Health

OPENING THE DOORS TO MINDFUL MEDITATION

by TheSpot October 27, 2022

written by TheSpot

Meditation and Mindfulness are topics of conversations centering on self-care and wellness. It is no wonder that the stresses of modern day living have brought on the increasing popularity of mindful meditation in recent years. Scientific evidence has demonstrated links of mediation to better health. There are many approaches to mindfulness and awareness through centers, yoga, and apps. We met with Kessuda Boonngamanong, Author and Mindfulness teacher as well as Yoga and Enneagram teacher at Yosuda located in Philadelphia. Kessuda has a unique approach to her teachings and we set out to learn more.

Kessuda is soft spoken with a gentle voice. As we sat with Kessuda, we got the feeling that she was curious about our story and what drives our passions. Curious and inquisitive, we were opening up all the while forming a trust of our mutual purpose in life.

Kessuda helps people to develop awareness skills to help them better understand themselves through mindful practice. She offers different tools and techniques from her expertise like personality awareness from the Enneagram and Voice Dialogue. Here clients then learn to cultivate skills for listening and communication.

She works with clients one on one as well as group practice. In addition, she offers workshops for large groups. We learned while speaking to Kessuda that one of the basic factors of practicing is understanding that as humans, we have emotions and fear is a natural instinct. She strives to help people in areas of life that may be experiencing discomfort.

A strong point of her practice is first practicing compassion with yourself. Kessuda studied International Relations and minored in philosophy in her native Thailand. Kessuda prefers teaching to small groups as opposed to large classes. Several of her clients have been with her for many years. She developed a method called T.R.A.I.N. It is an acronym for T=Tune In, R-Recognize, A-Accept, I-Investigate/Inquiry, N-Non-Attachment. T.R.A.I.N is the springboard of Kessuda’s mission. She begins with the why and helps a client get to know the inner self

Kessuda is the author of nine books. The Mindfulness Yoga book (in Thai) is one of her more well known books. Her most recent book is Peaceful Mind Awakened Life. The book dives into strategies on living a more peaceful and joyous life. In addition to her book, she hosts classes, workshops, and life coaching locally. Thanks to Kessuda’s work, we can all benefit from learning important life skills to live a better and fulfilled life. For more infomation about Kessuda’s practice, visit www.yosuda.com.

October 27, 2022

For Family Health

VALLEY FORGE – Trails and Tribulations

by TheSpot October 15, 2022

written by TheSpot

During the summer months, miles of shore and sandy beaches stand out prominently capitalizing on the warm weather and sunny days. Although we look forward to the season between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there is another destination that also features prominently in the Northeast. Valley Forge National Historical Park is only 18 miles outside of Philadelphia and considered one of the most important turning points of the American Revolution. The park itself encompasses 35 miles of trails and is known nationally as an exceptional site for hiking and history buffs.

Valley Forge National Historical Park is the site of George Washington’s encampment during the Revolutionary War. To understand the geographical location and its importance in Washington’s strategy, one can immerse themselves in the story of its surrounding hills. The story of the birth of our nation will always take front and center and often featured in travel guides. Valley Forge National Historical Park offers plenty of modern leisure activities to locals and outside visitors alike.

Take for instance the Joseph Plumb Martin trail. You can walk or run the 5 mile loop. There are several designated areas for parking. Hike or bike the trail while passing by the famous sites in history. Other trails include Chapel Trail, Mount Joy, Mount Misery, and others. If you prefer bike riding, bicycle rentals are available near the Visitor Center. How about a Sunday picnic for the family or friends gathering? Picnic tables are available on a first come first serve basis.

VALLEY FORGE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK BIKE RENTAL

We recommend the trolley tour of The Encampment. The tour is 90 minutes in duration and includes a guide. Not only is it educational but gives insight on George and Martha Washington’s daily life during this important time in the nation’s history. Learn how the first U.S Continental Army was formed. See the house where George and Martha stayed while Mr. Washington formed his strategies. Replicas of log cabins are lined up in the fields to illustrate how soldiers and their families survived the elements and disease. There are several stops along the way that make very good photo ops.. If you want to learn more about the history of this enchanting place, the visitors center lobby houses a museum as well as features a short film on the importance of Valley Forge.

Don’t forget Valley Forge as a premiere place for Fall Foliage. You can catch the peak colors and the city skyline so close to home. For outdoor fun, history, changing of the seasons, or rejuvenating the senses, Valley Forge National Historical Park is an optimal setting.

