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10 Mindful Gifts to Give This Holiday Season

Giving a gift, handmade present wrapped in paper.

It’s the holidays, hon. What to get the people on our list is top of mind, these days. When we aren’t sure what you get, we often head straight for our smart devices to search for a list of popular ideas for fill in the blank. The trick is finding something suitable and meaningful for our special people. The searches are a great starting point for some, but where do you go when you want to give a gift that will have a true meaning or a lasting impact on the recipient?

You’re in luck, we did the legwork for you and came up with a dynamite list of 10 mindful gifts to give this holiday season.

1. Essential Oils Basket
This gift can be custom designed to meet the needs of each individual. Find a diffuser then think of a theme. Does the recipient need aromatherapy to help them relax or feel energized? Choose essential oils that are right for the individual and design a beautiful basket for their enjoyment. We’ve got loads to say about the benefits of essential oils and their uses so contact us if you need help choosing the perfect combination.

2. Gift of a Self-Care Experience
Many people put their head down and work. They view self care as a luxury rather than an essential to healthy living. You can put their mind at ease, in more ways than one, by giving them an opportunity to rest, relax, and feel the benefits of self care. Ideas include a gift certificate to yoga classes, a massage, or a day a their favorite spa.

3. Daily Dose of Inspiration
Who couldn’t use a little inspiration on a daily basis? Find a calendar with daily inspirational quotes, frame a life verse, or give them a journal to capture their daily thoughts and ideas.

4. Subscription for a Meal Delivery Plan
Food is a bridge to someone’s heart. Whether it’s for an overworked parent, a recent grad trying to make it on their own, a recent widower, or busy colleague, food comforts. Why not give a gift to help their night a little easier, at least once a month. Places like Blue Apron, Hello Fresh, and Home Chef make this idea more manageable and convenient for everyone.

5. Wine or Beer of the Month
Let’s face it, people like booze. Think about it, if you like alcohol, have you ever been disappointed when someone gave you a new wine to try or a beer packed with flavor and hops? It’s hard to go wrong when you send someone a gift like this. For those skeptics worried about giving alcohol, remember, wine and beer enthusiasts enjoy the taste and some like to figure out flavors using guides. Hint, hint, another gift idea.

6. Artwork
Art is exquisite and is enjoyed by many. If you are looking for a unique gift, search for a local artist and find a painting that’s just right for your special someone.

7. Family Fun Night
Whether you purchase a pack of movie tickets, seats for a theatre production, or assemble a basket filled with your favorite board game classics, families will appreciate the time together to share in laughter and merriment throughout the year.  

8. Charitable Donation
It’s very popular to make donations in someone’s name as a gift option. We suggest you figure out what organization your special person likes the most and make a donation there in their honor. Then you have the opportunity to give a gift to more than just one person.

9. A Book of Homemade Vouchers
What do you give someone who has everything? Perhaps a helping hand is what they need most. Here’s an opportunity to creatively make a coupon book that can be cashed in for things like, shoveling snow, free babysitting, an afternoon tea, a night off from cooking and cleaning up dishes, etc. Use your creativity on this one!

10. A Framed Snapshot in Time
In this digital age, may of our photos remain in a cloud, on a phone, or stored on a hard drive. Print them out. Find a photo that captures a precious moment in time and share it. Let the person receiving the photo enjoy the memory each time they sit at their desk, walk down their hallway, or lounge on their favorite chair.   

Miracles Massage is running a #CyberWeek special, which ends tomorrow, November 30. Click here to learn more and purchase online.

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Holiday Self-Care: Giving Thanks For You

Give thanks.

Oh, the holidays! The air is crisp and smells of pumpkin, cinnamon, or peppermint greet us in the most unexpected places. Stores begin to transition before our eyes into beautiful shades of red and green with twinkling lights galore. It leaves us with a feeling of warmth, happiness, and sometimes, if we are not mindful, panic.  

