Guide 2010 - Part 3

It's the final day of this year's gift guide, but if you know of any gifts that any lucky yogini would love to open - please tell us about them in the comments!

Intermediate Yoginis:
The dedicated practitioner that should probably teach but doesn’t.

Snorg Tees' UpDog Tee $20 - Everytime I see this shirt I think of Upward Facing Dog and how I'd love to wear this shirt while teaching it. Available in Men's and Women's Sizes.

Jade Harmony Professional Mat $65 - The longer you do yoga, the more you start to care about having a really good mat. I hear good things about this one.

Handmade Journal $35 - Great for taking notes on their yogic journey, sketching stick figures of poses you learned in someone's classes and don't want to forget, and drawing up sequences to try.

Ram Dass' Be Here Now $15 - A book that every yogi should read eventually. I haven't done it yet, but it's on my wishlist.

Rodney Yee Advanced Yoga DVD $6+ - If they like a quick flow where they're like, NEVER, in downward dog, but in arm balances and going upside down - this is a good video to try.

Traveling Yogis:
When home is truly in their heart and seldom in one physical location for long.

Manduka's eKO SuperLite® Travel Mat $36 - A small portable mat is essential when packing for a trip.

Lululemon Everywear Gym Bag $88 - Cute, available in a variety of colors, and sized appropriately for carry on.

Satya Jewelry Traveling Altar $158+ - Has all the essentials to set up and be uberspiritual anywhere. You could also build your own if you're good at finding and bringing together bits and pieces.

Lululemon Express Yourself Wrap $118 - Great for layering on freezing cold airplanes or to cover up after being manhandled by the TSA. I'm not usually into wraps, but I really really want this one. Adam. *peer*

A Lucy Headband $10+ - When you're traveling you just want a no fuss kinda 'do that lets you lean your head back in your seat. Ponytails can get in the way.

Yoga Teachers:
One of my trainers said - "You can't swing a dead cat in Boulder without hitting half a dozen people certified to teach yoga." Indeed. Whether it's a friend who teaches... or a teacher you are friendly with... these are for them.

Republic of Tea - Tea $14 - I linked to Decaf Apricot because it's my current favorite. Teas are a yoga teacher's best friend. Great for the heart, inner fire, and a throat doing it's best to get instructions to the back of five rooms a day. Pair it with some raw organic honey and they might just die from the awesome.

Awesome Yoga Posters $price varies$ - Tell them it's to put on the wall of the studio they plan to open one day. Inspire the inspiring.

Om Sanctuary CD $17 - Best Savasana CD Ever. My students from a corporate gig said "This should be pumped through speakers to the whole building."

Yoga Paws $35 - My husband bought me a pair because I never used a mat when I taught - this way you can do any demo anywhere, and you're never glued to one spot.

Gift Certificate for a Massage/Manicure/Pedicure - Yoga teachers are rough on their bodies and can get so caught up in taking care of others that they forget about pampering themselves.

The Yogi that has Everything:

Maybe they're rich, maybe they've been into it for like EVER, maybe they're too picky... if nothing else works...

Gift Certificate - money to use at a yoga store is my idea of fabulous. One of my favorite gifts ever is the Be Present shirt I bought with a gift certificate for my birthday.

Private Session with a Favorite Teacher - some teachers cost as little as $25/hour. Others are closer to $200/hr+, but a little one on one time with "their teacher" will be priceless.

Festival Tickets - Wanderlust Festival, Yoga Journal Conferences, Telluride Yoga Festival, Esalen Yoga Festival, Ojai Yoga Crib... there are TONS of yoga festivals and gatherings. Tickets to one - would be amazing. The fun that can be had and the people you can meet - they're awesome.

Reserved Spot at a Retreat - Going on retreat is something my friends and teachers talk about, but something I've never done. Retreats are available for every level, style, and hobby known to man. If you can dream it, you can find it. Just do some googling.

Yogi Gift Guide 2010 - Part 2

Welcome to Part 2 of my Gift Guide for your nearest and dearest Yogini. My 3 part gift guide may be swelling into 4 parts... but I'm trying to keep it down to 3. We'll see I guess. Either way, Part 3 will be on Monday, so come back then for more great gift ideas.

If you're a yogi and you have yoga wishes for Santa this year - tell me in the comments - maybe you'll be listed in the Gift Guide too! For now, back to the list:

Men That Practice:
For real men (the ones manly enough to do yoga) whether they're new or advanced.

Lululemon's Pacific Beach Hoodie $98 - Super warm, available in tons of colors and patterns, and details like an inner music pocket with headphone cord routing. Adam loves his.

Prana Revolution Mat $90 - Men usually need a larger mat - and this SUV of mats is amazing. Super sticky, roomy, and eco-friendly.

Yoga Blocks $8+ - available in light foam, sturdy wood, or eco cork for bargain prices. I own and recommend the cork.

