And, as if a new spa isn’t enough to ‘wow’ me this year, Miraval is also releasing their new cookbook, Mindful Eating.  The cookbook, also debuting in May 2012, is a long awaited tool for my healthy kitchen and for those of you that have been asking Miraval about a cookbook and awaiting this release, now is the time to pre-order Mindful Eating

If you’re looking for more information and insight on Miraval or another health-focused spa, feel free to ask a question in the comment section of this post or e-mail me for personal feedback.

As always, enjoy your journey!

Photo Credit: Donna Adinolfi  / Copyright 2010-2012

And,  I also believe that 2012 will be another year of reinventing and redefining who we are.  Our ‘to do’ lists will be different, however I believe we have a common goal of being the best we can be.  Have you started your creation list for 2012?  Each year I find there’s a bit of a ‘rollover’ from the previous year and then a few new goals.  I’m finding a greater sense of urgency to accomplish these goals the older I get and it sometimes feels like a 2×4 is hitting me to move toward the direction of these dreams vs getting stuck in just thinking about them.  It’s so empowering to reach even the smallest of goals and so with that said, here are a few plans I’m getting ready to work on for this new chapter, new year and what I hope will be an amazing journey moving forward.

1 Planning: This is an annual tradition – the purchase of a new day planner.  A place where I can enter as much as possible for the new year.  Birthdays, anniversaries, special dates, appointments and goal setting.  If it’s written down, I find the odds are in my favor.   I still have a book called, “Write it Down and Make it Happen,” and it works.

2. Vision Board: A must have moving forward.  If you have one, you can easily refresh yours with new photos and new words, phrases and/or symbols.  If you don’t have one, consider creating one that you can view every day.  It works and I’m excited to see how the new one will unfold.

3. H2O: Yes, every year I make an effort to drink more water and I have to say that 2011 worked out okay, however I must refocus on this one.   If this isn’t on your list, think about it.  Are you getting enough water to stay hydrated and healthy?  I picked up a water carafe to help me out – always keeping water on my desk ensures I’ll stay with this.  For more on the benefits of water, perhaps some things that you haven’t thought about, check out this article.

4. Spa Cooking at Home: Let’s face out, going out to dinner is fun, great for socializing (outside the four walls) and it’s relaxing, however this year I intend on cooking at home more.   Since part of my business is working with destination spas, I know how simple, healthy and enjoyable ’spa cooking’ can be and it’s really about cooking healthy – fresh veggies, organic products where possible and portion control.  With that said, I’m going through my Spa Cook Books and staying in more…and will hopefully shed a few pounds.  Check back here from time to time for some healthy spa meals, photos of my efforts and notes on how they turn out.  And with the help of my new KitchenAid blender, healthy spa-like smoothies are on the menu!

Here is one Spa cookbook to consider from Canyon Ranch, a destination spa:
Canyon Ranch: Nourish: Indulgently Healthy Cuisine

And, if you’re a fan of Miraval Arizona, their much awaited Mindful Eating Cookbook will be available in May 2012.

5.  Journal: This is always on my list.  I have a Gratitude Journal and another journal for ideas, and day to day entries.  I keep both the Gratitude journal and the Idea Journal by my bed.   Begin yours by entering what you’re thankful for each day – it could be one, two, five or more things.  A sunny day, connecting with an old friend, drinking your water, anything and everything you’re grateful for.  A Gratitude Journal is about awareness – reflecting on what we’re thankful for keeps us in a positive mindset and that is what will help us move forward.   Your journal can be a notebook, however if you’d like something special, consider this one Gratitude: A Daily Journal

If you’re looking for a journal that will help guide you to rediscovering yourself, this may be another to consider Soul Catcher: A Journal to Help You Become Who You Really Are

These are just a few of my personal thoughts, plans, ideas for 2012.  What is on your list?  Perhaps one of these will inspire you to Plan to Cook More at Home, Begin your Gratitude Journal, Create a Vision Board and Drink your Water.  And, a carry over for me from 2011 is to write my book…looking forward to taking the first step to chapter one.  (And, yes, exercise and moving more are always on the list!)

“The Journey of a Thousand Miles begins with a Single Step.” – Lao Tzu
What step will you take today to begin this new journey in your life?