The season of extra giving, spending, prepping, baking, wrapping, and indulging can lead to feeling overwhelmed, if you aren’t careful. Are you ready? Really ready? That is to say, in your already full life of work, housekeeping, taxi driving, activity attending, meal planning, caregiving, etc. are you mentally prepared for the extra work that comes with the holidays?

As grownups, we realize that the grand puppet master of the holiday extravaganza that our family enjoys is, often, us. Our normal lives require a great balancing act as projects pile up, calendars are packed with activities and inboxes remind us of upcoming or (gulp) overdue tasks. In everyday life, adding one or two more items to our to-do list could cause a little healthy stress. However, when we add in the sprinkle of holiday prep, and expectations, panic and overwhelm just might be sitting behind door number two, if we aren’t mentally prepared.

Here’s a list of Self-Care Dos and Don’ts This Holiday Season you must remember. Your mindset depends on it!

Don’t:
1. Skip meals or go on a junk food only diet – as tempting as it may be to swing by the drive-thru a few times a week, or to ignore your growling stomach, remember to nourish yourself with a healthful diet so you don’t end up getting sick.
2. Forgo the gym– when you are racing the clock, regular exercise is often the first thing to go. Remember when you work out, those happy serotonin endorphins release, giving you energy and making your outlook on life a little brighter.
3. Ditch your pals – when we can’t see past our own busyness, we may say no to a lunch invitation, a happy hour, or a gabfest. Remember, your pals know you best and make your heart light. They also may be able to offer advice or strategies for tackling the stressors you face.

Do:
1. Find time for yourself– although it may sound like a luxury you cannot afford, taking time to nourish your mind and body will help you to be more productive. In your over-packed schedule, carve out time to do something just for you and make it sacred. You work hard and deserve it!
2. Take a break– when we are overly stressed, our skills are not sharp, our focus is not clear, and our efforts are often counterproductive. Pay attention to the warning signs your body gives you. Take time for breaks to gain clarity and focus. There is a reason you are stressed. You do a lot, you don’t need to earn breaks, but you should thank yourself once in a while.
3. Breathe– simple breathing exercises make a huge impact on our psyche. You can do it anywhere at any time. It’s a guaranteed calming device.

For some, the idea of self-care seems indulgent. It’s a reward only to be cashed in on if they have made sacrifices, completed their list of to-do items, and the calendar says there is an opening. We say that’s crazy talk! Find something to help you care for yourself. There’s only one of you so be thankful to yourself for all that you accomplish daily. Take a walk, schedule a massage, do something wacky and fun. If you don’t, you risk falling victim to the dreaded holiday overwhelm instead of holiday joy.

We have an idea for you: opt-in to our #CyberWeek deal, which starts on Thanksgiving morning and ends at midnight on November 30.

 

 

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Knockout Illness This Holiday with 5 Powerful Essential Oils

No one wants to be sick over the holidays. The busyness of everyday life and holiday prep can take a toll on our bodies if we are not mindful to take proper care of them. You can get sick in surprising ways. Don’t let the holiday hype affect your immune system.

Ward off illness this holiday with 5 powerful essential oils, and one knockout blend. Trust us, you’ll be thanking yourself in January for taking mindful measures to combat illness now.

1. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is known for its versatility. It is great for headaches, indigestions, fever, and stomach issues. Add it to your tea, hot cocoa, or in baked goods for extra flavor.

2. Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon oil is popular for its medicinal uses. It can aid with colds, flu, and digestive problems. It is also rich with iron, calcium, and fiber. You can reap these incredible benefits through aromatherapy or by adding a few drops into your dish while fixing dinner.

3. Cloves Oil
Cloves oil is packed with vitamins A and C, as well as iron, sodium, and potassium. Along with being a natural aphrodisiac, therefore a stress reliever, clove oil is also a wonderful antioxidant and even helps with respiratory related issues like bronchitis, sinusitis, and sore throats.

