This is usually the time of year where we run around frantically buying
gifts of all sorts, busy with jobs, children and family coming to visit,
parties to attend to and by the time the evening comes around we are
cross eyed and wishing someone would tuck us in and read us a good night
story. Whether you are celebrating Christmas or Hanuka, it is a time for
cheer, love, embracing ritual and a time of year we come closer to our
friends and families. You may be an atheist and your Holiday ritual may
be a combination of retreating inward and your own unique celebration of
life. During this time, most often people make themselves come last. We
can get so caught up in making things festive and perfect and playing an
amazing hostess that “time for Me” is totally lost and denied. Your
practice may have been tossed out the window temporarily and everything
but yoga becomes more important. Not today….but tomorrow I will get on
my mat and practice, or
I am too tired and have enough to do…..after the holidays finish I will
return. But
what if you only committed to 10 minutes a day. As a self –love recipe,
return to yourself. You may not have the time to do a full hour or
practice in the way you usually do but a little is better than none.
Even a mini Savasana each day with some slow deep breathing will mellow
out those holiday nerves. Remember to be loving to yourself and nourish
your own spirit first so you can continue be a light to those around
you.
Last minute Gift Ideas for you clients:
You may be one of those organized souls who has all their shopping done
and presents wrapped or you may be more like me and leave things until
the last minute. Every year I get my clients a gift during this time. It
is my way of wishing them a happy and beautiful holiday but also to let
them know I appreciate them and their business. I wanted to list some
gift ideas, in case you may be in the fog and needing a few suggestions.
If money is a little tight for you this year, there are many ways of
showing your appreciation without having to barely spend a penny.
For my clients who I see a few times a week, I usually splurge and get
them a little something more. After all they are great clients and very
loyal. I want them to know they are special. If you have a lot of
clients that are new to yoga or have not looked in many yoga books, a
book is a fantastic gift. Here is a selection of a few of my favorites:
Note: Some of these books are for yoga teachers because you may want to
give gifts to your fellow teachers.
Other great gifts are a relaxing meditation CD, a Yoga CD, or a yoga DVD
for when your are unavailable or your client goes away.
A beautiful, soy essential oil candle is a fantastic present.
If your wallet is empty, write a nice poem or message to your client and
give them a picture of them framed doing a yoga pose. Simple but very
thoughtful. You can also make them your favorite compilation of yoga
music.
Yoga props are always a big hit. Splurge a little and get your client a
new eco friendly mat form Manduka.
One of my favorite gifts to give my clients is an eye pillow with
scented lavender. There are two varities I really like. You can’t go wrong
with this gift. (This is what I'm giving my clients this year)
What I call the Mercedez Benz of gifts is from Giam. It is a supportive
device that allows your client to do a headstand. It is ideal for people
who want the benefit of an inversion but may have neck and shoulder
issues. It is also a way for your client to feel more supported and less
fearful about going up into headstand. I got this for Harlan last
Chanukah
and he has used it a lot and quite enjoys it.
So if you were stumped for gifts, I hope this is helpful to you and if
you weren’t planning on getting your clients anything, maybe this year
you will change your mind and get in the spirit of giving.
I've said this before. You must treasure your clients.
When I sat down and prepared my client list, it was basically the same
as last year's list - why? Because my clients stick with me year after
year.
Oh….one last thing! Giving a yoga coupon is fantastic. One free yoga
session or a couple session for your client and their partner, or make
one out so their whole family can try a yoga session together.
Happy gift giving….generosity goes a long way, in what ever form you
give it.
With love,
Sara
What Do
You Give Your Yoga Teacher?
I don't know about you, but I try to give
nice gifts to my yoga teachers. Actually, I wasn't going to write
about this at all but Sara got her gift today with strict orders not to
open it until Christmas and I'm sure she'll peek.
I believe the relationship between
teacher and student is sacred and should be eternal.
When was the last time you spoke to your
yoga teacher? When did you last drop them a card or send them a
picture of your family? I'm sure they'd love to hear from you.
As a gift to you, I found some
interesting videos of Amma I hope you will enjoy. It's the season
of peace and I hope you will take the message of Amma and spread it.
And equal time for the
Jews, Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach my sainted teacher was the Jewish Amma who
traveled around the world dispensing hugs and love to everyone he met.
Here is a teaching of his about Cain and Abel with messages about love
and forgiveness.
