Global Groovin'
Look to Fair Trade for Your Upcycled Goods
Our Thriving Earth: A Fair Trade Story
Boho Goddess Lifestyle
Groovin' With The Woke Folks
Top 10 Fair Trade Stocking Stuffers For Everyone On Your List
Transform Black Friday: Conscious Consumerism
Useful, Useable, and Thrive-able Gift Ideas
Conscious gift buying can be exceptionally tricky in our factory and sweatshop age, where consumers are demanding cheap and accessible products at an even higher rate than ever before. If you’re already a consumer of fair trade and ethical brand buying for yourself, then you are well aware of how time consuming (not to mention pricey) it can get. So when it comes to buying for others, do you lower your standards and save? Or is there an easier way?
Shopping sustainably is paramount in our modern world. The population is at an all time high, and surging like never before, Mother Earth’s resources are being strained and we are seeing the effects of that strain all around the globe. There is a plethora of companies that have already made the shift to sustainable practices: renewable energy, recycled materials, and fair wages for workers are all a part of what makes a good business great in the eyes of the conscious consumer. But now that entrepreneurs have figured out how to create businesses that are sustainable… why not up the ante? Why stop at making your business sustainable, if it could be thrive-able? Let’s make 2017 the year where everyone is treated fairly, and we support businesses that are going above and beyond to make this world a better place.
Below are five unique, useable, and most importantly thriveable gift ideas that won’t break the bank. Next time you are in a pinch as to where to buy or what to buy for your friends and loved ones, give these gifts a gander!
prAna: prAna is a retail company specializing in men’s and women’s movement and lifestyle apparel. They are constantly committed to making a positive environmental and personal impact on their consumers and producers. If you are shopping for a man in your life, their products can be especially astute, with many options for versatile and stylish men’s clothing.
Global Groove Life (Yoga): Have an avid yogi friend? Well look no further than GGL’s unique and beautiful Yoga Ball Covers. With dozens of styles and colours to choose from, and a comfortable variety of sizes, these Ball Covers make the perfect gift.
Ethical Shop: Looking for an inexpensive gift that’s also thriveable? Hop onto ethicalshop.org and you will be charmed by the endless amount of adorable fair trade gifts available for purchase. One of my personal favourite is the Yoga Socks, perfect for any dancer, gymnast, or yogi in your life, these comfortable and durable socks are sure to impress!
Global Groove Life (Lifestyle): A gift that is sure to impress all ages, genders, and interests is Global Groove Life’s Boozik line up. These hand carved, natural bamboo speakers, produce brilliant sound from you smart phone or tablet by simply placing it comfortably in the slot, and voila! Crisp, clear, and amplified sounds brought to you completely chare-cord free!
Ten Thousand Villages: Still feeling a little discouraged? Ten Thousand Villages has been a pioneer in making positive change in business sustainability since 1946, and their website has a page dedicated to helping you find the perfect gift. Simply choose from their descriptive widgets and find gifts tailored to the style of whomever you are buying for!
Don’t be discouraged by the daunting task of looking for sustainable and thriveable gifts for your friends and family, use this quick guide as a jumping off point to finding the perfect gift, that also gives back!
Avery Lentz is a curious creative soul residing in Northern California. She loves to write, dance, travel, and talk with her fellow humans. When she isn't buried in a mountain of notebooks and reading material, you can find her out in the woods, scaling mountains, or perusing the coast. Through her writing she hopes to spread messages of love and acceptance for all and a kind approach to Mother Earth.
Open a New Door to Peace of Mind With 5 Ways to Use a Mala
Throughout my travels in Asia this past year, I have dedicated my attention to opening the doors to spirituality -- to learn new ways to calm this crazy mind of mine, to finally find peace, to trust the journey and to accept whatever comes my way. Easy, right? Not so much when you’re constantly stuck in the past or the future -- that could-of, should-of mindset. It’s been a long road but every hurdle I’ve had to face has been nothing short of worth it!
One of the best ways I’ve found to calm my “monkey mind” is the use of a mala, a simple yet powerful addition to my life, that has been extremely helpful when I let my mind get the best of me -- more times than I’m happy to admit!!
