Judith
Lazarus: Author of The
Spa SourceBook,
Stress
Relief & Relaxation Techniques
and The
Karate Almanac and spa writer for magazines and on the Web at www.thriveonline.oxygen.com/serenity/spas/.
She is developing her own site, www.AahSpa.com,
and says spa visits are a necessity more than a luxury, and hopes for the
day all people will be good enough to themselves to enjoy regular spa
treatments.
THE BEST INTENTIONS
A harbor, even if it is a
little harbor, is a good thing, since adventures come into it as well as
go out, and the life in it grows strong, because it takes something from
the world and has something to give in return.
--Sarah Orne Jewett
Intentions: what you mean to
do, say, be. We intend to be our best for others, at work, at home, with
friends and family. But too often we leave ourselves off the list when it
comes to the effort it takes to achieve the best intentions. Spa-going is
meant to relax, rejuvenate, refresh and revitalize us. Too often it is a
triumph just to have scheduled the time away and made all the
arrangements. If you arrive at the spa thinking you'll just deliver
yourself into the hands of the therapists, estheticians, nutritionists,
trainers and guides, surely you will have a good time and feel better
afterward. But if you consciously maintain good intentions, you can add a
dimension to your spa visit that will exponentially boost its benefits to
keep them alive when you sail out of the spa harbor and back into the real
world.
The Zen awareness of
mindfulness, being in the moment, is the key. That means being aware of
every moment. When you wake up, whether to an early morning hike or
breakfast in bed, be aware of how lucky you are for the opportunity. Feel
the soft sheets and cozy blanket, look out the window to nature,
consciously relax and stretch your muscles before you arise, and be
grateful you can move and breathe. When you taste the fresh fruit and
smell the aromatic herbal tea at breakfast, allow the delicious flavors to
sink into your senses. Enjoy the nurturing strokes of the massage
therapists, bask in the warmth of showers and whirlpools, feel the
textures of the lotions and potions with which you're anointed by the
estheticians. Appreciate and accept that there are people here to pamper
you. Take the fresh air into your lungs and feel the oxygen circulate
while you're walking, hiking and working out. In fact, being aware of
taking deep slow breaths while doing anything-- exercising, having a body
treatment, sitting in an arbor, doing yoga or tai chi, or even working at
a desk--greatly benefits the mind, body and spirit. It enhances your
relaxation, increases your circulation and reduces the negative effects of
stress. Try to let this kind of awareness imbue all your activities, at
the spa and for the rest of your life.
Whether you are lucky enough
to stay awhile in the safe harbor of a destination spa, at a resort, on a
cruise ship or a quick day spa getaway, make the most of your time and
your life with the best intentions.
By: Judith Lazarus/JLJL4@AOL.COM/(818) 889-3573/1st Rights only/c. 2000
