Does a Body Good

There are times when we all feel a little bit slow and tired.  This is normal but also a sign.  A sign that something isn't quite right. 
For many of us our days are spent working and getting the kids off to school.  Maybe your day is spent getting little odds and ends wrapped up.  Whatever your day is filled with, there comes a time when you need to unwind and give your body an opportunity to heal.  Our bodies are meant to be in motion.  They are made to move, work, stretch, rest, and relax.  We ask a lot of our bodies on a daily basis and sometimes we need to let it re-energize.  I have three great ways for you to re-charge
1.) drink water.  Our bodies are nearly 70% water and we need water to survive.  Water cleanses our cells and purifies our system.  It can flush out toxins and waste products that build up as a result of stress.  
2.) Stretch.  Our bodies can get tightly wound and our muscles need a chance to breathe.  Take 15 minutes and stretch, this also releases toxins and allows your body to get back in balance.
3.) Breathe deeply, exhale completely.  Much of the time our lungs are not filled nor emptied completely.  That leaves unclean air in our system.  Take a deep breath, hold it for three seconds, and exhale until you can't go any farther.
These three things are sure to clean and rejuvenate even the most tired body!   

Friends Forever

It is Christmas Past and the ticking clock serves as a reminder that we have been remiss.  We have neglected ourselves for the sake of wrapping one last gift, and baking yet another cookie, and it simply can't go on.  Wave goodbye to the next of kin, stack the reports in tomorrow's basket, sell the children to a passing caravan and come back to the center of the you that has been buried all of these weeks.  It is time to coax the concern out of the brow line, exfoliate away the wrinkles, stretch away the stress, make a plan for taking less steps to get “there” and let the world revolve, if only for an afternoon, without our personal assistance. It will continue to turn despite our conviction that it all starts and ends at our doorstep.  We can take a day off to breathe, to laugh, to saturate our souls with nourishment, and when we come back to what we deem to be reality, we might be surprised at what we find, for standing there refreshed and renewed will be someone we haven't seen a long time.  It will be the best friend we have ever known, and when we see her, we must greet ourselves with a kiss!

Good Vibes

Have you noticed how good you feel during the holidays? With everyone focused on giving and expressing love to one another we are generating our highest vibration – love and gratitude. Let’s all make one New Year’s resolution together and decide to keep the good vibes going throughout 2011. Then notice how your good vibrations attract what you associate with feeling good.

May you have a healthy and happy New Year!

Carol

Happy Holidays!!

Friends Forever

Friend
A friend is a person
to laugh and cry with,
An inspiration,
Someone who lends a helping hand,
though friends may not be forever,
And they may not end up together,
the memories of a true friendship will
last forever.
A friend is not a shadow nor a servant
But someone who hold
a piece of a person in his heart.
Someone who shares a smile,
Someone who brightens up your day
What makes a person a friend?
Is by saying your Love will stay.

- Renee donna Bufete

found at: http://www.theholidayspot.com/friendship/poems_for_friendship.htm

~Breaths You Take~

Breathe.  Let go.  And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.  ~Oprah Winfrey

I came across this quote this afternoon.  It stopped me for a second and I had to think.  Today is a Monday and Monday’s are always hectic.  We are always trying to catchup from the weekend and sometimes it just makes my head spin!  I don’t like it that I spend the good part of every Monday chasing my tail and failing to enjoy the world around me, espassialy this time of year.  I want to have a chance to enjoy the holidays and spent time just living in the magic of Christmas. 
I think that many of us business owners forget to take a second to just take a deep breath but, at least for me, those deep breaths are what keep me alive- litterally.  I need those few seconds to regroup and unwind.  Those deep breaths clear me head and energize me to keep going.  This time of year the breaths are full of cookie baking, pine trees, and hot apple cider.  We have to take the time to “Breathe” those things in and “Breathe” in the moments we have because the breath we have now is the only one we can say we have for sure. 
To me a breath can be as simple as actually taking a deep breath but is can also be having coffee with my mom or stepping away from the computer to take a phone call from my dad.  It can be coloring with my 6-year-old cousin or playing a hockey game on the lake.  Some breaths may mean more than others but each one is important so, I challenge you to take more ”Breaths” this week.  Seeing that Christmas Eve is Friday and Christmas Day is Saturday, I challenge you to do one thing every day this week that makes the day, the season, or this Christmas your most memorable yet.  I will do that same and tell you what “Breaths” I take this week.
found at: http://xandrepress.wordpress.com/ 

THE MAGIC OF LIVING

There is magic in each moment that need not be explained.

