Winter has started to make her appearance, personally, I love it, the endless summer can be so tiring. I love the hush of a deep snowfall, the smell of woodsmoke that doesn’t mean a nearby forest fire, a cup of steaming chai, the invitation to rest and go inward.
Take a nod from nature, slow down, and take a moment to detach from all the chaos. With the world in meltdown mode, it’s hard not to start out the day in a total rage. Take time out, preferably outside, to balance. I find that sitting under a tree or (especially) lying down on the ground helps. Find a quiet, unpopulated place so you don’t alarm the neighbors. Take time to soothe your nervous system, I have included a tea recipe below. Watch your exterior intakes. Stay current but no need to gorge on the mayhem of the day.
And then we have the holidays. The commercials for holiday shopping are running 24/7. We are encouraged to max out our credit cards for the fleeting dopamine surge of mindless consumption. Snap out of it! Make this the year you cut back.
Here are some of my favorite ideas for giving without trails of waste:
- Check out the local rec and community centers, botanic gardens, and craft stores for classes on cooking, gardening, music, dance, sports lessons, and more. Gym and rec center memberships are also nice.
- Give a subscription. I love my Gaia subscription, there is also Masterclass, Food Revolution, Netflix, Hulu, and so many more. Think about who you are giving it to and go from there. Great for families. News subscriptions are another idea.
- Tickets to a sports event, theater, symphony, ballet, etc.
- Day spas, manicures, pedicures, etc.
- My favorite. Pick a charity and make a team contribution. Check out charitywatch.com for ratings. How many of those past Christmas presents ever made the slightest impact on our lives? There is so much need out there. Pool resources and make a difference. This makes everybody feel good.
- Movie tickets, an invite out for lunch for some actual one-on-one time with a friend.
- Something you have made. Every year I dole out herbal teas, salves, tinctures, balms, seasoning blends, homemade chocolates, and candied ginger and orange peel. There are many things you can do that will be appreciated. Google homemade Christmas presents and see what appeals.
Christkindl Market, Civic Center Park – November 17 through December 23. Outdoor European Christmas market. https://www.christkindlmarketdenver.com/
Blossoms of Light, November 17 - January 7, and Trail of Lights, November 24 - January 1,
Denver Botanic Gardens downtown and at Chatfield. Gorgeous outdoor light displays. I always do both. Reserve early, they will sell out. https://www.botanicgardens.org/events/special-events
Check out light displays from the big parade downtown to Elitch Gardens at https://www.denver.org/milehighholidays/holiday-weekends/parade-of-lights/
Estes Park Holiday Festivities. Take a short drive into the mountains to Estes Park which celebrates the holidays with parades, beer fests, and more. https://www.visitestespark.com/events-calendar/holidays/
Frisco Wassail Days - November 25 – December 3. Tree lighting, wassail drinking, sleigh rides, and more.
https://www.townoffrisco.com/event/festival-events/wassail-days/
Boulder Lights of December Parade, Dec. 2, downtown Boulder, 6pm. Floats, marching bands, carolers, and Santa. https://boulderdowntown.com/light-up-the-holidays/events/lights-of-december-parade
Georgetown Christmas Market, December 2-3 & 19-10. An old-time mountain celebration, with entertainment, hay rides, craft vendors, food, and roasted chestnuts on an open fire.
https://www.uncovercolorado.com/events/georgetown-christmas-market/
For more ideas visit https://www.colorado.com/events
In my quest to learn how to meditate, not easy with my jumpy mind, I have found Tara Brach, after listening to one of her talks on Utube. https://www.tarabrach.com/guided-meditations/
She has a series of free meditations and after sticking with one a day for two weeks, I’ve noticed an improvement in my sleep and focus. Mountains of research verifies the benefits of meditation and the positive impact it can have on stress and dealing with the world at large. There are plenty of options out there, from Calm and Headspace apps to lots of free instruction on Utube. Give it a try, but give it time. We could all use a little tranquility right now.
Until I Say Good-Bye by Susan Spencer-Wendel. Facing the prospect of a year to live after being diagnosed with ALS, this 44-year-old award-winning journalist and mother of three young kids sets out to make it count. Funny, inspiring, and enlightening.
While you are at it, spend a few moments out of your schedule to take a break. Mix together some plain yogurt and a teaspoon of honey or mash some avocado into a paste. Put a headband on and smear it all over your clean face.
Put on a recorded meditation or some soothing music, lay down on the couch, and put a cucumber slice over your eyes. Once the mask is dry and your meditation is over wash it off with a warm washcloth. You will be surprised at what a few moments of self care can do for your overtaxed soul. We could all use a time-out.
Have a beautiful holiday season. Be safe, be well, and look out for each other.