May 2012 be a year of good health, joyful living, new adventures and much prosperity!  Believe in yourself, continue to have faith and trust that you are exactly where you’re meant to be.  Happy New Year from Mindful Adventures.

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The links for the above are also on the home page.

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Photography by Donna Adinolfi.  Copyright 2010.

1.  Shop locally
Now that I live in Michigan I’ve been paying more attention to what I can send from this area.  Michigan is one of the largest producers of cherries and for that reason, I like Cherry Republic, located in Traverse City, otherwise known as ‘The Cherry Capital’ of the world.  Cherries are also healthy and one of my favorites is the Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries – double dose of goodness.   And, I must not leave off another Ann Arbor, MI institution – Zingerman’s!  There’s still time to send out some delicious treats and you’ll love the choices – so many to consider.  Both of these Michigan options are offering flat rate shipping.

2. Tea
Do you enjoy tea?  This is another favorite gift because tea is more than a beverage to me, it’s ceremonial and all about mindfulness.  Think about the old Tea Houses and Afternoon Tea.  Nothing is rushed.  It’s a time to be in the moment and enjoy a relaxing cup of tea with friends or on your own for a few moments of solitude.   Check out Tea Forte for some last minute ideas and consider one of my favorite books Tea Here Now.

3.  Nourishing & Natural Body Products
Most of you enjoy chemical-free, natural products and one of my favorites for this is Burt’s Bees.   Their Cranberry & Pomegranate Sugar Scrub is great for this season as well as the Bee Pampered Spa Set.   There are great gift ideas for everyone and they’re affordable and so well received.

4.  Uplifting Books
Another favorite gift is a Day Book.  It’s the gift that keeps on giving year round because each day there’s an uplifting message and when I find one I like for myself I often gift it to friends, family or colleagues.   One of my personal favorites is by Mark Nepo titled The Book of Awakening.

And, if you or a loved one is going through a difficult time due to the loss of a loved one, or other personal loss, this one came into my life and helped me and I feel compelled to share with others, especially at this time of year.  It’s by Susan Barbara Apollon and is titled Touched by the Extraordinary and her second book, Book 2: Healing Stories of Love, Loss & Hope

5. Wine & Dine with a different twist
These are some of my favorite vino finds.  Some can be ordered online and others can be found at your favorite wine store.  In addition to giving the gift of wine, consider making it more of an event – include a note to enjoy a wine-pairing dinner that you prepare at home, or perhaps a private wine tasting with your friends. These aren’t new ideas, however perhaps they’ll spark another idea for a last minute gift with more meaning and an opportunity to get out more and enjoy the moment with your friends and family.  Okay, the list… Tres Sabores Vineyard – I love their Red Zinfandel; Husch Vineyards – check out the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon; and Cline’s Cashmere – this one has a limited supply available for both the ‘09 and 2010.    And how about an added link for some wine pairings for that special wine & dine gift at your house!

6. Gifts that Give Back
The best gift is the one that keeps on giving.  These are few to consider:  Rails to Trails Conservancy, Feeding America, Bread for the World, American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial.

7. Relaxation and Rejuvenation
Well, this one is on my list every year – it’s the gift of spa.   A gift card to their favorite day spa to enjoy a relaxing massage or revitalizing facial, or perhaps a year of Yoga or Pilates.  There are so many options to give the gift that enhances their health and rejuvenates their body, mind and spirit.   Another favorite is a destination spa – an opportunity to immerse into a week or so of activities, healthy meals, hiking, fitness and services that uplift, rejuvenate and inspire.  If you’re looking for more insight on a destination spa like Miraval Arizona, Canyon Ranch, Red Mountain Spa, Rancho la Puerta or other last minute ideas, e-mail me at donna@mindfuladventures.com.

There you have it – a short list with some ideas to get you going or help you finish up your holiday shopping.  Thank you for stopping by. – DMA

Author Susan Apollon shares ‘Eleven Steps to Help You Tune into Your Inner Self and Forgive and Love Unconditionally’ and I’ve included them as she has written them below.  My hope is that you will focus on living in the moment and enjoy your own Mindful Adventures.   Happy Holidays!

