Shift Happens

Here's another quickie (not that there's anything wrong with that) because I have to conserve energy for tomorrow's 109 degrees.

Yup, desert life is swell, I tell you.

However, with all the Michael Jackson hoopla, I wanted to share some thoughts I had written for a la-la-land site. I'll put the link in at the end. That way, you have to read this whole thing. Freelancer's revenge.

As I was saying, my focus will now be on spas that offer unusual treatments, use indigenous products and offer mind/body/spirit programs. Spas that are quasi-medical are also on my list, as long as products are NOT pushed. And no, I'm not naming names, but there are places like that.

I want a warm place with personnel clearly desirous of easing your stress and tension. Not a shoe salesman. Moving on.

That said, I will defer naming names until later, since it looks like I may be working with another spa site whose goals are the same as mine.

We all know you can find out about the nitty gritty of a spa from its website, but what is the real story? How clean are the facilities? How eco-friendly are they? Are they caring and compassionate or did someone forget to trim their fingernails?

Ouch! That hurts, trust me on that one.

When next I pop up, I will mention a few places that will forever be among my top faves.

Oh, and here's the Michael Jackson story, in case you thought I'd forgotten:

www.thewrap.com/blog/naomi-serviss

What's a little celebrity gossip among friends, am I right?

Be good to yourself..

STRESS FREE SPAS...For Real!

What I haven't heard in spas would fit into Thumbelina's Little Black Book.

Meaning: I've hard it all. Because when I am gifted with a spa visit, no paying guest knows that I am visiting to critique, compliment or complain of how the place operates, how they treat guest and more importantly, how they treat the staff.

But I digress. I am simply one of many pretend-ladies who lunches, out of her class, but having a great time.


I've heard so many things in spas and locker rooms and make-up rooms and steam/sauna baths and huge perfect Jacuzzi. I've heard personal, confidential shockers from women who've shed their skin in this society.

I, too, felt compelled to talk, still protective of my real assignment.

But the talk. The openness. From all sorts of women.

Most were in assorted stages of dress and undress.

Only a few timid souls (mostly real young or real old) needed privacy to strip and cover up their timidity with a towel.


So in most really luxe spas, (and I've seen a few) the women are freer with truisms, confidante-status with strangers, and a sort of universal oneness by virtue of one organ that dare not speak its name.

Yet we talk of those other organs, don't we? What are they? Heart, liver, pancreas, bowel, gall bladder, something else.

I know I'm leaving something out, but you get my drift.

All women have everything physically in common, not-withstanding disability of any sort,
with all naked or near-naked women.

Women nude are at their most vulnerable, most defenseless and never more equal to her gender. Anywhere. In any part of the world, so matter how culturally foreign. Sorry about the pun.

So friends who spa with friends open up even more. To one another.

And one complete stranger. half-dressed, will waltz over to a 50-year-old struggling to take off a bra from the '50s. The 1850's. With a kind smile untainted by judgment.

Not for nothing, is there a man so bold that he would have the sheer guts to saunter around sans testicle, around the more fortunately endowed, embarrassed like they were at their old high school gym?

Back to women's spas and locker rooms posing as luxury sitting rooms from old movies. Some of those locker rooms were so lush, I wanted to become a secret resident. Everything smelled good and fresh and new. Not like messy home. But the willing suspension of disbelief that I could make stuff happen, will always self-amaze.

But the sheer freedom of cellulite running free, scars and stretch marks oh my!

Ladies, we're all the same, battle-scarred and still living to tell. Skin covered hides a fertile mystery that reveals itself only in trust. Spas promise a wonderful magical fantasy-land to ponder life's mysteries, find internal peace, seek a moment without stress.

My point (and I do have one) is that spas are woman's state of grace. Her domain. Her Fortress Of Solitude. But with company.

If you can be somewhere and the biggest decision to make involves a lunch choice, why wouldn't you go? I'm talking about quality places to which I hope to share my side info with.

And now I receive a "blast" from the Spa Industry big-wigs that the industry is FINALLY waking up to the next "important trend" (not fad, mind you) which is: health spas. Not health in the sense of your basic gym and its moldy sweat stench and locker-fragrance odeur. But health
that goes beyond the next Pilates Class.

