A Time for Pampering Mind, Body, and Soul
Spas, Yoga, Retreats & Books for Mid-Winter

Now that we've gotten past the holidays and settled into the new year, it's time for self evaluation. Although goals and resolutions prompt us to approach life afresh, restoration and revival could be the best first step to becoming a better person. Here are some musings for consideration:

For this year, maybe we should skip the Resolutions, or not call them that. I'm thinking we can realize we have bad habits, like smoking or eating too much chocolate, that need to be overcome, and move on to living well. Let's enjoy Mitchell's Fine Candies (http://www.mitchellscandies.com) and Markko Vineyard's '06 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon http://www.markko.com/mkwines.html.

Reading excellent books by local authors bought at local bookstores can be a soulful experience, especially if you keep a reading journal with impressions of each book, author information, and reviews. My next step is to buy Thrity Umrigar's The Weight of Heaven (http://www.umrigar.com) at Loganberry Books [pictured] http://www.loganberrybooks.com.

Many of us put away our hobbies for years at a time. We forget who we used to be and what we enjoyed. You could be the next Gauguin or Shakespeare or Galileo but you'll never know it if you don't pursue your passions. Check out the 12-week Artist's Way study in Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way http://www.theartistsway.com.

We all put on ten pounds over the winter because we want to stay inside where it's warm. But maybe this year, instead, we should get outside even though it's cold. The body can use the stimulation and Mother Nature will restore you. The trails at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes are open from dawn to dusk http://www.shakerlakes.org.

The gym and yoga are both good for us, and I do each of them about twice a week. I wonder what would happen if we all made daily exercise part of our routines. Get your heart rate up and your spine stretched, but don't stress yourself out if it doesn't happen. Puma Yoga in Lakewood will take care of that http://pumayoga.net.

I just had friends and family over for an elegant dinner with all the extras like candles and French wines and flourless chocolate cake (Bon Apetit January 1999, not found on-line) and a man who wasn't my husband cooked mussels in an iron pot on my stove, two generations had fun playing after-dinner games, and we all ate Moroccan chicken with roasted vegetables and couscous for the main course. It was an event for the mind, body, and soul, and I recommend a similar evening for everyone.

Treat your skin, hair, and nails to special moisturizing spa solutions at home or at a spa. I can recommend CC Spa & Salon in Westlake http://www.ccsalonandspa.com, and while you're there, splurge on a massage.

I find that retreats, whether it's a mini-vacation, a week away from work at home, a weekend getaway, or a planned spiritual or creative retreat revs me up and rejuvenates me. The time I took off from work this week helped me remember what's important in my life. Slow it down for awhile and attend the Igniting Possibilities mini-retreat on February 6 http:/www.ignitingpossibilities.blogspot.com.

I hope that gets you ready to leap forward with the promise of 2010. If you're looking for what I'm reading, where I'm walking and doing yoga, what I made for dinner last Saturday, or for spa and retreat ideas, write me at ctallerwrites@wowway.com or go to http://www.claudiatallermusings.blogspot.com.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Claudia Taller, whose passion for words has led to creation of the Lakeside Word Lover’s Retreats, an outgrowth of her work with Skyline Writers. Her favorite foods are red wine, salmon, ice cream, and chocolate. She loves to read, write, tour wineries, ride her bike, ease into yoga, and cook gourmet meals for friends. Find her at http://www.claudiatallermusings.blogspot.com.