With awareness from the soul, these moments are retained.

Through the miracle of birth, we’re blessed with senses that delight . . .

taste, touch, smell, sound and our precious gift of sight.

When we come to our senses we hold the magic of living.

It is an eternal gift to ourselves that keeps on giving.

            Feel the wind dancing lightly in your hair,

            gentle rays of sunshine warming skin so bare.

            See the children playing, laughing through it all,

            chasing wings of butterflies, catching leaves that fall.

            Hear the music deep within you, with every fiber of your being.

            Create a fantasy of images from the sounds that you are seeing.

            Breathe in the fragrant gift from the flowers and the trees.

            Taste the sweet, pure honey from the magic of the bees.

There is a time for receiving as there is a time for giving.

Celebrate each moment . . . experience the magic of living!

~ Carol Gutzeit

           

like a butterfly

Being happy...

“Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.”

our brightest day may come in the middle of the night

It is the toughest day when we find our greatest strength.  It is the day we feel alone, that we have to remember that we are not.  It is the day that we feel hopeless, that we must hope and the we don't want to pray, that we must pray.
Our lives never stop to ask us if we are ok with what is going on or what we are dealing with.  Life just goes on blindly and sometimes it is all we can do to keep up.  Life waits for no one, life cares for no one, life feels for no one.  This is truth and sometimes truth hurts, but where there is truth there is also hope, faith, love, and understanding. 
We must remember that our brightest day may come in the middle of the night and our greatest power may come for our weakest moment.
The day to day may have no rhyme but that does not mean it has no reason..

Our Second First Kiss

I thought this poem was beautiful! 

We dwell on the past, while living the present
But I admit, the past was unpleasant
Full of ups and downs, less pleasure more pain
We wished for the sun, but only got rain
We both made mistakes, put pain in our hearts
But here we are again, promising to never part
Counting our blessings and letting go of the past
Starting all over and making it last
Feelings and memories flow deep in my mind
Of those days our love was genuine and kind
Holding you close, feeling your skin
You look into my eyes and make my head spin
Those feelings are back, but stronger than ever
I know you're the one I wanna hold on to forever
We both smile again, nothing's better than this
Kissing you again was like our second first kiss.
- Giselle Simental -
Found at: http://www.lovepoemsandquotes.com/LovePoem165.html

8 Foods for better skin

We found this at http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/11/23/eight-foods-for-healthy-skin-this-winter/ .  This is some great information!  Read through it.  It is fantastic!
As winter approaches, it’s a great time to explore ways to keep our skin hydrated and healthy during the harsh weather ahead. Here are some wonderful skin foods that will keep your face looking fresh and youthful this season:

1. Lemon is purifying to the body and gives a lovely glow to the skin when consumed regularly with water (it may also help the body stay regular) or tea.
2. Apples: Did you know that organic red delicious and granny smith apples are excellent for the skin? Scientific studies have shown them to fortify both collagen and elastin production. 
3. Aloe is known to draw oxygen to the skin and lock it in. Aloe also has fantastic anti-inflammatory properties and it heals burns and wounds when applied topically. Aloe makes a wonderful refreshing juice that cleanses and purifies our inner systems. Regularly drinking aloe helps to keep the body hydrated, so if you drink coffee, which is known to dehydrate the skin, try drinking aloe juice to balance your system.
   