4. Lemon Oil
Lemon oil is detoxifying. It promotes healing and energy through its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Drop a little lemon oil in your water and enjoy its taste or add it to your diffuser to boost your mental alertness.  

5. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is great to help you protect yourself against viral and bacterial infections. A lesser known benefit is its help with food poisoning. So if your coworker’s holiday potluck surprise gave you a surprise of your own, Oregano oil can help!

A Blending Must
Blending essential oils can create incredible benefits. This season, as you do your best to fight off infections, an incredible blend to try is Thieves Oil. Take a deep breath, if you could bottle Christmas, this would be it. The blend of cloves, cinnamon, lemon, eucalyptus, and rosemary oil will deliver the knockout punch you search for each cold and flu season.

Do It Yourself Lemon and Thieves Oil Sugar Scrub Recipe Ingredients:
1 small container
½ cup of white sugar
¼ cup of blending oil
15 drops of lemon essential oil
5 drops of Thieves essential oil

Mix to combine.

For more ideas on how to knockout illness with immune boosting essential oils, contact us!

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3 Amazing Benefits of Cupping Massage Therapy

Old medical cupping glass, petrolatum, and tweezers with cotton wool on a white wooden table. They are used to relax the muscles and treat inflammation.

Looking for a new gift idea for massage enthusiasts this holiday season? Consider a gift certificate for a cupping massage. Often, once a client has tried it, cupping becomes their favorite massage option. Just sayin’!

What is a cupping massage?
First, know the terms. There are two different types of cupping massage therapies: stagnant and dynamic. Your therapist will place small cups around major muscle groups on your body. This creates a suction, causing blood to flow to that area. In the stagnant method, cups are left on the body for about 10 minutes. This method is more likely to leave a mark on the body that will last anywhere from a few days to weeks. The dynamic method is when the therapist continuously moves the cups around the body in the direction of the lymphatic system. This is important to note because the lymphatic system rids your body of toxins and stimulates fresh blood flow throughout the body. The dynamic method is less likely to leave lasting marks on the body.    

Is it painful?
No, cupping is not painful. It may feel slightly uncomfortable to some clients, similar to the sensation of a deep tissue massage, but it should never cause pain.

How does this method of massage detox the body?
Cupping stretches and opens muscle tissues. Your body already rids itself of toxins, but this speeds up the process by helping to boost your lymphatic system.

Now that you have a better understanding of the practice, here are three amazing benefits you will receive from cupping massage therapy.

1. It provides healing of many health concerns
‘Tis the season for colds and flu. Cupping has been around for quite a while. It was used in traditional Chinese medicinal practices as well as by ancient Egyptians and North American Indians. It’s used to fight poor circulation, fever, and muscle discomfort.

2. It helps rid the body of toxins
Toxins are grouped into the two categories of water soluble or fat soluble. They come from our environment, and processed foods, among other things. Our bodies naturally rid water-soluble toxins within a day or so, but fat-soluble toxins may need a little extra help getting flushed out of our system.  

3. It gets weekend warriors back in the game
Cupping is a popular practice among athletes because it can help to heal their stiff, sore muscles while improving their health and performance.

Still have questions on how cupping works? We would be glad to speak with you about it! At Miracles Massage, every massage is customized to benefit the individual client and their specific needs. We will take time to assess our clients’ needs and concerns before trying anything new.

Sound like an amazing holiday gift for someone on your shopping list? Contact us today for a gift certificate.  

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25 Ways to Express Gratitude Anytime

November sparks the feelings of gratitude and appreciation for the people and things in our lives, more so than any other time of year. While this season of giving reminds us to be thankful, we don’t have to limit ourselves to sharing our feelings once a year. It is something that should be a part of our everyday life. Showing your appreciation for someone doesn’t need to be a big production. It can be as simple as saying ‘thank you’.

