Spa Connection

Overcoming Fear by Miraval Resort, Tucson, AZ

Lorri — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 06:55:44 +0000

To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom – Bertrand Russel

Whether it’s atop a 32-foot pole or coming face to face with a 1,000+ pound animal, Miraval Resort Tucson, AZ offers guests a variety of ways to deal with fear.

“I can’t tell you how many very successful people I work with tell me their greatest fear is that somebody’s going to find out they’re clueless,” says Wyatt Webb, creator of Miraval’s signature Equine Experience and author of two books. “Most people wake up to fear and self-doubt every day.”

Fear takes many forms; for some it might be an object or an animal, a situation, or a person. In a nutshell, fear is disabling beliefs you carry in yourself that prevent you from living a productive, healthy and inspired life.

“Fear is a great motivator,” says Joe MacDonald, manager of Miraval’s Challenge Department, which offers high-rope activities like the Quantum Leap. Quantum Leap challenges people to climb a 32-foot pole, stand atop it and then leap off.

“Fear correlates with the future,” adds Joe. “When you’re out of the moment — living in the future of what you think could happen, which is often a flawed perspective — you tend to create fear and anxiety.”

Many of the guests who book private one-on-one classes with Miraval’s trail-riding guides do so to work through their fear of horses. “Some come to us after taking the Equine Experience, and some come see us so that they can go through it in the first place,” says Amy Armour of Miraval’s Purple Sage Ranch.

According to Amy, once people are given the opportunity to learn more about horse behavior by bonding with a horse and taking part in a relaxing trail ride, their fear is significantly reduced.

“I’ve yet to deal with anyone who was more fearful of horses after they’ve finished a class,” says Amy.

Five STEPS

In his book Five Steps for Overcoming Fear and Self Doubt, Journey into Present-Moment Time, Wyatt uses his 20 years of experience as a licensed counselor to examine his own fears and self-doubts. Here are his 5 steps for overcoming fear.

Acknowledge the fear.
Quantify the fear.
Openly admit to the worst-case scenario.
Gather information and support to avoid the worst case.
As the fear dissipates, celebrate the absence of fear.

Food with a Sense of Care and Honor by Rancho La Puerta, Tecate, Mexico

Lorri — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:47:25 +0000

Since its founding in 1940, Rancho La Puerta has been a proponent of “eating locally”. Over the years Rancho La Puerta’s organic farm has grown into a world-renowned example of successful organic gardening. The garden provides the immediate contact with nature that guests crave. It was natural and endemic to learn how food could be prepared with a sense of care and honor – a careful and “slower” way of cooking that turned its back on the rise of packaged food and industrial agriculture after World War II.

Eating locally now goes far beyond freshness and seasonality; the “carbon footprint” attendant to any product that is shipped long distance can mean that a meal of foods from distant places may “cost” the planet a significant amount of fossil fuel consumption – and the attendant global warming and air pollution as trucks, trains, planes and ships move foodstuffs around the world.

Today, Deborah Szekely and her daughter Sarah Livia Brightwood have created a new food experience at Rancho La Puerta. La Cocina Que Canta (The Kitchen that Sings) now allows guests to take hands-on cooking classes in a 5,000 sq. ft. school set in the organic farm. The act of selecting, preparing and enjoying food with friends has never been more enjoyable.

Love Life, Live Longer, from AARP Magazine

Lorri — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:55:04 +0000

Nothing makes you more optimistic than the news that optimism makes you live longer.

That’s the conclusion of researchers at Yale University and Miami University in Ohio who did a 23-year study to gauge how perceptions of aging affect longevity. They asked 660 50-plus participants to evaluate age-related statements, such as “As you get older, you are less useful.”

The results?

People who viewed aging positively lived an average of 7.5 years longer than those who saw it negatively (and, no, those people weren’t Pollyannas in general – researchers isolated feelings related specifically to aging). Becca Levy, Ph.D., who headed the study, says the key to being in the first group is focusing on the good things you’ve gained with age, such as wisdom rather than the bad, such as achy bones.

Also, find older role models – in the media or in your life – with inspiring pursuits, to remind you of the stuff you can do with an extra seven years of life. Ours is 104-yearold beekeeper R. Waldo McBurney. He just wrote his first book, My First 100 Years! We’re optimistic about a sequel.

Monica Hesse
A.A.R.P. Magazine

Inspired Living by Canyon Ranch, Tucson, AZ

Lorri — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:50:29 +0000

Energy is part of the great mystery that fuels and guides our lives. At Canyon Ranch we see a complementary relationship between spirituality and energy. Many experiences of energy open our eyes to the interconnectedness of our world and a sense of deeper meaning in our lives.

By making a conscious effort to nurture spirit, we create an atmosphere for well-being to thrive. The potential for self-healing in this environment is extraordinary, and countless guests have been touched by healing experiences at Canyon Ranch.

Canyon Ranch Spa guest Michelle Grosman reflected on her Spa Connection vacation. “Before my visit, I was a pragmatic thinker and I had no patience for spiritual thinking. After experiencing the spiritual aspects of Canyon Ranch, I felt as if a door had opened to a whole new world. I realized that I could grow, improve myself and change the way I viewed the world. I learned that a spiritual moment is more than meditating and can be different for each person.”

