2008 is just around the corner.  I don’t know about you, however these last few months have just flown by and I can hardly believe we’ll be welcoming in a new year in about 48 hours.

I’ve been getting e-mails about starting off the new year at one of the destination spas and thought I’d include this update under one of my favorite things postings, since healthy living and kicking off the new year falls under the category.

Canyon Ranch is sold out until Jan. 6, so not so bad for an early January getaway. 

Miraval has space through January as does Lake Austin Spa, Green Valley Spa and Red Mountain Spa. 

The weather in Tucson will be warmer, so both Miraval (www.miravalresort.com) and Canyon Ranch (www.canyonranch.com) would be good choices.  If you’re okay with the 50’s, then Red Mountain Spa (www.redmountainspa.com) and Green Valley Spa (www.greenvalleyspa.com) would be good options and Lake Austin Spa (www.lakeaustinspa.com) located in Austin, TX would still be warmer than the frigid north and northeast.

Rancho la Puerta (www.rancholapuerta.com)  is another great option, located about two hours southeast of San Diego, however space is full for most of January and if this is on your list of places to go, I suggest moving forward sooner vs. later.

Remember, you can always send me an e-mail with your destination spa questions.  I’ve been to these locations and would be happy to discuss them with you further (www.spa-vacation-experts.com).

Wishing you the best for a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year!

I love traveling to spas and sometimes I think telling others about them is even more exciting for me.  Sharing, educating and informing you about healthy travel options and places where you can be good to yourself and focus on you and implement ways to enjoy your life are as big a part of me as the air I breathe.  I know, that sounds pretty dramatic, however it’s true.  I thrive when I can share my experiences and knowledge of destination spas, spa trends and the industry.  Whether you have one day to focus on you or a week or more, a spa is so much more than getting pretty toes and nails.  It’s truly about paying attention to your body, mind, spirit and the environment.  When one aspect of you is out of balance the rest of you is out of balance.  You know the signs including how your body doesn’t want to cooperate if you’re feeling blue or how your spirit is silenced when your thoughts are less than positive or how when your body aches you just don’t feel like doing much. This may sound so negative and dismal, however it’s a gentle reminder to be mindful. 

It’s that time of year when we consider resolutions for 2008.  We create a list of things we want to accomplish….lose those pesky 20 pounds……join a gym……be a nicer person……..work more efficiently and the list goes on.  What if you just resolve that you’ll reflect on the past, anticipate the future and focus on today.  Focus on today, that’s it, the only item on your list is to put all of your intentions into today.

So, the above brings me to one of my favorite things……a visit to Miraval (www.miravalresort.com) where learning about mindfulness is as important as taking that morning walk.    The definition of mindfulness: awareness, inclination to be mindful or aware, a meditative state of enhanced awareness (Source: wiktionary.com)

Since Miraval is based on mindful living and living in balance, there are many opportunities to practice mindfulness and many classes to assist with the how and why of being mindful.  One in particular is the The Heartbeat of Miraval: A Journey of Life in Balance.

This is a summary of the program (http://www.miravalresort.com/S……ntID=1606)

Using various mindfulness practices and perspectives you will learn how to:
•relax and experience deep states of ease and well-being
•increase your focus and concentration
•understand and regulate your stress responses
•expand your communication skills
•integrate mindfulness into the reality of daily life

**  

One of my other favorite things at Miraval is the Equine Experience (http://www.miravalresort.com/S……entID=1614).  It is included in the schedule each day and usually offered in the morning and afternoon.  This program offers you an opportunity to go within and learn more about your relationship with yourself and others and insight into what may be holding you back from enjoying your best life.  Horses pick up on our energy quickly and this hands-on experience is one you’ll think about often and as they say “It’s not about the horse” and I encourage you to step outside your self-imposed boundaries and realize the possibilities. 

There are so many experiences to consider during your stay at Miraval - you can create, relax, nourish, connect and so much more.  Dare to be the you that only you instictively know how to be. 

For more information, visit: http://www.miravalresort.com/E……epage.aspx and for more information on spa living, contact me at donna@spa-vacation-experts.com.   I’d love to hear from you!

….a day to spend with friends and family!

I’m spending the holidays with a friend in Michigan and am getting a first hand glimpse as to why my Michigan phone calls in the winter are higher than any other time of year.  It has been cold and although it didn’t snow today, there is still snow lingering from an earlier snowfall.  The sky is white and most trees are bare and I know it is winter.  So, from my home to yours, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.  

ideas to extend goodwill and abundance to others in need.

Here we are the night before Christmas and thinking about some last minute gift ideas for the person who has it all.  Consider making a donation to a charity in their name:  There are so many worthwhile organizations raising funds for education, awareness and research such as the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, Kidney Foundation, Cancer Society and so many others. (www.diabetes.org)

And, consider the gift of your time and friendship:  Maybe you can be a positive influence in getting your friends, family or co-workers into the habit of enjoying a healthy lifestyle.  A gift certificate from you to them may be for one hour per week to go for a walk or get them a guest pass to your gym, or perhaps invite them over for a healthy meal and cooking demo so they can see how you integrated healthier items into your life over a bottle of red wine.   Use your creativity and your talents with this one, whatever you choose will be well received and give you both the gift of togertherness.

