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

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

    photo Bloglovin_zps72269c6c.png

  • About Spanista

    Ginny Shiverdecker, Creator of Spanista is Spa Wellness Enthusiast, Adventurer Seeker and Brand Builder.
    Ginny is……Read more

Good-News-Monday:-Easter-Symbolizes-Spiritual-Freedom.jpegPINIMAGE

Dear Wellness Seekers,

Good News Monday: Easter Symbolizes Spiritual Freedom is a message we can all celebrate. It is a state of celebration we should not let pass  unacknowledged. Why? We are born again. Like the caterpillar that  transforms in the chrysalis to become a beautiful butterfly.
The universal truth is as a free and spiritual being we have unlimited potential.  The choice is ours to stop the craziness of the life’s agenda to take pause and look within long enough to know the calendar does not rule your life – you are free to evaluate where you are in life, free to identify what takes you away from knowing your true self.  This will open a door to allowing you to let go of the emotional baggage that weighs you down.
Yes, your spiritual power means you are free to overlook past mistakes or regrets and move forward in peace. Recognizing this, I know I am free to live each day with a deepening faith and awareness of God as my guide, my healer, and my supplier.  I am free to move forward on a divinely guided path – one that is mine alone to create and to follow. I do so now with spirits ever-present direction and love.
Good News Monday: Easter Symbolizes Spiritual Freedom
inspires me to be who I was intended to be. Spiritual Freedom is a universal truth for all. We were meant for joy and happiness; we are joyous by nature. Joy does not depend upon any person, condition, or thing. Take this with you as you new spiritual journey begins today as you walk through the rest of your life.
Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Proverbs 4:25
Post Script: The lovely butterfly visual is taken in The Gardens Shopping complex in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida where Easter came alive in full glory with the interactive exhibit for kinds and adults to enjoy.
To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

 

Back to TopEmail PostTweet PostSubscribe

Good-News-Monday:-The-Easter-Passion-Story-New-Orleans-Style.jpegPINIMAGE

Dear Wellness Seekers,

Good News Monday: The Easter Passion Story New Orleans Style is a thoughtful, contemporary multi-media play broadcast LIVE last night from New Orleans tonight on FOX Network. It tells the 2000 year old the story of The Passion of Christ played out in contemporary times. The ambitious effort is anchored by a focal point event performance outdoor stage all done in brilliant white with dynamic gospel singers.

It is full of modern music intertwined with the ancient story of love, betrayal, death and promise of The Resurrection. An emotional production – done with deep respect of the faithful, people who clearly have been touched by the personal pains of Katrina now ten years ago but still deeply marks the wellbeing of the community of strong survivors. The performers are world class – for example Tyler Perry host and narrates The Story and  Mary the Mother of Jesus is played by Trisha Yearwood – and beautifully done. And Chris Daughtry plays Judas while Seal plays Pontius Pilate. A dramatic feature is The Passion Procession winding through the city to arrive at the event stage where the story is narrated by Mr. Perry, and scenes of Jesus and the Apostles played out in real locations throughout New Orleans.

This celebratory media event of positive faith is an beautiful Easter Gift. This is such a cultural breakthrough. A welcome change from the programing messages that seem to prevail today with the focus on racism, violence and murder cases. And the political foray that makes us cringe as we watch the presidential race unfold.

Here is a very special twist. Nichelle Turner of  Entertainment Tonight reports as the drama hightens further. As the Passion Procession unfolds a  20 foot cross illuminated with white light is being carried from the Superdome/Duncan Plaza down Bourbon Street in the French Quarter to the presentation stage in Woldenberg Park on the banks of the Mississippi River. It will take about 90 minutes. And is being carried by the Salvation Army representatives. This huge cross symbolizes love, strength, hope and triumph for the city that is still recovering. And it extends to all mankind  as a symbol of justice, peace and healing as it bridges the bond of our humanity for good not evil. As it unfolds it acts like a breathe of fresh air. An uplifting spirit of a program like this is bold and better for our society. Unfortunately it is far too rare. We ALL so need an uplifting message of selfless love in these troubling times. Living your faith out loud is the way.

There is one stunning performance of  “Calling You Angles” when Jesus is praying for deliverance from his fate that raised the hairs on my arms and brought tears to my eyes.

Good News Monday: The Easter Passion Story New Orleans Style is an emotional tour du force. Congratulations New Orleans, Fox along with the Creators, Producers and Sponsors. You are speaking out for the faithfilled. Thank you for this act of faith. You may enjoy seeing more and who the rest of the cast are at FOX-The-Passion.

