Lessons in being Grounded

Sunday, April 19th, 2009 | Uncategorized | 1 Comment

There are so many topics to write about and yet I have been remiss in posting lately and for that I’m sorry. My life adventure is based on positive living practices, however every so often we can get ‘tripped’ up in daily life and sometimes it’s like being hit with a 2×4, otherwise known as a wake up call and I now find myself temporarily grounded.

My ‘mindful’ moments have shifted a little due to an injury I sustained (my proverbial 2×4) and the initial blow was a cracked rib, which led to a few other injuries not quite felt at the time of the initial accident. I put off looking into the subtle differences I felt in my body thinking they would go away. I spent more hours working and trying to ‘figure things out’ and as much as I knew the first priority was to listen to my body I neglected to listen to my own innate wisdom. Sometimes we can assist others and guide them to accepting and recognizing that their first priority is to take care of themselves, and sometimes we just miss the mark when it comes to listening to the messages from our own body, mind and spirit and that’s all part of being human. The challenge I’m facing now seemed to creep up on me little by little until one day I could hardly move and enjoy my lifestyle and as much as I felt anger and frustration, I came to realize it was another lesson. A harder lesson to take when there’s pain involved, yet a lesson nevertheless. The reality is that I am now focused on healing and have reduced my hours of work and many outdoor activities. I believe in alternative modalities and am focused on healing and listening to my body more than I’ve done in the past. Our body can heal itself and this lesson, although very difficult at times, is teaching me about patience (many lessons in patience have come my way), self-acceptance, and trust (yes, another big one and it’s trust in oneself, others and divine guidance).

In many ways it’s a transformation and maybe a way to let go of some old beliefs that were holding me back, which is so ironic since I’m feeling ‘held back’ now. It’s like being in that ‘chrysalis’ stage of growth and differentiation and when it’s time to emerge we can feel our wings and move forward. The butterfly analogy is so real for this time of transformation as there are so many people going through a time of change.

Perhaps there’s something going on in your life that you haven’t faced and no matter how much you put off tending to it or burying your head in the sand, it is still there. Sometimes dealing with work challenges or assisting someone else with their challenge is easier, yet when it comes to our own life that may not always be the case. Change truly does come from within and our perception is our reality. When we come to realize that what we used to believe in no longer serves us and we can look at something from a different perspective, then change occurs and we can also refer to this as a paradigm shift, a major change in thinking, which is empowering and can help move us forward.

Currently my ‘Mindful Adventures’ include visualizations and affirmations and a balance of putting myself first so that everything else can fall into place. Worrying doesn’t solve anything and it is so true that when we have our health, we do have everything.

Here’s to your health and your own mindful adventures!

Note: As soon as I’m able to travel again, I’ll be heading to a couple of my favorite destination spas for continued physical, mental, emotional and spiritual growth!!!

Canyon Ranch – More than a vacation, it’s Life Changing

Friday, March 20th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments

Take the time to do something for yourself as well as enjoy the feeling of sharing the experience with someone you care about. Here are some ideas and reasons to consider Canyon Ranch…

De-Stress and Unwind:
* Massage, Body Work and Meditation
* Yoga
* Golf

Grow and Learn:
* Sleep
* Genomics
* Sexuality & Intimacy

Lifestyle Changes:
* Nutrition
* Weight Management
* Smoking Cessation

Be open to the possibilities…

Re-discover You!
Sometimes we lose track of who we are and our core being. Peel away the layers and rediscover yourself. Nourish your body, mind and spirit.

Discovery:
You know that feeling when you want to experience something more? Perhaps you want to take up golf or tennis or learn something new in the field of sleep or nutrition; here is your opportunity to be in the moment and learn more to improve your life.

Awakening:
When was the last time you had that Aha! moment? Is there something else you want to do with your life? Have you lost sight of passion and all that makes you feel good? We’re here to feel good despite the challenges we face from time to time.

You are ready to explore the options available to help you create positive change now.

Remember…..”The Journey of a Thousand Miles begins with a single step.” Lao Tzu

VALUE-ADDED REASON: Just wanted to remind everyone reading this posting that I have limited space available for a promotion at Canyon Ranch Tucson from May 7 – 14 (4- or 7-night stay). It’s over Mother’s Day and offers an amazing opportunity to experience all that’s possible at Canyon Ranch with the benefit of sharing the moments with someone close to you.