…….time for reflection, gratitude and perspective.

December 2005 was the last Christmas I would spend with my husband, although I didn’t know it at the time.  In prior years we seemed to be more excited about getting out our boxes upon boxes of holiday items and eager to decorate, however he wasn’t up to it in ‘05 so I surprised him one night by putting up the tree for when he arrived home from work.  And that was the extent of decorating the tree that year.  To this day I feel disappointed in myself for not doing more knowing that he wasn’t feeling well, however we were heading north to spend Christmas with our familes.  Although the tree had lights, it remained bare for the season, and yet it is a memory I will always treasure.  That was his last Christmas here on earth.  Then came Christmas 2006 and I didn’t put the tree up, it just didn’t feel right, however I did put out a little optic tree in his memory because of how much he loved this time of year.  Although I believed he was with me in spirit, it was a lonely time of year, yet my family and friends were there to see me through and that’s what it really is all about, isn’t it?  Reflection, gratitude and perspective.  And here it is, Christmas 2007 and not much has really changed.  The small optic Christmas tree is back in place and this year there are a few special items placed on it as a tribute to him.  And again this year I choose not to go through the hustle and bustle of the season and instead I continue to look for the wonder of the season, perhaps a miracle of sorts, maybe a feeling of peace amidst the chaos of life.  Recently I found myself in the hustle and bustle and started to lose my perspective and lose my natural tendency of ‘goodwill toward men’ and had to work at letting it go to return to a place of peace and reflection and what a much better place to be.   

We can choose to be kind, compassionate, and grateful and it will make our life more peaceful and worthwhile and that’s my wish for you this holiday season and the entire year.  So whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan or another holiday, practice reflecting on peace and goodwill toward others and take it forward with you during the year because a little bit of kindness to a stranger can be life changing for both of you. 

Special wishes of peace and comfort to our military abroad and a knowing that they are in our hearts and prayers this holiday season and always.

energizing…..inspiring…….relaxing……and fun music!

The gift of music is always a great idea.  It can lift you up when needed, it can help you relax and it can bring you back to a memorable time in your life.  I love all kinds of music from jazz to country to rock to new age.  One of my favorite sources for relaxing and uplifting music is Real Music.  Check out Peter Kater’s Elements Series.  The one titled Earth is one of the best.  Visit: www.realmusic.com

Three more days of Christmas giving to come.   Happy Holidays!

time away to renew, relax and rejuvenate!

Have you been to a destination spa?  Do you know what they’re all about?  I refer to this type of vacation as a ‘vacation with a purpose’ and when you go you will see why.  For starters, you don’t need to be concerned with where you’ll go for dinner (or any of your meals) as all of your meals are included.  Yes, they’re healthy and portion controlled in many cases, however they are gourmet meals that prove how we can eat healthy and enjoy amazing cuisine.  You don’t need to be concerned with tipping at most destination spas because it’s already included, so that alone takes the guess work out of your vacation.  And, above all, there’s a lot to do or you can choose to do nothing.  It’s all about choice and the choices we make have a profound impact on our lives, especially today. 

A few days away at a destination spa can kick start a healthier lifestyle and you can focus on healthy eating, fitness, hiking, and other classes for your body, mind and spirit.  A few destination spas to look into include Miraval (www.miravalresort.com), Canyon Ranch (www.canyonranch.com), Rancho la Puerta (www.rancholapuerta.com),  Green Valley Spa (www.greenvalleyspa.com), and Red Mountain Spa (www.redmountainspa.com).

Life is for living, enjoy yours!

an amazing Solay Salt Lamp.  Hmmm, what is this you ask?

When it comes to gift giving I’m all for finding unique gifts and gifts that serve a purpose, especially one having to do with wellness and improving our quality of living.  So, when I found this I knew it would be one of the 12 Days of Christmas posts.

This is a convenient and ‘green’ way to add healthy negative ions to your home or office.  The light of the salt lamp is soothing and the negative ions offer a refreshing and energizing effect, which help to purify the air. 

I’ve included a link below for more information:

Click on this link: http://mindfuladventures.com/_……page5.html

Then move down and click on the Solay photo.

a gift basket of healthy (and yummy) products.

A natural (and useful) basket filled with so many wonderful items and use your imagination for even more or consider giving some of their favorite things (i.e. Earl Gray tea, Italian Roast Coffee, Biscotti, etc.).  This is sure to be a hit as it shows your thoughtfulness and not only by the gifts included, but also by showing how you pay attention to what they like and their lifestyle.  And it’s a lot of fun to put together. 

One that I like to do includes a good quality olive oil, dark chocolate, red wine, nuts, seeds (i.e. sunflower, pumpkin, flax), and dried fruit (i.e. Montmorency tart cherries and cranberries that are natural and without added sugar).   These items are rich in omega 3 and antioxidants.  I also like to add a great book and one that I like is The Healthy Kitchen: Recipes for a Better Body, Life, and Spirit by Andrew Weil, M.D. and Rosie Daley (www.amazon.com)

For more information on Dr. Weil’s program at Miraval, visit: 

http://www.miravalresort.com/S……entID=1610

Enjoy! 

a message of comfort and joy!

