Fresh Insights on Holiday Shopping

I had a joyous time returning to the chic Central London hotel where I wrote most of my book, The Secret Garden, and savoring some rest and relaxation. A trip to London is not complete without some good shopping. In my opinion, London has some of the best shopping in the world. From posh Sloane and Bond Streets to down-to-earth Portobello Market, London has something for everyone.

I've observed that most Londoners also know how to shop in style! They seem to innately know that shopping is not necessarily about buying things, it's about having an expanding life experience. Shopping, when done consciously, is an opportunity to share social time with our family, loved ones and friends, and to experience the many diverse ways in which humanity expresses itself – from fashion to electronics. On a simple walk down Knightsbridge (one of the main shopping streets in London), passing a blazing red Ferrari in the showroom window of HR Owen or witnessing the meticulous pleats in a breathtaking Issey Miyaki couture evening gown leaves one standing in awe and appreciation of the creative genius and spirit of humanity.

People are sometimes surprised that I would enjoy shopping as the leader of a spiritual community founded in Yogic principle and in my personal experience, God is Everywhere Present – even in the mundane pleasures of the world – like a trip to Harvey Nichols men's department. From my point of view, such pleasures are here for us to enjoy – in balance and moderation. Yoga (Union with God) and Bhoga (Pleasure) are one and the same, just as Illusion and Reality are one and the same.

Throughout the Internet, I read a significant number of news stories coming out of the U.S. that did not necessarily paint holiday shopping in a flattering light – from reports of a woman allegedly spraying shoppers with pepper spray in a local Walmart to people getting trampled in a department store stampede. Holiday shopping doesn't have to be that way. Like everything in life, we have the power to create our own experiences. We can choose to celebrate the holiday shopping season by conducting our shopping – and for that matter, all our daily actions – consciously with the intent to enrich our lives.

Here are some tips to enhance your holiday shopping experience: 

1.    Begin your holiday shopping outing over breakfast or at a nice coffee house with your shopping companions. Relish the social experience of having coffee or a cup of tea with family and friends, or delight in contemplative time alone. Make the experience about connecting – either with others or with yourself.

2.    Have fun! Be the Embodiment of the Holiday Spirit! Make a conscious effort to reach out to people. Start an insightful conversation with the store clerk or a fellow customer you just met. Who knows how your smile and laughter might brighten someone's day or even change their life?  Dare to LOVE a stranger!

3.    Practice being Present in each and every Moment! Witness the beauty of the world around you and the majestic holiday lights! Marvel at the amazing creations we human beings have made.

4.    Bless those around you. Celebrate the diversity of the people you see and experience.

5.    If you always shop in discount stores, treat yourself to the luxurious experience of shopping in a fine boutique. Expand your prosperity consciousness by paying full price for the experience of luxury. If you always shop in boutiques, enjoy the "thrill of the hunt" for a bargain at a flea market or outlet store to remain grounded and practical.

6.    Embrace and enjoy fashion! Your body is the Temple of God. Lovingly adorn your body in appreciation of its sacredness. What you wear projects an energy into the world that returns to you multiplied abundantly. There is great wisdom in the maxim, "Dress for success." Buy the best, most impeccable clothing, shoes and accessories within your budget.

7.    Treat yourself to a nice lunch. Take time to celebrate you and the simple joy of Being! Rejoice that you are ALIVE!

I invite you to share your holiday shopping successes with me. Use the Ask A Messenger feature to write to me online!