Extra Long Yoga Strap $7 - 8 feet of 100% cotton with a metal D-ring - the only way to go.

China Gel $1+ - I love china gel - just bought a big tub of it. Non-greasy, all natural, and aids healing when he overdoes it.

Yoga DVDs $15+ - For the guy that's self conscious about going to the yoga studio or just wants to do yoga on his own schedule. Large variety here - mostly teachers I know and trust to have good DVDs.

Little Yogis:
It can be hard to find stuff for young yogis, so I gathered a couple places with children's sections full of variety.

Hugger Mugger Kids Section - meditation cushions, mats, clothes, books... it's all here.

Anusara Young Yogis Gift Guide - books, music, cookie cutters, onesies... nice collection

Handmade Plush Ganesha $45 - Super cute and soft - available in a variety of pants patterns.

Handmade Meditating Chakra Sock Monkey $20 - Sock monkeys? Good. Meditation? Good. Half of the proceeds from every chakra animal sold will go to the International Campaign for Tibet: http://www.savetibet.org/

Meditation Junkies:

For yogis sitting around getting high on their internal fountain of bliss.

Meditation Cushion $28+ - Elevate their hips for maximum comfort.

A Lovely Shawl $29+ - The wool shawls look cozy and warm - perfect for winter morning meditation.

Nag Champa Incense $2+ - I love nag champa - My favorite yoga studio smells strongly of nag champa and the scent takes me there.

Meditation Timer $65+ - There are more economical options, but I thought this one was "affordable" and attractive.

Rod Stryker's Meditations for Inner and Outer Peace CD $20 - 'cause sometimes you want to be led through your meditation by someone else - and Rod Stryker is awesome.

Yogi Gift Guide 2010 - Part 1

I am completely done with my Christmas shopping. I am usually finished by mid-November. I'm one of THOSE people... I start Christmas shopping in September. I also pride myself on being able to buy great gifts for anyone. Today's post is for those of you that aren't quite as "on top" of gift giving.

I know yogis aren't supposed to be into "stuff", but I fully support gift-giving anyway. It's December 2nd; if you're still wondering what to get your favorite yogi for Christmas - or whatever holiday/occasion might be coming up for you - then I have some great ideas here. I have so many ideas in fact, that this list will be split up into at least 3 posts. Come back tomorrow for Part 2.

More of my equally awesome gift guides:

2011 Yogi Gift Guides: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.
2012 Yogi Gift Guides: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

The Newbie:
If someone you know is just getting into yoga - these gifts will be perfect. Handy, but inexpensive ('cause they totally might turn out to be a yoga dropout).

An Anusara Yoga DVD $20 - lots of options for all levels

Leg Warmers are great $10 - if they're into that (I am!)

A Fancy Yoga Strap $20 for toting their mat around with ease

Sleeveless T's for the Dudes $32 - it's moisture wicking, antibacterial, and not the least bit douchey

An Eye Pillow $8+ - Unscented, soft, multi-purpose, and great for Savasana.

The Hot Yogi:
For the yogis that love to sweat it out.

Shakti Activewear Shorts $40+ - the best yoga shorts in the world.

Yogitoes Skidless Towel $64+  - It actually gets more sticky as you sweat on it more.

A Klean Kanteen about $20 - Keep them hydrated, healthy, and stylish with a variety of colors and stainless steel construction.

Yoga Mat Cleaning Spray $9 - Actually a necessity for everyone, but heavy sweaters need it more often.

Be Present Baja Shorts $67 - For men that want a little more coverage, they're roomy, stretchy, and dry super fast.

The Free Spirit:

For the hippie dippie wild child you love and adore.

Shining Shakti Pants $69 - Always colorful and comfy in hand dyed, organic cotton. I have 2 - need more.

Spiritual Gangster LOVE Tank $39 - 'nuff said

Satya Jewelry Fancy Jasper Japa Mala $185 - beautiful and functional. Lots of gorgeous yoga jewelry here - for a wide range of prices.

Unisex Indian Wrap Pants $38+ - "exclusively designed and produced in India with traditional South Indian trims." Free Spirits can be men too - my husband loves his GirlSkirtMission pants.

Prayer Flags $20 - Made in Tibet, they're colorful, meaningful, and great decorative fun

Peace Offering - (Video)

I found this great video over the weekend and knew immediately that I'd have to share it with you guys - because it's just lovely. Very inspring! If this video doesn't make you want to gather with friends and do some yoga - I don't know what will.

To quote the video's description:
"Yogis gather together in NYC with the collective intention of creating more peace and happiness in the world. May it inspire everyone to try yoga. Lokah Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu."

Choreography and creative vision by Molly Lehman: MollyLehman.com

Produced with Revery Media New York City:  ReveryMedia.com
Music by Trevor Hall “Where’s the Love” : TrevorHallMusic.com

Readers Via Email -
Click Here to watch the video.