Not sure where to start? Here are 25 thoughtful ways to express your gratitude through simple kindness any time.

1. Email or text your significant other telling them why they’re so dreamy.
2. Tell someone who deserves it all the reasons you value them.
3. Send a note through the postal mail, just because.
4. Give a busy friend a night off and make them a meal.
5. Take a bottle of wine to your bestie’s house and have an impromptu laughfest.
6. Give genuine compliments.
7. Be a generous tipper next time you go out to eat.
8. Send flowers to someone who needs a little pick-me-up.
9. Give your sick buddy a basket filled with supplies like chicken noodle soup, orange juice, kleenex, and cough medicine.
10. Leave an assortment of essential oils on the desk of a stressed-out coworker (ask us for suggestions!)
11. Give to your favorite charity in honor of someone you love.
12. Pay it forward for the teenage boy at the gas pump searching for loose change in his car.
13. Offer to take a picture for a group of friends.
14. Encourage someone who feels like they are failing.
15. Play yet another round in a game with a small child even when you tire of it.
16. Thank a teammate for their part in a project.
17. Kiss your partner like you mean it.
18. Rake your neighbor’s leaves.
19. Invite a someone who recently lost a spouse over for dinner.
20. Help an older person with their groceries.
21. Slip your child’s teacher a $5 gift card.
22. Write a thank you note to your local police and fire stations. (Where would we be without them?)
23. Give encouraging words to the weary-looking mother of multiple children trying to get through the grocery store or Target.
24. Compliment you HOA representatives for caring so much about your community.
25. Give the gift of massage to someone who could use a little relaxation time.

After reading this list, have you noticed it is hard to separate being grateful and sharing kindness with others? Us too. When you stop to think about all the love and joy in your own life, it’s hard not to want to share that with others, making them feel a similar kind of happiness. So don’t save your cheer for the holidays, spread it every day.

For more ideas on how to express gratitude, contact us today!

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3 Playlists to Improve Your Mindfulness

Music is a well-loved expression of art. Artists capture the emotions we feel, going beyond words, and allowing vibrations, sounds, and the blending of instruments to guide us into an inspired world of our choosing. On any given day, we might look for music to boost our energy level, calm our heightened anxiety, or soothe our interrupted sleep.

When paired with mindfulness, music has three key perks: it elevates your mind, connects you with your inner peace, and improves your health. Music is a form of communication and a great resource for you to understand your inner thoughts, emotions, and feelings. Not to mention, it can be used as a tool to release the negative energy building within you.

When the demands of life come on a little too strong, use these 3 types of playlists to improve your mindfulness.

1. Restoration, Here I Come
We are busy people in need of a little slow down. Every yogi or spa enthusiast will tell you that music playing in the background is soft, peaceful, and relaxing. The gentle sounds of nature or synthetic blend of instruments is used to create a tranquil atmosphere. You can create the same blissful sounds wherever you are. Choose tracks that speak to your soul. Feel the vibrations. Focus on what you are hearing and block out the noise around you. Concentrate your thoughts. If you find yourself drifting, gently bring yourself back and be mindful of the restoration your body craves.  

Get Your Meredith Gray On
The on-screen doctor reminds us that there are times in life when nothing else can be done, you simply have to dance it out. Dance out your frustration, dance away your blues, dance for joy and happiness, and dance to celebrate. Not only is dancing an excellent form of exercise, it is also an incredible celebration of one’s self. Through dance, you can experience self-release, self-expression, and yes, a love of one’s own self. So find a batch of songs that brings you to your feet and don’t stop moving. Focus on the songs you choose. Music trips our memories so choose songs that won’t only make you shake your groove thing, but also take you to a happy place.

