by Sabrina Samedi
There is something magical about this time of year, maybe it’s the million volts of electricity that light up Main Streets around the globe and ignite our hearts. Perhaps it’s the euphoric sensation about gathering around those we love the most, but the essence of gratitude and generosity is deeply rooted in our intentions, our actions and our emotions. With the holiday season upon us, the ritual of gift-exchange is a major component of rejoicing in the holidays offering incredible emotional benefits as well! There is a positive lift in our emotional relationship to ourselves and the recipient of our gifts as we search for the perfect token of appreciation for those we care so deeply for. When we give without expecting anything in exchange- we are paying it forward as they say- setting in motion a positive karmic chain in the universe inspiring others to radiate as well as attract positivity into their own lives.
As such, let’s start a shopping and giving revolution! The next time we decide to hit the malls and boutiques or indulge in a cyber-crazed shopping spree, let’s re-shift our focus from the clearance racks to the mission behind each product and give from our intention and our hearts; thus, living through our intention of gratitude not just during the holidays, but all year long. Let’s ask ourselves, what is the intention behind the gift I am giving? Beyond bringing temporary bliss, will my gift offer lasting sentiments geared towards growth, happiness and hopefully, usefulness. We express ourselves, our tastes, our interests, and sometimes advocate our principles via the products we utilize, give, wear and embody. Below is a list of gift ideas inspired by products, hard-working, soul-driven people whom we believe in supporting their cause, their mission and spreading the beauty of the gifts they have to offer. Happy Holidays!
Of course you can use the PROMO CODE SACREDCOW for 10% off of any item at www.pranamya.com Including EGIFT CARDS but here are some of our favorite finds.
Gifts that Give Back
Krochet Kids: A non-profit brand that empowers people in Uganda to rise above poverty by creating, selling apparel knit & crochet hats for babies men and women. Stay warm this chilly season with an intrinsic and heart-felt beanie because every product is hand-signed by the person who made it, giving it a wonderfully unique touch. View more of their creative designs at www.krochetkids.org.
Roma Boots: Everyone needs a favorite pair of boots this winter season! For every pair of Roma Boots sold, a new pair of boots, along with school supplies, is donated to a child in need. Slip some on at www.romaboots.com.
Esperos Bag: The perfect bag to carry all your daily essentials. Esperos Bag believes that literacy plays a vital role in one’s future success. Thus, with each bag purchased, Esperos helps send a child in need to school for a year. To support Esperos’ mission check out www.esperosbags.com.
Stone and Cloth: Every purchase of a Stone and Cloth product helps to provide scholarships for students in need. To learn more and check out their rad products, visit www.stoneandcloth.com.
Intention, Divination and Tarot
Empowered Life: The Empowered Life Activation Kit includes The Empowered Life CD download of 7 Guided Meditations and a set of 72 Soul Cards to assist the reader on a journey towards self-knowledge, healing and empowerment. The cards and meditations can be used together as a 40 day Empowerment practice, as daily inspiration for contemplation or as a compliment to one’s meditation and yoga nidra practices. The kit is perfect to jump start and guide one through a 40 day empowerment practice to create change and understanding within one’s self. For more information about Empowered Life visit www.empoweredlife.yoga.
Yantra Wisdom: The Yantra Wisdom deck of 39 cards, as inspired by Chanti Tacoronte-Perez, offers you a quick way to shift your perspective as well as to engage with your intuition and creative self which can provide clarity. The Yantra Wisdom deck gives readers an insight to the symbol of the yantra as well as an affirmation to repeat. For more information about the wisdom shared amongst this deck visit www.yantrawisdom.com.
Wild Unknown: Committed to the inner quest and the journey of transformation, Kim Krans illustrated the The Wild Unknown Tarot Deck. The deck includes 78 cards filled with magical and mysterious imagery. Perfect for seasoned as well as new readers, the cards come in a beautiful box with a lifting ribbon and fold-out guide to get you familiar with the cards. Kim Krans invites potential readers to open their minds, draw a card and enjoy the journey. To learn more about the tarot deck visit www.thewildunknown.com.
Feel Good and Look Good
Purusha People: Founded by Hayley Elliot and motivated by the belief that what we wear next to skin along side the creative process to make such clothing is sacred, Purusha People aims to help YOU tell your story via their expressive and stunning designs. Humbling respecting all aspects of the creative production process, Purusha People sources the most organic and softest fibers while using non-toxic water based ink and low impact dyes, and paying workers a livable wage locally in Los Angeles. To view and shop their apparel visit www.purushapeople.com.
Zen Nomad: Committed to the belief that luxury and sustainability can successfully coexist, Zen Nomad manufactures each and every piece of their clothing in Toronto sustainably sourcing the highest quality fabrics. Zen Nomad aims to help you move through your day with ease and comfort investing in the philosophy that peace in your body is peace in our minds and peace in our spirits. To shop their look book visit www.zennomad.ca.