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

Back to TopEmail PostTweet PostSubscribe

Welcome-Easter-With-Faberge-Eggs-Extraordinaire-1.jpegPINIMAGEWelcome-Easter-With-Faberge-Eggs-Extraordinaire-6.jpegPINIMAGE

Dear Wellness Seekers,

Welcome Easter With Faberge Eggs Extraordinaire is an experience Spanista wants to share as we begin the countdown to the celebration of Easter. While in New York City I visited The MET and discovered a delicious Imperial Faberge Egg Collection. I find the history of these artisan eggs so enchanting and at the same time so sad as the person who commissioned them to express his great love to his wife as aWelcome-Easter-With-Faberge-Eggs-Extraordinaire-7.jpegPINIMAGE commemorative gift each Easter, but their journey in life along with their family came to a tragic tragic end leaving the fantastical eggs to pass to new hands. The inspiration sprung from the mind of Emperor Alexander III who wanted to give a gold egg to Princess Marie Fedorovna  to celebrate their 20 wedding Anniversary conceiving of creating these original works of art. It is said he gave detailed instructions to Faberge – it delighted the princess so it became an annual tradition so for 32 years. Each egg an artisan tour de force, always unique holding a surprise aligning with the theme.took a year or more to make, involving a team of highly skilled craftsmen who were sworn to secrecy.

Peter Carl Faberge (1846-1920)was a visionary and talented artisan and jeweler. In 1872 he took over his father’s small jewelry atelier in Saint Welcome-Easter-With-Faberge-Eggs-Extraordinaire-3.jpegPINIMAGEPetersburg and within forty years had transformed it into the world’s largest enterprise of its kind, employing some five hundred craftsmen and designers. The firm built a devoted clientele that included cabinet ministers and the newly rich and, above all, members of the Russian imperial family, the Romanov, for whom they made the most precious pieces and extraordinary Easter eggs. In 1017 the Russian Revolution brought an end  to the Romanov dynasty and a definitive halt to the House of Faberge. Peter Carl Faberge died in exile in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1920. Over the 50 eggs Faberge made and delivered to the Imperial family 43 have survived.Welcome-Easter-With-Faberge-Eggs-Extraordinaire-4.jpegPINIMAGEWelcome-Easter-With-Faberge-Eggs-Extraordinaire-5.jpegPINIMAGE

Welcome Easter With Faberge Eggs Extraordinaire salutes a visionary woman Matilda Geddings Gray (1885-1971) acquired her first piece of Faberge in 1933. An artist herself with a refined aesthetic sensibility, she  was already wealthy and sophisticated collector who had begun buying Faberge when the Russian was almost unknown in the United States. Upon her death, her collection passed to a foundation she had established in 1069, with the express wish that a broad public should be able to enjoy it. This long-term loan to the Metropolitan Museum of Art features a selection form Matilda Geddings Gray Foundation’s sumptuous collection of Faberge, one of the finest in the world.

Enjoying beautiful treasures like these enrich our souls while helping us putting the past in perspective. It causes one to reflect upon the choices we make and the consequences that follow as we move closer to Easter.

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

Back to TopEmail PostTweet PostSubscribe

IMG_4236PINIMAGEBroadway-Musical-American-In-Paris-Suspends-Reality-3.jpegPINIMAGE

Dear Wellness Seekers,

Broadway Musical American In Paris Suspends Reality even if it is only for a wonderful few hours because from the very first moment it enchants you with new promise. Even during a time of incredible change like post WWII Paris. The 1951 Oscar Winning movie featuring extraordinary coreagrpher/dancer Gene Kelly and ballerina Leslie Caron is one of all time favorite classic movies.

Long before Spanista lived in Manhattan, I was drawn to the many creative dimensions of Broadway – from the original music, to set design, to the amazing highest calibre talent, but especially the amazing story telling that unfolds live before me is what steals my heart.

Before this visit to New York City, even though it was short, I Broadway-Musical-American-In-Paris-Suspends-Reality-2.jpegPINIMAGEpromised myself I would escape to the theatre for a few hours with my dear friend Launa who was joining me in the city. One play would not due this time – I would take in two shows as the current line up of winning stories is absolutely outstanding! To good to miss.  I thought it best to wait until we arrive to finalize our agenda before purchasing tickets. Sometimes this works in your favor as hotel concierges have access to a special reserve that are held just for last minutes fans like me.

With the help of these connections we were able to score big. On Saturday night we enjoyed American In Paris. Those of you who Broadway-Musical-American-In-Paris-Suspends-Reality-4.jpegPINIMAGEfollow Spansita know this one is on my ‘2016 must do’ list. In fact I posted about its highly anticipated arrival on Broadway at the Palace Theater last April after its successful launch in London. Lead performers are Robert Fairchild playing Gene Kelly’s role and Leanne Cope plays Leslie Caron’s role. Ms. Cope’s ballet performances transcend all dance in musicals I have ever seen. The rare combination of George Gershwin scores paired with ballet of this calibre dazzles the senses. I was especially moved emotionally by Ms. Cope who seemed to possess a glowing spirituality unlike anything I have ever experienced.