Mindful Adventures Announces Present Perfect – A Women’s Retreat!

Saturday, March 14th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments

I don’t know about you, however I have made a decision to stop watching the news and feeding into fear, worry and anxiety and for those of you who know me, that is huge. I choose to live in the moment and continue to create what I want my life to be, however we are all human and I like to think of myself as believer meets realist with a side of optimism. So the question I pose is this: How about you? Now is the time to dedicate our time and energy toward moving forward. Plant the seeds, water them, nourish them and give them room to grow and yes, a little time and patience is necessary. We can create the life we want and choose to not let fear and doubt hold us back.

Another function of Mindful Adventures in addition to writing, spa retreats, travel and wellness is handling marketing, public relations, and communications for businesses and individuals with similar beliefs, values and intentions and I’d like to announce Present Perfect, A Women’s Retreat being led by a Virginia based company (Growing Through Yoga), focused on retreats, workshops and seminars throughout Virginia to help others achieve personal and professional transformation.

We’re both excited about this opportunity and for those of you in Virginia, consider a retreat either for yourself or your company/business.

Upcoming Retreat:
Chanco-on-the-James
Surry, VA
May 29 ~ 31, 2009

Retreat Overview
Chanco on the James is an easy drive from the Peninsula and a wonder-filled place – an oasis in the world – where the Sacred Self of each individual is recognized and can find love, peace and serenity.

Join other like minded women for a relaxing and rejuvenating weekend where you can let the everyday world disappear and where you are free to just be!

This will be your time to use as your heart dictates and live in the moment.

You’ll be inspired by the variety of workshops created to improve your life.
- Mindfulness/Meditation
- Yoga
- Spiritual Mentoring
- Breathwork
- Creative Movement
- Metabolics of Aging

For more information on this retreat or others outside the area, please contact:
Phone: Anita at 757-871-7480 or
E-mail: neetayacht@cox.net

3 Days of Travel to Boost the Economy

Wednesday, February 4th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments

Your Mindful Adventure Awaits You at Rancho la Puerta

Is anyone else out there experiencing cabin fever? I am not one to stay put for a very long time and I am ready to go someplace very soon…..and now is the time to consider a long awaited getaway.

We’ve been reading and hearing about making cutbacks and recently one of my articles was published about our current economic atmosphere and how people are cutting back and one example was about making lattes at home; well it doesn’t seem that way when I’m waiting in line for my soy latte at Starbucks. Travel is another area that has been affected by our current economic atmosphere and although travel buying habits have changed, people are traveling. Travel and tourism is one of our nation’s greatest resources for jobs and economic growth and support is vital. Simply put, travel supports the economy let alone the other benefits of our well-being, relationships, and yes, our sanity, to name a few. Whether you’re dealing with cabin fever, monkey mind or sleep deprivation, traveling can set you free and open your mind to possibilities, a new awareness and maybe that’s what we need to consider now more than ever.

Many resorts are offering amazing values right now and some are advertised while many aren’t and either way….working with a travel professional is important. So, with that, I’m going to cover 3 different travel values over the next three days that are being offered right now and are time sensitive. Take a look and consider one of these options. It may be just what you need for your vision of hope and well-being.

Rancho la Puerta
Bring a Friend Promotion
Travel the week of February 7-14, 2009
or February 21-28, 2009

There is too much “room at the inn” in these particular weeks, so there is an offer rarely seen at Rancho La Puerta. All guests staying one week (Saturday to Saturday) can bring a friend at 50% off. Share the room…share the savings.

ALL-INCLUSIVE seven-night packages.
Subject to availability. Some restrictions apply. One-week stays only. May not be combined with other promotions.

For more information on these options, feel free to e-mail me at donna@mindfuladventures.com.

Life is an Adventure. Travel!