Find Peace on Earth…(and Peace Within):
Eleven Steps to Help You Tune into Your Inner Self and Forgive and Love Unconditionally

Being present and loving during the holidays is not always easy.  But Susan Apollon, author of Touched by the Extraordinary, Book Two: Healing Stories of Love, Loss & Hope , says there are steps you can take to find inner peace that can help you survive and even enjoy the hectic holiday season. The practice of visualization and meditation can help you reclaim control of your mind and emotions during this time of year.

These methods will not only help you stay centered during holiday events, they will allow you to achieve your intention to show unconditional love to your family and friends. But perhaps most importantly, these techniques will help you forgive yourself and others and move past negative emotion. When you learn to let go of painful memories and release the power other people hold over you, the holiday season will brighten considerably. Read on to learn how to find inner balance and be present throughout the holidays.

• Set the stage. Choose a room that feels good and that has a chair or a comfortable place to sit: peaceful, safe, and inviting. If possible, use the same location and sitting position every time. You want to create a sense of strong association. This scene will become a trigger in your mind’s eye. With enough practice, you will be able to immediately quiet and center yourself just by thinking of the space.

• Play quiet, gentle music. Apollon recommends Pachelbel or Native American flute music. However, anything that helps you relax and get centered is fine.

• Assume the “meditative or intuition posture.” Sit comfortably with spine straight, feet flat on the floor, palms up. This will help you visualize. With your feet on the ground, you can visualize that you are connected to the earth. With palms up, you will feel more inviting and that the universe is open to your energy and you are open to the energy of the universe.

• Count to ten as you begin to quiet and center yourself. Hold your breath to a fast count to ten and release your breath to a count to ten. While you are exhaling, visualize the breath moving through the body, as it moves through every cell in your body. (The next two tips provide more details on how to do this. Understand that these tips are not necessarily sequential; some of them will happen simultaneously.)

• Give your breath color and shape. Feel the warmth of your breath as you breathe in. Visualize that your breath has a shape and color. You might find it helpful to choose a color that symbolizes your intent. For instance:
Green = Healing
Blue = Peace
White = Divine energy
Pink = Compassion
Research with imagery has validated the importance of visualizing your breath. As you consciously breathe deep, relaxing breaths, chemicals in the brain much like an elixir are released to help you feel greater warmth and relaxation.

• Follow your breath on its travels. See the breath actually entering the crown and watch it start the journey through the body. You want to see it to feel it in your mind’s eye. Visualize it going through every organ, limb, vertebrae, muscle, and tissue. Picture it flowing through your bloodstream. Envision every cell delighting in the breath. See yourself feeling the warmth and see yourself feeling good. This facilitates progressive relaxation. “While doing the breathing, you will experience an increased sense of heaviness,” notes Apollon. “The paradox is that you will notice a feeling of lightness.”

• Find your mantra. I’m feeling more peaceful. I’m becoming pure love. I am grateful for my loved ones. These are just a few suggestions. Your mantra can be a favorite expression, the first line of your favorite prayer (e.g., “The Lord is my Shepherd”), or something that just helps you relax, like “Shalom.” Whatever you choose, associate the tone of your mantra with finding peace. Whatever your mantra is, say it over and over in your mind. This creates your “mind’s ear” connection.

• Make a connection with something greater than yourself. It doesn’t matter whether your “something greater” is God, Jesus, Mary, Buddha, Universal Energy, or Mind. Just imagine breathing in Its divine energy. Ask your Higher Power for help and guidance.

•Begin with gratitude. Be certain to give thanks for your blessings, which include your family and friends that you may be seeing over the holidays. The vibration of thank you, the vibration of blessings, is very powerful. It brings to us what we secretly desire. Gratitude is a higher state of consciousness. So be very generous in reminding yourself of your life’s blessings.

• Love is the Key. Fill your body with love. Imagine your whole body being filled up with love. Not romantic love, but pure, unconditional love—the kind you would feel for a baby, a puppy, or a kitten. Make love your intention. Give it a color and a shape. See yourself feeling it and becoming love. If you are intuiting specifically “for” another person—perhaps someone you would like to forgive, consciously fill your heart with feelings of love and warmth for him or her. Visualize yourself becoming loving energy and put that energy to good use in your life.

