8 Mother's Day Gifts to Bring Peace, Healing, Joy, and Presence

Mother's day is this Sunday! For me, this Mother's day is my 8th as a mother.

With three children that span the ages of 3- to 8-years-old, this is the first Mother's day that I feel I have some personal, emotional, and spiritual space to reflect on being a mother, as well as how to honor mothers in general. As I thought about this, I soon remembered a wonderful piece by Anna Quindlen, "Good-bye, Dr. Spock," which first appeared in Newsweek in November 2000. Below is an excerpt, which can now be found in Ms. Quindlen's book Loud & Clear (2005).

Every part of raising children is humbling, too. Believe me, mistakes were made. They have all been enshrined in the “Remember When Mom Did” Hall of Fame. The outbursts, the temper tantrums, the bad language – mine, not theirs. The times the baby fell off the bed. The times I arrived late for preschool pickup. The nightmare sleepover. The horrible summer camp. The day when the youngest came barreling out of the classroom with a 98 on her geography test, and I responded, “What did you get wrong?” (She insisted I include that.) The time I ordered food at the McDonald’s drive-through speaker and then drove away without picking it up from the window. (They all insisted I include that.) I did not allow them to watch The Simpsons for the first two seasons. What was I thinking?

But the biggest mistake I made is one that most of us make while doing this. I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of the three of them sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less. [Bold emphasis was not in the original.]

From Loud & Clear by Anna Quindlen

As a mother whose children are still young, I strive to keep Quindlen's words in the back of my mind, especially when I become overwhelmed from being too focused on "the next thing," like dinner, bath, homework, brushing teeth, stories, and finally getting to bed.

Inspired to enjoy the present more, I have been enjoying the products below to encourage mindfulness. They are great gift ideas that will honor any mother who is striving to live more "in the now!"

Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake by Anna Quindlen. This is an excellent and delightful memoir about various facets of a woman's life, such as childhood, adulthood, motherhood, marriage, girlfriends, and parenting.

Radical Remission: The Nine Key Factors That Can Make a Real Difference. This book is truly fascinating. While not all of us are fighting cancer, the 9 common factors that author Dr. Kelly Turner discusses will help all of us live healthier, happier, and more present lives.

Inheritance: How Our Genes Change Our Lives and Our Lives Change Our Genes. This book underscores the power of now, but with a focused perspective of how many of our choices can affect genetic expression. It's a fascinating and empowering read, as it reminds us how our bodies have an incredible abilities to improve and heal.

The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy. I have become fascinated with essential oils! After using 100% pure lavender oil to heal discolored, itchy skin (and thereby avoiding steroid cream and laser surgery, which was recommended by a wonderful dermatologist), I bought this book to explore the other health benefits of essential oils. As it turns out, there is a whole universe of possibilities!

Essential Oils. 100% pure essential oils offer impressive healing benefits. For example, 100% pure lavender oil can sooth skin irritations, cuts, and bruises, peppermint oil can stimulate the mind and increase mental sharpness, and eucalyptus oil can relieve sore muscles and help clear sinuses. Be sure to use these oils thoughtfully as they are medicine too! For instance, it's important to apply oils to the skin with a carrier oil, like coconut, which will dilute the essential oils.

This set of essential oils is a wonderful starter kit!

Essential Oil Diffuser. Diffusers are used so essential oils can be inhaled. This model has a high Amazon rating, and is affordable!

Himalayan Salt Lamp. Made from large pieces of pure Himalayan salt, Himilayan salt lamps are reported to increase the flow of oxygen tot eh brain, enhance alertness, decrease drowsiness purify air, and decrease allergen irritation.

Whether these lamps achieve these health benefits remains to be scientifically proven, these lamps are undoubtedly soothing! If you do decide to purchase one, avoid lamps made of "rock salt."

Himalayan Pink Crystal Bath Salt. Salt has been used for healing purposes for centuries. Salt baths are becoming increasingly popular for detoxing and healing. Make salt baths at home easier by gifting a special mother with Himalayan salt that is pure and fragrance-free.