Sleepytown, Are You Out There?
Everyone wishes for a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, there are a host of reasons why that doesn’t always happen in adulthood. However, science has proven that songs beginning with 60 bpm (that’s beats per minute) and slowing to 50bpm help listeners relax. Why? Because the beats per minute in the songs match our heart rate when we fall asleep. So, on the nights when your to-do list keeps growing at a rapid pace, or counting sheep doesn’t stop the worry and fear racing through your mind, turn on a playlist custom designed to send you to sleepytown. Focus on the music and not on all of your other worries.  

For more suggestions on how to incorporate mindfulness into your daily life, contact us!

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Spa Guidelines and Etiquette

RESERVATIONS – At the time you make your reservation, please notify us if you are taking any medications, have had recent surgery, are pregnant or have any other health concerns. We will discuss your treatment in more depth upon arrival, but some things are important to know in advance.

ARRIVING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT – Unlike almost every day spa around, there is no need to arrive early for your appointment. If your appointment is at 2:00, come a 2:00. If you book a 90-minute massage, you will receive a 90-minute massage. That said, if you are more than 10 minutes late and there is another appointment booked within an hour after yours, then we reserve the right to shorten your service as necessary.

For the benefit of everyone, especially you, we ask that you silence your cell phone and refrain from cell phone use during your treatment.

NUDITY – The most effective massage is done on a completely naked subject, so that all affected muscle areas can be worked on. Please do not worry; even if you are shy, you will be modestly covered by an oversized sheet at all times, with only the part of the body being massaged being exposed. If you still feel uncomfortable, you may leave your underwear on, but please be aware that will result in certain muscle areas remaining unmassaged.

CANCELLATION POLICY –We ask that you notify us within 24 hours in advance if you are unable to keep your appointment. Cancellations that are not received within 24 hours must be rescheduled, rather than cancelled, to avoid a penalty.

ILLNESS – If you have a cold, you can have a massage. In fact, it will speed up the departure of your cold, although it could cause an intensification of your symptoms the day of the massage. If you are seriously ill, however, and especially if you have a fever, you should not receive a massage. If that is the case, please call, and we will be happy to reschedule your appointment.

SERVICE CHARGE – Miracles Massage charges substantially less than for the same services at any area spa. We are able to do this because I work out of my home, and have cut out most of the overhead that big spa’s carry which cause prices to be inflated. I try hard to keep prices low enough that massage is accessible to almost everyone. Any gratuities are deeply appreciated.

GIFT CERTIFICATES – Gift Certificates are available for purchase. They are non-refundable, but they are transferable.

PLEASE NOTE – All prices, services, and hours of operation are subject to change without notice.

For questions with anything herein or any additional matters, please either call 347.729.2755 or email miraclesmassage@yahoo.com.

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The Scariest ‘M’ Word They Ever Heard

Alright, thrill seekers. Halloween is almost here. Wanna give some coworkers a real fright? Spook them with the scariest ’M’ word they ever heard: meditation.

Does it seem like when the word meditation comes up people stare, blink, and then quickly change the subject? That’s because a lot of people don’t know what mindful meditation really is. Are you one of them? No need to worry, Freddy, won’t be calling you.

To begin our little introductory course, let’s first chat about what mindful meditation is not. Raise your hand if you think it is letting your mind wander or emptying your mind. If your hand went in the air, you’re wrong! Mindfulness meditation is actually working to be present in your thoughts, emotions, and surroundings.

When attempting to be mindful, you can take back control of your busy brain. Implementing simple mindful meditation techniques will allow you to possess an awareness of your thoughts and refocus them as necessary.

Here are six, not so scary, tips to help you and your pals mindfully meditate.

1. Clear Your Schedule
One gigantic problem for many of us is time. It seems like there is never enough time in the day to accomplish everything on our to-do lists. Everyone needs a little ‘me’ time, right? If it seems overwhelming to take an hour or even 15 minutes to mindfully meditate, start small. Baby steps, friends. Start by focusing for 3-5 minutes. You can always go up from there.