• After you’ve made the shift, state your intention. After about ten or fifteen minutes of breathing, you will feel an inner shift of consciousness. (The shift may be very subtle, and the time required to reach it will shorten with practice.) You will know this subtle shift when it happens; it means you have established a connection with your higher wisdom. This is the time to state your intention of loving and forgiving. (You may also state your intention at the beginning of the process, before you begin your breathing.) I want to love myself unconditionally. Or I want to forgive and love my mother. Or even I want to be joyful and at peace at Aunt Eunice’s holiday dinner.

Additional Note from Mindful Adventures:
Consider using your journal to write about how you feel, thoughts that come to mind when you use one of the above steps.  If you don’t journal (yet), consider beginning with a Gratitude Journal – document all of your blessings – it’s a way of staying focused on the positive in your life.  It’s powerful and can enhance your well-being.

Book information:
Touched by the Extraordinary, Book Two: Healing Stories of Love, Loss & Hope
Matters of the Soul, 2010, ISBN: 978-0-9754036-9-3, $24.95,

Also available on Amazon
Touched by the Extraordinary

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!

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

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

Mind Over Fat Matters:: Conquering Psychological Barriers to Weight Management

The original review is included below so this is more of a refresher of the original tips Dr. Rodriguez shared for adding fitness to your day despite the warmer temperatures.  Whether you’re already engaged in a consistent fitness routine or looking for more ways to add movement to your day, these tips may motivate you to take more steps toward a healthier lifestyle.

Back to Basics.
According to Dr.  Rodriquez, “going back to step one and establishing realistic expectations and obtainable workouts is key.  Not only does having a solid understanding of how exercise effects weight loss empower you to make better decisions, you’ll also see better (and faster) results.  A solid understanding of how to exercise properly goes a long way in getting your desired results.  The objective is to move at a pace that gets your heart rate up where you experience heavy breathing, but not to the point of pain.  As always, exercise should be enjoyable or you’ll never be able to make it part of your daily routine!”

Take advantage of the great outdoors.
“Summer is the perfect time to make exercise a part of your daily routine,” says Rodriguez.  “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, giving you more time to enjoy Mother Nature.  Remember, there is no better fat burner than an active lifestyle.”

Find a way to  fit fitness in.
“Think about it this way,” suggests Rodriguez.  “If you had a doctor’s appointment, you would make sure nothing interfered with that time.  Your exercise time should be given the same priority.  If anyone asks to see you during your exercise time, decline and reschedule.  Creating healthy habits only increases your chance of slimming down.”

More from Mindful Adventures:
So what are some activities you like to do during the summer?  Tennis, swimming, hiking, kayaking, perhaps yoga on the beach or by a lake may be of interest.  Make a list of what you like to do and get started, change it up and take that first step if it’s been a while.  Schedule time each day to focus on your health – plan your healthy menu, include activity and enjoy relaxation.  As we all  know, there’s no time like the present.  Forget about what you didn’t do yesterday and what you might do tomorrow, it all starts with now!

Mind Over Fat Matters:: Conquering Psychological Barriers to Weight Management

Oprah – you have been a light of inspiration and empowerment over the last twenty-five years and have helped so many face and overcome their fears.  You’ve said, “In every aspect of our lives, we are always asking ourselves, How am I of value? What is my worth? Yet I believe that worthiness is our birthright.”   That statement alone has changed many lives and we know that we must connect with our authentic self and trust the innate power we hold within to create and live the dreams we’re destined to live.    There are countless other comments I can list and I welcome comments from others in the space below.

May God’s Grace continue to bless you as you have blessed us with your amazing grace over the years.

One of my all time favorite songs that means a lot to me personally and continues to inspire me to be my best.

With joy and much gratitude!

My Wish by Rascall Flatts

If you’re still thinking of what to get your Mom for Mother’s Day, perhaps the gift of music or even sharing these songs will touch her heart.

1.  A Mother’s Prayer by Rachel Aldous

2. Mother’s Day – I wasn’t able to find the artist at this link, however it’s another
wonderful song

3. Lullaby by Creed

Also, did you know that the idea of Mother’s Day dates back to 1868?   Click here for more on the history.

Feel free to include a comment here for your mom – no matter where she is you’re always connected.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Photography by Donna Adinolfi. Copyright 2010-2011.