Nope. I'm talking about spas that are now doubling Health-O-Meters that will address all the Baby Boomers worries. Like getting a wrinkle or two.

To which I say indignantly BFD. Age gracefully and gratefully as you figure out your own path. I've just started this one.

And don't forget, it's the journey that counts, not the final destination (a phrase the airline industry should stop scaring their passengers with). And by all means, in all that you do, have fun doing it.

I'm keeping this short because tomorrow I intend to name some places and I want to do some actual research~ surprise!


And let me remind you again: this Spa-Trekking website has taken a turn. I will now write about Green Spas, spas that are more interested in mind/body/spirit connection than in the latest
gimmicky "treatment."
I will be honest, happy to take comps because otherwise I can't afford to do squat. Another btw, I have been writing about this "new" green awareness since I have been writing about spas. A looooooong time.

Maybe I'll throw in a poem or two.

So much for a short take.
Tomorrow is now. Or later.

Green Spas-- Global Antidote?

Is anyone surprised that so-called "Green Spas" are the latest currency in the enlightened age of pampering and the search for a stress-less life?

In an effort to help a reader or two determine what makes a "Green" spa that hue, I will soon embark on a journey to discover, relate and inform. Without making you wade through technological mysteries and long-winded explanations. Isn't that a relief? If you ever wondered what LEED means, it shall all be explained in good time, grasshopper (homage to David Carradine, regardless of what he was doing in that Bankok hotel closet).

My goal is to check out the spas that are truly doing the right thing with water waste, choosing excellent quality products, and still offering exemplary experiences and treatments that are not relegated to the latest craze in whoo-whoo treatments and la-de-dah experiences. There are many spas that claim mind/body/spirit goals, but many are simply a new spin on an old public relations tack. Trust me, I used to be in Public Relations. I know how things work.

I want readers to visit websites I will soon be delineating and mentioning, check out what's "new" and "green" and determine whether or not these places are truly eco-conscious, or merely poseurs for the sake of reputation. They know who they are, and I will not "out" any hotel, resort or spa for not living up to "Green" standards and practices.

That job is yours. I intend only to present information, point out the spas I have experienced, those I hope to experience and perhaps those (unidentified so you can work out the clues yourself) I wouldn't want to return to. I don't want to bit the hand that massages me, I'm not stupid, merely underpaid. That's a joke. Maybe.

So starting next week, prepare to see a number of standards to look for in choosing a spa, based on a number of factors, including comfort level and professional services.

"Green" is the new black and before the backlash, and even if you decide to staycation this summer, there are plenty of spas in your very own town, to explore, question and hopefully, enjoy. By the way, in a brash effort to self-promte, I have recently been asked to provide a column a week on an innovative exercise that promises to get that noggin of yours shaking for a cause: good health.

Check it out It's called Brain Wave Vibration and is part of Best Life Media, a fascinating site to explore for better health, mental attitude shifts and improved life. Trust me, it works.

Stay tuned. Same place, same channel.

Spa (and other) News

Revelation: Good health is a treasure unappreciated until it vanishes.

Which is why I'm now focusing on another benefit from Spatrekking. Both the column and the spa-going.

And that is: when being taken care of in a well-run spa that offers a plethora of treatments, good health may often be restored.

Which happened time and again for me over the past 8 years. Coincidentally, it has been 8 years dealing with a chronic painful nerve disorder that has often left me bereft.

Fortunately, it appears that I have found some relief, thanks to a potpourri of Eastern and Western medicine, for which I am grateful. And this journey has also provided great insight into the numbers of individuals struggling with chronic conditions.

It's not about the spa.

It's about good-health-trekking, wherever that may be found.

And as my health improves (knock wood) I look back and understand my primary motivating factor in seeking incredible spa treatments, outstanding spas and compassionate personnel.

I was "self-medicating."

Not with drugs. With being pampered and comforted.

My "medication" was simply being in a suspended state of unreality. A stress-free, uplifting environment where my physical and emotional needs were addressed. Even for a short burst of time.

I found nurturing people who cared, if only for an hour session.