“I tell my friends that Canyon Ranch is like looking into the ocean. You can enjoy the spa, exercise classes and the great food, but, like the ocean, there’s so much more under the surface. The lectures and workshops on spirituality and energy medicine are the jewels of the ocean.”

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

Many Canyon Ranch practitioners and guests talk about “energy healing” or “energy consciousness.” There is strong evidence and emerging recognition in the scientific world that a subtle energy holds everything together. It is the life force within and between all things.

Energy can also be viewed as the personal force that allows you to make lasting change. It is our goal to help you strengthen and balance your energy so that you can get the most out of life, regardless of your ultimate goal. Guests are often surprised by what they discover during a visit to Canyon Ranch. “We were looking for something that complemented our intellectual interests as well as a place to relax, learn and rejuvenate,” says Linda Kartoz-Doochin, a Spa Connection guest. “We were hesitant to consider a ‘spa vacation,’ but we had heard so many wonderful stories about Canyon Ranch from friends and family that we decided to try it. It turned out to be the gift that changed our lives.”

“I experienced Healing Touch for the first time and found it so transformational that I suggested to my husband that he try it. We both loved it and immediately signed up for another session. In addition to the stimulating lectures and incredible variety of personal services and health and wellness offerings, we also attended a presentation about Healing Touch, and today, after four years of study and casework, we are Certified Healing Touch Practitioners. The skills that we learned at Canyon Ranch continue to enrich our lives … long after our first visit.”

Health has many dimensions, and some things we may not be able to change or cure, but energy and spirit allow us to heal, to grow and to tap into our spiritual potential no matter what life presents. Conscious living or life infused with energy and spirit, is simply inspired.
Master the Moment!

Breath – Take a series of deep breaths into your belly. Be sure your out-breath is longer than your in-breath.

Awareness – Step back from the situation and notice your own reactions. Release your assumptions Consider the big picture.

Silence – Take a moment without action or conversation and listen. Notice the silence behind all sound.

Intention – Return to your highest intention for this situation. Are you picturing the best outcome? Are you being optimistic?

Compassion – Is your attitude loving to yourself and others? Are your thoughts and actions caring and empowering?

Slow Down – Notice the pace of your thoughts and actions Can you do less or expect less in this moment? Is time running you?

Finding Inspiraton by Red Mountain Spa, St. George UT

Lorri — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:41:31 +0000

There are those lucky few, who know their passion from the day they are born. It seems to be almost hard-wired; they are drawn to betterment throughout their life. However, it seems that most of us meander through life searching for something to light the fire within us, to lead us to our successes and happiness in life. Many find that gift, while at Red Mountain Spa.

Red Mountain Spa’s hiking program ignites such inspiration for many people as they embark on their day’s adventures. The connection to the earth, and the power of the towering red rocks, leaves a person who has lived their life surrounded by skyscrapers, mesmerized.

Taking the challenge to hike up a steep hill and climb over a rock formation allows one to realize the capabilities of a healthy body. Suddenly a person is inspired to be healthier and seek new adventures. Rewarding the body afterward, with healthy cuisine, reminds us of how important it is to give the body the nourishment it deserves. Taking time out to relax and reflect overlooking the red rock cliffs outside Sagestone Spa and Salon gives one the time to collect their thoughts, and be inspired to experience even more the next day.

Red Mountain Spa hopes that you are inspired to find better health, happiness and many adventures each day of your life.

Awakening to your Own Inner Wisdom by The Lodge at Woodloch, Hawley, PA

Lorri — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 06:27:00 +0000

Whether it is a desire for improved fitness, relief from stress, weight loss, or peace of mind, there are no “right” answers for everyone. For greatest success with life’s challenges, we need to look within ourselves, and “awaken” to the truth about the choices we make, what we really want, and how we live our lives. In fact, each of us may be our own best “guide”.

We tend to look to outside experts for life’s answers, rather than looking within. Many of us have lost our inner compass due to the stresses of daily life. Yet underneath the noise and the chatter is a wisdom that is always present if we only stop long enough to hear it’s message.

Looking within is a process which requires us to stop and take a break from our everyday lives in order to be able to “listen” to our own inner wisdom and “hear” the answers that our inner guide offers us.

At The Lodge At Woodloch there are many opportunities to nourish and explore the inner you. The peace and beauty of the surroundings and the many choices of activities and services inspire an opening to that very personal place waiting to be discovered.

We invite you to consider listening to yourself by:

Noticing what it feels like to savor your meal and stop when you are full.
Listening to the little voice that says “take a walk, stretch, move”.
Honoring the desire to relax or sleep in, without guilt.
Creating the space and time for the voice within to speak.

While outside experts can be valuable partners and a source of information and inspiration, at the end of the day, we are our own best guides about what will work for us. The good news is this inner guide goes home with us!