The first time I saw a mala, which honestly, was probably on the front cover of a yoga magazine, I had a deep desire to have my own. Yes, maybe I wanted to look perfectly spiritual and zen like the woman on the front cover of that magazine, but either way I knew there was something special and meaningful about owning one.
I did some research on malas since I didn’t want to be ‘that girl’ who owned a ‘fashion’ mala and I learned that mala’s are composed of 108 beads strung together. A guru (larger bead) or a tassel is strung to the bottom. A wrist mala has fewer beads but is used for similar purposes. The beads are a combination of sacred seeds and gemstones all encompassing different significance through symbolism. They have been used by Buddhists and Hindus for centuries as a form of prayer and meditation.
After swooning over mala’s for quite some time, I finally got my own mala a few months ago in Bali! Better yet, I met a healer who offered to teach me how to make one, which to my delight, really helped set me apart from one of those fashion girl mala rockers! I’m truly in love with my relationship with my mala and it truly has opened my door to peace of mind. Here are some of the ways I have learned how to use my mala:
1. Meditation
A mala is a type of meditation and it’s easy to do anywhere you are. Place the mala over your middle and index fingers. Starting at the guru bead or tassel, use your thumb to pull each bead towards you one at a time. Count all 108 beads until you reach the guru bead. It’s recommended to recite a mantra while counting for deeper concentration.
My mala meditation is my go-to in many situations because it’s so easy, quick and effective. I find myself counting my beads in the airport lobby when my flight has been delayed five hours (that’s a lot of counting), or while I’m people watching while sipping a cup of chai. I use my mala to help calm my nerves before heading into a crowded, chaotic Indian market for fear of having to bargain, only to most likely be ripped off. If all else fails, just keep counting.
2. Yoga
Wear the mala during your yoga practice or place it in front of your mat as a reminder of your intentions. My mala reminds me of each personal intention I set before my practice. I also use it as a drishti (point of focus) to maintain my concentration.
The use of a mala also offers positive healing energies, which is another beautiful addition to my practice. I chose specific, meaningful sacred seeds when I created my own mala. For example, the red ginger bead (as seen in the picture) reminds me of my intentions of love and the red color keeps my root chakra balanced and energized. I also use my mala as a meditation before or after my practice to solidify the benefits of yoga and the sacred seeds that compose the mala.
3. Daily Reminder
These can be any personal reminders such as intentions, goals, hopes and dreams. The sacred seeds and gemstones represent these different reminders. For example, I love the sacred bodhi seed, which is the “seed of enlightenment” offering a reminder to maintain my awareness and connection to myself and the external environment. When you can’t find a post-it, find your mala!
A mala is also a special reminder of when and where you got them. My mala will always remind me of Bali which has a special mark in my life -- of the place my door to spirituality decided to open wide and inner peace flooded my soul. I also celebrated one year sober the day that I made my mala -- one of the most special reminders I have when I feel like giving up. It reminds me why I made this huge life change to begin with. It will always remind me of the mental obstacles I was finally able to conquer and the future battles I now know I can tackle.
4. Everyday
Not only wearing a mala as jewelry, but as an expression of beauty, meaning and the self. I use my mala for everyday affirmations and I wear the beautiful beads in the form of a necklace and wrist malas. As I mentioned above, a mala holds different energies depending on the sacred seeds and gemstones used. A chakra mala or wrist mala (like in the photo below) for instance, is created with gemstones specific to each of the seven chakras and they offer energies for mental and physical balancing.
Wearing a mala each day cultivates positivity and connection. On my journey I have learned to be aware of the different energies surrounding me and of the connection to myself and others. I am finally at a point where I understand that what I put into the world, I receive back. I love when someone asks me about my mala because it’s a chance for me to express who I am and hopefully inspire them to do the same.
5. As a Gift
Share the beauty of a mala with someone that would appreciate its benefits. It’s a thoughtful gift that keeps on giving and one that can be used anytime and anywhere. This is my favorite kind of gift!
