Category Archives: ReCharge My Travel

I Embrace

Posted by Jul 19, 2020 ReCharge My Spirit, ReCharge My Travel , , , Leave a Comment
I Embrace

Living in Florida has several advantages, and one of them is being able to travel to different locations around the state. A change of scenery can change your attitude. This past week I spent time in Vero Beach. This was for some much-needed rest, relaxation and to think about the goals I have in motion for the rest of this year. The weather was perfect and the first morning on the beach began with a group yoga session. This group all gathered with their yoga mats to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic horizon. A light breeze was blowing warm air, but not too hot. It felt magical. What I love about yoga is we each can take something from it that is personal. One may be a mantra for the day such as, “I embrace,” which could mean embracing the fact you are on the mat. Another may mean you embrace what is safe for you and you are doing your best. It also could be you embrace the connection of your breathing or the strength you feel as you move through the asana poses. You embrace your spirit. So often we lean on the side of finding fault with ourselves. In yoga this can be an easy path to go towards, and it can deter someone from continuing or even trying. Instead of focusing on what we may not do, I would encourage you to be grateful for the things we can do. The path of yoga is so much more than what many believe. It is a spiritual connection within your mind and body. You can learn so much about yourself when you are focusing on how your body is feeling and adapting to whatever you are doing within the moment. If you think about it, you can carry that philosophy into all parts of your life. Recognizing your feelings and how it is affecting your body and mind can help you throughout your day. Let’s begin with your breathing. Pranayama or yoga breathing has several benefits for the mind and body. As I stated earlier, yoga poses are only a minor part of the practice. Breathing plays an enormous part of the eight limbs of yoga practice. The deep breathing exercises within yoga can bring many benefits to our life. Some of these benefits include relaxing your body and mind, reduce anxiety and promote overall well-being. Scientific studies have shown the benefits of a regular practice can also provide a reduction in hypertension, strengthen the respiratory system, aid in weight loss and healthy eating habits, improve digestion and boost the immune system.  Another limb of yoga is meditation. Several research studies have shown multiple benefits. Incorporating regular meditation into your yoga practice can create a calmness, relax the mind, bring self-awareness, and sharpen your concentration. A recent study from UCLA found that people who had been meditating for the long-term had better-preserved brains than non-meditators as they aged. Another study at Yale University discovered mindful meditation decreases activity when our minds begin wandering, which can deter us from worrying and being less than happy.  When we practice yoga, think of it as the analogy of working with technology. Often when we are working with technology, we get frustrated because we either don’t understand or can’t do what we think it should do. For example, you can’t always compare one type of technology to another. Think of an Apple phone compared to an Android phone. Both work, but often if one user tries to explain a function to the other user, the communication is loss since the functions are different. When practicing yoga, it’s good to listen to your body and try not to make comparisons to others in the practice. We are each different and our makeup may allow us to feel and understand the practice of yoga on various levels. We may benefit more from meditation, breathing, postures or other practices within the eight limbs. Yoga practice encompasses a lifestyle and way of living and has many benefits. Learn to embrace and enjoy the benefits of each. Namaste

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A mountain of lessons

Posted by Jul 1, 2020 ReCharge My Fitness, ReCharge My Mind, ReCharge My Travel Leave a Comment
A mountain of lessons

Several years ago, I was on the adventure of a lifetime. At the time, I didn’t realize how it would impact my outlook on life but, looking back, I see many lessons from that trip. I, along with eleven other people, was on the quest to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. This 19,341-foot mountain is in Tanzania, Africa. It is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. The terrain on Kilimanjaro falls into very clear categories. Lower altitudes are forest, the middle is heather, and moorland, and top is basically desert. The beginning of the trip at the base of the mountain is humid, warm tropical weather. As you work your way up the mountain, it becomes colder and then freezing when you reach the summit and the glacier.  Our group was on a nine-day trek to reach the top and return to the base. Surprisingly, we had 40 porters, two assistant guides and one head guide to help the group on the trip. Climbing Kilimanjaro takes a village. You may not realize it, but for a trip of this magnitude, everything must be carried with you. Think about that for a minute. These porters carried all the tents, food, water, tables, chairs, cooking gear, sleeping bags, and many other items. These incredibly strong people carried an average of 40-50 pounds on their heads. Tanzania is a poorer country, and the porters are grateful to have their jobs. Unbelievably, many of the porters that work on the mountain treks will complete one trip, turn around, and start another. Lessons I Learned Okay, back to the lessons learned on the trip. First is the lesson of getting along for the common good. When you have that many people on the side of a mountain, you don’t always see things the same way. You have personality differences, but you learn to keep going forward and get along. The second lesson is group support. Each day is a challenge for someone in the group. It may be a slight disability or a major fear, but the group encourages each other to continue. They laugh, cry and watch out for potential problems. They are patient with the slowest one in the group and happy for any rest breaks along the way.  Third is gratitude. You welcome each day when the porters have broken camp that morning and pass you on the trail to set up at the next location. With thanks, you are greeted with a warm meal and drink from the people that are supporting you throughout the trip. Seeing a sunrise or sunset from a different level on the mountain each day opens your eyes to the beauty of our world. You appreciate the wonders our earth provides. Fourth is finding trust and faith in yourself. You have faith you will continue and trust your boots will hold where you place your foot. You continue to think you will acclimate to the altitude and not be reduced to the sickness that has turn back many just before the summit.  Fifth is having empathy for others. You find empathy for others when you see the pain of defeat in those who fail to reach the top of the mountain. In your heart, you know it could have been you. The final lesson is survival and focus. Each day is a survival. The long daily hikes, not bathing, the difficulty breathing thin air, and enduring the cold teaches inner strength. The goal is to complete the trip – period. You find faith in yourself, as well as faith, trust, and the good in others. You understand what you are made of and how much you really can tolerate and still move forward. What a great learning experience and adventure! These are lessons I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Look for the lessons you can carry with you too.