2. Turn Off Your Electronics
Nothing ruins a good relaxing mindset like a ringing or dinging phone. Fight the urge to stay connected. Turn off your electronics for a short while. Let your body rejuvenate without the familiar notifications from Facebook or Twitter.

3. Find a Sacred Space
Location, location, location. Find a sacred space where you are comfortable, the lighting is right, the sounds are soothing, and you are free from annoyances like clutter and dust bunnies.

4. Nourish Your Bod
Before you set out to mindfully meditate. Make sure you remember to eat and drink something. It may only take a few seconds until you suddenly remember that you haven’t eaten recently or you are parched beyond belief. Next thing you know, 15 minutes have passed, you’re in the kitchen whipping up a snack, and the time you allotted for this exercise is about to lapse.

5. Find a Comfortable Position
Whether you are sitting in a cozy chair wrapped in a blanket or sprawled out on the floor, find a position that works for you so you limit the urge to find a more comfortable place.

6. Take Deep Breaths
When starting out, remember to breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth in deep, slow breaths. Let your chest naturally rise and fall as you mindfully meditate.

Not so scary is it? The next time someone shrieks in horror at the word meditation, remember it isn’t something out of Stranger Things. Mindful meditation invites you to be more aware of your environment rather than switching to autopilot. You can take control of your thoughts and watch the world around you with a keen and observing eye.

Looking for more ways to mindfully meditate? We can help! Contact us today for suggestions to suit your personal needs.

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DIY Your Sacred Space Using Your 5 Senses

People may seek a sacred space because they are in need of a time for their body and mind to relax, or perhaps they are looking for a calming place to be more productive. You would be hard-pressed to find adults these days who would say they are not mentally overloaded, financially stressed, or emotionally spent at one time or another. Do you need a place to escape, recharge, and keep balanced?

When choosing a sacred space, your very first task it to find a place to call your own. Whether it is a room in your house, car, or patio, you have to find a place that speaks to you and makes you feel comfortable and safe. Consider things like the lighting, sounds, and temperature. Use all five of your senses to make sure the space will help you achieve the harmony you desire.

Consider engaging your five senses to DIY a sacred space custom-designed just for you.

1. Simplify
To make your space peaceful, you must keep it visually pleasing. Yes, you’ll want to add attractions like artwork or inspirational quotes to keep you charged; but remember, your space should be simple and clear from clutter. It is hard to find serenity in a place that is visually chaotic. Distractions come in the form of piled up bills, paperwork, dirty dishes, cascading laundry towers, and empty takeout containers. Rid your space of visual excess so you can tap into serenity.  

2. Do You Hear What I Hear?
Unwanted noise is the worst kind of distraction. As you try to empty your mind and enjoy a peace-filled place, the gentle hum of a refrigerator or the rattling of an old fan you normally don’t notice, may just make you bonkers. Find a space that is free from distracting sounds. If that isn’t possible, you may want to add your own soothing sounds of nature.   

3. 1, 2, 3 Breathe
Don’t forget to think about the air you are breathing. What kind of experience are you trying to create in your sacred space? Aromatherapy is an excellent way to engage your senses and heighten your experience.

4. Feel the Space
Your productivity or lack thereof could all come down to comfort. Choose furniture and carpets that suit the needs of the experience you desire. For example, make sure your desk chair is ergonomically correct. The last thing you want is for your sacred space to leave you with aches and pains. Similarly, choose a soft plush rug or carpet if you plan to do lots of floor work.

5. A Taste Treat
Delight the last of your senses with a tasty treat. Perhaps a bowl of chocolates, a crisp peppermint, a chai latte, or a glass of red wine. Taste and smell are closely linked. They can be quite powerful and trigger memories. Use tastes and smells to remind you of fond memories when you are trying to unwind.  

When you are mindful about engaging all of your senses, you can find easy ways to play into your sensory preferences. Let all of your senses work together to keep you in harmony. Need more suggestions on how to DIY your sacred space? Contact us today!