wellness
Ahh! A Lesson in Breathing. Tune in to the Dr. Oz show for more.
Tuesday, March 1st, 2011 | Adventure, Meditation, Miraval Spa, Nutrition, fitness, healthy living, well-being, wellness | No Comments
Breath in. Breath out. Are you using breath work as part of your wellness? Both Dr. Weil and Dr. Nicolai will be on the Dr. Oz show today and they’ll discuss Integrative Wellness and a breathing technique to reduce stress. Tune in to the show and you may be able to ‘tune in’ to some other ideas to improve your own health.
The Dr. Weil Integrative Wellness Program, under the direction of Dr. Jim Nicolai, is fairly new at Miraval Arizona. It really is about our body-mind connection and taking responsibility for our health and it’s so empowering when you take the step toward optimum health.
I’ll be watching. Check your local listings.
Fit Soul Fit Body. Listen to Mark Allen and Brant Secunda and find out how!
Wednesday, February 16th, 2011 | Meditation, Nutrition, Relaxation, Weight Loss, fitness, healthy living, wellness | No Comments
You know the saying “when the student is ready, the teacher appears” and that is exactly what this interview is about. You may very well be the student as well with Mark Allen and Brant Secunda as your teachers. Fit Soul Fit Body – 9 Keys to a Healthier, Happier You is filled with the insight and tips to keep you fit for a lifetime because it is a lifelong process!
Listen to my podcast from my recent interview with Brant Secunda, a shaman, healer and ceremonial leader in the Huichol Indian tradition of Mexico and Mark Allen, a six-time Ironman World Champion, also known as “The World’s Fittest Man” by Outside Magazine and “The Greatest Triathlete of All Time” by Triathlete magazine as we discuss more about Fit Soul Fit Body.
We discussed overexercising, Seasonal Affective Disorder, giving ourselves permission to “go within and find the light inside ourselves,” the benefits of a spiritual process called Nerika and more.
Interview with Brant Secunda and Mark Allen
** Recording volume differs from computer to computer – You may need to turn up your volume.
You won’t want to miss what Brant and Mark have to say.
For more information: Visit www.fitsoul-fitbody.com and return here often as I’ll be including some of the tips and keys that both Mark and Brant present in their book.
Personally, I found Fit Soul-Fit Body to be very insightful and recommend it as a go-to holistic guide for your own personal well-being.
Enjoy your journey!
Another tip from The Happy Body book!
Sunday, February 13th, 2011 | Meditation, Nutrition, Relaxation, Weight Loss, fitness, healthy living, wellness | No Comments
You’ll want to look at my previous post here at MindfulAdventures.com regarding my recent interview with Jerzy Gregorek, co-author of The Happy Body to get the full story, however both Jerzy and his wife and co-author Aniela have come up with some tips on exercising together.
In The Happy Body you’ll see detailed step-by-step photographs, charts and formulas with written instructions. The book is beautifully illustrated and also offers a spiritual component. The Gregoreks believe that as people perform the exercises on a daily basis, their lives develop a rhythm that helps them become calmer, more meditative, more relaxed and more mindful.
This is one of six of those tips I mentioned earlier and I’ll continue to present more in the days ahead. Set achievable goals and each step will take you closer.
1. Change your idea about it.
Stop thinking about exercise as a way to burn calories and counteract overeating. You will never lose weight through exercise. Start thinking of exercise as a way to combat aging. With this vision, you can learn to exercise properly. Start by measuring your current flexibility, strength, speed, body type, and posture. Now you can set meaningful exercise goals.
As with any exercise or weight loss program, check with your doctor if you have specific questions about your personal needs and goals.
A Healthy Valentine’s Day idea from The Happy Body book.
Friday, February 11th, 2011 | Meditation, Nutrition, Relaxation, Weight Loss, fitness, healthy living, wellness | No Comments
Chocolate? Flowers? Weekend getaway? They’re all great ideas for a Valentine’s Day surprise, however there’s something else that you can do that will have long lasting ‘heartfelt’ benefits.