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How To Find Your Adventure At Any Age

Posted by Oct 20, 2019 ReCharge My Fitness, ReCharge My Travel Leave a Comment
How To Find Your Adventure At Any Age

Are you seeking adventure in your life but not sure how to find what may fit you best? One of the rewards of getting older is we have more time, expendable income and confidence about what we want. Best of all you can enjoy exploration and receive many health benefits at the same time. The trend today in tourism is the demand for “experiential travel” which mean to be more authentic, immersed in culture, active and adventurous. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone by adding a little adventure in your travel can improve your mood, keep you sharp, boost self-confident, strengthen the immune system and cope better with life challenges. Traveling can help with everyday life stress and teach us to relax. What Does Adventure Travel Mean?Adventure travel has different meaning for each individual. You may believe getting out of your comfort zone is adventure.  That idea can be anything from experiencing a different culture to extreme sports. To someone else it can mean avoiding the touristy places. Another person’s adventure can have a spiritual or changed life meaning. How Do I Know I’m Ready?Your adventure should be based on your fitness levels more than your age.  For example, you may be in good condition to walk through cities, museums, etc., but need more endurance for kayaking, running or hiking.  If there is a certain trip on your bucket list that requires more than your current fitness levels, consult with trainers and medical authorities to evaluate what you would need to be in shape and ready to accomplish the trip. Where To Find AdventureAdventure can be as easy as exploring a new city or national park. Perhaps you want to go a little further and experience other cultures, lifestyles or visit a different country. Maybe you have dreamed of a big adventure to push the limits by climbing a mountain, trekking across country or cycling long distance. A wide variety of choices are available to you. Let’s see how you can find the right fit for you. Check Out The OptionsMany organizations offer excursions ranging in effort from easy to strenuous. Options can be from rustic to pampered. All the details can be handled, or you can choose options within the itinerary. It’s up to you and your preferences You can research the options online once you find an area of interest to see what fits best for you. You Don’t Have To Go AloneIf you enjoy meeting new people and traveling with others in your age groups, look for companies that cater to specific demographics such as age groups, special interest or single travelers. The advantages of traveling with a group will be planned excursions. You can travel solo but not alone. By traveling with groups of like-minded people you can create new friendships, feel safer and share the fun. Fitness AdventuresIf you are looking for a trip that requires physical activity, check out what you will need as far as training. For example, if you want to do a long-distance race in another part of the country or overseas, you can investigate a charitable organization that will help train you and arrange transportation while you fund raise for them.  If you want to climb a mountain, you will need to research the best company to hire and what they will expect you to accomplish during the trip so you can train. If you are going on a cycling trip that includes steep grades you need to be aware and build the fitness needed. All these types of travel are available for a variety of physical levels. Learn what you want to do so you can prepare and make the experience the best of your life. The great outdoors is a wonderful place to find adventure. Safaris, white water rafting, camping and backpacking can open your world to a new appreciation for nature. There are many options on how strenuous a trip and length of time. Try a new experience and then work up to a longer more intense experience. For example, you might hike the Appalachian Trail for a day, a week or the entire 2,200 miles. A safari can be day trips with luxury lodges in the evenings or the entire trip in rustic tents. The best part is you have choices and can grow and take your adventurous side to a new level. Check Out What Is Close To HomeDon’t forget to explore the treasures in your own backyard. We often think we must travel to distance lands to seek an adventure. But consider what is accessible and not too far away. First look at the public parks in your area and the tourist attractions. Next explore the city’s museums or other public building. Research what makes your town and surrounding area special and why others come to visit. Adventure Giving BackFinally, if you are looking for a deeper involvement, look at volunteer opportunities. This can be a way to share your knowledge, time and skills with others. There are opportunities throughout the world to help and teach others while you experience a new culture. Whatever you choose you can expand your knowledge, make new friends, and enjoy additional health benefits and get out of your comfort zone.  “Oh, the places you’ll go.” -Dr. Seuss Robin Anne Griffiths is a published author, certified master development coach, personal trainer and behavior change specialist. She works with groups and individuals on life transitions to create personal balance – physically and mentally.

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