You can purchase a mala or add more meaning by crafting one yourself. Now that I know how to make a mala, I can’t wait to create more and share them with my loved ones. When purchasing or making a mala, carefully choose the sacred seeds that compose it depending on the receiver’s personality and needs. It may also help them to start their own spiritual journey and introduce them to the meaningfulness and energies that a mala offers -- that is always my hope.
I’m incredibly grateful for my experiences abroad and the many different ways of life I have been exposed to. It’s important that I give back and make a difference in the world by giving a fair trade mala or wrist mala. It’s also a great way to start a conversation about the importance of fair trade and contributing to a sustainable economy. Call me crazy, but it’s better than discussing the latest celebrity drama! Or maybe I’m just walking through a different door!
What is your favorite way to use a mala?
About the Author
Amber Johnson is a yoga enthusiast and passionate traveler. She loves cultural connection, a good laugh and exploring her curiosities.
Follow her bucket list adventures at This Tiny Backpack.
Open a New Door to the World through Traveling and Volunteering
Most of us are aware that traveling creates new perspectives and opportunities, but did you know that volunteering abroad actually opens the door to a whole new world -- to a world of give and take, of mutually beneficial and lasting relationships, and of purpose and connection! If this sounds like the kind of world you'd love to live in, then read on because I've been doing this for a while now, and I have a few fabulous convincing reasons for you to jump on board!
1. Use Your Skills
Yep, you heard me... You've got talent! Now it's time to share it with the world! You may be thinking that you have nothing to offer since let's face it, you've been waiting tables night and day for a year and a half to pay for this spectacular adventure to a land far and away. But don't underestimate yourself, you're great with people, with systems, with speed and efficiency... heck, you can make the grumpiest of grumpy people feel satisfied at the end of the day (never mind what you mumbled under your breath). And hey, if you've been in management of any kind back home, your leadership skills will carry you and be of great service abroad!
Just for fun, I started my own personal travel blog and with learning the ins and outs of the blogging world, it has landed me two blogging volunteer opportunities in two different countries! Believe it or not, my schooling finally paid off as I've even had the opportunity to find a use for my dusty public relations degree. I was super excited to learn additional skills to take home with me as well.
You give some and take some -- It's the best thing about traveling and volunteering.
2. Learn a New Skill
Like I said, I absolutely LOVE learning! Skills that I can take with me into my future are of course, the most rewarding. Sometimes I don't even realize the extent of how much I've learned! I do know this though: I became, and am still becoming more knowledgeable about the blogging world, social media, website building, product management and much more.
To spend time learning new skills is never a waste and along with hands on experience, it's a great way to build your credentials for future volunteering or new job opportunities. Not only are you building your own future, you are building a future for communities around the world!
3. Find a New Passion or Hobby
Have you always worked with adults?
After volunteering in an orphanage, I found that my heart beat with a passion for working with children and creating a better life for the youth. Regardless of what you learn about yourself and your passions, your experience abroad opens your eyes to a new world.
When I volunteered in Peru at an after-school children's program, the positive changes I saw in the little ones were directly in front of my eyes everyday. It's something that will stay close to me forever. Their smiles were addictive!!
4. Find a New Direction in Life
When I was younger, I always thought I wanted to live in a city or work for a large company. However, after volunteering in a farm, I realized how much I love being in nature and getting my hands dirty. It complements my peaceful disposition and my views on life much more than spending hours in the car and punching in the clock with no true purpose. It blew my door of perspective wide open! Volunteering in a farm offered me knowledge of permaculture, organic gardening, composting and other sustainable farming techniques.
I decided that to understand where my food comes from and living a sustainable lifestyle are important to me. Due to my varied volunteer travel experiences, I’ve reconsidered how I choose to live my life. Yay!
5. Learn Something New About Yourself
Ah, this is one of my favorite aspects of trotting around the globe and immersing myself in other cultures. Traveling not only teaches you many things about yourself but the world around you and those that live in it. Adding in a volunteer experience heightens this understanding. For instance, if you thought you preferred to work in a group environment you may find that working solo allows you to work more efficiently. While volunteering at a community center for the sick and poor in Myanmar, I realized that helping sickly elders and putting a smile on their face is what gives me a sense of purpose and contentment.
