2008 Archive |
December Feature
Stuff Christmas “Stuff”! Be Inspired Instead.
So here we are again in the final mad run up to Christmas and the inevitable
stampede for Christmas shopping which you either launch yourself in to
or put off until the last possible moment.
It‘s been my observation that we seem to be subjected to a load
of “stuff” in the shops that seems to get wheeled out in
a similar shape or form year after year.
Perfume, aftershave, toiletry sets, socks, ties, toys, books and on and
on.
Apparently powerless we are propelled and compelled to buy this “stuff” despite
of the fact we all have so much “stuff” already.
Perhaps this year more than any, with finance at the forefront of our
minds, it is time to ask yourself this, what is it I really want to spend
my money on?
Perhaps it is time to let go of the grand gestures and expected extravagance
and look for a different way of giving.
A few years ago I had become so disillusioned with Christmas and with the “stuff” I was being presented with, I decided I wasn’t “doing” Christmas. As a result of opting out of what was on offer in the shops I stumbled across a great alternative in the form of “inspired gifts” on the internet.
Inspired gifts are a means by which those less fortunate than ourselves can benefit from our money directly.
It’s not just about a donation, it’s more than that. An
inspired gift allows you to choose how and where your money is spent
and you will find there are many worthwhile “gifts” available.
You could purchase medical aid in the form of vaccinations, high energy
biscuits for nutrition, water pumps, blankets, first aid kits, tents,
seeds, mosquito nets and even livestock. There is something to suit every
budget with prices starting from £7 for a week’s supply of “Plumpy
nut”, which is a high protein snack for children, up to thousands
of pounds for support vehicles.
If you prefer to pledge your support closer to home you can purchase
a day out for a child from the UK.
The way it works is this. First of all you choose the gift and pay for it, usually via the internet. You receive an acknowledgement of your purchase and a “gift card”. The gift card contains a photograph and the details of, what has been purchased, which you send on to whomever it is you are treating. This is how they know what you have funded on their behalf.
The response from my friends and relatives was great and they considered
it a really good idea. If you have concerns why not check with the people
you intend to buy for first? This has happened this year for me with
one of my good friends approaching me first about “not doing presents” and
opting for inspired gifts instead.
So take heart and know that you might start a revolution!
Do you feel ready to take this step?
If so, then use the links below to go toUNICEF for their “inspired
gifts” or Save the Children for their “wish list”,
as a good starting point. Choose your gift, then sit back and relax.
Notice how great it feels to be free from Christmas “stuff” and
knowing you’ve made your money make a difference where it really
matters. It’s a great choice for the environment too with no wrapping
required and no waste to dispose of and also great for your self esteem
with no seeing it in the sales two weeks later at a fraction of the cost!
Every inspired gift purchased is a winner.
On that note I send you all the very best wishes for this festive season and look forward to welcoming the New Year.
I wander what 2009 will bring?
Enjoy!
Love
Penny.
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Glastonbury – Such a Perfect Day.
This is a picture of my lovely friend, Vicki and I, at the Chalice well in Glastonbury.
I must admit, if you’d have asked me about Glastonbury a few years ago I would have vaguely responded with mumblings of festivals usually with a good dose of torrential rain quickly followed by plenty of mud, wellies, drugs and alcohol, not necessarily in that order!
A Glastonbury experience I hadn’t had.
More recently, somehow, although I’m not entirely sure how, I
have found myself going to Glastonbury with a dear friend, on a regular
basis and not for any type of festival at all.
I now so value the day out and in the incredible energy that Glastonbury
offers I really wouldn’t want to be without it.
As Vicki so eloquently puts it “Here, I truly feel it’s safe
to dump my stuff and regenerate, the energies are so great here,
they can handle it!”
A day in Glastonbury for us, consists of sometimes visiting the Chalice
well, a haven of beautiful gardens where two underwater springs emerge
from the earth. Here you will re-connect with the peace of nature the
moment you open the gate and begin to meander along the stone paths.
You can drink directly from the springs or fill an empty bottle with
the waters that have been revered for their healing properties since
days of old. The healing nature of the water is as a result of the high
mineral content of the water, which you can see has been laid down where
the water flows creating a gorgeous bright rusty colour. You can really
taste the difference too!
If
you’re brave enough you can dip your feet in the waters, highly
recommended for instant grounding I can assure you! Although I must admit
I’m a fair weather dipper.
There are quiet places for contemplation in the form of hidden nooks
and secret crannies dotted around the gardens and with an incredible
view of the Tor and panoramic views of the surrounding hills, it is very
easy to dwell here for much longer than intended.
We made a vow to come back next time and make it a “Tor” day because I have never made it up there yet, I think we better book a B& B!
Other times we meander round the many and varied shops along the high street and delight in the incredible selection of crystals, candles, incense, music, Esoteric books, psychic art, witches, wizards, fairies and much, much more and eagerly remain open to any of the aforementioned we may feel “drawn to”.
Of equal importance to our favourite little shops are our favourite
eating places and once you have worked up an appetite looking at all
the shops there are equally as many fantastic eateries to choose from.
Whether you are veggie or have allergies or intolerances or enjoy a full
English brunch, from pancakes to pannini’s there is something for
everyone.
As the day closes you will inevitably find us in the Blue Note café tucking in to garlic mushrooms and chips with garlic mayonnaise.
The perfect end to a perfect day.
All Love
Penny
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In the Pipeline………….
SATURDAY 31st JANUARY 9.30am – 12.30pm
Creative Workshop - A Journey through YOUR Chakras
This workshop will offer you the opportunity to connect and explore your
chakras in a creative and interactive way.
What and where are the chakras?
How am I affected by my chakras?
How do they influence my experiences of life?
Includes a guided meditation through each chakra for self development.
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And finally…………
I love this month’s poem and I just had to include it.
I wish you visions of sugar plums dancing in your heads!
Lol.
Twas the Night before Christmas
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In the hope that St Nicholas soon would be there.The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.The moon on the breast of the new- fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!“Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys and St Nicholas too.And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney S t Nicholas came with a bound.He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked liked a pedlar, just opening his pack.His eyes- how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.H e spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying a finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”
By Clement Clarke Moore 1822
10 Top tips for keeping vibrant this Christmas.
Bravely bundle up and get out in the cold for frosty brisk walks.
Relish returning home slightly out of puff, refreshed and with glowing cheeks.
Revitalise with regular rest on the sofa, your immune system will thank you!
Keep hydrated by drinking water regularly throughout the day.
Ask for less on your plate and you won’t put on weight.
No thanks to those nibbles!
Play “Band Aid” loud and shout-sing-dance to it at the top of your voice.
“Be” with those who love and support you and whom you love and support.
“Be” alone at times too.
“Be” in the moment.
In the pipe line.....
Saturday 10th January 10.00am – 5.30pm
EMOTRANCE – Self help 1 day workshop
Woodgreen, Fordingbridge
Emo-trance stands for Emotional Transformation, which is the most advanced,
practical,easy and delightful way of healing the energy body today.
£50
Email info@trevornoble.co.uk or
call Trevor on 01725 513670
Saturday 31st January 9.30am-12.30pm
A JOURNEY THROUGH YOUR CHAKRAS
Ringwood or Godshill nr Fordingbridge
This workshop will offer you the opportunity to connect and explore
your chakras in a creative and interactive way.
What and where are the chakras?
How am I affected by my chakras?
How do they influence my experiences of life?
Includes a guided meditation through each chakra for self development.