24 Ways to Reduce Stress from Canyon Ranch, Lenox, MA

Lorri — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 06:25:00 +0000

Physical exercise – develop an exercise routine that is aerobic and fun. Stick to it more religiously when under high stress. This does more to reduce acute stress than anything else you can do.
Eat regular, nutritional meals – foods low in fat, sodium and simple sugar and high in carbohydrates are the best. Eat as though you are in training. Mealtimes should be as stress free as possible.
Supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals – your body uses up its B vitamins, C vitamins and calcium during stress. Alcohol is a depressant and does not help you feel better.
Post notes to yourself – the memory is affected by stress so write reminders to yourself. When making appointments, write when they are and directions in your appointment book.
Prepare for the morning the night before – put things you need to take with you by the door. Decide what you’re going to wear and be sure it’s ready.
Get up 15 minutes early – this gives you time for unforeseen things.
Anticipate your needs – stop for gas before you really need it. Keep cash and coins on hand.
Allow extra time to get where you need to go – this way, if there are traffic delays you will not increase your stress.
Walk everywhere you can – it’s a good exercise and it gives you the opportunity to smell the flowers.
Schedule quiet times – especially helpful is quiet just before bed and some quiet time during the day.
Keep your sense of humor – seeing the humor in a situation will help keep your stress low.
Relax your standards – you don’t have to do everything perfectly.
Find a serene place of your own – even if it’s just a comfortable chair in the corner.
Change your perspective – ask yourself what this all matters in the march of the universe.
Take advantage of your body rhythms – schedule your most difficult tasks for your peak hours and less difficult tasks for other times.
Have fun – we can’t be serious all the time.
Say “no” more often – you need to pick the activities on which you want to spend your life.
Reward yourself after stressful activities – relax with a book, listen to music, or have a special lunch or take a long, leisurely bath.
Spend time with others – preferably with others not involved in your work.
Keep a journal – writing down your inner thoughts is a way of release, as well as providing a journal for later contemplation.
Get plenty of rest – schedule extra sleep time during times of stress. When you can’t get to sleep, get up and do something non-stimulating.
Don’t make big life changes while under stress – making changes during stressful times is difficult.
Keep schedules as normal as possible – the semblance of routine helps.
Don’t give yourself negative labels – you are not “losing it,” you are reacting to stress in a normal way.

RETURN TO THE SACRED: Ancient Pathways to Spiritual Awakening Jonathan H. Ellerby Ph.D.

Lorri — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 06:19:20 +0000

Best-selling authors and spiritual teachers are celebrating Return to the Sacred as an answer to people’s prayers. Larry Dossey MD calls Return to the Sacred, “an elegant, enchanting book.” Christiane Northrup MD says its “enthralling,” Joan Borysenko PhD said, “Very rarely does a book appear with the power to stir the soul; to remind you of what you know in your bones; to inspire you to connect with Spirit in its many forms. Return to the Sacred is such a book.”

Have you ever wished for inner peace? Have you sought a deeper understanding of yourself and the spiritual world? Have you followed the popular prescriptions for enlightenment and still found yourself unsatisfied? When times of chaos and change weigh heavy on your heart and mind, how will you take your next step toward lasting peace and wisdom?

‘Return To The Sacred’ will help you answer these questions and more. It is an extraordinary guide to understanding the importance of spiritual practice and the great diversity of paths that are available to you. This is a book that does more than provide philosophy and inspiration; it gives you the freedom to find a path that works for you and the knowledge to experience the answers for yourself. You will learn about the time-tested tools of spiritual growth that will help you to discover the depths of wisdom, power and peace.

Return to the Sacred will introduce you to the Twelve Master Paths and Practices that have transformed the lives of countless saints, mystics, masters, and sages since the beginning of history. In this book you will find what you need to discover your spiritual personality and choose the path that will lead you toward the realization of extraordinary joy and a life long journey of meaning.

Dr. Ellerby weaves threads of personal growth with comparative religion and fascinating true tales of spiritual adventures with teachers and healers around the world. Through colorful stories and clear reflections he presents a perspective that reveals the extraordinary rewards of spiritual practice, and a realistic understanding of the deep commitments and challenging steps along the way. Return to the Sacred is an inspiring journey around the globe and into the furthest reaches of the Spirit.

Dr. Jonathan Ellerby has spent over twenty years dedicated to the personal, professional and academic exploration of spirituality, healing and consciousness. Throughout his journey he has traveled the world to meet and study with spiritual teachers from more than 40 cultural traditions.

With a doctoral degree in Comparative Religion, and ordination as an Interfaith Minister, Jonathan has worked as a healer, teacher, and consultant with in settings as diverse as hospitals, major corporations, prisons, community groups, conferences, and some of the world’s leading holistic health resorts.

Jonathan’s work and training has taken him deeply into the worlds of Indigenous Healing, corporate culture, and Integrative Medicine. Jonathan is the Spiritual Program Director for the acclaimed Canyon Ranch Health Resorts.

Jonathan has been featured on radio, TV, and in a recent documentary, “Secrets of the Soul.” On January 1 of 2009 he will release Return to the Sacred: Ancient Pathways to Spiritual Awakening, a book with Hay House; and in February 2009 he will release an 8CD audio learning program with Sounds True, titled: “Your Spiritual personality: How To Find The Right Practice For You.”