Serenity in September at Canyon Ranch Lenox and Special Offer!

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011 | Adventure, Canyon Ranch, Challenge Course, Destination Spas, fitness, healthy living, well-being | No Comments

Water evokes a sense of calmness and serenity and I love that peaceful feeling.    At Canyon Ranch in Lenox there are a number of options to get out on the water and enjoy the outdoors – that’s one of the most appealing attributes to this amazing destination spa.

There are several activities to choose from and one that I like is the Canoe & Hike – you get to enjoy a two-mile hike along the Appalachian Trail and then canoe.  They split the group in two so half hike while half canoe and then switch off at the Appalachian Trail Hut by Goose Pond.  This is only offered until October and then starts up again in May.  And it’s included in your stay!  There are several offerings for kayaking as well including group kayaking, pool kayaking and private lessons and tours.

Let’s get to that Special Offer from Mindful Adventures – if you can travel between 9/18 – 22 for either 3- or 4- nights you’ll save quite a bit, but you have to contact me directly by 9/6 or sooner.   Simply e-mail me and I’ll send you the rest of the details.  September is a great time to experience Canyon Ranch.   Space is limited.
E-mail me at donna@mindfuladventures.com.

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See you in September!

Tags: Berkshires, canoeing, Canyon Ranch, hiking, kayaking, Lenox

Spa Week and Joy Bauer present the Fast Track to Health Giveaway

Wednesday, August 17th, 2011 | California Spas, Nutrition, Weight Loss, fitness, healthy living, wellness | No Comments

Every so often an opportunity comes along and you have two choices – either take action to pursue it or let it go and never know the outcome.  That’s what this post is about.  One of the goals at Mindful Adventures is to share wellness, travel and spa information and encourage a healthy lifestyle, especially if there’s an opportunity to win a health-focused getaway.

A couple of months ago (June), Spa Week and Jillian Michaels (celebrity fitness expert), partnered to give one winner a wellness retreat at the famous Golden Door Spa in Escondido, CA.

Because of the success of this last effort another opportunity is being presented and I hope you’ll consider taking action as this health-focused giveaway can be life changing in so many ways.  For instance, obesity is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one third of adults are obese.  Resources such as fitness centers, nutritionists and personal trainers are key to conquering this growing epidemic, however  aren’t always an affordable option.   And that is why Spa Week has partnered with Joy Bauer,  the TODAY show’s resident nutritionist and diet expert, to kick-start a new, healthy lifestyle for one deserving winner by entering the Fast Track to Health Giveaway.

“Millions of people tune in to watch Joy Bauer on the Today show and The Biggest Loser to get inspired and motivate their own fitness goals, so it is extremely rewarding to host such a life-changing giveaway on SpaWeek.com,” said Spa Week Media Group CEO and President Cheryl Reid.

Take Action:
Now through September 11th, visitors to SpaWeek.com can enter for a chance to win a seven day, six night stay for two at The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge in Malibu, CA to delve into the rigorous fitness and weight loss regime.    This powerful weight-loss journey offers  daily fitness and exercise activities, healthy low calorie meals, relaxing spa services, educational lectures and a private cooking class with the resort’s on-site executive chef.   One important key to sustaining weight loss and continuing on the path of wellness will be to stay on track upon returning home, so the winner will also receive a take-home package including Joy’s bestselling book, Food Cures, a personalized nutritional plan designed by Joy, and $175 in SpaWeek Gift Cards.

Good luck!

Resources:
SpaWeek
Biggest Loser Resort

Photo credit: Biggest Loser Resort, Malibu, CA

Tags: Biggest Loser Resort, NBC, Spa Week, Today Show, Weight Loss

Have you Meditated today?

Thursday, August 11th, 2011 | Gratitude and Inspiration, Healing Music, Manifesting, Meditation, Relaxation, healthy living, well-being | No Comments

Have you meditated today?

Not too long ago I was more consistent with my meditation practice due to ‘Getting into the Vortex’ by Esther and Jerry Hicks.  Fifteen minutes in the morning – that’s all I was required to give of my day and then I let other tasks take over and found myself saying, “I’ll do it later.” And, well, you know….later never came.   It’s like going to the gym on those hectic days; we think we’ll go ‘later’ and then something else comes up and that’s life.

I noticed that my lack of meditating led to an imbalance in my thoughts, which became a reflection of my outer world and physical being.  It’s like the door to chaos reopened.  That feeling permeates in everything and yet there’s an awareness and acceptance that has led me back to my meditation practice and maybe that’s one of the benefits – to realize that when things go awry you can do something about it with a knowing that we can create a new reflection of balance in our life and when that happens we can manifest more of what we desire vs. what we don’t want in our life.

And this morning I remembered how much meditating was benefiting me.  That calm feeling.   Thoughts of clarity.  And more focus and energy to get me through the day.  How could I neglect something that promoted such a positive influence?  So that was the question I woke up with this morning and I made a decision to commit once again.  That’s the reason for this post today.  If you give meditation a chance you’ll see the benefits as well and find that ‘balancing rhythm’ that Esther Hicks and Abraham refer to.  Chances are that if you stop by Mindful Adventures often then you probably are already meditating and that’s great as research shows that there is an increase in those who meditate.

All you need is 10-15 minutes each day and the morning is best as you can set your positive intention for the day and you’ll feel a sense of peacefulness and clarity during your meditation that will continue once you’re done.

If you’re new to meditation:
- Set aside 15 minutes in the morning before you get into your day
- Find a comfortable position, relax and close your eyes
- A guided meditation CD is best for beginners and one that I like is Getting in the Vortex by Jerry & Esther Hicks

- Focus on your breathing – this is important and a guided meditation will help you
- As you continue with your meditation practice you may find that you’d like to add beads/prayer beads to help you focus
- Thoughts may come and go and it’s best to acknowledge them and release them
- Relax and release any resistance you may feel  – let the guided meditation lead you to a renewed state of being

More info:
According to the latest research, meditation has been linked to changes in blood pressure, metabolism, brain activation and other bodily processes.  It has been shown to help with pain reduction and stress relief.  Two of the major benefits most of us seek along with that feeling of inner peace.

Are you ready to experience the benefits of meditation?  I hope you’ll consider adding this practice to your day and hope even more that you’ll come to feel inner peace, clarity and balance.

Recommended Guided Meditation CD:

Getting Into The Vortex: Guided Meditations CD and User Guide