What is it you ask?
Working out together and that can mean a fitness routine, dancing, hiking and the list goes on as you’ll hear first hand as I recently had the opportunity to interview Jerzy Gregorek, co-author of The Happy Body book. Jerzy and Aniela Gregorek are world weightlifting champions and founders and head coaches of the UCLA weightlifting team. Aniela is a 5-time World Weightlifting Champion who holds 6 world records, and Jerzy is a 4-time World Weightlifting Champion with one world record. They also own a successful fitness coaching practice in LA, and have written a new book called The Happy Body: The Simple Science of Nutrition, Exercise, and Relaxation.
We discussed a lot and I’ve included the full podcast below so you can listen to Jerzy’s wisdom and ideas for a healthier lifestyle.
And below you’ll find Four Reasons to work out together from Jerzy and Aniela:
Creates “us” time. How often do you and your partner complain that you don’t spend enough quality time together? When you work out as a couple it doesn’t feel like a chore or an obligation. It’s an activity you get to share that feels great and creates a bond. Studies show the endorphins you get from working out also boost libido!
Keeps you motivated. When one of you is tired or feeling lazy, the other partner can boost your morale and cheer you on. Research has long shown that embarking on a health and fitness plan with a partner increases the likelihood that you’ll both keep at it and achieve your weight and fitness goals.
Shows you care. Is your guy working hard to be healthy and vigorous for you? Does your gal make you proud to call her your wife? Investing the time, energy, and commitment in your health and your fitness is a beautiful way of saying, “I love you.”
Reduces stress. Life is stressful, and relationships can be too. But we’ve found that working out together each day is a great time to release pent-up frustration. By the end of a vigorous workout session with your partner, you will both feel relaxed and happy. For us, it’s better than couples counseling!
More info:
The Happy Body: The Simple Science of Nutrition, Exercise, and Relaxation (www.thehappybody.com) is also the winner of six national and international awards in the category of health and fitness books.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
A few of my favorite things to do at Rancho la Puerta!
Monday, October 4th, 2010 | Adventure, Destination Spas, Rancho la Puerta, wellness | No Comments
It’s been about a month now since I left Rancho la Puerta and I’m having spa withdrawals! There were several reasons I chose the Ranch this year and one was to celebrate my 50th birthday during their 70th anniversary year. And it was time well spent as I participated in a Writing Workshop, enjoyed a week of healthy meals and reconnected to nature and different parts of myself and that was a big reason for going.
So, just a few of my favorite things from the Ranch.
First on the list has to do with fitness. So many options and there isn’t a way to do it all in a week, so you do what you can and for me it’s usually about doing something different. Per a previous post I mentioned my injury which kept me from some activities, however I loved Release & Mobilize with Denise. She’s one of my favorite instructors at the Ranch and this something that I continue to do at home. Using tennis balls on specific trigger points you can experience a deep release and that’s why it’s a favorite of mine. The description says that the goal is to decrease tightness and muscle spasms to create greater mobility and that is exactly what happens. I felt great when I left that class and continue to feel that release every morning when I do this at home.
Second on my list is the food. A vegetarian menu that is creative, colorful and nourishing. The granola is the best I’ve ever had so of course I brought some home with me. Fish is served about six times during the week and if you are a vegetarian you can choose an alternative entree if you don’t fish.
And another of my favorite things about the Ranch is the garden. I love walking through the garden and taking photos of the flowers, herbs and anything that catches my eye. It’s fragrant, colorful and nourishes my soul. I feel so healthy when I’m at the Ranch and know that I’m doing good things for my body, mind and soul.
My hope is that more people will experience Rancho la Puerta and other destination spas to improve their well-being and live a healthier and more enriching life. We all need to rejuvenate and reconnect to nature from time to time and this is one of the best ways to do just that.