A Vision of Hope

Monday, January 19th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments

After a week of working long hours in my home office, I was experiencing a case of cabin fever so I set out to visit my local Starbucks for a change of scenery, and more specifically, to surround myself with human contact (and a soy latte). And, this is what I found so interesting and what I continue to find uplifting despite our current economic atmosphere: There were people, a lot of people and as one walked out with their favorite drink in hand, another one or two walked in with cash in hand for their favorite hot potion. And, ironically enough, I was reading a New York Times article discussing how consumers have been taking on some of the tasks that they used to pay for, such as brewing an espresso at home. It went on to report that many of us started cooking more at home, are coloring or cutting our own hair, grooming our own pets and working on our own cars. Well, the question that comes to mind is this: Is this out of fear, guilt or because we really want to take on more tasks despite an already hectic work/life schedule?

From the experience I had at my local Starbucks (Chesapeake, VA by the way), this isn’t unique as I escape to this location when I get cabin fever and it’s busy like this most of the time. So, the other question is: Who is making their own lattes and is it a few or the masses?

We can agree that small businesses, namely service-oriented, are affected by our current economy as we cut back, however we’re Americans and we’re resilient and although it’s wise to make cuts to sustain ourselves, it’s also vital to employ the services of those that have been available to our needs and not turn our heads on them now. After all, ‘they’ could be us and yes, that is the case here and amongst some of the small businesses that I continue to support. For instance, consider that coloring your own hair may be harsh to your scalp/hair and not last as long if not done correctly. Perhaps grooming your own pet leads to hurting a paw or not taking care of all of their needs for good pet health. What did the latte machine cost? And isn’t going out for a cup of coffee more often than not about the experience and taking time away to reconnect with a friend or finding a little time alone to reflect and unwind? Travel is another area that has been affected by our current economic atmosphere and while travel buying habits have changed, people are traveling. Travel and tourism is one of our nation’s greatest resources for jobs and economic growth and support is vital as we encourage more overseas visitors to the United States.

Now is the time to re-connect and stand by each other. After all, we are Americans and small business leaders helped create our country and we must never, ever give up. Now is the time to sow our seeds and have faith that what we are planting and creating now will flourish and we will once again be prosperous. The sooner we live from purpose and focus on what we can do today to create a better tomorrow, the better off all of us will be.

This is an exciting time, it’s a ‘do over’ for many of us and when we can find our way to embrace that – imagine the possibilities. This isn’t about politics. It is about believing in the power of people and the belief that we can rise above, just as a phoenix rises from the ashes. As Barack Obama said in his fateful speech on November 4th, “This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.”

This is not to be confused with a ‘Pollyanna’ viewpoint; it is written with the intention of standing together and realizing that there is positive news out there. There are stories of business growth and successes despite the daily news of company closings and low profit margins and when we choose to read more of the positive news we can all be inspired to get up in the morning and face the day with purpose and a knowing that it is getting a little better each day.

As Eleanor Roosevelt said many years ago, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” What is your dream and do you believe in it and yourself?

Rancho la Puerta – new special

Saturday, January 10th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments

Hi – well, this just came in and you’re the first to know….okay, second……I’ve never seen a special like this during peak season at Rancho la Puerta and I’m excited that there’s another opportunity to experience Rancho la Puerta at a special rate. Here are the details:

Enjoy “Bring a Friend” weeks and save $1500 to $2200
January 17-24, 2009 | February 7-14, 2009 | February 21-28, 2009

All guests staying one week (Saturday to Saturday) can bring a friend at 50% off.
Share the room…share the savings! Now is the perfect time to visit Rancho La Puerta,
legendary luxury fitness resort and spa founded in 1940. Only one hour east of San Diego.

ALL-INCLUSIVE seven-night packages. NEVER A SERVICE CHARGE.
Private garden casitas…three healthy, organic meals daily…over 50 cutting-edge fitness classes…3,000 private acres…guided hikes, tennis, swimming…organic farm…cooking school…soothing spa treatments transportation to and from San Diego Airport included.
(Subject to availability. Some restrictions apply. One-week stays only.)

For more information, visit: Spa Vacations

Article: ‘Ranch’

Top 10 Destination Spas for Change

Saturday, January 10th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments

Top 10 Spa & Wellness Retreats

Are you ready to take action to change your life and create what you want for your life? Get ready to challenge yourself, nurture yourself and reinvent yourself using travel and spa as your vehicle. Choose to live in the moment in 2009 and reach beyond your limits to uncover your hidden passions and a more positive you. It starts here, are you ready?