Aya Papaya: Designed for women who are in movement, Aya Papaya clothing as manifested by founder Aya Iwaski is meant to make the goddess wearing such pieces feel comfortable yet stylish. Aya wants you to be able to dance, play and work in her creations. To view the essence of grace and strength behind all her designs, visit www.ayapapaya.com.
Sacred Jewelry
The Sattva Collection: Rooted in the intention of awakening to our innate wisdom and connection to our inner truth The Sattva Collection is a global lifestyle brand committed to supporting treasured communites around the world and creating jobs for local artisans. The Sattva Collection uses precious and semi-precious stones sourced globally and akin to all their hand-crafted objects, each gem from their collection holds within itself an intrinsic meaning that can have a profoundly positive impact on the wearer. For more information on the communities The Sattva Collection supports and to view their product gallery, visit www.thesattvacollection.com.
Seeds of Remembrance: Shop owner Alexa Webster offers you her heart through her love-infused works of heart in her Seeds of Remembrance etsy shop. Her collection of high vibration, one-of-a-kind genuine gemstone, hand-tied, prayer malas are designed to support awakening through intention adornment Japa mediation. Alexa identifies the prayer malas as a magnificent tool for connecting and an opportunity to tune in and recognize the internal mystery unfolding in each moment. To shop her malas, visit www.etsy.com/shop/SeedsofRemembrance.
Earth Bands: Earth Bands want everyone to take, embrace and share the message that by simply wearing an Earth Band you can empower yourself and elevate self-awareness. Earth Band’s mission is to raise humanity’s vibration by connecting us to the things we love- Mother Nature, our favorite sports and important causes we can’t wait to rally behind. Earth Bands gather earth and sand from special places and create unique, handmade, 100% American-sourced Earth Bands. To shop through these Eco-Ethical products visit www.earthbands.co.
Artists Treasures for Your Home
Vine and Thistles (Etsy): Send a trinket of love to your dearest friends and family this holiday season. Alicia Schultz, owner of etsy shop Vine and Thistle offers custom hand lettering art and designs included personalized wooden stamps, gift tags, adult coloring book calendars, hand-lettered quote cards and personal stationary items. To shop through Vine and Thistle’s inspiring products visit www.etsy.com/shop/vineandthistle.
J Drew Carpentry (Etsy): A second generation carpenter with a love for hardwoods, oil finishes and structural planks, Drew Silvers finds beauty in re-purposing and bringing new life back to the old charm of barn wood and materials which some would consider useless. To shop Drew’s creative and reclaimed works of art, visit www.etsy.com/shop/JDrewCarpentry.
Self-Care and Nurturing
Aromabliss Ayurveda: Aromabliss is a botanically infused, artisan quality skin and body treatment line of elixirs based on the profound nature-based wisdom of Ayurveda, Aromatherapy and Herbology. Aromabliss products are individually hand mixed in small batches and scented with the highest quality organic, wild-crafted and environmentally sustainable herbs, plants and oils. To see if these physically, mentally and emotionally enhancing products are right for you, visit www.aromabliss.com.
Vital Yogi Herbals: Owner of Vital Yogi Herbals and educator of the Science and Philosophy of Tantric Hatha Yoga, Herbalism and Flower Essence Therapy, Brook Sullivan is on a mission to empower people to take control of their health naturally. When it comes balancing the mind, understanding the psyche and transforming emotional baggage into wisdom, Brooke feels that flower essences the optimal remedies. Flower essences are vibrational remedies akin to homeopathy and work on the subtle layers (psycho-spiritual and emotional realms) which in turn bring wholeness to the physical body and life. To learn more flower essences and botanical therapies, visit www.botanicaltherapies.com.
Erbaviva: Erbaviva offers premium organic personal care products that fuse European artisan quality with healthy California organic culture to benefit the human body and the planet. Each unique and exquisite Erbaviva product is handcrafted with distinctively pure living herbs, essential oils and botanicals sourced with the highest standards of organic certification, safety, efficacy and sustainability. Visit www.erbaviva.com to view all of Erbaviva’s delightful products.
Love in a Bowl
Gina Cucina Soup of the Month:The holidays are a perfect time to gather around the dinner table with the ones we hold near and dear in our hearts and what better way to celebrate the season of gratitude than with delicious meals. Feeling good about our food is made easier with Gina Cucina as all ingredients come from local farmers and ranchers. Continue to spread the cheer of scrumptious and heart-warming meals after the holidays by joining Gina Cucina’s soup of the month club where two seasonal organic and gluten free soups are delivered directly to your door. For more information visit www.ginacucina.com.