This is from one of my columns and is about celebrating the season, being with family and for some it may be going home or welcoming home our loved ones. 

This time of year may also be more difficult for others who have lost a loved one, whether recently or not.  We are touched by the loss and while we grieve as part of the journey, we can also find a way to let joy into our lives this season and throughout our lives.  I am also speaking from personal experience and have recently come across information that I wanted to share with you.  I hope you will find comfort in these words and peace in your journey. 

In my heart of hearts I know my loved one’s wish for me was to live a joyous life and pursue my dreams.  He lived with courage and led with kindness and although he physically isn’t here, I know he’s in my heart and that will get me through the holidays and life. 

I’ve included an outline below of helpful hints to help make space for holiday joy from Intuitive psychologist Susan Apollon, author of Touched by the Extraordinary: An Intuitive Psychologist Shares Insights, Lessons, and True Stories of Spirit and Love to Transform and Heal the Soul. I hope you will find comfort in her insight.

First, give yourself permission to cry.  Apollon’s mantra on dealing with grief is “face it, embrace it, and replace it.” In other words, the only way to “get over” sadness is to experience it. “If you need to cry, cry, even if you’re at a party and have to leave the room,” says Apollon. “You might even set aside an evening to get in touch with your grief. Fix the cocoa you used to drink with your mother or go through your photo albums. It’s healthier to feel the sadness and loss than to detach yourself from it. It’s right and normal to grieve; just don’t make it the dominant part of who you are.”
It’s okay to break tradition. It’s also okay to say no. You know your own limitations, says Apollon. If you simply can’t face hosting your annual holiday feast, complete with dozens of relatives, don’t try to soldier through it for the sake of your guests. People will understand. In fact, it’s okay to leave town altogether. “Some people find it helpful to get away completely, to somewhere that doesn’t remind them of holidays past,” notes Apollon. “You might consider a tropical vacation, or you might take the time to visit a friend across the country. Doing something completely different can be a good coping mechanism, especially for that first tough year.”
Honor your lost loved one in a way that feels comfortable to you. It’s usually better to acknowledge your loss than to pretend that nothing has changed. You might light a special candle for your loved one, hang a tree ornament in his memory, or bring out a favorite photo. “Some clients actually set a place at the table for their missing family member,” says Apollon. “I’ve even had a few tell me they received a ‘message’ of gratitude from their loved one for acknowledging him or her! On the other hand, some people discover that the empty chair is more upsetting than comforting. Do what feels right to you.”
Invite your loved one to be a part of your holiday experience. Apollon means this literally, not figuratively. She suggests that you talk with your lost loved one and share your feelings with him throughout the holidays. Ask for guidance and help from the person. He will hear you and may even send a sign—perhaps a whiff of his cologne or a smoky image in a photograph or a synchronistic moment—so pay attention. “There are many ways to communicate with someone who isn’t with us in the physical sense,” says Apollon. “Journaling your feelings to the person can help you release your pain and provide a greater sense of clarity. I often encourage my clients to verbally invite the person they are missing to be with them and to ask them for signs. However, don’t anxiously wait around for the signs. Ask and then let it go. Allow whatever happens to unfold naturally.”
On the other hand, if you absolutely can’t find any holiday joy, go find some other kind. Maybe you’re too depressed or too angry with God to celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah even in a tiny way. That’s okay, says Apollon. But don’t deprive yourself of all joy. Go to a movie. Meet a friend for coffee. Take a long nature hike with your beloved dog. “The law of attraction says that if you want positive experiences, you need to do something that feels good,” Apollon points out. “Make it a priority to do something that brings pleasure, even if it’s not holiday related.”
Learn to be conscious of the moment. Practice being fully present in the now; it truly is where joy resides. “Every day of your life, every moment of your life, you can choose joy or not,” Apollon reflects.  “Of course, no one feels joyful all the time, but when we learn to live in the present—to really pay attention to how food tastes or what a child’s laugh sounds like or how the snowflakes look against the edge of the woods—we can savor moments of delight even in a time of grief.”
Realize that miracles really do happen at the holidays. Here’s the thing about the holidays, says Apollon. They really are magic. You knew this as a child but may have forgotten it. But spiritual occasions like holidays allow us to step outside the box we live in most of the time and let miracles in. “Paradoxical as it sounds, grief and holidays are a lot alike,” she reflects. “They both help us detach from trivial things and focus on what’s important, what’s real. Open your mind and heart this year and see what happens. Maybe you’ll feel a sense of connection with your loved one who passed on, or maybe you’ll feel joy for the first time since your loss. Either one might qualify as a miracle.”
Touched by the Extraordinary: An Intuitive Psychologist Shares Insights, Lessons, and True Stories of Spirit and Love to Transform and Heal the Soul (Matters of the Soul, 2005, ISBN: 0-9754036-4-8, $19.95) is available at bookstores nationwide and from major online booksellers.  For more information, visit:  www.touchedbytheextraordinary.com