Being Well Part 2

As mentioned in my last, albeit necessarily brief, posting, I was stricken by some rather unexpected and quite excruciating pain. My neck, right shoulder (and consequently right arm) staged a rather brutal Caesar-style rebellion against me, for which I have so far twice visited doctors and begun some light physical therapy. The "Medical Powers that Be" assure me that these things take time to mend and that I must relax and practice that ever perishing virtue: Patience.

Easier said than done, my friends.

Today I am propped up in bed, with my lap top somewhat comfortably arranged so as not to strain my malfunctioning muscles over much. I have missed writing. The lack of creative outlet over the past couple of weeks has left me feeling rather despondent and restless. I had not realized just how much I've come to love my blogging time - a time just for ME to catharticly compose my thoughts and happily inspire those semantic synapses.

I owe my current temporary alleviation of ouch-ness (and ability to tenderly type this post) to the altogether soothing physical therapy I was able to participate in earlier today.

This is The Well Within, a rejuvenating refuge located in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz, specializing in the wellness of body and soul.

The outside of this serene paradise may seem unassuming and humble, but like the often overlooked oyster (yes, a coastal reference - couldn't resist), its true iridescent secrets are contained within. Upon arrival, visitors are immediately greeted with friendly service, a quiet sanctuary, and the promise of healthful relaxation.

And true to the words of their website, the environment can best be described as "Japanese traditions blended with California lifestyle."  Myriad services include massage therapy (everything from Aromatherapy massage, Prenatal massage, and Couple's massage), private spas and saunas overlooking a Japanese garden, and a wide assortment of skin and body care, such as facials, body wraps, aromatic salt polishes, etc.

We opted today for a private spa and sauna room. These accommodations are usually reserved for a 50 minute duration, however we were happily treated with an 80 minute session as a special Monday promotional.  Plush towels, herbal tea (peppermint today), shampoo, conditioner, aromatic body gel (rooms include a shower), and essential oils for the sauna were included in the price - a very reasonable $15 per person!

And let us not forget the beautiful view of the garden! Our private room surveyed a tranquil Japanese Koi pond and softly percolating rockbed stream.  Dappled sunlight filtered through the foliage. Harmonious in every way, the experience was all I had been craving.

 

For a blissful span of time the complaints of my tired and aching muscles were quelled and my cerebral positivity returned. I temporarily divorced myself from pain and allowed myself an awareness of beauty and life and the connectivity of it all: mind, body, and soul.  

I wish you all the same and the wellness that is within.

*Most pictures are from The Well Within website (see above link).  All others were taken by me.

Being Well

At times the body will quietly whisper that it's time to slow down.  An ache here, a tired muscle there...relax.  Take it down a notch.  Be at Peace.

BUT if one does not heed this subtle and soothing voice of reason, make no mistake--the body will retaliate.  No more Miss Nice Girl.  It will hold your health and well being as ransom until her demands are met.

This week, my body has taxed me for my blatant disregard of her needs.  I have found myself in excruciating pain and days of suffering. 

Okay.  You've got my attention, body.  I promise to behave.  In the meantime, here are the lessons I have learned from my bedridden banishment:

1.  Jersey is quite possibly the softest, most comfortable fabric ever

2.  The heating pad is a marvelous invention -especially with a Vicodin/Valium combo

3.  There is no reward for suffering in silence. Don't be a martyr. If you need help, ASK FOR IT.

4.  Kisses from Molly, my ever-faithful cat, have magical healing powers.  Well, not exactly, but they DO make me smile.

Well Wishes,

What's My Motivation?

This is my doormat.  And this is the message that greets me each day as I enter and exit my humble abode:  Live, Laugh, Love.  We've seen it before - on placards and knickknacks, bric-a-brac and fridge art.  It's good to surround oneself with positivity.  But if, in the hustle and bustle of life's interminable duties and chores, we forget to notice these encouraging reinforcements - well then, the message is hollow.

Which brings me to my most recent rumination: the concept of wellness.  Perhaps you heard of the six dimensions of wellness? 

The National Wellness Institute touts the benefits of a balanced life, which includes:

• intellectual (check!)
• emotional (check!)
• social (check!)
• occupational (check!)
• spiritual (check!) and
• physical wellness (um.....uh oh.)

Well, five out of six isn't bad, is it?  Sigh. Okay, I know.  I've got some work to do.  But what does it mean to be physically well?  And where the heck is my motivation?   I seem to have misplaced it somewhere.

I was a scrawny child, all knees and elbows.  I never gave a second thought to wellness and though I was never a fan of exercise or sports (I really really dislike sweating), it never really mattered before. 

That was then, this is now. 

The advent of my recent birthday has caused me to reflect.  I'm in my MID thirties now.  My body has CHANGED.  My once fast-as-lightening metabolism has all but abandoned me and I am scrambling to maintain my dress size.  But even more disconcerting is my family's long history of heart disease and stroke.  It occurs to me that life is fragile, and so precious.  I truly want to be around for another 35 years and, as my insightful sister pointed out, I need to begin to "prepare my old lady self" now. What kind of 70 year old do I want to be?  The housebound, achy, and miserable kind? Or the spunky, chase-the-pool-boy-around-the-yard kind?  My vote is for the latter.

Hmmmm...I may have just found my motivation.

So what comes next?  Well, I'm not going to make resolutions or empty promises, but I AM going to be aware of my physical wellness (do I eat a balanced diet, get enough exercise, and have regular medical checkups?) and I will continue to have that conversation with 70 year old Niki, to see how she's getting on.  I would certainly hate to miss the opportunity to get to know her - she sounds like quite a gal!

image by abarrett07 on Photobucket

To our health,






Today's Gratitude List:

• my fabulous sister
• no after-work meetings
• finding Molly pawprints in misc. places

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