4. Cucumber is a well-known classic. Try this skin refresher recipe I discovered at Lettus Cafe: juice cucumber, apple and strawberry, for a gorgeous outer glow. Cucumber also cools the delicate eye area so try placing a slice over each eye for a relaxing treat.
5. Green Tea contains Camellia Sinesis (its plant of origin) which is rich in polyphenols. Polyphenols are compounds that demonstrate amazing healing properties, protect skin, help reverses damage and prevent oxidative stress. Drinking green tea regularly is one of the best ways to keep healthy, both inside and out.
6. Pomegranate like green and white tea is full of polyphenols and contains ellagic acid known for anti-inflammatory and anti-bactrerial properties. Some have said pomegranete can ward off colds or shorted the duration. Try this delicious pomegranate tulsi tea from Organic India.
7. White tea is one of the richest in cancer-fighting anti-oxidants in the world. It comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant just like green tea, however white tea leaves are harvested earlier in spring, air-dried and foregoe the heating process of green tea. Drink white tea to stay healthy and beautiful.
8. Apricots help keep one youthful as they are known to be an anti-aging fruit. Carotenoids are antioxidants found in this fruit that protect the body. Apricots help give your skin that youthful glow, so snack on them often.

PROMISES WORTH KEEPING

PROMISES WORTH KEEPING

I promise myself . . .

To be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person I meet.

To make all my friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make my optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature I meet.

To give so much time to improving myself that I have not time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of myself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words, but in great deeds.

To live in the faith that the whole world is on my side, so long as I am true to the best that is in me.

                                                                                                Christian D. Larson

There are a dozen promises here you can make to yourself. I suggest choosing one for each of the next twelve days of Christmas and see how keeping each promise impacts your life.

Happy Holidays!

~ Carol  

Peace of Mind

All that we are is the result of what we have thought. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him.
Buddha

~Your Time~

Now is the time that everyone starts talking about gifts for Christmas, New Year's resolutions, and good times past.  Many people would like to suggest that a new outfit will give you that boost you need, that a trip to get away from it all would make things right, a certificate the get your hair and nails done is just the thing you need.
I am not saying that all of these things are not great ways to generate a little extra happiness and peace but all of these things are here today, gone tomorrow. 
I think that in times such as these, we are all looking for a little pep talk, a new way to shake off the dust, an opportunity to revive the lives we live.  These days, things can be tough and even exhausting at times so I challenge you to give yourself a different kind of gift this year.  The gift of time.

I challenge you to give yourself time that is all your own.  Time to read a chapter in that new book, time to take a deep breath, time to have a cup of coffee with your sister, time to get that massage or facial, time to take that yoga class, time to share your thoughts and feelings with someone who will listen, time to feel the sun on your face.  Give yourself time everyday, even if it is just 5 minutes, to just be you, to take a step back, and to have something that is all your own.

Gift For The Holidays!!

December Massage Gift Certificate Special: Give and Receive

Massage is the perfect holiday gift…

Purchase two gift certificates and receive a

third gift certificate (of equal value) FREE

Give as a gift, or treat yourself!

A gift for well-being, ideal for stress-relief during the busy holiday season

Limited offer for gift certificates purchased in the month of December

For more information, call Mary Davis, BA, CMT, LST, at 720-244-7217

voted “Best Massage Therapist” by mountain area residents

Healing Traditions Bodywork Client Testimonial:

“I went to Healing Traditions and Mary after being injured in an auto accident and suffering minor whiplash.  After the first session, I felt considerably better and after the 2^nd and 3^rd, I felt pretty much back to normal.  Mary gives a great massage due to the fact that she listens to what you want and she discusses your needs (aches and pains) with you first.  If you’ve suffered an injury from an accident, are attempting to simply loosen up or recover from a workout/overexertion or are simply wanting to get a massage for the relaxation and tune-up benefits, she listens to you and then adapts the session to what you want and need.  I have tried a number of masseuses in the past, but have now been a client of Healing Traditions for nearly 4 yrs.  I wouldn’t go anywhere else.”

Charlie, Lakewood resident



Strength For Today

Freedom (1960's)

To stand forth in strength;
The strength of wisdom,
The strength of knowledge,
The strength of power,
The strength to stand tall,
The strength to say nay,
The strength to be proud,
To be strong, able and wise,
Down this road true freedom lies...

Karl Stuart Kline

DEEP RELAXATION

Why is it sometimes difficult to relax and be at ease? This is the work of an over zealous ego that is always "shoulding" as a way to feel better about itself.  Should I do this or should I do that to get what I need? The problem with this way of thinking is that the ego is never satisfied for long, even when you do everything you think you should do—there is always more to do. So how do we get the ego to quiet down and stop telling us what we should do so we can relax and enjoy life?

