Touch the Spirit of Clay

By Tracey Welsh, General Manager

Our new “Touch the Spirit of Clay” pottery workshop is a natural fit into our guest programming at Red Mountain Resort. Working with the clay offers many lessons, from the rich history and methods of the Anasazi, to the joys of decoration and creating something beautiful and useful, using ancient methods. You readily learn that the clay has a spirit or direction of its own, and its texture and workability at that moment lends itself to the creation of your final design. Personally, what I found most delightful, was the time spent learning and creating with other people in my group. We shared a few laughs and celebrated our creations. My Anasazi inspired vessel will now sit on my desk as a fond memory of that day at Red Mountain.

For more information about this pottery group workshop including dates, time and cost, visit our weekly schedule.

Clearing The Way For Joy

By Andrea Hanson, CEHP, Energy Therapist
Trained & Certified by Deepak Chopra

Pranayam is the use of the breath/lifeforce to balance and heal. Here is a wonderful pranayam to assist the real you in clearing negativity out of your physiology which is necessary in order to allow Joy to live and breathe within you.

Mudra: Sit cross-legged, in easy pose or lotus with your spine comfortably straight. Make your hands into a cup with right hand over the left, fingers crossing each other. Lace the cupped hands at the level of the heart center.

Breath: Meditate on the thought you would like to eliminate as you inhale deeply through your nose. Exhale through your mouth, puckering your lips and spitting out the thought into your hands with the breath in a long, slow motion.

Eyes: Looking into the cupped hands.

Repeat this for 3 to 11 minutes.

To End: Inhale deeply, exhale, and with your eyes close, begin to concentrate on all 26 vertebrae from top to bottom of your spine. Feel your spine as if you are feeling a stick in your hand; the more you can feel it, the more energy flow and relief will occur.

This is a Kundalini Yoga Meditation as taught by Yogi Bhajan.

The Path Less Traveled

Join Red Mountain as we team up with Zion Canyon Field Institute to offer an exciting series of hikes in 2011. This all-day adventure from the East Mesa to Observation Point Trail will be led by an outstanding and knowledgeable ZCFI guide. Even if you have been to Zion before, you won't want to miss the chance to see it anew on this stunning adventure.

Our back-country route to Observation Point cuts through strands of ponderosa pine and high meadows bright with drifts of wild flowers. Fires have reduced parts of the forest, but cleared areas provide views of the Mountain of Mystery - 2,000 feet of sandstone rising 6,545 feet above sea level into skies that go on forever. To the south, views open up on Echo Canyon, a narrow fissure in the Navaho Sandstone above the hanging garden of Weeping Rock, one of Zion's most visited spots. At Observation Point, stunning vistas open up down canyon to the Virgin River. On the other side of the Virgin rise massive sandstone monuments - Mountain of the Sun and the West Temple (the highest mountain in the main canyon at 7,810 feet). As you eat your well earned lunch, you will be treated to the fascinating natural history of this remote place from ZCFI guides who have called Zion National Park "home" for years.

Hikes are offered May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9, September 13 and October 11. Contact our Adventure Concierge at 435.652.5712 for details or to sign up for one of these amazing adventures.

March Spa Specials

Indulging at Sagestone Spa & Salon or the Wellness Center is a great way to spend the day after a long morning hike. We offer different specials every month so be sure to check back for April's specials. Day guests from the St. George area are always welcome to pamper themselves with our specials or any of our regular spa, health and wellness services. Visit our website for a full list of services and, if you haven't yet been a Diva for the Day, you are missing out!

Book Two Services & Receive a FREE Mani or Pedi!*

Purchase two services from our Massage, Facial or Body Treatment menus and receive a complimentary 50-minute Manicure or Pedicure of your choice.