6. Learn About a New Culture
Volunteering opens doors to cultural differences as it allows you to spend time with locals -- asking questions, hearing stories and learning things you could never learn on the backpacker's trail. You will most likely eat and live like the locals as well, giving you a true experience of everyday life.
My time in Peru was spent living with a local family of four. They opened my eyes to an amazing new culture I thought I knew more about. They brought me to family birthday parties, showed me how to celebrate the lives of deceased loved ones, cooked mouth-watering Peruvian food for me and even taught me how to make it! Living with locals gave me much more time to create deeper connections and relationships with the indigenous people.
7. Meet Other Volunteers
While traveling, and especially while volunteering, you're likely to be surrounded by like-minded people from all over the world. It’s a great opportunity to share travel stories, tips and advice. To learn about the culture of where you're volunteering is priceless, and to learn about cultures from many different countries is an added bonus.
I personally have created lifelong friendships with other members of my volunteer team. Although we are far apart, there is something very unique in the connection we created in special places and conversations away from home. You don't get to eat pig foot soup, experience a live fish pedicure or find yourself with a flat moped tire in the middle of nowhere in a foreign country at night with just anyone! Now that’s a beautiful way to open a new door to friendship, isn't it?!
8. Challenge Yourself
More challenges are likely to arise than not while you're volunteering but that just means more growth! It’s a perfect opportunity to learn about yourself. I received my yoga certification at the start of my trip in hopes of sharing my love and knowledge for the practice. While I was volunteering in Thailand, a couple of other volunteers asked me to teach a class. I was scared because I had a huge fear of being in front of a group but I said yes. Because the opportunity had been put right in front of me. Although I did not teach a class in the end because of other reasons, I did prepare and practice a class. And the fact that I said yes was a good start, right?
I will continue to say yes to teaching opportunities, and other opportunities that align with my passions and goals. Because just by challenging myself to say yes, I realized it wouldn’t be so bad after all. I felt empowered and confident -- attributes I strive to maintain. Facing fears, stepping out of your comfort zone and taking on new challenges offer strength and growth; two important qualities you can bring along, wherever life may take you.
9. Give Back to the Community
Volunteering allows you to leave a positive footprint and impression in the country you are exploring. It breaks down doors between what may seem like two different worlds. You are then not only a traveler but a part of the community.
Getting involved in a fair trade company for instance, is a great way to take part in not only a sustainable economy, but a thrivable economy. Helping to improve the lives of locals by creating a livable income for them and their families, maintaining cultural traditions and remaining environmentally friendly are just to name a few.
Before I had the amazing opportunity to volunteer with Global Groove Life, I really didn’t know what fair trade meant. I was aware it had a positive impact in the world but being a part of it allowed me to truly understand how important it is. It changed my entire mindset in terms of when, where and how we make our purchases and its positive (or negative) effects on communities. Sharing this experience and knowledge with others is a powerful way to make the world a better place.
10. Take a Break from Sightseeing
Sure, seeing temples and waterfalls is wonderful, but stepping off the backpacker trail is a breath of fresh air and offers new perspectives. Personally, I need a break from taking pictures, hoards of tourists (yes, I know I’m one as well and probably just as bothersome), and being surrounded by anything less than authentic. I do my best to live each day with gratitude and appreciation however, I see it as a sign that I need to slow it down when I’m not super thrilled to see the biggest Pagoda in Myanmar because I’ve already seen hundreds of them around Asia. I promise, I'm really not a snob! Taking some time to volunteer, learn a new way of life and change up my routine, recharges my appreciation for traveling, and the incredible things I get to see on my adventures. When traveling long-term, settling in one place for awhile can be exactly what I need to gather my thoughts, reflect on my experiences and get ready to hit the road again.
These feet get itchy quickly, so here's a quick list of cool sites to check out for your next volunteer opportunity:
www.workaway.info
www.idealist.org
www.helpx.net
www.wwoof.net
So, in what ways do you benefit from volunteering? What have you learned along the way?
About the Author
Amber Johnson is a yoga enthusiast and passionate traveler. She loves cultural connection, a good laugh and exploring her curiosities.
Follow her bucket list adventures at This Tiny Backpack.