Tips for meditating while you shop

Tips for meditating while you shop
by: Marissa Anteby

As a Wellness Educator, I’m constantly on the lookout for new ways to help people experience more peace in their lives. Part of what I do is teach people how to practice relaxation techniques. After all, remaining calm takes practice, just as Yoga, meditation, and a whole host of other activities. Oh, hold on a minute, my husband is calling me...

Now, where was I? Let’s see, oh right; remaining calm. Well, if we need to practice, where is the ideal place to do it? One of my Yoga teachers, Rodney Yee, suggests, “Even if you do have a designated yoga room, on some days you may feel like practicing in a different space. Go with your intuition and lay down your mat wherever you wish.” http://www.gaiam.com/product/yoga-studio/yoga-instructors/rodney-yee/yoga+core+cross+train+dvd.do


Wait, now one of my kids needs me, and I think I hear the doorbell...


Wow, I can't get a moment's worth of quiet. I’m sure you can relate to being pulled in different directions at once. Hey, forget about laying down a mat, who has time for that? The whole world is a working woman’s Yoga mat! We are constantly multi-tasking while striving to maintain a semblance of grace. That’s it, bingo! The best time and place to practice remaining calm, is always and everywhere. The family will need us, the phone will ring, but we can roll with it. Not to fret, it’s not as hard as it sounds. In fact, you can even practice a calming exercise while you’re out shopping. Yep, shopping!

The next time you’re in a store, try this; absorb the total experience. Don’t think about what happened a few minutes before, don’t worry about all the things you have to do a few minutes after, just be in the present moment. Focus on what you’re doing. Look around and really see al the colors and textures. Pick something up and really feel it’s weight in your hands. Some ‘retail therapy’ can do wonders for your mind. It can be a quick, much needed break.

Renee Salem Hanan, Co-owner of Shelly and Renee Productions, says, "There's a sense of satisfaction, an excitement to finding an unexpected bargain. Trying on a new blouse or dress, etc. is an instant mood lifter!" As added incentive to do something nice for yourself, Shelly and Renee Productions is offering a free gift with purchase, at their sample sale of Nancy Gonzalez handbags (575 Madison Ave., 8th fl.) Hurry though, because this offer is good only on May 5th & 6th, while the supply of free gifts last! http://shellyandrenee.com/

Jonathan Zemmol of The Yellow Door concurs saying, “Sometimes the act of shopping, even for something as simple as a new vase or a lovely costume earring, can brighten someone's day. The smallest of purchases can bring great pleasure. Everyone appreciates beauty, and it can be obtained at almost any price.” The Yellow Door in Brooklyn is extending their current Preferred Customer promotion to The Jewish Hostess readers; it’s $50 off any purchase of $200 or more. Offer expires May 9, 2010. Make sure to print out copy of this article to qualify for this special discount. theyellow door.com

See, I told you practicing a calming exercise is easier than it sounds! As always, scroll all the way down to post your comments. Let me know what you think and if you tried some ‘retail therapy.’ Tell your friends to comment too, because 1 lucky winner will be chosen to receive a FREE Thai Yoga Massage from www.embodyinc.com

Marissa Anteby

marissa@embodyinc.com

http://www.embodyinc.com/contact.html

5 Comments so far
Violet says:
April 25, 2010 at 12:01 PM
i love all your articles. our solutions are always right in front of us, but we dont notice them.. that is, until you beautifully point them out.

Allyson says:
April 25, 2010 at 9:57 AM
Yes, I saw that NY Times article about yoga too. Marissa, you are ahead of the Times!

Maureen says:
April 25, 2010 at 9:55 AM
Marissa – love your quote from your yoga teacher Rodney Yee- he’s mentioned as a “rockstar instructor” in today’s New York Times.

Tiffany says:
April 23, 2010 at 4:25 PM
What a great idea. A Shabot gift for me from me. My favorite person

RENEE says:
April 23, 2010 at 1:16 PM
OUR COMPANY RUNS SO MANY GREAT EVENTS, THIS WEEK IT IS FRETTE FINE ITALIAN LINENS, COMING UP SOON IS A GREAT LADIES AND MENS DESIGNER SALE.