Choosing Happiness

Today, you have options. You can choose to let the little things get under your skin, and let your self be distracted by what's imperfect or frustrating. You could allow yourself to get caught up in the little things, or obsess over the past or the future.

Or, you could choose to live in the present. To become blissfully aware of what is beautiful in your life, and what you have to be grateful for. 

You can choose to meditate on gratitude, on all that you love about your life. You can choose to remember you are beautiful. You can choose to follow your dharma, your true purpose in life. You can share peace, bliss and happiness with those around you. 

The choice is pretty simple, don't you think? 

Namaste.

The Sun Goddess Ritual

Calling all sun gods and goddesses! At Serenity Spa, we're offering a lovely summer special.

The sacred practice of sun worshiping reawakens the spirit and enlivens the mind, but our skin’s delicate composition is affected by the sun’s damaging rays. Experience cooling mint, hydrating goji berry extract, and soothing rose essential oil to renew skin’s vitality, revive luminosity, and restore elasticity for youthful, glowing skin that is ready to worship the sun. Follow this cooling facial with a peppermint, eucalyptus and rose essential oil massage: detoxifying the body, settling the mind and awakening the spirit.

  

60 minute essential oil massage & 60 minute rose mint facial-$199
Add a 60 minute rosemary mint awakening body treatment-$299

Book your treatment today by visiting our website or calling (916) 797-8550.

Summer Soup Recipe

With this intense summer heat, now is a great time to cool the body from inside out. Try this cooling avocado and cucumber soup recipe. 

Grilled Avocado & Cucumber Cold Soup

Ingredients:

some olive oil
2 medium very ripe avocados, halved
1 large cucumber, halved
6 whole stalks of spring onions
1 jalapeno
1 lemon, juiced
1/2 cup cold water
1 clove of garlic
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Garnish (optional): toasted cubed bread, avocados, spring onions, chives, lemon zest & a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Directions:Preheat grill to medium-high.
Coat halved avocados with some lemon juice to avoid browning. Brush some olive oil over avocados, cucumber, spring onions and jalapeno. Oil the hot grill too before grilling the veggies.
Grill veggies for a few minutes or until everything is grilled/charred. Remove grilled veggies onto a platter to completely cool.
Chop grilled veggies and add it into a food processor with remaining lemon juice, cold water, garlic, salt and black pepper. Puree until smooth.
Portion out the soup into bowls and refrigerate to cool before serving, topped with some garnish.

Lomi Lomi Massage

Photo via Pinterest.

Have you ever heard of a Lomi Lomi massage?

You may be familiar with traditional Swedish techniques, or maybe you like Deep Tissue work. If you're interested in experiencing a wonderful, unique and energizing massage, you will want to book a Lomi Lomi!

Lomilomi practitioners use the palms, forearms, fingers, knuckles, elbows, knees, feet, even sticks and stones. Lomilomi practices varied by family, Atahualpaʻa (traditional region) and island.

Traditionally in ancient Hawaii lomilomi was practiced in four contexts:

1. As a healing practice of native healers -- kahuna lāʻau lapaʻau (healers) and kahuna hāhā (diagnosticians)
2. As a luxury and an aid to digestion, especially by the ruling chiefs (aliʻi)
3. As restorative massage within the family
4. By ʻōlohe lua (masters of the Hawaiian martial arts)

When you book a Lomi Lomi massage with one of our specialists, you will experience a deep sense of balance and harmony inspired by the ancient Hawaiian “dance of massage." We use energy flow combined with fluid, fast-paced, rhythmic motion to achieve an energizing, rejuvenating experience.

Book yours today!

Shop Our Boutique for Summer

At Serenity Spa, this summer we're offering some beautiful clothing and dresses at the boutique.

Come in today to check out the new lightweight styles for tank tops and maxi dresses, perfect for summer.

Tired Feet?

As you know, massage therapy has a variety of health benefits. Do you have tired feet? Massage can help!

There are many benefits to having a foot massage.

• You relax. All the stress of your busy day melts away.
• You improve circulation in the body by moving stagnant energy. 
• You increase the body's natural immunity and boost energy.
• By stimulating more than 7,000 nerves in the feet, foot massage encourages the opening and clearing of neural pathways. It interrupts pain pathways, reducing pain.
• Reflexology massage can assist with conditions such as allergies, asthma, insomnia, knee problems, stress disorders, respiratory problems, and thyroid imbalance.

For more information on the foot treatments we offer at Serenity Spa, read about our services.

Meditation Retreat

Are you experiencing stress? Do you want to improve your relationships and your overall health and wellness?

Meditation can help!

At Serenity Soul Spa, we offer instruction in Primordial Sound Meditation, a powerful meditation technique rooted in the Vedic tradition of India. Doctors Deepak Chopra and David Simon have revived this ancient practice of sound meditation and made it available in a format that is easy to learn.