Davines Spring Hair Detoxifying Treatment with Gift!*

Get your hair ready for spring. This detoxifying treatment improves stressed hair by using clay to gently remove impurities from hair and scalp while adding protection from future effects of environmental pollution. Treatment includes a relaxing scalp massage and a detoxifying conditioner gift. Price: $65 (50 mins)

Book an Iridology Consultation & Receive a Gift!*

Iridology is the art of evaluating the systems, organs and tissues of your body through a non-invasive process of looking at your iris. This holistic process embraces the mind-body-spirit connection and reveals underlying emotional, physical or spiritual conditions. During the month of March only, you will receive Ian White's two-CD set, "A Simple Guide to Successful Meditation." Price: $125 (50 mins)

Spring Forward With Your Weight Loss Goals with a Resting Energy Expenditure Assessment & Gift!*

Renew your weight loss goals with customized caloric results based upon the Resting Energy Expenditure Assessment. This test will tell you how many calories your body requires to keep itself going each day. Plus, you will receive Dr. Mark Hyman's best-selling book "Ultrametabolism: The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss." Price: $125 (50 mins)

*Gift with purchase available while supplies last.

Dr. Brad's M.E.E.T. the Mustangs Experience

By Dr. Brad Crump, Health Services Manager

In my nearly twelve years at Red Mountain, I have participated in many activities and programs. I have learned something new and important from all of them. Recently, I had the opportunity to be part of the M.E.E.T. the Mustangs program. Being an animal lover, I was so excited to be close to such an amazing animal. It certainly did not disappoint.

I was not really sure what to expect. Once we arrived at the ranch, you could immediately sense the uniqueness of the horses. We all could feel that we were being watched and investigated. The facilitators did a wonderful job of educating us as to the history of the mustangs as well as the importance of their survival. It really gave me a greater appreciation of their value to all of us.

What was most inspiring to me was the group dynamic and the social order amongst the mustangs. We were taught about the hierarchy and social order of the horses, which then became very obvious as we watched the body language and key movements of the leader and those that ranked below her. I left with a better understanding about the importance of communication - verbal and non-verbal - and how powerful and influential proper communication is.

We were able to approach and touch the horses as we learned to pick up on their signals. It taught me to appreciate each horse’s uniqueness and personality. Some were approachable and others were not ready for that closeness. It was in those moments that I learned that I had to be patient and find a different way to gain their trust. It was a real learning process. This certainly made me better understand relationships that we all have.

The best part of the experience was the “Heart Hug.” This is where you literally place your chest against the horse’s chest. There was most definitely a bond that was formed. To be that close to such a powerful, but yet loving, animal was amazing. Certainly it was an experience that I will never forget. We were all taught that day (I mean us humans).

Go meet the mustangs. It is a must see and is only available until the end of April and then again starting in October. (The mustangs spend the summer in the milder climate of northern Utah.) For more information visit our M.E.E.T. the Mustangs page.

Challenging Fear with Trust & Self Referral

By Andrea Hanson, CEHP, Energy Therapist
Trained & Certified by Deepak Chopra

The best advise I ever was given about being afraid to do what I desired was "do it anyway." Of course, this applies to the self-doubt kind of fear and not the justified bodily harm type of fear.

Think back on your greatest victories in you life and see if you can remember the moment you were afraid and went ahead anyway. It is just an instant...sometimes called a choice point...once you take that first step challenging the fear, it is left behind.

It is nearly impossible to accomplish this action if you are not supporting yourself with clear and conscious intention. Bring your intentions to the forefront by asking yourSelf why you have the desires you have and what image you have of yourself in your desired future. This conscious self-referral is necessary or many of your unconscious intentions will be fulfilled and you will feel that you are a victim or that life just happens to you. There is no joy in this because you are not in your personal power unless you are clearly aware of your intentions.

Intention is the Divine force of manifestation. Take the time to write down five conscious intentions you have for 2011. Remember the great saying "Be careful of what you ask for." 2011 is the year of rapid and supported fulfillment.

True conscious intention begins and ends with you. Self-referral...having an intimate relationship with yourSelf is your truth. How you relate to others depends on their truth. Relate to what you wish to manifest only.

There is no time or place for codependency, addiction, or negativity in this time of awesome expansive, joyous and supportive energy.

It's all for you.

Meditate, Create, Radiate.

Accept your greatness and give back to Life.

An Apple a Day At Home Spa

By Myrna Beardshear
@RedMountainSpa
Director of Spa & Wellness

Clarifying Exfoliator
Apply 1/2 cup of chilled organic apple juice to your face and neck. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Use weekly for a normal skin and twice weekly for oily skin.

Apply Facial Cleanser
Stir together 1 tablespoon peeled, grated apple with 2 tablespoons clover honey, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons plain organic yogurt, 1/2teaspoon wheat germ oil and 1 tablespoon potato flour. Apply to skin and work in gently. Rinse with tepid water.