Once you let go of the tension in your body it becomes easier to calm your mind. Quieting the mind through deep relaxation has tremendous benefits. First, and foremost, you will experience greater peace of mind. Secondly, you go into the alpha state, one of the electrical brain-wave patterns produced by the brain. This is an altered state of consciousness, like daydreaming, that  has a special kind of awareness associated with it. It is the state you are in right before you fall asleep and right after you wake up. At this level of the mind you are connected with your right brain—the creative, intuitive side.

You may be thinking that you don't have time during the course of your busy day to devote to deep relaxation. The truth is, it is one of the best uses of your time. Fifteen to twenty minutes of deep relaxation is equivalent to a three-hour nap. It refreshes and invigorates your body and allows you to tap into the creativity of your right brain. Your powers of visualization are twenty times more effective when you are deeply relaxed so it is the perfect time to use your imagination in a productive way. Make sure you won't be interrupted and listen to soothing music to help you relax.

During the holidays it is especially important to take time for relaxation. This could make the difference between enjoying this season and stressing out until it’s over. Our Satori Fitness classes (Mondays and Wednesdays at noon) end with a guided deep relaxation and leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

May you have a peaceful and relaxing holiday,

~ Carol

Holiday Make up Trends & Tips

Two classic looks have reemerged for this holiday season: smokey, shimmery eyes paired with light lips, and deep red lips balanced with lighter eye makeup. Shimmer seems to always be in for the Holiday parties, but do not over do it.

For Smokey Eyes apply eyeliner on both top and bottom lashes, be sure to smudge it to soften the look.  Use an eye shadow primer and a shimmery shadow on the lid. Dab a shimmery blush on the cheeks, powder your face lightly and apply a light lipstick or gloss for the perfect "little black dress" look.

Make up tip: cover unsightly veins on eyelids with a matte eyeshadow in a color close to your skin tone.

We Make Christmas Shopping Easy with TWO FOR ONE Gift Certificates

The Spa At Evergreen

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE ON GIFT CERTIFICATES!
Purchase a gift certificate in the amount of your choice to give to a friend or loved one, and receive the same amount for yourself, as a gift from us!
All services redeemed from the gift certificate recipient, as well as the purchaser, will include an aromatherapy scalp massage and hydrating paraffin treatment for the hands and feet as a bonus!
Gift Certificates are for spa services only and are non-transferable.

SPA KITCHEN BODY PRODUCTS
Gift baskets include luxurious salt scrubs to smooth and hydrate rough, dry winter skin, and relaxing bath salts to soothe tired, sore muscles.  Both are enriched in the aromatic fragrance of Ginger Essence.

EXTREME BLING BOUTIQUE ITEMS
The Spa At Evergreen will be carrying select items from Extreme Bling!

Contact Lisa at 720-4DAYSPA (720-432-9772)

"The earth has grown old with its burden of care But at Christmas it always is young, The heart of the jewel burns lustrous and fair And its soul full of music breaks the air, When the song of angels is sung."
-- Phillips Brooks



December Massage Gift Certificate Special

December Massage Gift Certificate Special: Give and Receive

Massage is the perfect holiday gift…

Purchase two gift certificates and receive a

third gift certificate (of equal value) FREE

Give as a gift, or treat yourself!

A gift for well-being, ideal for stress-relief during the busy holiday season

Limited offer for gift certificates purchased in the month of December

For more information, call Mary Davis, BA, CMT, LST, at 720-244-7217

voted “Best Massage Therapist” by mountain area residents

Healing Traditions Bodywork Client Testimonial:

“I went to Healing Traditions and Mary after being injured in an auto accident and suffering minor whiplash.  After the first session, I felt considerably better and after the 2^nd and 3^rd, I felt pretty much back to normal.  Mary gives a great massage due to the fact that she listens to what you want and she discusses your needs (aches and pains) with you first.  If you’ve suffered an injury from an accident, are attempting to simply loosen up or recover from a workout/overexertion or are simply wanting to get a massage for the relaxation and tune-up benefits, she listens to you and then adapts the session to what you want and need.  I have tried a number of masseuses in the past, but have now been a client of Healing Traditions for nearly 4 yrs.  I wouldn’t go anywhere else.”

Charlie, Lakewood resident