Aspen Club and Spa

Neditate. That’s what the bumper sticker said. It took a moment to register, but I realized the same style and layout that has become pretty popular on license plates, stickers, key rings and such, that say “Native” or what have you. This one in particular was for denizens in Nederland, that sleepy town up and away from Boulder.  And is it sleepy, slow and mountain folk friendly, a blast to the past, it reminds me of an old cowboy town that’s lost its saloon and spurs. Nederland is home to those seeking solace from city life, craving do- it- yourself mountain homes, organic groceries and crafty shops. It does have a sense of calm about it, compared to, well say, New York City.  It’s a plethora of all walks. There are alpaca owners here,  one of a kind festivals, band managers, realtors doubling as rock and gem fans,  serious bookworms, environmental educators, acupuncturists, back country skiers and avid nature seekers.

Neditate, obviously a play on meditate. I wonder how many people have bought into its growing popularity. Just sitting for even 5 minutes a day, and emptying the mind like a trash can.  Literally allowing it to become a blank slate. Just focusing on your own breath, being completely present.  Can you imagine nothingness, no thought, no worries, no to-do lists, no what if’s, no whats for dinner plans for just 5 minutes? Sounds pretty darn relaxing to me. People in the east and elsewhere have been practicing mindful meditation for hundreds of years. There must be something to it. How calming, like a day at the spa or a retreat, how healthy for us busy bodies.

Trust me, I know its hard to be still, to just sit with your eyes closed. But we can do this.  Taking time out for yourself, for just a smidgen of the day, can have wonderful effects.  Try a little zen, instead of who, what, where and when.

I hadn’t gone to Yoga in 3 days and man I was feeling it! Not just in my body, but I wasn’t sleeping as well, I felt totally unbalanced and had very little energy. I realized how important Yoga is in my life, and for my well being in general.  It’s no secret exercise keeps us young and fit, but the de-stressing benefits are monumental. Exercise is a great release. Who ever came back from the gym and said, “Gee, I wish I wouldn’t have worked out today.” The firm that coined that marketing slogan is right on the money.  I feel so much better when I work out, no matter how tired I am or how much I don’t feel like getting in the car and going. That is half the battle. But I’ve realized that sluggish slug feel is worse, so the next time I skip out or notice 3 days have gone by since I’ve put on some shorts or tennis shoes, I am going to remember that slogan. I guess “Just do it” works too.  Stress is a huge cause of health ailments in this country, and if all it takes is a 30 minute walk or just 15 minutes on the cycle, I will choose that anyday over a trip to a doctors office. Be well, and keep with it, exercise works!

Massage has become pretty mainstream, you can see people getting massages at the airport, in the grocery stores, even at the local coffee shop thanks to the portable chair.   Massage shops have popped up all over, and what used to be a luxury is now affordable and part of people’s to do lists. There’s got to be something to it, as our harried lives demand a breather now and then. I need a massage and I needed one yesterday. I don’t know if it’s all the downward dogs and peacocks I’ve been doing in my Yoga class or this not so fancy futon I have been laying my head on for months, but I wake up sore as all heck, some mornings are worse than others. Oh yeah, a little voice in the back of my head says, it could also be stress. Stress knots our muscles, tenses our shoulders, and seeps into our skin and bones.

Massage, in addition to kneading our tired backs, also loosens the tissues and things that get deposited there. I have read massage increases circulation, is good for the digestive system, and also allows fresh blood and energy back into our systems.

I had a chair massage recently from a woman who called herself an “energy healer”…Not only could I feel the tension sliding away as she worked on me, but after she pushed on a few pressure points, I felt toxins and stress literally being drained from my body, out through the hipcreases and then the ankles. It was a great experience and I am due for another, as I have a deadline looming and bills to pay. Me first! I say! I can’t work or focus when I am all twisted up in a ball. I need some release. Go get a massage today, your body and brain will thank you.

As I sit here at my desk I am feeling exhausted. I was trying to figure out why I feel so wiped out… then it hits me, I missed my workout today! I have been doing personal training sessions with Dirk at the aspen club and he is on vacation this week. Since I have not worked out today I am actually feeling more tired than if I had… It’s so funny how that works… Even when I am feeling tired after a workout at least I feel good…really good… the juices are flowing and my mind is creative and stress free. Now I just feel unmotivated and uncreative. I think I’ll take a walk after work. I’m excited to have my trainer back though!