Craving a Simple Life

There are some days that I feel completely overwhelmed with stuff—I have too many clothes, too much plastic, disposable doodads, too many old things just sitting around collecting dust and getting in my way.

Recently, I’ve been much more interested in getting rid of things I don’t need to make space in my life for more ease, more room to stretch out, a more simple way to of life.

So, when I first heard about Yogi Surprise, a care package subscription that sends yoga lifestyle products every month,  I was skeptical that a box full of “yoga stuff” every month would be something I’d enjoy much: I don’t want more STUFF to clutter my house! 

Why I Love It + The Art of Self Care

But as much as I’m into simplifying my life by getting rid of the excess, I’m also pretty obsessed with all things self care (maybe you’ve noticed all the posts about yoga and self care on the blog lately). That means I’m spending a lot less time and energy on things that aren’t important, and instead I’m trying to spend more of my time on self care (so I’ll be less stressed and more present for my family and my work).

It’s the simple, little things that have made the biggest impact on my overall happiness and well-being: Restorative yoga poses, meditation, baths, herbal tea. And—Surprise!—the things I’ve gotten in my Yogi Surprise boxes the last two months have been simple, little things that have supported that mission.

Whoever puts together Yogi Surprise boxes really really “gets” me. Every time I’ve gotten a box, I’ve felt like I’ve gotten the most thoughtful care package from a best friend who is into all the same things I’m into. Each time, the box has been filled with things that I want to learn more about, but would probably never have purchased on my own.

A Few of My Favorite Things From Yogi Surprise Box

Ayurvedic Nasya Oil made by Banyan Botanicals to clear and lubricate the nasal passageways (Since learning about and adding more Ayurveda rituals into my routine is one of my self-care goals, I got really excited about this one!)

Sea Buckthorn Eye Cream by Sibu Beauty. How did they know I’m a mom who never gets enough sleep and that I’m trying to cut way back on my coffee intake? This stuff has helped me look a little less like a zombie in my pre holiday selfies.

Breath Perception: A Daily Guide to Stress Relief, Mindfulness, and Inner Peace by Barbara Ann Kipfer. Umm, yes please! I really love this little book full of pranayama and mindfulness exercises and peaceful landscape photography. It’s a great one to keep on your nightstand for a little practice before you go to sleep at night or first thing in the morning.

Chocolate. OK, I definitely DO treat myself with chocolate… a lot. I love chocolate of all kinds, really, but I am so obsessed with Nicobella Organics chocolate now. I’ve been dreaming about this stuff when I sleep at night. It’s THAT good.

I’ve also loved a necklace with green tree agate, rose quartz, and an Om sign, a sweet lavender scented sachet with an Om sign embroidered on the front (I do love an Om sign… put one on anything, and I’ll swoon… ), a clove bud essential oil, and some amazing herbal tea!

Share the Love

So, while I’ve love practically everything in the boxes, do I NEED it all? Of course not! But that’s part of the beauty (and one of the reasons I love this idea so much). If there’s anything that I don’t particular love or something that I know I won’t use in there, I can pass it on to one of my friends or even gift it to a student who I think would enjoy it.

The practice of giving a thoughtful gift is one that has made me very happy, and the YogiSurprise makes that SO easy. I get a couple little things that remind me to take care of myself and love myself, and I get to share that sentiment with someone I love, too. I’m getting warm and fuzzy just thinking about it!

Yogi Surprise offers two different kinds of subscription boxes. The lifestyle box, which has a hodgepodge of full sized “yoga lifestyle” surprises—think health, wellness, natural beauty, Ayurveda, meditation, aromatherapy, and stuff with Om signs on it (!)—for $44.95 a month. The jewelry box, which is $24.95/month, includes two jewelry items—malas, necklaces, bracelets, crystals, etc.—and one really delicious treat.

I can’t decide which box I like better, though I suspect that since you get a box every month, I’d soon have more malas and bracelets than I could ever wear with the jewelry box. (But that’s kind of awesome if you have a lot of yoga friends you love and want to share with!)

I’ll be keeping the chocolate treats all for myself. (#SorryNotSorry)

Want to learn more or snag a subscription of your own, visit YogiSurprise.com.

Read more …
Why I LOVE Yoga Props + A Review of 3 Minute Egg
Review: Meet Asana, The World’s First Yoga Doll
Science-Backed Proof that Self Care Isn’t Selfish