Spanista » Self Care Rituals, Reflections & Resources for Joyful Living by Ginny Shiverdecker

  • Spa Style & Self Care Reflections, Rituals and Resources for Joyful Living

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  • About Spanista

    Ginny Shiverdecker, Creator of Spanista is Spa Wellness Enthusiast, Adventurer Seeker and Brand Builder.
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Dear Wellness Seekers,

Spanista Self Care Essentials Summer Emotional Health Check  takes us is a wellness check in as we approach planning for Memorial Weekend – the first celebrated break to kick off the time of the year everyone so looks forward to. The active outdoors days, long touring bike rides, hiking new terrain, layback, lazy days, long weekend excursions, backyard barbecues, time beach side or on the water at the lake. Just the long days themselves can help you feel and extended life. And the desire to want to make the most of every minute with family and friends. Before you dive in full force, perhaps this weekend might be good time to step back and and look at the bigger picture and the next 90 plus days of summer?

It will give you an opportunity to make sure “Life is a Beautiful Ride” this Summer and your needs are meet. Here is the Spanista Self Care Essentials List I outlined for myself in January. It is so easy in the busy world of expected and unexpected demands to get off course. So this weekend will be my time to lay out Spansita Self Care plans so that I manage my Emotional Wellness to create 2015 as the best joy filled summer to remember.

Spansita Self Care Essentials:

Abundance: Spanista suggests each year be lived to a core theme you want to explore for emotional development. This year I choose Abundance as a centering point for my thoughts and activities. I reflect upon the many blessings I have in my life in my life with heartfelt gratitude.

~ Self Care Practices Scheduled: Take out your day planner or diary and list what Rituals you want to include in your weekly routine. Identifying one or two Summer Rituals can be very enriching. Is it an hours swim in the pool every week night after work? Is is a daily morning Reflection Walk in a favorite local park that now fully in bloom? Weekend journal writing time on the back patio with a glass of wine with out disruption. This will give you peace of mind.

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~ Giving Back Playbook: This year I have stepped up my commitment to the cause closest to my heart. Traveling to a remote area of the to help the homeless.

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~ Spa Therapy Priority: Kick off the Summer with a long spa weekend to get your mind right emotionally. This includes in the exercise a 90 minute hot stone massage, a body scrub to set new skin in place for the summer sun and a facial to protect your sensistive face during the many hours outdoors. Then maintain your body with a monthly massage there after.

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~ Happiness Journal Update: Set times to smell the roses while you express yourself in writing. Capture the best of each day in your happiness journal like I set out to do. If what we we focus on most is what manifests, I want to make certain I set the atmosphere to attract more of this goodness. There is so much to be thankful for and honestly I have everything I need – I want for nothing. I feel so very lucky to find this myself in this place in life.

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Spanista Self Care Essentials Summer Emotional Health Check can really set the right tone for the best summer ever. This of  this great message and plan away dear fellow Spanista Wellness Seeker –

“Life is a Beautiful Ride!”

What are you Summer Self Care Essentials? Are you ready to live it joyfully?

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

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Dear Wellness Seekers,

Dolphin Appearance Symbolizes Breathe, Love, Balance is a happy discovery. While walking on Bayshore Boulevard  in Tampa, the nine mile pedestrian water way I enjoy so much, I found myself deep in reflection about the many steps I have taken on the path at many different times in my life bringing me peace of mind. But this time my attention was drawn to a small school of dolphin that came to greet me.  They have appear in the inner Bay rarely so they never fail to amaze. This morning one was being particularly playful – came up for air, danced a bit and then slapped its tail in the water and took a dive. I tried to catch it but they are so fast. I was as if she had come with a message but what was it. I realized I had never really studied the symbology of the dolphin and what the appearance of one might signal.

Hope you enjoy the short video – See if you listen you can hear her communicate her message.

Spanista too some time to research dolphins to discover some very interesting  insights that align with our Self Care Philosophy. The alignment is inspiring.

I was especially taken by an article on the Meaning of Dolphins by Ina Woolcott on a site called Shamanism as I am always open to new lines of thinking about the world and our role in it. The site is Shamanicjourney.com.

Dolphin teaches us that when we live in tune with the patterns and rhythm of nature, we learn how to truly be in touch with, resonate and communicate with All That IS and how to share this sagacity with anyone interested. There are those that believe Dolphins are more intelligent than humans. Especially when it comes to love. They have large brains, superior intelligence and are often associated in mythical lore with higher forms of consciousness. Some believe they are far more evolved than we are, especially on a spiritual level. Some believe they are alien beings from a different dimension.