Enjoy your journey!
Hands-on cooking at Rancho la Puerta’s La Cocina.
Sunday, September 12th, 2010 | Adventure, Destination Spas, Rancho la Puerta, healthy living, wellness | No Comments
If you’ve been following my blog, reading the articles and visiting other areas on MindfulAdventures.com then you know how I feel about destination spas and wellness. I also enjoy assisting/coaching others in finding the destination spa that’s best for their needs, whether they’re looking to jump start (or start) fitness, go hiking, meditate and more importantly nutrition. The bigger goal though is to help others integrate what they learned while away into their lifestyle at home.
One of the destination spas that I enjoy sharing with others is Rancho la Puerta in Tecate, Mexico. You’ve seen some other recent posts here based on my latest adventure to the Ranch and I’m so grateful to have spent time at La Cocina que Canta. This is the Cooking School and Culinary Center at the Ranch and offers a sensory experience, which is nothing short of amazing.
For many, this could also be a life changing experience. I lost my husband due to complications of diabetes and although I did my best at the time with cooking healthy, this could have been (and I’d like to say would have been), a stronger catalyst for both of us to experience together. I wouldn’t call him a foodie, however we loved watching the Food Network and participating in a workshop with someone like Rick Bayless would have been memorable.
Getting back to the present and another Mindful Adventure brings me to my La Cucina experience. Chef Tanya Holland of Brown Sugar Kitchen was our visiting teacher and everything from the moment we gathered for our short ride to La Cucina to the organic garden tour to the main event of cooking and enjoying the fruits of our labor was an experience I’ll never forget and one I hope to enjoy often.
Our group (full at 16) that day had such a great time together and when I close my eyes I can smell the fragrant garden and just taste the sweetness of the just-picked tomatoes and herbs. I learned a lot that day, including how to properly chop chives (thank you Chef!).
This quote comes to mind:
“Everyone has a doctor in him or her; we just have to help in its work. The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well. Our food should be our medicine. Our medicine should be our food. But to eat when you are sick, is to feed your sickness.” – Hippocrates
I’d also like to mention how beautiful La Cucina is as the colorful hand-painted tiles and murals, the wrought iron gate and fireplaces set the mood for the class and the teaching kitchen is something that I think any of us would love to have in our own home.
Enjoy your journey!
I knew then what I know now! Another Mindful Adventure.
Monday, August 30th, 2010 | Adventure, Rancho la Puerta, healthy living, wellness | No Comments
You’ve heard the saying, “If I knew then what I know now, I’d…” and you can fill in the rest with whatever you’re thinking. Well, this is a twist on that phrase.
I’ll come clean here and say that at a very early age I needed surgery and then again at twenty something, however everything worked out for the best and I was semi-happy (and physically active).
Life has been challenging over the last twenty or so years, however now I see that the challenges have made me stronger and led me to set the bar higher on my journey. I am fearless and tenacious in many ways and now is one of those times where that earlier thought has come back to me. “I knew then what I know now!” And for me, it’s all connected to fitness and where I am right now……in my life and geographically, so basically another Mindful Adventure.
I’m currently at Rancho la Puerta, the “World’s Best Destination Spa” as announced in the Travel and Leisure 2010 World’s Best Awards readers’ poll.
It’s been five years (too long) since I’ve been here and Rancho la Puerta is as beautiful as ever, however this time it’s a struggle participating in many of the activities due to an injury I sustained about a year ago. I won’t go into that, however the thought that keeps replaying for me is that fitness needed to be a focus in my life and I let some of the other challenges get me off track.
That’s where, “I knew then what I know now!” comes in. It was my innate wisdom calling out to me so many years ago to make fitness more of a priority in my life and as I sit here and reflect on my life, I realize that it was a missed opportunity on so many levels. For one, I’d be feeling better right now (and may not have been injured last year) and able to participate in what I really want to do like Latin Dance, Zumba, Advanced Hiking and maybe even Sand Volleyball. And this thought is about more than going into the fitness field, it’s about “knowing” what my body needed to be at its optimum best and paying attention to it no matter what.