We all know that it's sometimes easier to open up to complete strangers than it is to bombard friends with troubles and whiny complaints. And a great spa therapist and/or spa director often offers such solace. And boy, did I take advantage. Not in a "poor me" way, but an inquisitive and open-minded way.

Why is Ayurvedic massage so relaxing? What makes Chinese Tui Na so soothing? What's up with hot mineral springs?

I tried to keep quiet during most of my treatments in order to allow myself the luxury of experiencing "the moment," knowing later the deconstruction and critquing would begin.

And now it has finally revealed itself and it's a no-brainer: being in a serene and safe spa is akin to paradise.

It can ease your body into natural self-healing and lead your chattering brain into a positive mental flow.

And those experiences helped my body's self-healing ability to kick in. Whenever I visited a great spa, I left in a state of grace, aware that life is good. Of course, life is good when you can visit spas and have wonderful treatments.

But too often, after a few weeks post-spa, the familiar stress and tension would crawl up my spine and lodge in my neck and shoulders. Until recently.

For now my quest for wellness and peace of body/mind/spirit has expanded beyond the parameters of a spa.

Not into the woo-woo land of wacky spiritual cults or the like, but into a dimension that goes beyond having the greatest facial ever. Even if it's performed like a well-choreographed dance, augmented with caviar or diamonds.

The stress that overpowers most of us at any time during our lives can be diffused in an assortment of methods, from meditation to simply exercising in any way you see fit. See, fit? And fit is what we aim for: fit in body, mind and spirit.

If I choose to turn this spa blog into a more reflective column, so be it. This has been an amazing outlet for my treks in the world. And I welcome more (I'm not stupid!) as they appear. But it is no longer an urgent sense of reportage that propels me.

It is a quest for leaving the stress behind, without necessarily spending a fortune on spa treatments most of us can't afford anyway.

So from now on I will focus on spas (or not) that offer more than merely feel-good-in-the-moment. My focus has shifted in many ways. Value your health.

Take care of your spirit and learn to trust your body.

And you will stay fit.

Mother's Day Trek

Dear Reader,
We mothers know every day is Mother's Day, because those ties do not take a break 364 days a year.

Our kids may be far-flung and living La Vie Boheme, but they are forever in our hearts.

So this is not a spa trek, merely a dream trek.

A dream of love, good health and peace. A dream of true friends and undying support, compassion and encouragement.

I may not be as mobile as a few months back, but I am climbing up and up in search of truth, peace health and calm.

Have a wonderful day, love your mothers always and may peace be upon you.

As I explore new possibilities for my travels, reality or other-based I may post in another forum one day and will keep you two up to date when health permits.

Being positive, being grateful and open-hearted.

Going With the Flow....

Sometimes you go with the flow, sometimes the flow takes you.

So I reveled in my extraordinary New Mexico experience, where my constant pain took a holiday and stayed away for almost a whole month. And then I gushed about it to you, in hopes of passing on healing information.

Mistake, apparently. And I'm not superstitious.

If I offended "the Gods" with my happy talk of being pain-free, I duly apologize. Next time (please let there be a next time) I will keep my big mouth shut and just write about spas.

Except it's hard to concentrate when your mouth is on fire, pain searing into your upper gum like a hot poker. But hey, everyone has to deal with something, right?

So, dear reader (hi Thue!) my wonderful, albeit short-lived, pain-free life has now ceased and I'm back to Square One. And this just reinforces my belief that the body can heal itself when conditions are right.

Meaning, something must have been in those New Mexico waters because while floating in the mineral rich Ojo Caliente resort's pools, I never felt such relief from this chronic (8 years strong) pain. And so, my new trek vision is to discover healing places that offer more than the frou-frou beauty treatments heralded as "signature treatments" and whatnot.

Being away from stressors (mostly self-imposed) contributes to health and well-being, not to mention experiencing amazing bodywork and being in a gorgeous location.

I know that permanent relief from this thing o' mine is out there, and I owe it to you to seek and find. Or as my son says, "Go and get."

So I'm going and getting with the flow and holding on to hope, you know, the thing with feathers (thank you Emily Dickinson).

New Mexico is More Than A State Of Mind....

Yes, it's a bipolar sentence.


My state of mind currently, is still in New Mexico. So why am I in Tucson waiting for the sun to set?