Dolphins are connected with the power of breath and with emotional release, which are also both deeply connected. One of the most important factors in spiritual growth is to give ourselves the freedom of full experiencing our feelings and emotions. Often negative emotions are suppressed as we don’t want to be a part of them, so we try to stay apart from them. Feelings of sadness, pain, anger, grief. We need to stop doing this, as this only lays the foundation for disagreeable outcomes. We need to feel our feelings, by suppressing these feelings, of course they DO NOT go away. They are still there, subconsciously, manifesting blocked energy with-in, and if these blocks aren’t removed, this can go on to physical imbalances, with-out. On top of this, by blocking these so called negative feelings, this can result in losing the quality of being able to feel at all, losing much of life’s joy. Becoming dead to the world.

Simply stated breathing is conversing with the outside world.  When we learn to breathe deeply we can learn to feel deeply, in turn letting go of stifled feelings. One way of doing this is to copy the dolphins pattern of breathing, a superb tension reliever!. Dolphin breathes deeply, holds his breath underwater, then breathes out forcefully. Living in water is an important characteristic of Dolphin, as in many belief systems, including astrology, water is related to feeling and emotion.

If Dolphin swims into your life, he is asking you to relish water both physically and mentally, swimming freely and going along with your natural feelings. He is showing you how to enter the waters of life and then with breath and sound call forth what you most need or desire. Dolphins use a variety of whistles, grunts, clicks, and body postures to communicate. They have unique, personal whistles they give out. Sound is the creative life force and a big part of dolphins life, therefore this needs to be a part of your life. Communicate. With those around you and All That Is.

Dolphins have a wise, innocent, purity of being which reaches out to our inner nature. Follow their lead and open yourself to the energy of love, harmony and balance. Express your inner truth, be true to yourself. Follow your inner joy. Dolphin is asking you to go back to your roots, to the depths of your being and rediscover the Love that you truly are.

Spanista Takeaway: Dolphin Appearance Symbolizes Breathe, Love, Balance and sends a message that I should heed.  Who knew Dolphins Wisdom includes – Knowledge of the sea, change, patron of sailors, harmony, wisdom, balance, communication skills, freedom, trust, understanding the power of rhythm in your life, use of breath to release intense emotions, water element magic, unselfishness?  Dolphin reminds us to get out, play and most importantly, to breathe. What a valuable lesson to learn?

Have you ever felt personally touched by a dolphin.

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

 

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Dear Wellness Seekers,

Good News Monday: Water’s Emotional Wellbeing Quotient is something little recognized or understood. Spanista is always called to geography where water dominates the landscape. That may seem unusual for someone raised in the midwest, but even though I grew up in the lush, green heartland I was fortunate enough to grow up on the Great Lakes – specially Lake Michigan and even more specifically the long thumb like peninsula in north eastern Wisconsin call Green Bay.  We had a small lake house until my Father became very ill with a long term killer disease that lead to us selling it. I know it broke my Father’s heart to let it go as he enjoyed time there so much.

We all felt being at the lake offered profound effect of wellbeing – relaxed, simple, playful and full of discovery. Wildlife everywhere – including black bears. My joys were fishing for blue gills with Dad, watching the sun set, water skiing, or simply dipping off the dock in to get cool on a hot summers day. Looking back I feel so fortunate to have enjoyed the ever changing seasons along the banks of rugged, deep, cool waters of Lake Michigan. You feel more human, more loving, more in-touch with yourself at The Lake.Good-News-Monday:-WaterPINIMAGE

This positive seeding in my soul, is why large bodies of water have always beaconed me so once I got a taste of the Atlantic Ocean when visiting my brother in Boston. I knew at the age of 10 I would trade fresh water for salt water. Find a way to the coastal waters. And since then, have enjoyed oceans around the world with great curiosity, seeking revitalization from its unique powers.

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When I came home I picked up a stack of magazines looking for something to extend my positive mood from an enjoyable walk along Bayshore. I came upon an article titled, “Your Brain on Water”, by Jude Isabella in a magazine called Spirituality & Health. (Note this is  July/August 2014 Issue.)It features a book by Wallace J. Nichols called “Blue Mind”. Mr. Nichols is an author and evolutionary biologist. He offers a fascinating study of emotional , behavioral, psychological and physical connections that keep humans so enchanted with water. It is billed as the surprising science that shows how being near, in, on or under water can make you happier, healthier, more connected and better at what you do. I am keen to read this given my curiosity about understanding the effects of water. To learn more about Wallace J. Nichols efforts click the link.

Good News Monday: Water’s Emotional Wellbeing Quotient is a first step in sharing how we can benefit form bringing water’s joys into our lives. Many people seem to feel the positive effects – the sounds, the smells, the textures, the rythmic waves that reach into our bodies and restore our souls that is why we seek the beach or the lake when ever we can. Spanista believes WATER is a natural resource of emotional wellbeing. It is up to us to learn how to make it work in our favour. Hopefully Mr. Nichols can help us in the quest. Have you read the book – if yes, please share.