Here’s my point…..we all have that “innate wisdom” within, basically our intuition, and sometimes we don’t trust it and that’s the lesson in all of this.
If there’s something that’s calling out to you, whether it’s going back to school, a change in career, exercising more, eating healthier, etc., pay attention. It’s your inner voice giving you hints about your journey. Be mindful of what’s on your heart and what feels good to you. Sure, it may seem a little scary “going against” the current, however maybe you just need to adjust the sails.
Lao Tzu’s quote, “The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step,” has been my guide. Remember that when you have an idea about a different path. Pay attention and choose what’s best for you. Step by step is how you reach your destination!
Enjoy your journey!
A Path to Wellness at Spa Montage, Beverly Hills
Friday, August 20th, 2010 | California Spas, California Wineries, Mineral Pool, healthy living, wellness | 1 Comment
Montage Spa
It’s the end of August, however it doesn’t mean the summer is over. If you’re getting the kids ready for school or thinking about another getaway before that easy going summer feeling fades away, there are plenty of options still available. One end-of-summer escape is at the nearly two year old Montage Beverly Hills. Don’t let the 90210 zip code fool you as there are options available that offer a great value and the beauty of this Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean style resort is captivating.
If you’re in California, it may become your new ‘go-to’ spa resort to relax, recharge and reflect, especially with the spa’s wellness program and array of classes including Pilates, Yoga, Cardio and Strength.
Montage Beverly Hills is in the heart of Beverly Hills and close to famous Rodeo Drive and their luxury shops and outstanding dining options. Not to be missed though are the dining options at Montage including The Conservatory Grill and Lobby Lounge (thinking about a little jazz and a glass of Donatiello’s Russian River Valley Pinot Noir while socializing (in person) with some friends). And, speaking of wine, their list is quite extensive and they offer other Napa area favorites including chardonnay from the Darioush Winery and a cabernet from Shafer Winery.
Getting back to the spa. Sometimes a one day getaway is all you need to get back on track to your path to wellness and their relaxing and nurturing ‘Day of Indulgence‘ may be the answer for you. This option is valid from Monday through Thursday at $225 per person and includes: Full-day access to Spa Montage facilities, a 60-minute massage or facial of your choice, Personalized fitness class in one of the private movement studios, Poolside lunch at The Conservatory Grill, and Access to the rooftop pool at Montage Beverly Hills (a great spot with amazing views of the Hollywood Hills). (Valid through Dec. 30, 2010)
By the way, the 20,000 square-foot-spa is a two-story oasis focused on well-being and also has a co-ed Mineral Pool and state of the art fitness center.
Another option that goes beyond the summer is the Overnight Spa Escape and this package includes: Accommodations for one-night at Montage Beverly Hills, Two 60-minute spa treatments of choice at Spa Montage, Daily continental breakfast for two, served in the privacy of your own room, or at one of the restaurants of Montage Beverly Hills, (Rate of $775 per night and available through 12/30/10.)
Montage Beverly Hills, a mixed use residential/hotel, is just under two years old (opened in November 2008) and is the first hotel in Southern California to be awarded (April 2009) Gold Level Certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership Energy and Environmental Design).
For more details on this beautiful luxury resort and spa, visit www.montagebeverlyhills.com.
Co-ed Mineral Pool, Spa Montage
Photo Credit: Scott Frances
Mind Over Fat Matters. An Interview with Dr. Lavinia Rodriguez
Friday, July 23rd, 2010 | Destination Spas, Weight Loss, healthy living, wellness | 2 Comments
Summer is here and the living is easy! For anyone working on weight loss, this may seem a little more challenging as summer is when we want to enjoy the outdoors, go swimming and wear lighter clothing. However, now is the time. It’s never too late to do something healthy and positive for yourself!