Mindful Adventure’s Top 10 Destination Spas for Change
Positive Action creates Positive Changes

Canyon Ranch, Tucson – The healing power and energy of the Sonoran Desert is a respite to those seeking programs to nourish, challenge and pamper themselves. Consider hiking, biking, nutritious dining, workshops and consultations by wellness and medical experts and a full service spa for relaxation and renewal. The possibilities are endless and a destination spa, such as this, will give you the tools and the time to evaluate your priorities and set yourself on a path of growth and new beginnings.

Miraval Resort, Tucson – Find inspiration and learn how to live in the moment. Be present, rather than worry about the past or the future. Different experiences present choices for nutrition, fitness, stress management and meditation. Explore challenging activities, inspiring classes and relaxing moments to help you create a healthier lifestyle.

Golden Door, Escondido, CA – Discover a hidden oasis inspired by the ancient Japanese Honjin inns and find yourself embraced in luxury and care at this world-famous sanctuary. Small classes, attentive staff, luxurious therapies and engaging activities support the body, mind and spirit and help create a completeness in who we are becoming. Inspiring hikes, nourishing meals, invigorating days and relaxing nights lead you to a new enthusiasm for an ongoing healthy lifestyle.

Rancho la Puerta, Tecate, Mexico – Rancho la Puerta offers an abundance of fitness classes, hiking opportunities for the beginner to advanced, cooking demos, lectures and plenty of options for pampering in their health centers. Meals are nourishing and vegetarian and simply delicious. The ‘rooms’ are really casitas and they’re spacious and decorated with folkloric Mexican art and they’re very comfortable. Take the time to ‘meander the paths’ at the Ranch and you might just find your life will open up to unlimited possibilities.

Red Mountain Spa, St. George, Utah – Only 90 minutes from Las Vegas, this resort is surrounded by majestic red mountains, vivid blue skies and the peaceful setting of the Utah desert. Adventure awaits guests with activities such as hiking, kayaking, biking as well as healthy living classes, fitness, healthy dining and pampering spa services to soothe your body, mind and soul after a fulfilling day. Consider the assistance of their Life Coach, Cindy Clemmons, and take part in one of the workshops to help you make the changes for a more fulfilling life.

Green Valley Spa, St. George, Utah – Founded in 1985 and family-owned since then, this resort is a luxurious oasis in the Utah desert and offers an amazing tennis program, as well as hiking, spa, wellness programs and nature at its best. Green Valley Spa is also home to a Weight Loss Clinic and other programs helping guests create positive change in their lives.

Oaks at Ojai, Ojai, CA – Recently renovated and one of the best values in a destination spa vacation. They offer up to 16 exercise classes and fitness activities per day, a 1000 calorie-a-day spa food plan, spa services, and healthy living classes and an opportunity for (mostly) women to make positive changes and return home renewed and rejuvenated.

Cal-a-Vie, Vista, CA – Located in the rolling hills outside of San Diego, this intimate European villa-inspired resort offers guests the tools to create a more balanced lifestyle with nutritious meals, fitness classes, stress management classes and a luxurious spa. Contemplate the changes you’re ready to make while doing a walking meditation in the labyrinth or within the quiet walls of their 400 year-old chapel.

Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin, TX – Located on Lake Austin in Texas Hill Country, this highly rated resort is a rare find in the Austin area and a unique setting for a destination spa. It is truly like going to your best friend’s lake cottage! Fitness classes, healthy living classes, nutritious and delicious dining are available. If you’re looking for a unique program in healthy cooking, then the Culinary ExperienceÔ is one to look into for an interactive experience, which is another opportunity to take action to create positive change in your life.

Mii Amo, Sedona, AZ – Mii Amo, a Native American word meaning “journe,” is located at Enchantment Resort and surrounded by the awe-inspiring red rocks of Sedona. There is a sense of healing and feeling of life-changing energy in this magical space in the desert. There are different “journeys” or programs that you can choose from for a 3-, 4- or 7-night stay such as the Healthy Lifestyle journey, Ayurvedic Balance,m or Healthy Aging. Journeys include all meals, classes, activities and spa services. A stunning and inspirational setting creates the stage for change.

Life is a Journey….that we can all agree upon. Take the first step to create the positive change you desire and keep on walking!

“The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step.” Lao Tze

Happy New Year from Mindful Adventures!

