The Gift of Happiness

... or the happiness of gifting ?

Was watching Oprah a couple of days ago. The theme of her show was Happiness. Various authorities spoke about what it is, and what it is not, how to achieve it, how not to.

I was struck by one comment - that a gift of "stuff" can not bring happiness. It may bring pleasure, but the pleasure from even the most extravagant new "thing" wears off and disappears in a few months, while a gift of "experience" can last forever. 

And I thought about all the memories from our trip to Colorado a couple of years ago - experiences that still make me smile two years later.

I started thinking about what we do here, and I realized that in so many cases, what we ship out every day truly are "experiences" rather than "things"...

True, they are packed in boxes and in bottles, jars, or atomizers, but you, the giver, can turn them from a "thing" to an experience.

Let someone enjoy the experience of a sensuous and soothing Bliss Bath,  of a Destressing massage. Let those who walk into your office experience the uplifting and welcoming aroma of Blood Orange, or of our BurnOut synergy.  They won't want to leave!

Give a little one the experience of conquering his or her fears with a spritz of "Monster Spray"...otherwise known as Lavender or Roman Chamomile Hydrosol, to banish the monsters under the bed or in the closet.

The proven links between aroma and memory guarantee that the aromatic experiences you create will be remembered long after the "products" are gone.  

stress

stress is a plague on us in the 21st century. it's a word i seldom heard when i was growing up, and didn't hear too often in my young adult years. but now...

i won't stress readers by reminding them how many times a day we all hear reference to the condition of stress, nor will i add to the already overwhelming stress caused by dealing with our own stress and hearing about the stress of everyone else on the planet.

are you stressed yet?

what i would like to do is share with you a most delightful method of de-stressing.

sunday afternoon i was feeling trapped inside my skin. it was one of those times when you have no list but need one. i had worn paths on my hardwood floors going from room to room with this or that intention and all i had to show for it were the paths. the clock was ticking and i had barely touched on.........




i needed a long hot shower. i know 'they' say hot water's a no-no because of the drying effects, but friends, sometimes only a hot shower will do. i always shower by candlelight, and with good music if possible, so i set the stage, disrobed and entered into a state of bliss.

relief was immediate as the water ran down from head to toe. my knotted muscles began to relax. i wasn't clenching my teeth or fists anymore.

after allowing myself to splurge for several minutes with my water supply i pulled out my body brush and did an overall scrub with jasmine scented shower gel. jasmine isn't for everyone, i realize. personally i love it in small 'doses', but on this afternoon it was just right. jasmine scented steam swirled 'round me as i gently shampooed. i finished with a lavender scented face wash and patted down with fresh warm towels. aaaahhhhhh.

noodle-like was my physical state as i applied my after shower spritz of cleo's toner and did a leisurely face massage with drops of cleo's serum. my mental and emotional state? well... as i got dressed i was floating. i felt pampered and cared for. i felt calm, relaxed and alive. and i felt there was no such thing as--well, you know the word.

no, this is not a new idea; not a modern day technique for relieving stress. just good old fashioned sensuality serving it's purpose.

don't forget to nourish your sensual self. it's more important now than ever.