Taking some "zen" time for yourself...
The older I get, the more I realize that taking time to refresh, regroup and recoup is very important to being productive in life. I recently had a birthday, and so a friend of mine lovingly gave me a gift card for a long facial at a local salon not far away from where I live. Deciding today was a great day for some pampering, I took my coupon and headed over to the salon. Smiling and beautiful Kayleigh was there to greet me at the counter. She would be giving me my facial. What a sweet gal she was. People who nurture others are very special people. They deserve a lot more recognition than they get. Kayleigh lead me to the room which had been prepared for me. There was a soothing scent in the air, soft lights, and music. My thought was, as the old commercial of my youth used to say, "Calgon, take me away!" An hour to relax and be pampered! Just show me where to go...
If you have never had a facial, you have no idea what you are missing! This is not just a wash and scrub your face experience! You lie on a heated pad on a soft cot. The lights are dim and the music is on. For an hour or more, your esthetician (or nurturer as I like to say) cleanses and massages your face and neck using top of the line products and then puts a glycolic mask on your face. While that is doing it's magic, she turns her focus to your scalp, neck, shoulders, arms and hands massaging each part as if she has all the time in the world. You are in heaven by this point and very relaxed. It is almost like a meditative state, that place you go to right before you drift off to sleep. Several minutes go by and then the mask is carefully removed and warm towels are placed over your face and around your neck. Your face is cleansed and creams and lotions applied. You are breathing in healing aromas that have a eucalpytus type odor. Sitting up, a warm towel is placed over your back to sooth any discomfort you may have had from laying down for a while. By this time, I am in la la land... As a final gesture, you are given warm tea to drink as you take your time preparing to leave the salon. Ahhhh-----the priceless gift of relaxation. That is what my friend gave to me. Time to unwind, relax and destress. What better gift is there in a world where life is so hectic and we scurry from one thing to the next?
In the course of healing from the loss of my parents, I realized that healing involves pampering yourself. Your body has been through an ordeal. Grieving someone you love but lost takes a lot of energy from your body. We get so busy with our day to day lives that we have to give ourselves permission to relax.anymore. Taking time for ourselves means that we have less time to do all those things that we think we MUST do. But, it actually helps us to be more productive to take this time out and relax. The facial is wonderful but the very best part of going to the salon is the break your mind gets. You have the opportunity to unwind and let your thoughts drift away to a place that is healing and restful.
I always knew people who took time out for spa-type treatments. I was never one of those people. I always did my own manicures, pedicures---only going occasionally to have this done for a special occasion. I didn't have my first facial until I was 50 years old. I always had something else to spend my "extra" money on. But, a friend started getting regular facials and urged me to go. She seemed to really enjoy them and her skin did look very nice. At her encouragement, I went to a local spa and had a very long facial. I could not believe how relaxing it was and thought, "Why have I not been doing this all along?" A good, relaxing facial is worth every penny you pay. Of course, in today's world and with today's economy, we can't always get these type of treatments as often as we would like. I think the message that I really want to convey is to steal away some moments just for YOU. This could be something as simple as a long bubblebath with candles and your favorite music or sitting by a window with an inspiring book and your pet. Here's hoping you have a "Calgon moment" today! Ahhhh------
To Sandy,
Thank you so much for treating me to a wonderful facial for my birthday! You knew just what I needed! The facial was great and soooo relaxing. Love you and miss you! xoxo Kim
Posted by: Bluebirds and Butterflies | Thursday, March 03, 2011 at 12:51 AM
Hi Kim, happy birthday what a thoughtful birthday gift sounds like you had an amazing time. I haven't had a facial for many many years when I was much younger and worked very close to the city I would have a facial every second week it was divine but then came marriage then house payments then children the list just goes on and on. But you are right we should have little treats every now and then it's very good for the mind and soul. I hope that you get the chance to visit Australia one day I'm sure that you would have a wonderful time here it is an amazing place. wishing you a Bluebird day (I just Love that!!) Trish xox ;)
Posted by: Trish Rowley | Thursday, March 03, 2011 at 03:09 AM
Hi Trish,
Thanks for the birthday wish and nice comments. My actual birthday was February 9th, and I did have a great birthday thanks to my loved ones and friends. I think I really should celebrate them---for without our friends and family that care enough to make our day special, it would just be another day. We should all be celebrated on our special day. There is only one you! Unique and a "one of a kind".... My husband is next on the birthday list on March 5th. Looking forward to celebrating him!
I am happy that you have had a chance to get some facials in the past. With the cost of living in today's world--and especially in today's economy--extra things like facials are things that many of us do have to limit. This makes it even more special when the opportunity presents itself for a relaxing treat. The true message is to take time for YOU :) and do things that heal the body, mind and soul. When my life is very busy and my extra money is limited, I like to take a long bubblebath; curl up with a great magazine or book (or blog :) and a cup of tea; do some yoga stretches with relaxing music or give myself spa treatment at home. There are so many ways to soothe the mind and body. I would love to hear some of the things you enjoy! We all have things that bring us joy and healing... Hope you get to have many "Calgon" moments and may your special bluebird be nearby to join you... Have a bluebird day there in beautiful Australia! xoxo Kim
Posted by: Bluebirds and Butterflies | Thursday, March 03, 2011 at 09:56 AM
Hi Kim, Happy birthday to your husband for tomorrow. My next birthday in the family will be my sons on 20th June he will be turning 32 how time flies. Some of the things that I love to do are anything crafty I love patchwork, music, walking in gardens (especially when feeling off colour) talking to God,going to church, cooking, I also love bubble baths candles, essential oils, writing in journals. One of my favourite things is having high tea with friends & family.I am at the moment on a mission to go to every high tea place in Sydney so on Tuesday I will be heading up the Blue Mountains to Leura to have high tea with my sister and niece this is what makes precious memories and that's what I love. I'm off to patchwork now I'm working on a quilt called Jane Austen's Bonnet which I have just started it will take me 12 months to complete but it is a beautiful quilt...Have a bluebird day xox Trish ;)
Posted by: Trish Rowley | Thursday, March 03, 2011 at 01:43 PM
Hi Trish,
Thanks for the nice birthday wish for my hubby and for sharing with myself and other readers about the many things that bring joy to your heart! All of it sounds wonderful! I love to go to places that have a high tea as well. On a cruise to Alaska, late August 2008, to celebrate my younger son's graduation from high school, we went to British Victoria and had tea at the Fairmont's historic Empress Hotel. My husband, son, and I enjoyed a delightful tea. The tea room sends you home with a container of their special blend of tea that they serve as a parting gift. We hope to go there again soon. I also collect teacups which is something I will post about in the future. You will have to check in with Bluebirds and Butterflies and post about some of the places you have tea as you accomplish your mission of exploring all the high teas in your area. You should consider doing a blog about your adventures exploring the many tea rooms of Australia. Taking tea is certainly soothing to the mind and soul which is what this category of "Taking Time for YOU" is all about. Enjoy your special teas with your family. Hope you will share some photos of your quilt as it comes together. Love the name of it! What a great hobby to have! You are creating heirlooms for your family...all stitched with love I am sure! Have a Bluebird Day! xoxo Kim
Posted by: Bluebirds and Butterflies | Thursday, March 03, 2011 at 08:42 PM