Practiced for thousands of years, meditation is a tool for rediscovering the body’s own inner intelligence. Primordial Sound Meditation uses individually selected sounds of nature called mantras to disconnect us from the activity of life. These primordial sounds are based on the vibration the universe was creating at the moment of your birth. This is such a special gift and is yours for a lifetime. The mantra is sacred to you, and for you to hold deep within the heart. This is the mantra that you will use in all of your meditations and your meditation practice. We will need your birth date, time and place in order to retrieve your personal sound.

PRIMORDIAL SOUND MEDITATION

DAY 1: SATURDAY JUNE 29, 2013 2:00PM-6:00PM

DAY 2: SUNDAY JUNE 30, 2013 2:00PM-6:00PM

2 DAY WORKSHOP-$450
Sign up by calling (916) 797-8550 or visiting our website.

Practicing Primordial Sound Meditation on a daily basis will help you:
• Manage stress & reduce anxiety
• Create inner peace
• Improve your relationships
• Lower your blood pressure
• Enhance your sleep patterns
• Connect more deeply to spirit

Included in the Course:
• Personal Mantra
• Handbook / Guide for new meditators
• Meditation Door Hanger
• Pocket Guide to practicing the 7 Spiritual Laws of Success
• Certificate for a $100 Reiki Session for only $75
• Light morning snack and beverages served each day

Witnessing the Super Moon

This weekend is the perfect time to set your heart's deepest intentions and desires and then release them to the universe. 

The richness of the moon this weekend will bring healing energy and ignite the spirit within.

Gaze up at the sky tonight to catch a glimpse of a rare 'super' super moon, the huge perigee moon that will be shining brightly over this weekend.

The super moon which will occur tonight and on June 23, will appear to be bigger than the average full moon as it will be lined up with the sun perfectly so that the moon will appear to be brighter and bigger.

The moon will be at its closest point to Earth on June 23 at 7:32 a.m. EDT but will appear just as big tonight.

This weekend's supermoon is known as a "perigee" full moon, which means that it's orbit is closest to the center of Earth in a month. Full moons do not necessarily happen during a perigee but when it does, it means the sun, earth and moon align. Another super moon like this will not be seen until August 2014.

The perigee and full moon this month will only be an hour apart.

Sunday's super full moon means that the moon will be 221,824 miles away from Earth. The period where the moon orbits furthest from Earth is called an apogee. In an apogee, the moon is 30,000 further away from this point.

According to NASA scientists, this weekend's supermoon will appear 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than a regular full moon.

The best time to view the 'super' super moon will be around sunset and into the evenings on June 22 and 23 bearing that the night sky is clear and void of clouds.

Summer Wanderlust

Photos via Pinterest.

Are you traveling this summer?

It would be breathtaking to spend a day on the beach in Bora Bora...

Or in the jungles of Bali...

If you could travel anywhere this summer, where would you go?

Happy Summer Solstice!

Photos via Pinterest.

Happy summer solstice! What are you doing to celebrate the start of the season and the longest day of the year?

We hope you'll join us for Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga at 9am and 5:15pm. We will be celebrating the summer solstice with sun salutations! Come vibrate the mantras with us and enjoy a refreshing mint & watermelon elixir after class! Namaste.

Making Space for Meditation

Photos via Pinterest.

Do you meditate? 

Where do you sit? 

It's amazing how being in nature or being in a sacred space in your own home can allow for calming of the mind. 

You exhale, releasing the stress of the day. You inhale, breathing in new energy and peaceful tranquility.

What makes your meditation space unique? We'd love to hear! Leave a comment below.

If you need ideas for how to set up a sacred space at home, consider checking out our Feather Your Nest workshop at Serenity Spa. 

Share Joy

Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.

Namaste.

Practicing Positive Karma

Today, as we do every Tuesday, we observe the principle of the Law of Karma.

Karma is the principle of cause and effect. It is summarized simply by the proverb “As we sow, so shall we reap.” If we plant seeds of health, harmony, and abundance, we’ll ultimately receive these beneficial fruits. On the other hand, if we sow seeds of anger, greed, or fear, such will be our harvest.

Karma isn’t about being punished or destined to suffer endlessly, as many people mistakenly believe. Instead, the law of karma offers us complete freedom, for we are the ones creating the results we experience. Some mysterious force or capricious god isn’t in charge, arbitrarily meting out rewards and hardship. If we don’t like the results we’re having, we are free to make different decisions.

Here are three ways the Dalai Lama suggests practicing good karma in life:

• Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
• When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
• Follow the three R’s: respect for self, respect for others and responsibility for all your actions.