Broadway Musical American In Paris Suspends Reality  helped me escape into a fantastic dreamland for a while.  It exceeded my expectations. Spanista highly recommends seeing it. It is purely enchanting – full of youthful promise! Remember no picture taking is allowed so to see more check out this review in the New York Times. Hope you can make plans to see it. You will love it.

Next time I will share my experience at another play that was even better that this! Really? Yes, really.

To Your Self Care Journey to Joy,

Ginny

Back to TopEmail PostTweet PostSubscribe

MGM-Grand-Spa-Las-Vegas-Best-Massage-Experts-1.jpegPINIMAGEMGM-Grand-Spa-Las-Vegas-Best-Massage-Experts-2.jpegPINIMAGE

Dear Wellness Seekers,

MGM Grand Spa Las Vegas Best Massage Experts shares my recent experience which sent me over the moon.  My body so needed the skillful touch of a seasoned professional. They delivered.

Last year was full of major changes for me with major changes of residence amongst the many transitions to endure. Even though I profess the benefits of putting ones Self Care first, I found myself sucked into the vortex of external demands pulling me off my joyful agenda. Over time I knew I lost touch with my body and soul as my activities were absorbed by the need adhere to calendar and clock – deadline upon deadline. My body absorbing the tensions induced by such pressure not to mention the emotional strain.  I just could not find the time. Happy to say this chapter ended in December.

I promised myself after investing in Spanista’ s January Reflection Time to assess my state of wellbeing that I needed to return to practicing the Spanista Philosophy. For me its ‘the way’ to joyful living. If you are a Spanista follower or are new reader fell free to go to Spanista Philosophy and Values Pages to refresh yourself to the practice of joyful practice of Self Care Rituals.

My first expression of Self Care is to take advantage of my time in Las Vegas after my work at The International Builders Show was complete. Late that Friday afternoon I booked a massage at  MGM Grand’sMGM-Grand-Spa-Las-Vegas-Best-Massage-Experts-3.jpegPINIMAGE Spa. I was so overdue, my muscles tight from my traveling to New York and making a presentation to the National Retail Federation and then heading off to Las Vegas for that show. The MGM hotel room was smart to include a service program so when I had a moment I perused the menu. MGM Grand Spa offers am impressive massage offering for Spa Lovers. The various approaches are outlined well with smart descriptions under the header of Touch World Therapies. Inspiring examples include: The Dreaming Ritual; Nirvana; Table Shiatsu and Tai Yoga. This is just a small sample. I booked the service early in my stay so  I could think about as I plunge into working for the AbodShelters Foundation. The reward at the end of the week  I was certain, would bring much needed personal grace because it always did.

Part of the Spanista Massage Ritual is to arrive early allowing you to properly prepare for the MGM-Grand-Spa-Las-Vegas-Best-Massage-Experts-5.jpegPINIMAGEbest possible outcome. I took the long walk through the casinos concourses to get to there. As you can see the mood shifts with an enchanting entrance setting a zen like tone with beautiful art strategically placed as you journey to the lower level after you have the checked in with reception. The Spa asks you to process payment with tip before your service. I think this is smart. It allows you to leave free of any need to encounter a transaction experience allowing you to keep your tranquil state of mind for as long as possible.

The Spa offers a comfortable facility – not overly large but has the important essentials – a whirl pool, sauna, and most importantly to Spanista a quiet meditation lounge. I planned an hour for  reflection time to get my mind, body and soul into the right mood. Happily the promise was kept as everyone to came into the lounge was respectful of the need for solitude. Evidentially I was not alone!

MGM-Grand-Spa-Las-Vegas-Best-Massage-Experts-7.jpegPINIMAGEMGM-Grand-Spa-Las-Vegas-Best-Massage-Experts-6.jpegPINIMAGE

First I went into the heat sauna to warm my muscles to make them more pliable.  Now my time arrived for my treatment. My therapist was highly skilled with one of the best touch techniques I have ever experienced. She gets top marks for savviness and skill. She adapted to my desire for peace and worked my whole body hard. I could feel the relief as the treatment progressed. Why had a postponed this for so long?  I emerged happy, relaxed and a bit tearful as my body felt so much relief. I retreated to the whirl pool area to relax and take in the warmth mentally floating away on a cloud of bliss.

MGM Grand Spa Las Vegas Best Massage Experts helped me leave the spa feeling so much better – more relaxed and more in touch with my body and myself which is always the best benefit I hope for. Now back to my room to shower and pack for the red-eye home. On the flight home, I will allow myself to feel the emotional flow which always comes a bit after.

Do share, does this ever happen to you?

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny

 

 

Back to TopEmail PostTweet PostSubscribe