I want to carefully pick my way around the dirt and concrete that new construction brings in, and find the Iron Mineral Pool in Ojo Caliente Resort and Spa, and I want to soak and soak and soak.

And then I'll get out, because it's frigging hot in there! And go onto the sodium bicarb one, or whatever, who cares? I'm in bathing land, a dusty resort where swimming holes with rocky bottoms also carry these strange minerals that are supposed to have magical, healing powers.

And who are we to deny the possibility? Would you have predicted a phone that sticks around your ear like a lazy rotten mini-banana?

What's wrong with a little magic in your lives? I didn't have Santa, barely a childhood, and I know about those water holes. Talk about Fountains of Youth. Or, if you're from Brooklyn, "Youte."

One night at Ojo Caliente Resort, I felt like I was in the movie, "Cocoon," and an older woman next to me in the iron pool, was giddy happy and pointed to the stars. We saw a shooting one cross the night sky full with moon.

It was that corny! But real! And the man with long hair was kind as we introduced ourselves and he explained that he was a local Sikh and it was okay for him to have his hair exposed. Funny how hot water springs humble all humans.

Suddenly, all three of us friends now, the older woman, her hair wet and gray at the temples, started laughing like a girl. And for an instant, in that crazy full-moon light, she looked like she was in her 30s.

Fountains of Youth indeed. But it was something else about that place. I don't know what it is, but it pulls you, it pulls you from the gut.

But I neglect to add some more information about this state, this wonderous American state. This New Mexico.

Excuse me while I grab a tissue. Alright, I'll get back to more news now.

In the Santa Fe "touristy" area, the Plaza teems with Native artisans, indoor shops selling kitsch and wandering visitors in tight little cardigan sweater sets and matching husbands.

Some of the coolest places are in this area, so you'll have to deal with crowds and not complain. This is Georgia O'Keefe land? (Did I say that before?) So you MUST check out the museum, dedicated to her, with photos and paintings and enough space for visitors.

I would be remiss if I don't mention that I experienced some amazing bodywork, massage therapy and stress-relief just being away from the homestead. The healing came from deep within as I let go of ego and simply enjoyed where I was.

Sounds like a life lesson, but I am no spirit guide. Just a simple human trying to make sense of this thing of ours. Life, not the Mafia, which doesn't exist.

I need to mention Albuquerque, because apparently there are some amazing art galleries and cool places we didn't have time to investigate.

However, one morning we experienced a very together, contemporary day spa and salon, La Bella which is undergoing some changes. But I had this AMAZING body work done by Hans, as I may have mentioned, who you must ask for if you go. He pulled and stretched and worked out tension like never before. The only problem was he had a ticking alarm clock near the sink. Big no-no.

That was sooooo distracting and unnecessary, so I told the spa director afterward, and I think that will be the end of ticking clocks. Not a good relaxation sound.

But the point is, always mention a problem or distraction (I should have said something during, but I was too blissed out) to the spa director and you may even be rewarded. Or at least your observation will be heeded.

A great place to find what you need in this town can be found at the tourism site, Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau and there's plenty of action, outside and indoors.

For some reason, Taos did not reveal itself much. We stayed at the El Monte Sagrado resort & spa, which offers eco-conservation techniques that involve recycled water and the like. It seems to be the only resort in town, but there are plenty of smaller hotels and B&Bs. Not to mention wonderful restaurants, including Doc Martin's (not named for the shoe), a popular family hotspot.

Celebs including Ms. Julia Roberts, Dennis Hopper and Robert Redford have dined here, which houses the Taos Inn, a cozy informal place that has amazing food. This is part of the Doc Martin's property, and offers little rooms for folks to stay over.

Before I forget (happens a lot) while in Santa Fe, we visited BODY, this excellent combo place, that offers massage, Yoga (and other) classes, gifts, clothes and a restaurant!

Excellent place for skin care products and the staff is wonderful and helpful. And the food! For healthy food this restaurant rocked, and satisfied even the carnivores among us. It does a body good to visit here.

In fact, it does a body, a mind and spirit good to come to New Mexico. Plans to re-visit are already on my mind. And body.

The springs! The springs!

Blessings one and all.