Lavinia Rodriguez, PH.D.
Dr. Lavinia Rodriguez is a clinical psychologist, an expert in weight management and the author of Mind Over Fat Matters: Conquering Psychological Barriers to Weight Management. She has a lot of helpful information to offer anyone looking to make healthy changes and it all starts with our brain. Mind Over Fat Matters is full of great insight, starting with Chapter 1 - Friend or Foe: The Psychology of Your Brain and it continues to offer useful information with short chapters, tidbits and notes so you can also use the book as ‘your journal’ to success. Lao Tzu said it best, “The Journey of a Thousand Miles begins with a Single Step!” My goal is to give you another tool to take that step. Baby steps! That’s what we’re talking about here.
Take a few minutes and listen to my interview with Dr. Rodriguez. Timely information and helpful insight to get you started or move you along on your personal journey.
Podcast interview with Dr. Lavinia Rodriguez
And, getting back to summer, Dr. Rodriguez offers some tips on why now is the perfect time to start pursuing your summer weight loss goals and I’ve included a couple below, however the larger nugget here is the amazing interview I recently had with Dr. Rodriguez about her book and also about life management. I invite you to listen to our podcast using the link above or below.
The Interview with Dr. Rodriguez
Summer Tips from Dr. Lavinia Rodriguez
1.Take Advantage of the Great Outdoors: “Summer is the perfect time to really make exercise a part of your daily routine,” Rodriguez points out. “For one thing, the weather is warm, so outdoor exercise is much more fun – especially in the milder mornings and evenings. Also, the days are longer and sunnier, so you’re probably in a better mood than you would be in the depths of winter. Lastly, there’s a much smaller chance that you’ll be knocked out of commission by a sore throat or runny nose. Remember, there is no better fat burner than an active lifestyle!”
2. Lose Weight Like you Brush Your Teeth: “Losing weight ought to be like brushing your teeth,” she explains. “You don’t get preoccupied by what the toothpaste and floss are actually doing to your teeth. You just trust that if you perform healthy behaviors, you’ll get the desired results. It’s the same with losing weight – if you focus on the behaviors of eating well and being active, the body will take care of the rest.”
Summer at The Golden Door – Opportunity is knocking!
Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 | Adventure, California Spas, Destination Spas, Golden Door Escondido, healthy living, wellness | No Comments
If you’re familiar with the original Golden Door Spa in Escondido, CA then you know it’s one of the best destination spas in the world. Forty guests per week find out how to live a more healthy, peaceful and joyful life and for the last 50 plus years, it has been the gold standard for destination spas. At the usual rate of about $7500 per week (per person), it’s certainly at the high end as far as spas go. And, people have been returning time and time again because of the experience, the care they receive and for various reasons during different times in their life.
Here’s the Big News –
This summer, and for the first time I’ve ever seen, the Golden Door Spa is offering two weeks (choose either August 1 – 8 or August 15 – 22) for a Two-for-One rate. So instead of $7495 per person, the rate is $3747.50 (plus tax) per person for the Sunday-Sunday, 7-night stay. And all of the services and amenities are included. Several massages during the week, skin care, hair consultation, herbal wraps and so much more.
Personalize your stay to transform your life.
If you want to focus on fitness, you can work with one of the top fitness trainers in the country. The food is amazing, and Chef Dean Rucker is a genius with his spa-cuisine. Hiking in the morning, classes during the day, lectures in the evening and a nurturing environment that promotes healing and relaxation.
If you’ve ever wanted to experience the Golden Door Spa, the original in Escondido, CA – here’s your opportunity.
Who will you re-discover beyond the Golden Door?
Space is limited (remember, 40 guests is the maximum for this one of a kind destination spa).
If you’d like more insight on the Golden Door Spa experience, feel free to e-mail me at donna@mindfuladventures.com or go to www.goldendoor.com and let them know you saw this on MindfulAdventures.com
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