Holiday Gifts To Uplift The Spirit
by Linda Sechrist
With the full thrust of the 2019 holiday season upon us, Natural Awakenings notices a growing trend—the anticipation of gathering with friends and family for simple and meaningful festivities, as well as gift giving that renews and uplifts the spirit. Focusing thoughts inward to count even the smallest blessings, opening hearts to performing simple acts of kindness and choosing gifts that serve as uplifting and meaningful reminders throughout the year are good starting points.
To keep Santa from suffering digital eyestrain and to make shopping a local experience, Natural Awakenings turned to several Naples and Fort Myers retailers that offer spirit-lifting gifts.
Salt Cave, Naples
It’s all about Himalayan pink crystal salt at the Salt Cave. From relaxing or energizing aromatherapy bath salts and salt goblets that release all the beneficial minerals, as well as salt lamps and even hand-selected, semiprecious geodes, these types of gifts are capable of lifting the spirit of any recipient. Shoppers stumped about what to choose can always purchase a gift certificate for the antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties of Himalayan salt room sessions known as halotherapy.
A special gift for the home, a Himalayan salt lamp heats up and begins its hygroscopic cycling of airborne particles, changing the electrical charge of the molecules that are released. The majority of our homes are filled with positively charged ions, which are emitted primarily by electronic devices. Living in a veritable ocean of invisible of electromagnetic radiation frequencies (EMF), constant exposure is known to increase stress levels, cause chronic fatigue and decrease the body’s immune response. Because they emit negative ions into the air, Himalayan salt lamps work to neutralize the effects of EMF. Keep one next to the computer, television and any other frequently used device.
4962 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples. 239-403-9170. SaltCaveNaples.com.
Thoughtful Threads, Naples
Whether it’s a soft, organic, cotton outfit, robe, pillow or cozy cotton blanket, Thoughtful Threads provides a sophisticated and comfortable array of the highest-quality organic and sustainable products available. The gift of organic cotton in any form bestows luxurious comfort upon the recipient. It’s also an investment in the environment. A durable and natural fiber that holds up better than any synthetic material, the sleekly soft and smooth feel of cotton is the result of several factors, including the type of cotton, weave style and thread count. After the recipient has had a night of delicious sleep on scrumptiously soft cotton sheets and is curled up in a warm, snuggly cotton bathrobe reading the Sunday paper or a good book with their favorite coffee mug in hand, they’ll likely silently thank the giver.
2144 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples. 239-213-2222. FoodAndThought.com/Thoughtful-Threads.
Path of Being, Fort Myers
Salt scrubs, tools for smudging ceremonies and statuary that represent enlightened beings such as Kwan Yin are just some of the treasures that Path of Being carries. Specifically, during the hectic holiday season when we fall short of completing tasks on a long shopping list, we can use the compassion of Kwan Yin, who in Asian countries is known for her benevolence and a heart that reaches out to those in need.
Beautiful gemstone mala beads can complement a meditation practice, helping the meditator to redirect the mind, slow respiration and encourage well-being. Scented candles infused with crystals add ambiance and energy to any room, while colored, chakra-influenced candle lamps add beauty and focus to any altar.
15248 S. Tamiami Tr., Ste. 300. 239-437-5141. ThePathOfBeing.com.
Mystical Moon, Bonita Springs and Fort Myers
Dedicated to offering the highest in conscious living and spiritual items that aid spiritual and personal growth, Mystical Moon specializes in healing services, classes and items such as pyramid candles, aromatic room sprays, special teas that can help individuals on their spiritual journey and other similar items.
The aromatic alchemy of unique pyramid candles infused with essential oils, charms and crystals are also crafted with selenite-infused wax and made with phthalate-free ingredients and a natural hemp wick. They burn for 75-plus hours.
Room sprays made with exotic essential oils such as frankincense, patchouli and rosemary, believed to heighten intuition, are also infused with reiki energy and moonstones. Teas made only with biodynamic ingredients can add a deeply satisfying moment to any “me time” experience.
8951 Bonita Beach Rd., Ste. 255, Bonita Springs. 239-301-0655. 8890 Salrose Ln., Ste. 107, Ft. Myers. 239-939-3339. TheMysticalMoon.com.
Goddess I AM, Naples
A conscious living and metaphysical store that offers spiritual tools to uplift and empower, Goddess I Am has collections of physical, intellectual and spiritual metaphysical tools to enrich the journey of life and uplift the individual seeking a path of enlightenment and self-discovery. From statuary to magical scents and oils, as well pendulums, ritual candles and healing jewelry, there is a wide selection of items to choose from. High-end gemstones and sterling silver jewelry selections can add a bit of a sophistication to buying decisions.
Infused into beauty products, displayed in homes and yoga studios and crafted into jewelry and even water bottles because of their healing energy, a variety of beautiful crystals and gemstones in a kaleidoscope of colors will interest the beginner and advanced meditator or healer.
600 Goodlette Rd., 239-228-6949. GoddessIAm.com.
Silver Eagle Gallery, Naples
At Silver Eagle Gallery, shoppers will find an extensive gem and mineral gallery, as well as a large and impressive collection of Native American art and Native American jewelry for women and men from the American Southwest. The symbolism in the art of Native Americans represents their beliefs, honors their families and brings beauty to the world.
The timelessness and eye-catching beauty of blue-green turquoise, honed by the fine craftsmanship of Native American jewelers, will impress the shopper considering a selection from among the wide variety of exquisite pendants, bracelets, earrings, belt buckles, necklaces and rings, as well as other items such as dream catchers. The authentic Native American version in the Ojibwa (Chippewa) tribe was used as a charm to protect sleeping children from nightmares. The legend is that bad dreams got caught in the dream catcher’s web.
850 5th Ave. S., 239-403-3033. SilverEagleGallery.com.
Gulf Coast Meditations
Help ease the uncertainty in the world and create a conscious community holding the intention for sharing the good vibrations with Gulf Coast Meditations, a 13-track collection of guided meditations by an ensemble of Southwest Florida healers and spiritual teachers. CDs are available at local spiritual outlets, yoga studios, wellness centers, spas and more.
FarmadelicaSoundStudio.WordPress.com. 239-785-0809.
Lotus Blossom Clinic, Fort Myers
Chocolate lovers will relish David Wolfe’s Sacred Chocolate—the mystical union of raw chocolate and medicinal herbs that reduces inflammation, boosts circulation, energy, mood and immunity. Displayed only in a double-door entry wine cooler dedicated to the highest-quality, raw chocolates with no preservatives, the Sacred Chocolate, free of soy, dairy, GMO, gluten and cane sugar, is packaged in beautiful, small, gold tins. Choose from several chocolate recipes such as Immune Mushroom, made with Chinese powdered herbs from 10 medicinal mushrooms; Holy Hemp, with CBDA; and Longevity, with xanthohumol, a phytochemical from hops which extends the life of telomeres.
6710 Winkler Rd. Ste. 2, Fort Myers. 239-277-1399. AcupunctureInFortMyers.com.
While shopping for others, buy a “selfie stocking stuffer”, have it gift-wrapped and address it from Santa. For sure, there will be no reason to stand in the exchange line the day after Christmas.
