Every Day As Vacation

So my son, Kendryek, and I were in Washington, DC, over Spring Break to see the cherry blossoms and take in some museums. A friend and neighbor previously told me she planned to take her son to the Holocaust Museum to help with his history lesson. I thought that was a great idea, so I also took Kendryek to the Holocaust Museum. I've been in that museum plenty of times, having worked just 2 blocks away for 16 years. I always approached the museum and its exhibits intellectually with my friend and coworker, Mark Gielecki, whose father was a Holocaust survivor. Mark was always very upbeat and told me positive stories about his father's survival. Walking through the Holocaust museum turned into an honor to Mark's father, and it felt good to honor him.

14th Street Entrance of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.Credit: US Holocaust Memorial Museum

Once Kendryek and I got to the front door, we were greeted with a sign that said all exhibits were sold out for the day. All except, "Remember the Children: Daniel's Story," about an eleven year old boy's life before, during, and after the Holocaust. It's very well done, offering sounds, period-appropriate decor and clothes, and journal entries to heighten as many senses as possible for the viewer. Slowly walking through the first part of the exhibit, we heard children's laughter from the exhibit, parents' whispers explaining details to their children around us, exhibit knobs and buttons being pushed by viewers, gentle movement of those in front and behind us ...and then as we walked through a room resembling a cattle car, the mood became more solemn. We could hear a pin drop. The air felt stale. The exhibit was now in black and white instead of color, as it was previously. The gravity of the Holocaust, from a child's perspective, was felt.

I felt sad.

At the end of the exhibit, Kendryek and I walked into the gift shop, where Kendryek bought a Star of David necklace to wear in honor of children who had suffered. As he made his purchase, I walked into the atrium, with its high ceiling of glass panels, allowing sunlight to shine through. I looked up and had a moment of awakening. "I'm so tired of death and sadness," I thought. "So tired of grieving and depression and the energy it's taken and how my body feels." Kendryek walked over to me and stood beside me. And it was in that moment that I released a huge chunk of locked-up grief. I didn't cry; I just felt the grief energy disappear "Come on," I told Kendryek. "No more doom and gloom. From now on, we're having FUN!"

And we did! We saw an Imax movie at the Smithsonian, rode the paddle boats at the tidal basin, went to the beach and rented bikes and flew kites ... with a new lightness I hadn't experienced in a while.

On our way home from the beach, I reviewed all of the things Kendryek and I had done, and I asked him what was his favorite experience at the beach. You know what he said? "Flying a kite with you." He could feel my lightness and the symbolic activity of freedom!




And so every single morning since that Spring day, I ask myself, "How can today be like a vacation?" I make sure I have fun every day as if I'm on vacation. Many days, that looks like an epsom salt bath. Often, it looks like my silly dancing in the kitchen to my favorite music and drinking coconut milk from a margarita glass. I'll often hop in my convertible and drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, blasting my favorite tunes. Sometimes I'll play with the cats or play a board game with Kendryek. Whatever way I can consciously put some fun into my day, I do it!

Having vacation moments throughout each day helps me feel refreshed, recharged, and hopeful and curious about life. And happy! My quest now is to make ALL of every day a vacation day!

Watch "Chocolat" and Enjoy a Chocolate feast!

What better way to celebrate the love of Valentine's Day than with a
CHOCOLATE FEAST!? 

Grab a friend and come enjoy chocolate treats that are

exotic

savory

unique

organic

prepared by Local Roots, S&W Cafe, and Luxuria's own Holistic Health Coach, Karen Scott.

A sampling of our exotic menu:
` Chocolate goat cheese log
` Dried apricots dipped in chocolate
` and more!

Watch clips of the movie, "Chocolat," and join in the discussion about the movie's messages of celebrating differences, self-approval, forgiveness of self and others, and enjoying life's simple pleasures.

Be good to yourself! 

Sunday, February 10th

2-4:30pm

Valley Community Church (behind Oak Grove Plaza on 419). 

$20 per person; $35 per couple.

Reserve your seat in advance by February 8th by clicking the "Buy Now" button below. 

Chocolate Feast for 1

Chocolate Feast for 2 

Take the steps toward 2013 success

This week is the first full week of 2013. There is nothing that cannot be accomplished! The day is open to all the possibilities the world can provide. But, if there are emotions stopping forward progress, inner mind chatter that puts obstacles in the path to success, there is an answer.

I, too, had to overcome some serious obstacles to get to where I am today, as a mom, a business owner, and a professional in my field. It wasn't the easiest to road to walk, feeling alone most of the time, and wanting it to be simple. There are still some days it is difficult, facing challenges as a single parent, trying to make the right choices for my son. There are many days it is difficult as a business owner, juggling schedules, making decisions about people and finances, and facing the results of those decisions.

What has made life much easier is to get clear on what blocks I put up for myself and stop the limiting beliefs from my past. It has made all the difference in my progress. Taking these steps lightens my load, and has allowed me to move past the negative memories and emotions, into a more positive space. It is what allowed me to think past a vision for being a holistic practitioner, into the vision for having a holistic center where more people can benefit from luxurious health!

In 2012, I began to provide Bio-Turn Therapy to clients who wanted to take a new approach to their lives. This Friday evening, I'll be hosting the first Playshop at Luxuria Holistic Center that introduces the benefits of looking at life through a fresh lens. Consider joining me on this journey, going from where you are today, into the life of your dreams!

• Clear Blocks and Limiting Beliefs Holding You Back from Loving Your Life!
• When: Friday, Jan. 11, 7-8:30pm
• Who: Instructor, Amy Jo Wheeler
• Cost: $25, register by Jan. 8

There is no better time. When you get to December 31, 2013, will you have accomplished what you desired this year? Will you look back and marvel at your level of happiness, success, loving relationships and true prosperity? You can, and you will, when you take the next step...

January invites new beginnings

The new year opens so many doors to explore. It provides a fresh start for choosing a new path, having a new attitude, taking a new approach to mind, body and spiritual issues. At Luxuria, we're exploring all the new possibilities the new year provides. We're inviting you to join us on the path with our classes or "Playshops", nutritional counseling sessions, Reiki and Reflexology treatments, Bio-Turn Therapy and massage therapy, all available in our peaceful and luxurious setting. It is not a coincidence that we are connected. It is for the greater good.

In 2013, we are experiencing a new consciousness. After passing through the "Shift" in December, 2012, many people are feeling physically and spiritually that we are in a new time of connectedness. Are you feeling it, too? Becoming aware of energy, patterns and disruptions, can be comforting and sometimes disconcerting. Are you more conscious of your personal energy and the energy of those around you? Do you feel the struggle of energy when faced with difficult situations or people?

Carrying old patterns and energy flows can feel heavy and even bring on mental depression and physical pain. Releasing the negative emotions associated with the old patterns or triggers can provide relief and allow positive energy to flow again. At Luxuria, Bio-Turn Therapy sessions are available to anyone wanting to explore the release and relief associated with negative emotions and old patterns of behavior. People who have experienced Bio-Turn Therapy have felt a definite change in their physical and mental states, allowing new beginnings in a positive way.

I created Luxuria Holistic Center in 2012 to provide a beautiful, inviting space for practitioners to share their gifts and people to experience luxurious health and well being. My vision for the people and the space continues to grow in 2013. If you have questions, or desire to learn more, please send us an email luxuriouspampering@gmail.com or call 540.685.2975.