Simple Meditaion - A Quick Refesher!

I often find myself browsing the Yoga Journal webpage (http://www.yogajournal.com/) for new inspiration in yoga poses. Today my cursor fell onto the meditation section, and my mind marvelled over what a wonderful practice it is.

In the fast-paced, stressful society that we find ourselves in, finding time to relax is essential. It can aid in the destruction of stress and anxiety, help with insomnia and sleeping disorders, improve overall relaxation, and so much more. Here is a list of 100 ways in which meditation can improve your life: http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2008/05/100-benefits-of-meditation/

So, in celebration of this practice, here are a set of simple instructions for a simple refresher, from yoga journal!

Sit comfortably in an upright but relaxed position. Close your eyes and bring your attention to your nostrils. As you breathe notice the subtle sensation of cool air passing into, and warm air passing out of, your nose. Without manipulating the breath, simply notice the sensation. Maintain your attention to every breath. Staying relaxed and mentally alert, become curious about each passing one as if it were your first.
If your attention wanders, simply notice the distraction and patiently return to the sensation of the breath. Your ability to stay present deepens by consistently returning to the current moment.
Do this exercise 10 minutes once or twice a day, gradually extending your sessions to 20 or 30 minutes each.

Enjoy!

-Staff@Salts

Happy Thanksgiving!

According to the Canadian Heritage webpage, the first Thanksgiving Day in Canada after Confederation was on April 15, 1872. It was set up to celebrate the recovery of The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) from a serious illness. An interesting start to a wonderful holiday!

On the note of celebration, I'm a big fan of crafts, and thanksgiving seems to have a lot of fun possible projects. While browsing for ideas, I discovered this clever one, and thought I would share it with you all!

It's a "tree of thanks" which can be used as a decoration or center piece.

What you'll need:

• Twig with branches
• Heavy vase, container or basket with rocks
• Floral foam
• Silk leaves
• White card stock
• Black marker
• Hot glue gun

How to make it:

1. Fill container (we used an urn) with floral foam. Pack it in tight so that it doesn’t move around.
2. Insert twig into the floral foam until secure.
3. Hot glue one silk leaf for each member of your family that will be attending the holiday celebration onto the end of each branch.
4. Write each family member’s name on pieces of card stock. Hot glue one name below each leaf.
5. Place on the holiday table.
6. When the guests show up, give them the option of writing one thing they are thankful on their card stock.

I hope you all enjoy this idea, and have a marvelous thanksgiving!

-Staff@Salts

New Global Mama's Products In!!

We've just recieved a load of new products from a great label: Global Mama's.

It's a fair trade, nonprofit organization assisting women-owned businesses in Africa. Everything is made by hand in Ghana, and all of the proceeds go directly to the producers and programs that help them with business development!

Come check some of their great stuff out in the Sooke store, or the online store: http://saltsorganic.com/shop/

Thanks!