As you wish!

Dear Santa Barbara

Hope this finds you well and that your Thanksgiving holiday was warm, sweet, delicious, and that your cornucopia of gratitude overflows still.

Perhaps this newsletter is one of my most challenging ones to date. In a season where we are bombarded with constant messages to spend, buy, splurge, and repeat, I feel inclined to promote self-care, self-preservation, and to remind you all to be very gentle with yourselves at this time. As many of you know, the holiday season can be wonderful: seeing family and friends, sharing food, cocoa and nogs, warming ourselves by the fire, seeing those delightful performances, the special holiday movies. But for others, the season can be lonely, expensive, overwhelming. It's to those I would like to speak with tenderness.

During these festive times, committing time for yourself to help with grounding and centering will help you to cope with holiday chaos and stress. Taking long relaxing baths, receiving massages (even self massage), taking spa days (especially those where you can sit in a sauna, steam room or hot tub) going tea tasting, and walking, especially in the park or near water, will all help support the adrenals, keep the immune system strong, and the heart happy. And self-care need not take a lot of time and/or money. Stop and take a few conscious deep breaths as you begin your day. Stretch a lot. Trade foot massages with a friend. Eat healthy soups. Hug more often.

And for those that don’t like engaging at all, I’d like to honor you too. Know that there is nothing wrong with bowing out of traditional holiday feasts, gift-giving, and celebration. Although some of you might feel sad, cynical, or even embarrassed that you're not "All In" for the holidays, you're in good company. Just to share, I myself have often gone on retreats to meditate or learn a unique skill, treating holiday season as a time for deep personal renewal. I’ve even used the holiday as a time to be introspective and quiet at home. At retreats and workshops I learned I was not the only one seeking peace and solace. Many holiday retreats have a waiting list because there are so many people that want to escape the frenzy!

When I come back from retreat, I feel a sense of well-being and connectivity to my deeper self. I find there’s more of me to give, my sessions become better, and my synergy with those who surround me deepens and becomes more authentic. Just my opinion, but I have a hunch that the person of the Birth-day we’re celebrating, wouldn’t mind us opting for a bit of introspection and reflection. The same for Chanukah. It is about dedication, and dedication to self allows one to give more.

Okay, do neither of these fit because you’re a shopper and love engaging? Well I have something for you, too! Make it merry and enjoy! I have in past years appreciated this aspect too. I love supporting local artists and giving money gifts to non-profits in the name of a friend or family member who is hard to shop for. I love placing my money where my values are.

To simplify and make things convenient here are some gift ideas:

First there’s me! If you have any family members or loved ones that you feel could benefit from my work because they complain of constipation, digestive issues, gynecological matters (i.e. want a baby or have heavy, scant or crampy periods) or they have immune problems (becomes sick easily), I have discounted gift certificates. If you haven’t already done so you can even gift one to yourself to receive the discount (click on Jada Delaney and logo link below). 

Also here are links to some local businesses that would love your patronage! 
http://www.santabarbaracompany.com/
http://blisswaytea.com/