Primordial Sound Meditation: June Weekend Retreat

At Serenity Spa, we offer instruction in Primordial Sound Meditation, a powerful meditation technique rooted in the Vedic tradition of India. Doctors Deepak Chopra and David Simon have revived this ancient practice of sound meditation and made it available in a format that is easy to learn.

Practiced for thousands of years, meditation is a tool for rediscovering the body’s own inner intelligence. Primordial Sound Meditation uses individually selected sounds of nature called mantras to disconnect us from the activity of life. These primordial sounds are based on the vibration the universe was creating at the moment of your birth. This is such a special gift and is yours for a lifetime. The mantra is sacred to you, and for you to hold deep within the heart. This is the mantra that you will use in all of your meditations and your meditation practice. We will need your birth date, time and place in order to retrieve your personal sound.

Practicing Primordial Sound Meditation on a daily basis will help you:
• Manage stress & reduce anxiety
• Create inner peace
• Improve your relationships
• Lower your blood pressure
• Enhance your sleep patterns
• Connect more deeply to spirit

Included in the Course:
• Personal Mantra
• Handbook / Guide for new meditators
• Meditation Door Hanger
• Pocket Guide to practicing the 7 Spiritual Laws of Success
• Certificate for a $100 Reiki Session for only $75
• Light morning snack and beverages served each day

This month, we are offering a 2-day weekend retreat!

June 29 and June 30

2pm-6pm

$450

Call (916) 797-8550 to reserve your spot.

Morning Yoga

morning yoga - 15 minutes to wake up for a beautiful day from zev tambor on Vimeo.

Here's a lovely video with a 15-minute yoga routine for morning. A great way to start your day!

Motivation for Yoga Practice

Do you have plans to do your yoga this week?

Maybe you feel exhausted, or overwhelmed. You're not sure if your practice will make your list of priorities. 

Try this: roll out your mat tonight so it's waiting for you in the morning. As soon as you wake up, it will be there as a reminder that you're dedicated to taking time to nurture your mind, body and spirit.

Even spending 10-15 minutes in the morning doing sun salutations can shape your whole day. You deserve it! 

Namaste.

Letting Go of Imperfection

Consider this: you have the choice to let go of imperfection. You even have the choice to embrace it. Suddenly, you are able to approach challenges with a sense of ease.

What if, instead of worrying about how perfectly you can execute a yoga pose, you expressed gratitude for the chance to practice today?

Ask yourself, as you move into the day: what can I detach from?

The Law of Intention and Desire

You exist, but do you live?

Today we are inspired by the Law of Intention and Desire: Inherent in every intention and desire is the mechanics for its fulfillment. Intention and desire in the field of pure potentiality have infinite organizing power. When we introduce an intention in the fertile ground of pure potentiality, we put this infinite organizing power to work for us.

In order to move toward fully realizing your intentions and desires, be present with them. Meditate. Visualize your dreams becoming reality.

The Big Kahuna Karma Kontest: Win Father's Day Prizes!

For all the great things you say and do, may all good things come back to you.    Keep the good Karma circulating. Share your love for your dad with us and he could win The Big Kahuna Karma Kontest. What do you cherish most about your dad? A father's matchless leadership, honor, and strength do not go unnoticed. On Father's Day, we honor dads for their love and the lessons they have taught us. Show your gratitude for the men in your family by telling us a story about a memory you share together. What makes him unique? What's the biggest life lesson you've learned from him?    Serenity Spa & Soul Yoga will choose one dad to win a Weber Grill accompanied with elements from the beach and a Father's Day Ritual Gift Certificate to include the following: Hot Stone Balinese FOOT SCRUB with the citrus of the sun & the salt of the sea. 30 minute TANDEM MASSAGE with two therapists working in synchronicity on the neck, head, face, shoulders, legs and feet. 45 minutes of DEEP TISSUE THERAPY, with attention to the back. All infused with camphor, clove, and cardamom oils to soothe and restore tired muscles. 90 minutes of bliss: $139 Value

Send in your response (100 words or less) by sending an email to info@serenityspaonline.com A winner will be chosen on June 14.

Balancing the Chakras

Chakras are energy centers within the body, located along the spine. The word "chakra" in Sanskrit translates to "wheel of energy."

Are you interested in learning more about the chakras and finding ways to balance your energy?

Try a Chakra balancing massage, a workshop on chakra balancing and toning, or a reiki session with one of our practitioners. You can find out more at www.serenityspaonline.com. 

The Big Kahuna Karma Kontest: Father's Day 2013

Enter to win a gift for your dad! Send in your response (100 words or less) by sending an email to info@serenityspaonline.com. All you have to do is answer the question: what do you cherish most about your dad?

