"When you keep the Sabbath day, the Sabbath day keeps you!"
Showing posts with label Relaxation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Relaxation. Show all posts
December 27, 2019
June 19, 2019
Everyone Loves A Good Massage Chair
Yes, ah, that feels so good!
Seriously, you know you want to try it.
Yes, you do.
And you even want to take one home.
Costco's got these.
You've seen others at Sharper Image at the Mall.
They're not cheap.
This one was like $4,299.
Can you resist the urge to splurge on the ultimate in comfort and relaxation?
Take off your shoes. close your eyes, let yourself drift away.
It's a better place. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
May 31, 2019
Tie Dye Hammock
It's called "DoubleNest," so I guess that means it fits 2 people.
So open, colorful, and inviting to rest and relax in.
Sillily, the store only carries the hammock and not the stand...so good luck with that.
Also REI clumsily filled this gorgeous hammock with Nalgene bottles--on sale 30% off!
Uh, if you make even the nicest stuff look like junk for storage, you're not gonna get the brand image you want.
Anyway, the hammock was awesome! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
December 27, 2018
Happy Holidays!
Took this in South Florida this week.
These two guys from Sweden sitting at the pool wearing these Christmas tree hats.
This was just too great to pass up.
As I took the photo, one guy gave me the thumbs up and this was just perfect.
I don't know about you, but they cheered me up even when it seems that the world is otherwise going crazy--in so many ways.
- Politics
- Divisiveness
- Hate
- Fighting
- Injustices
- Suffering
But at the end of the day, it's about the people--and G-d gives us the power to do good and make happy (or vice versa).
This one made me happy! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 8, 2018
Every Time I Go Mexico
First, we went for a nice kayak boat ride around the lake.
Then I couldn't help stopping and listening to this relaxing and peaceful music.
These guys were great--I'd pay to listen to them.
Just a bunch of friends getting together to play beautiful music.
This is life as it should be. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 22, 2018
Everyone Deserves A Day of Rest and Happiness
They don't want or need to work that much, but their employer insists that's the way it is.
On top of it, they don't even get overtime for all the unbelievable hours they have to put in.
One day, this person actually just broke down in incredible tears, just asking to get a single day off.
Finally, finally, finally--the employer gave in--for just a single day!
The person was so happy--one day of freedom; one day to enjoy; one day to regain their inner beauty and humanity.
I was so happy for them!
Every person deserves at least one day off per week.
Every single one of the major religions in the world that is anchored in the Bible--Judaism, Christianity, and Islam--have a holy Sabbath as a day of rest.
There is a divine and ancient wisdom to this.
People need a day to rejuvenate.
Everything is nature does.
Even the fields have to lay fallow every 7th year so the earth can revitalize and replenish itself.
There is a natural cycle to things--peaks and valleys--and we need to have some rest and relaxation--to work for something and not for nothing.
The joy on this person to just have a day off--it was so incredible and touching.
It spoke light years to me about treating people right--just--humanly--with compassion--and doing good over evil in this world.
What does the employer need to wring an extra days work out of their employees for the rotten greed of money and profits?
Better to care for your people, and they will be better off for it and thus to the needs of the business and its customers.
Care for people--they are people.
Love people--they are G-d's beautiful children.
Treat others as you would like to be treated.
Let everyone have a day of rest and something to look forward to--to enjoy, to have some happiness, to get time with their family and friends, to get back to themselves, to attain a deserved and proper peace of mind, body, and soul. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 13, 2017
@McKee Besher Wildlife Preserve
June 2, 2017
April 24, 2017
Steak or Peanut Butter
But that's not the point here.
I was talking to a workman who has a seasonal business.
"Business is doing well," he said.
During the busy time...they can work 80 days straight without a break.
And also work until midnight.
But the flip side is that for many months in the year, they have very little work at all.
It's literally feast or famine.
As we were talking about this, he says to me:
"We really have to make it during the busy season, because that determines whether we eat steak or peanut butter the rest of the year!"
It struck me how difficult this must be too depend on a few months for how you live all the year round.
Sure, it must be nice to have a slower season and have some rest, relaxation, and maybe some fun.
But if, G-d forbid, you're not earning enough to support yourself for the duration of the year and you're stuck eating peanut butter because you can't even afford a steak anymore, then that must be pretty darn tough.
Just something to think about and be grateful for if you can eat what you want and when you want to. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 22, 2017
Water Cross
The water was on and it was almost like a really high-speed jet jacuzzi.
The cool water was rushing at me and splashing in my face and it was a nice moment of relaxation and feeling of life.
For those who have been to the mikvah, it felt refreshing and like a renewal of spirit.
Just in jest...when I look at this, I can't help noticing that it almost looks like Jesus on the cross.
Except, thank G-d no nails, torture, or Roman Legion involved in this. ;-)
(Source Video: Dannielle Blumenthal)
April 17, 2017
Lying Down and Looking Up
It was such a magnificent sunny day out.
The air was slightly warm, but at the same time there was a refreshing cool breeze.
We went outside, and just laid down in the wide open grass and looked up into the sky.
I put some music on for us from the iPhone and just let it all sort of be.
There was a father and son flying this beautiful kite that looked like a huge butterfly.
There was other people riding bicycles and running.
It seemed so freeing to be in the open space under the big blue sky.
And to have the blessing of time and the luxury to relax a little and enjoy it.
