A visit to a spa promotes time to reflect, redirect

By Kathy Van Mullekom Comments 0
Published: January 13, 2009

Stephannie Friend, foreground, fitness coordinator of The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg, demonstrates yoga and Pilates with others. MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE photo

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — When winter’s shorter days keep you indoors, take full advantage of those slower hours. Think, contemplate, sort and work through issues, goals and dreams.

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"Coming through the winter solstice, from dark into light, is a great time to reflect on your past, connect with your current state of being and redirect yourself toward your future intentions,” said Laurie Bellavance, assistant director at The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg, Va.

A quiet wellness weekend can be the place to begin your new priorities.

Colonial Williamsburg storyteller Sharon Rogers guides participants through "story” meditation.

"This is a concept that’s never been used in this kind of setting,” Rogers said. "The concept for the ‘story’ meditation came from my own personal desire to practice mediation but my inability to focus my energy on an abstract place or time with no specific goal or structure. I could not quiet the chatter in my mind long enough to find the quiet energy of the peaceful journey in a meditation.”

Here are some of Rogers’ answers to questions about the method.

Q: Why yoga and Pilates?

A: Yoga allows your stress to fade away and enables you to get in touch with your inner self; it’s great for all fitness and flexibility levels. Pilates is a relaxing yet invigorating mat workout that strengthens and stretches every muscle in the core or abdomen area. We also offer Yogalates — a blend of yoga and Pilates in one seamless class.

Q: How do stories promote wellness?

A: Stories "speak” to where a person has been, where they are now and where they are going. The story is experienced, but what is "spoken” to the heart is different for each person. Finding our connection in story allows us to connect to ourselves and connect to our spirits. When we connect to ourselves and to others, we experience a calmness and peacefulness that leads to wellness of mind and spirit.

Bellavance also answered questions about her spa’s services.

Q: How do juniper and cypress massages benefit skin?

A: They both have detoxifying oils that, blended together, enhance circulation, tone skin and eliminate toxins. Juniper oil has a camphor scent and is an excellent antiseptic and diuretic; it can be carried in a first-aid kit. Cypress oil has a woody, slightly spicy smell that’s calming and beneficial to the respiratory tract.

Q: Why walk?

A: The one-hour walk begins at 8 a.m., when the sun is still rising in the sky, birds are singing, and everything is waking up. The rhythmic pattern of walking clears the mind and helps you focus.

Q: What is the recipe for your signature tea?

A: Served warm in winter and iced in summer, it’s a combination of mint tea, apple juice and cinnamon sticks, soothing and delicious!

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