Wednesday, December 31st, 2008 | Uncategorized | 1 Comment

If there was ever a time to experience ebb and flow, this was certainly the year. However, let’s welcome 2009 with enthusiasm and optimism, albeit cautious at times, we must continue to move forward and never give up on our dreams.

With a hopeful outlook for the year ahead, I wish all of you a year filled with joy, good health, happiness and prosperity. As others have said, it’s up to us to create the change we want to
see and that holds true for ourselves, our family and our country.

Happy New Year!
Felice anno nuovo!
Bonne Annee!
Hauoli Makahiki Hou!
Bliain nua fe mhaise dhuit!
Feliz Ano Nuevo!
Prosit Neujahr!

A Divine ‘09

Monday, December 29th, 2008 | Uncategorized | No Comments

Happy Holidays to all of you!

Last year I recall signing my Christmas cards with “all the best for a great ‘08″ as many of you may have done. Perhaps many of us have a tendency to rhyme a word with the coming of a new year, although I don’t recall what I used for ‘07, ‘06 and prior. This year I recall a friend’s note signed off with “have a fine ‘09″ and I began to think “gee, I’d really like to have a better than ‘fine’ year” and soon the word ‘Divine’ came to me in the quiet of the afternoon. I began signing my cards with “all the best for a Divine 2009′ and I couldn’t imagine a greater word for my well wishing. And here I am a week or so later and thinking about that word ‘divine’ – I initially used it to describe ‘excellent, marvelous, great’ and yet there is so much more to what divine means as you may know. The Divine as it relates to God or God-given qualities as well as being inspired by God and that which is sacred or having to do with theology.

At this point in my dialogue you’re probably thinking about what this has to do with travel and spas? Well, on a deeper level it’s about mindfully balancing your life more fully and for many of us that means including spirituality and many of the destination spas I work with and write about integrate the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual in their programs.

Spiritualty can present itself in many ways such as prayer, being faithful, showing gratitude for the blessings in life, meditation, religion and connecting with nature. Many of us use Yoga, Journaling, and Meditation to calm our mind and connect with our inner selves or with a higher power.

If you’re creating your list of intentions for the new year, consider greater balance and focus on spirituality and…..

All the best for a Divine ‘09!

Rancho la Puerta

Friday, December 5th, 2008 | Uncategorized | No Comments

Hi everyone – thought I’d give another update on specials for those of you looking for a healthy start to 2009 (or a healthier finish to 2008!).

Rancho la Puerta continues to offer 2008 rates for 2009 stays and I hope that you’ll consider going next year (and I still have promotions for this year through the week of Dec. 27). The Ranch is a magical destination spa filled with mature foliage and fauna and although it offers most of what the other destination spas offer such as yoga, healthy meals and the opportunity to kickstart a fitness routine (or enhance what you’re already doing), it also offers a great value and has many uinque features.

One of my greatest memories was walking and contemplating life in the full size replica of the ancient labyrinth found in Chartres Cathedral in France. It was an amazing experience as were the days I focused on Pilates in their progressive program as well as enjoying the best guacamole I’ve ever had (and it’s healthy, low fat, delicious and you’ll have to call or e-mail me for the ingredients) The ‘rooms’ are really casitas and they’re spacious and decorated with folkloric Mexican art and they’re very comfortable. Take the time to ‘meander the paths’ at the Ranch and you might just find your life will open up to unlimited possibilities.

If you do decide to add Rancho la Puerta to your ‘New Year Resolutions’ then you may want to
consider choosing a week (Saturday – Saturday//7-night stays) and go ahead with the deposit ($500 pp) to secure the 2008 rate. The balance isn’t due until 30-days prior to arrival and you can start a travel fund to budget for your trip.

A note from Rancho la Puerta:
Rancho La Puerta is currently holding our accommodations rates at 2008 levels for 2009!

Any 2009 reservation now on record, or made before notice of a rate change sometime in the future, will be honored at 2008 prices—a significant savings in a world where costs continue to soar and “affordability” becomes a rarer commodity. We don’t know how long we can make this offer, so ACT NOW to assure that you lock in your SAVINGS. Enjoy the Ranch—a week that will last a lifetime!
I couldn’t agree more! Have a great weekend.