Thank you G-d for your mercy and wonderful gifts that you bestow on your people. ;-)
(Source Photos: Andy Blumenthal)
April 25, 2016
To The Salt Cave
So had a new experience and went to the Salt Cave in Bethesda (a second choice if you can't get to the secret superhero crime-fighting Bat Cave).
It was a large room filled with Himalayan salt for experiencing all the spa's "healing" effects.
Supposed to be good to breath in all the minerals infused from the pink salt "micro climate" air and also for exposure to the skin.
It was fairly dark in the cave except for some recessed lighting behind some of the salt stone walls.
The chairs were these weird beach chairs that you could recline in, but it would've definitely been worth it to have some fancier cushioned seating to more fully relax in and to match the spa ambiance that they were selling.
In the background was relaxing meditation music and we were closed in the salt cave for 45-minute to enjoy the dark quiet salt effects.
It must've relaxed me, because when I got home, I had a Buddha face on and took a nice post-spa afternoon nap. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
March 21, 2015
When You're Feeling Blue...
Whole Foods carries this bright yellow-packaged gum pack (17 pieces), selling it at checkout for just $6.99.
Thinking, they should probably sell this right next to the fruit-flavored "Life Savers."
So this gum is for stress relief, and it's made with 5 flower remedies.
Do you believe in that?
When I looked this gum up online, it says:
- "Keep out of reach of children.
- If pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before use.
- Excessive consumption may induce mildly laxative effects.
- Not suitable for animals."
Okay, so if you weren't stressed out before reading the warning on this gum, you are now, right?
I think I'll pass on the rescue gum, and head over to the hot bar in the back for some seitan and veggies. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
November 28, 2014
Just Two Pelicans Doing Their Thing
Today, we walked over to the pier and there were these two pelicans sitting there.
They let us walk right up to them and sit down on a stoop next to them--maybe two feet away only,
It was nice just sitting with Rebecca and watching these birds: they were scratching, clucking, shivering, dancing, taking in their surroundings, and wandering away together.
Felt really at peace and happy by the water, doing something so simple and basic.
In a way just wanted this time to last forever. ;-)
September 19, 2014
It's Friday
May 8, 2014
Free Behind Bars
Fascinating piece in the Wall Street Journal about going to mock prison to get away from the stresses of life.
Ok, so you know your working too hard, when your only escape is to lock yourself up and throw away the key for a few days.
In South Korea, where they work 18% more than on average (2090 hours per year vs. 1765)--their is a great need to get away from it all.
There where life satisfaction rates a 4.3 out of 10, which is 34% lower than the average (of 6.6), putting yourself in prison is a quality of life thing.
A two-night stay in the makeshift prison for extreme relaxation costs $146--and there you can meditate to your hearts delight.
You can also attend "spiritual classes" and participate in "healing plays."
Normally smartphones wouldn't be allowed, but people freak out without them, so they get to check them once a day while on the inside.
Being locked behind bars is a punishment in most places, but here its time to think, reflect, and get back to yourself--most of all you don't have to go to work on those days.
It's funny, but one of the hardest things is generally for people just to stop and think--really stop and think--it's much easier to drown ourselves in endless activity and never have to deal with what's going on inside.
When we stop to let our thoughts catch up, to deal with our anxieties and fears, to confront ourselves and all the mistakes we make, and to let ourselves feel what can be an tidal wave of pent up feelings--that is a freedom that few can bear to make. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
September 19, 2013
Feeling Groovy
I listened to how it helps them with aches and pains as well as to just relax.
One guy mentioned that he tried a couples massage with his wife and it was really awesome as an event together.
Not that I thought in a million years that I would ever get a massage myself, but going away with my honey, this seemed like just the right thing to do.
We ended up at the spa in the Westin and had the most relaxing massage that I could ever imagine.
Some lemonade, calm music, dim lights, and a view of the ocean made it just perfect for us.
I realized where some new pain points for me were, how important a little work-life balance can be, and could only say, "What other times are you available this week?"
Uh oh, I think I'm hooked.
OMG--thank you, but maybe I should've never tried it (it's an expensive habit)! ;-)
February 13, 2013
Liquor Weapons
So passing by this liquor store in downtown Washington, D.C.
And I noticed these interesting liquor bottles in the shape of knifes and guns.
The knife was full of rum, and I am not certain, but I think the gun was filled with Vodka.
So in the age of gun control and other anti-violence movements, what is the messaging with these "bottles"?
Perhaps it's what many are looking for in stressful times, just a way to let their inhibitions go--a little bit.
The weapons image--macho, alpha male, interesting, cool...but safely--no harm, no foul. ;-)
(Source Photos: Andy Blumenthal)
January 1, 2013
Airing Things Out
December 10, 2011
Try Something New, Relax
So you work hard and play hard.
You're always in "on mode".
Of course, it's a 24 x 7 world.
Welcome to the 21st century.
Well it's time to stop!
Take a time out.
Some time to think.
Enjoy life again.
Become a human being.
Here is your test: Go to Do Nothing for 2 Minutes.
- Your only goal for the next 2 minutes is to look at the ocean, listen to the waves and the birds, and relax--really.
- If you touch the mouse or keyboard, you fail and have to start over again.
See if you can do it.
See if you can calm your mind.
See if you can get off the treadmill.
See if you can free yourself from anxiety and pain.
When you can just do this--for 2 minutes, you'll realize what you've been missing.
Now try Calm--no time limit this go around--you've earned it.
You'll are better for it and your family, friends, and colleagues notice the difference.
It's not a new you, just a rediscovered you.
Find and enjoy peace!
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