What is your first water memory? Please do share…

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

 

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Dear Wellness Seeker,

Friday Wellness Tip: Compassion Inspires Joy Encourages Dalai Lama extends a line of thinking I shared in yesterday’s post. It was triggered by feelings that surfaced as a result of the destructive earthquake in Nepal at the base of the Himalayan Mountain Range, Tibet and Mt. Everest that affected so many gentle natured people who live there. It drew me back to the message of the Dali Lama XIV – COMPASSION IS LIFE ITSELF. Hope you will indulge me as I endeavor to link the act of Compassion to the importance of Self Care.

As I was shaping the Spanista Self Care Platform, I felt it essential to explore the most deeply embraced spiritual beliefs of diverse cultures so that I could identify the common threads that align with Spanista beliefs. Why? Because at the heart of it all, Spanista seeks to democratize Spa Wellness Practices so they are understood and embraced by everyone as a universal lifestyle that sits above differences to connect humanity in wellbeing.

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So on life’s journey I set out to meet the Dalai Lama to hear his message in person and better understand the dimensions of his Buddhist message and committed way of life around compassion. So a few years ago, I attended a special event at University of California, Santa Barbara where he addressed those fortunate to secure a ticket. ( I am forever thankful to a well connected person in Santa Barbara.)  And then again two weeks later he came to New York appearing at the intimate Public House. I was so moved at the California experience I could not resist another opportunity to hear his interpretation of this ways of this modern world. It was awe inspiring to hear him speak (of course all via translators). In some ways the purity of His Holiness’s message strikes a chord that aligns with the Spanista philosophy more than it is different.

My epiphany? Spanista believes Self Care really centers upon compassion first and foremost for oneself – then one can be free to offer compassion with an open heart to others.

Friday Wellness Tip: Compassion Inspires Joy Encourages Dalai Lama XIV is a message for each of us who seek a joyful life.  To Spanista, compassion is elegance of the spirit within. It is a selfless expression that opens the door of the heart so joy can flow freely through out the body. Compassion activates this positive emotion when the intention is to offer care, support, comfort to someone in need with out expectation of something in return. Spanista suggests making every Friday a day for expressing COMPASSION. Find something you can do quietly to make another life better without expecting anything in return. It will set a positive tone in your heart that will carry you into a great mind and mood into the weekend.Friday-Wellness-Tip:-Compassion-Inspires-Joy-Encourages-Dalai-Lama-4.jpegPINIMAGE

In addition, Spanista recommends this little book The Dalai Lama On What Matters Most, Conversations on Anger, Compassion and Action by Noriyuki Ueda in a conversation with His Holiness. You can find it at Amazon.com.

Let me know you thoughts about your experience adopting Compassion Friday…

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

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Dear Wellness Seekers,

National Prayer Day Dedication: Support Nepal Post Earthquake is Spanista’s plea for sending prayers and financial support to your NGO of choice that is actively helping the relieve the pain and suffering both emotionally and physically. Thousands are homeless after the Nepal Earthquake.

Yesterday as I always I reviewed the Wall Street Journal and much to my dismay there was not one article of coverage on the aftermath of the earthquake – nothing on how the small but loving country of Nepal is coping much less surviving after the devastating natural disaster. I was crest fallen to think this event has passed though our psyche so quickly that it did not even register a followup story a mere 9 days since the event occurred on April 25th.

This little country has brought so much to the world:

1. The basin of the most awe inspiring mountain tops the boldest in the world being Mt. Everest and its sisters that draws a select few to take on the challenging life threatening climb.

2. Nepal borders Tibet at the base of the Himalayan Mountains. The doorway to Buddhism and the compassionate spiritual leader of the world – His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama.

3. The small population of indigenous peace loving people of Nepal and Tibet are unlike any other in the world. World Heritage sites lure those searching for healing of heart.

4. A humble country with unusual natural beauty that welcomes all types of people from around the world with the same warmth to share their culture which thrives on one primary commercial enterprise and that is tourism which now has come through this screeching halt. Have you seen the movie Sevens Years in Tibet starring Bad Pitt?  See Amazon.com for the movie. It is a must see for insight into this magical little place.

How will these tiny population survive this devastation? Where will they live? How will they feed their children?

My personal passion for Nepal and Tibet stirred when I was quite young when I became enchanted with the stories of Sir William Hillary. Since then I collected every book written on the subject of Mt Everest. I enjoyed having a long dinner with friends and Mr. Peter Athens, a 7 time climbers of the summit who experienced success and misfortune scaling the mountain by having him address to the marketing agency where I was Chief Strategy Office. His stories are remarkable. He spoke of the the tenderness of the areas people, and especially the sherpas with deepest regard. I was smitten.

National Prayer Day Dedication: Support Nepal Post Earthquake is a plea not to forget this remote part of the world – please be compassionate.

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

 

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