The Gifts

So, here we are deep into January.. Over the years I have noticed several responses to receiving gifts;

1-So there's the gift you know someone has chosen because they like it, but hasn't quite thought through whether you like it or not.

2-There's the gift that feels like somehow they have been reading your mind and can be either very heartwarming or a bit stalker-creepy depending on who they are to you.

3-Then there's the gift you have asked for, so no surprise, but a warm semi- thanks to yourself for being bold enough to suggest it, and the giver has the added satisfaction of not having to think about it and knows you'll like it, perhaps with the slight niggle that they could have thought of it, but felt you needed help, or had the very real sense of anxiety around all the Christmas Kaffuffle.

4-Then there's the gift that is a bit abstract, you're not really sure what to do with it & don't want to hurt their feelings by getting rid of it, especially if they live with you, so you end up with a small pile over the years of, lets just call it unwanted but slightly sentimental gifts.

5- Then there are experiences, this is edgy, because it could go really well, the sky dive might be just the thing! But equally could be traumatic and potentially life threatening depending on who you are...
On the other hand, Pippa and I have had a few people come to our retreats who have been gifted a place, that is so amazing because not only is it really generous financially and with the gift of time, it is also them coming bravely out of their comfort zone and sharing the gift of their story, or just being part of it with so many others who are also retreating, and the gift keeps giving.

6- Money, the classic 18-25 year old gift, because they are changing so quickly you can't keep up, or all their friends have got them the cheap version of what they want and they will most likely destroy/ over use/ loose, or it might come to some hideous end. (massive generalisation but I think you get my drift?)
But money can be great.. theres a reason money is equated with the colour green, also the energetic colour of the heart, we get to decide what we value with the gift of money by spending it ourselves, relieving one of all the above situations and being solely responsible for our choices around the situation.

7-Equally as an aunt & god-mother I give money because I like being the cool aunt who gives money with a card that tells them to go wild with it. So that's about me really, but I get to enjoy the thought of them playing with the cash in the sweet shop or gaming arcade, or some other rebellion.

8- Food, maybe check for intolerances since you last saw them, there may be some rather pungent cheese waiting in the fridge when you visit.

9- Was this for someone else? Is what you've received (perfect?) for you, but not intended for you? One year "Father Christmas" had had a few glasses of wine it turned out & had most magnificently muddled myself and my three sibling's gifts up, that has gone down in family history!

I'd love to know your stories!

So theres:

• The "Need": Something practical they require. Categories 2 or 3?

• The "Wear": Clothing, accessories, or jewellery. ... Categories 1,2,3 or 4?

• The "Read": Books, journals, or magazines.- easy to pas on?

• The "Do": An experience or activity- nice? or scary?

• The "Share" this could also be experience, we regularly get a box very welcome chocolates, but these are counted & coveted fastidiously.
• The "Eat": A hamper? or a box of fav chocs!

• The "Want": Something they desire. Do you know this or are you guessing?

Some of us who were lucky enough to receive gifts over the celebratory season may well be scratching their heads about what to do with these things...?

-There's a community just outside Totnes, who recently got together with all their unwanted gifts and had a massive, and very successful swap.

-The whatsapp group "swip swap" has definitely got a heavy load of unwanted Christmas clobber.

-Someone I know will almost instantly pass gifts straight on to someone else, he lives frugally in a well padded horse box and has literally no room, so fair enough that he might not want anything more in his life. Buddhists tend to be a bit like that.

-One of my friends gave me back the gift I gave her a year ago, honestly I thought it was hilarious and great, because I fell into category 1, thinking that because I loved the thing, she would too. Luckily my friend is an independent soul who knows her mind, and gets 5 stars at getting rid of things.. she is also bold enough to give it back, knowing also that I'll love it. Oddly it feels like she chose it for me.

Whatever your relationship to giving and receiving is, there's a chance it could be refined, these two opposites sometimes feel like the same thing.

I often think time is a precious gift, I see my 105 year old grand mother still there with her box of wine and endless chocolate bars next to the remote control, always with a smile on her face and a story to tell, and even though I know she's tired of all this, I am glad to see her, and thats a gift, even if she has no idea.

Yoga and Walking Retreat in January 2026

https://katiesyogacollective.co.uk/upcoming-retreats-courses/

The thatched farmhouse at Middle Coombe Farm is exclusively ours for the long weekend & a spacious practice barn with underfloor heating for our indulgent yoga sessions.

We will guide you through carefully prepared yoga sessions and walks designed especially for your retreat, then unwind by the fire, or soak in a hot tub.
We'll be enjoying delicious vegetarian meals (with options for special diets)

Whether you're seeking rest, peaceful walk, a good stretch, fresh inspiration, or simple quiet time, this retreat is designed to help you reset and re-charge.

Join us for a restorative escape where warmth, wellbeing, and nature come together.

This year also sees the launch of a new course for those of us diving in to our experiences of peri-menopause and beyond.

“From the Physical to the Meditative”

This ‘release based’ approach helps us to cultivate a more fluid sense of postural alignment - becoming both soft and strong - woven into a very natural feeling of being more grounded and present.

There are 2 places currently available in Bill’s Thursday class at Bowden - 5.30-7pm - and 1 place on Wednesdays in Ashprington Village Hall - 10am till 12noon.

While inspired by many different yoga and meditation traditions, Bill’s main influence has been the teachings of the late Vanda Scaravelli, and he’s spent over 30 years now teaching this approach, training teachers, and leading retreats.

If people sign up for the term, they automatically get access to some of Bill’s online recordings as well, to practice a little more when they’ve the time, or to make up for any weeks they can’t attend.

If you’d like to come along to try a class, please drop him a message via his website at billwoodyoga.co.uk