Harvest Mask
Blend one egg white, 3 teaspoons lemon juice, 1 1/2 teaspoons almond oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons sunflower oil, 3 tablespoons peeled, finely chopped apply. Apply to the face and neck and allow the mixture to penetrate for 15 minutes. Rinse with tepid water.

Find Inspiration

By Tracey Welsh
@RedMountainSpa
General Manager

There are those lucky few, who know their passion from the day they are born. It seems to be almost hard-wired; they are drawn to greatness throughout their life. However, I believe that most of us meander through life searching for something to light the fire within us, to lead us to our successes and happiness in life. Many find that gift, while at Red Mountain Resort & Spa.

Red Mountain’s hiking program ignites such inspiration for many people as they embark on their days adventures. The connection to the earth, and the power of the towering red rocks, leaves a person who has lived their life surrounded by skyscrapers mesmerized. Taking the challenge to hike up a steep hill and climb over or a rock formation allows one to realize the capabilities of a healthy body. Suddenly a person is inspired to be healthier and seek new adventures. Rewarding the body afterward, with healthy cuisine, reminds us of how important it is to give the body the nourishment it deserves. Taking time out to relax overlooking the red rock cliffs outside Sagestone Spa and Salon gives one the time to collect their thoughts, and be inspired to even more greatness the next day.

Red Mountain hopes that you are inspired to find better health, happiness and many adventures each day of your life.

Creating a Healthy, Happy Heart

@RedMountainSpa
By Kim Watters
Fitness Manager

If you are stressed out and don’t see any changes in your near future you should know there is a firm correlation between stress and cardiovascular disease. Sadly heart disease is estimated to be the largest cause of death and disability worldwide. If this information makes you want to help your heart, reduce your stress and lower your risk of heart disease, great; it is the perfect time of year to start fresh. However, if the thought of heart pounding aerobic exercises stresses you out even more, relax...literally. Meditation lowers stress.

Meditation helps people manage stress and teaches how to disconnect from your stress issues; this brings a calming effect to your mind and body, bringing down cortisol levels. (Cortisol is a stress hormone that causes increased stickiness and platelet formation in the blood stream, which also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attacks.)

To create a healthy happy heart, meditating for 15 to 20 minutes a day, every day is recommended. Keep in mind your expectations and your actual experience may vary greatly.

According to Ian Philip White, ERYT500, Meditation Instructor at Red Mountain Resort & Spa, “When we first begin meditating we may find it really hard to focus. Our body aches, our mind wanders, noise and light distract us. Our minds may think of everything from the past, and create lists. Then we think of everything in the future and create more lists. So, this can be the first phase of meditation. Just as you begin to focus, relax or become aware your mind may kick in and kick you out of that peaceful place. That is OK. If your mind is used to spinning around and has been operating that way for 20, 30, 40, 50 or more years then it is unreasonable for you to expect that it will quit spinning the first time you sit down to meditate! Be Open, no expectations, no projections, only limitless possibilities.”

There are several different methods of meditation, and many educational tools to help you learn more about meditating, but to get you started right away don’t worry about following any specific protocol. Meditating does not have to be elaborate. It can be as effortless as sitting in a quiet spot, and like Julie Andrews sings in "The Sound of Music," “Simply remember a few of your favorite things.”

It doesn’t matter how or where you get started it only matters that you start. So, if "raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens" take you to a happy relaxing place, congratulations. You have already begun creating your healthy, happy heart!

References:
meditation-techniques-for-happiness.com

At Home Foot Reflexology

@RedMountainSpa

Foot massage, or reflexology, is actually an ancient practice of manipulation and stimulation to restore health and balance to the entire body through reflex therapy applied to the feet. Below is a way you can enjoy this treatment at home.

• Take off your shoes.


• Rub the brain, stomach and solar plexus reflexology points on your feet.


• The brain, your body's mental stress center, is at the point of the base of the ball of the big toe.


• Relieve anxiety by rubbing the stomach, located at the arch of the foot.


• Considered to be the "nerve switchboard of the body," press the solar plexus, located at the center of the base of the ball of the foot, for 20-30 seconds on each foot.


• Repeat.