One winner will receive a Weber Grill accompanied with elements from the beach and a Father's Day Ritual Gift Certificate to include the following:

• Hot Stone Balinese FOOT SCRUB with the citrus of the sun & the salt of the sea.
• 30 minute TANDEM MASSAGE with two therapists working in synchronicity on the neck, head, face, shoulders, legs and feet.
• 45 minutes of DEEP TISSUE THERAPY, with attention to the back.
• All infused with camphor, clove, and cardamom oils to soothe and restore tired muscles.

90 minutes of bliss: $139 Value

For all the great things you say and do, may all good things come back to you.

Keep the good Karma circulating. Share your love for your dad with us and he could win The Big Kahuna Karma Kontest. 

A father's matchless leadership, honor, and strength do not go unnoticed. On Father's Day, we honor dads for their love and the lessons they have taught us.

Show your gratitude for the men in your family by telling us a story about a memory you share together. What makes him unique? What's the biggest life lesson you've learned from him?

A winner will be chosen on June 14.

Inspiring Yoga Video: Finding Your Flow

Yoga: Weekend Flow from KC and Sara on Vimeo.

Check out this yoga video. Isn't she graceful?

There is something so illuminating about finding your flow during the practice. 

You are Beautiful

Photo via Alive in the Fire.

Today, remind yourself of the power of simply being instead of doing. Quiet the mind. Feel into your inner beauty. Hold onto that.

Youthful Yoga Workshop

Youthful Yoga Workshop

Introduce your teenager to the practice of yoga! This 2 hour workshop was created for teens and children ages 8 to 17 and will not only define the meaning of what yoga is but will encourage the self exploration of postures. By engaging in the practice of yoga, the student will gain a greater sense of body awareness, which increases coordination, strength and flexibility while building self-esteem. Included in the Course: Workshop-Meaning of Yoga Sun Salutations-12 asanas, sanskrit mantras, english translation, take home worksheet Knowledge of basic postures, which organs are directly affected and Savasana  Group Activities Guided Meditation

Monday, June 10, 2013 1:00pm-3:00pm

$35 per student Register Today 916-797-8550 www.serenityspaonline.com 3984 Douglas Blvd. #150 Roseville CA 95661

Follow Your Bliss

Photo via Yogurt Yoga.

“You must find the place inside yourself where nothing is impossible.”

― Deepak Chopra

Online Resources for Yoga, Meditation and Wellness

Photos via I Can Read on Tumblr.

Are you looking for resources and tools to help guide your journey toward physical, mental and spiritual health? Here are a few links from around the web that we find inspiring.

http://www.chopracenterhealingwisdom.com/
A Chopra Center blog with scientific and spiritual findings.

http://www.yogajournal.com/
A leading publication in the yoga world offering insight from master teachers and healers.

http://kripalu.org/blog/thrive/
A blog from the Kripalu Center which focuses on yoga, health and wellness.

http://www.donothingfor2minutes.com/
A site to help you learn how to sit in stillness for a few minutes during your busy day.

http://www.dailyom.com/
Daily inspiration for achieving self-fulfillment 

http://www.elephantjournal.com/
Elephant Journal covers quite the mix: yoga, sustainability, politics and spirituality.

http://www.spiritualnow.com
Articles on topics such as enlightenment, compassion, wisdom, relationships and strength. 

Getting the Most Out of Your Next Massage

Photos via Pinterest.

Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your massage experience.

• Drink water before and after your massage, as your body will be flushing toxins.
• Share accurate health information with your therapist before you begin your session.
• Alert your therapist to any allergies you have. 
• Be open about discussing your expectations and any apprehensions you have prior to beginning your massage. 

• If at any time you feel discomfort or pain during your massage, let your therapist know immediately. Also feel free to provide feedback about pressure or speed of hand movement during the massage so that your therapist can adjust to your needs.
• Relax and breathe during the massage. The more you can let go, the more effective the therapist's work will be.
• Book a follow up appointment. Since the benefits of massage are cumulative, you will experience better results if you schedule yourself regular appointments. 
• Take the night off. You'll hold on to the benefits of the massage for longer if you plan a relaxing evening afterward.

Celebrate Dads, Grads and Grooms

Have you thought about celebrating Father's Day, upcoming graduations, and weddings this summer?

Here at Serenity Spa, we're offering an amazing deal to celebrate dads, grads and grooms!

Gift Certificates Available 90 minutes of bliss $139  Drench him in our indigenous therapies that will take him where the sun fires the SOUL while the sea settles the MIND. Relax with a Hot Stone Balinese FOOT SCRUB with the citrus of the sun & the salt of the sea. Flow into a 30 minute TANDEM MASSAGE with two therapists working in synchronicity on the neck, head, face, shoulders, legs and feet. This is followed by 45 minutes of DEEP TISSUE THERAPY, with attention to the back. All infused with camphor, clove, and cardamom oils to soothe and restore tired muscles.

serenity spa 3984 Douglas Blvd. #150 Roseville, California 95661 916-797-8550 www.serenityspaonline.com