October 15, 2022

Health

Learn to Fly – King of Prussia

by TheSpot September 16, 2022

written by TheSpot

Doesn’t it seem we get inundated with gym commercials right around the holidays or beginning of summer? You could be watching your favorite series and Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley pop up with the latest exercise equipment to get you fit and in shape. When it comes to fitness, we have so many options to choose from. How many of us think fitness involves a gym and monthly fee?

The Philadelphia region has some well known events for adventure seekers that challenge our physical limits. The ones that come to mind are the Broad Street Run, the Penn Relays, the Dad Vail Regatta, etc. Who can forget the Naked Bike Race? We are home to all types of thrillists. Another type of adventure can be found in King of Prussia, PA. iFly Indoor Ski Diving can give you the thrill of skydiving in a safe enclosed environment.

There are many reasons why this makes it the perfect destination for kids and young adults. Some of the benefits include developing confidence, leadership skills, and team work. One of the coolest features is their Flight School Summer Academy. During the summer months, kids ages 4-16 have the benefit of learning to fly in a wind tunnel with a certified instructor.

We went to visit iFly to experience first hand all that they have to offer. We found families waiting in the wind tunnel in a queue for their turn to fly. We observed the instructors giving tutorials before flight. The wind tunnel is a tube shaped structure which compressed air is released and propels the patron upwards. During our visit, the guides were there every step of the way, gently guiding the patron from the floor to high in the air. There are some regulations regarding weight. Training is also required before taking the actual flight. We recommend visiting the iFly website for FAQ.

Overall, if you are an adventure seeker, wish to test the waters, or simply cross a challenge off of your list, iFly Indoor Sky Diving in King of Prussia is a great choice to flex your muscles and step out of your comfort zone. This makes our list as an exhilarating experience at the same time preparing you for life’s next big challenge.

September 16, 2022

Health

Achieving Great Heights – Montco

by TheSpot July 25, 2022

written by TheSpot

After researching what our region has to offer, rock climbing was something you probably heard about or perhaps did it once or twice. The Gravity Vault was something we wanted to experience first hand and see what it was really about. It was easy to make plans with two locations, Vorhees and Radnor, in our area. We visited the Radnor location to discover more.

The location is tucked away in the woods with a wooden mini bridge to get to the entrance. Upon entry, a large open room greets the visitor. For a first timer, the room and simulated cliffs can seem daunting. Luckily we were able to purchase a day pass and an instructor to explain how it all works.

At the start, you must sign a waiver. After the paperwork is completed the instructor is then ready to give you an initiation. According to the website, they offer Top Rope Climbing, Lead Climbing, Bouldering, and Auto Belays. If you do not have belay certification, bouldering is the only available option.

The instructor gave a brief tutorial on the right way to initiate the climb. If you get a little nervous about falling, just know that that foam mats surround the boulders. Shoes are not allowed on the mats. There are large open spaces with artificial boulders or cliffs. Some have hanging harnesses and there are smaller boulders. They do have foot grips built into the wall that are color coded to guide you on the correct path of climbing.

This was a different form of exercise which was physically exhilarating but also left an imprint of accomplishment. For someone with a fear of heights (me) the experience was the proverbial testing the waters. After observing our surroundings, you couldn’t help but smile watching children get excited over their achievements. Watching little humans reach their heights excited and fearless, serves as inspiration to try something new and different.

The Gravity Vault does offer a variety of activities such as birthday parties and camp that make great family experiences. Maybe just maybe, we’ll aim for that belay certification next time around.

July 25, 2022

For Her Health

A Sweet Way to Wellness and Better Health

by TheSpot July 18, 2022

written by TheSpot

Trends in wellness and beauty are perpetually evolving and advancing. From the ancient Egyptians to the ancient Romans, thermal springs, mud baths, and ointments are as ancient as civilization.

A new method of wellness has appeared showing to be scientific as well as cerebral. Himalayan salt caves, in the last few years, have gained popularity. We recently visited one to find out why. First however, what are the health benefits of visiting a salt cave? Respiratory Health, Better Sleep, and Skin Health are the main themes here.

So where did the concept come from? According to the Salt Therapy Association website, Salt Therapy was first developed in Poland in 1839 by Dr. Feliks Boczkowski. After studying salt miners and improvements to their respiratory ailments, he went on to develop a health facility devoted to salt therapy.

What exactly is a salt cave? Today, wellness spas dedicate rooms made of Himalayan Salt and or include salt lamps. How can salt rooms actually work towards health benefits? Halogenerators release salt particles in the air at a comfortable temperature and absorb irritants and toxins allowing you to breathe better.

So to discover more about these health benefits, we visited The Salt Cave in Newtown, PA. We paid for an hour session to experience for ourselves this new phenomenon. Prior to booking the appointment, we were advised to drink lots of water as you may feel thirty even for a day or two after. We were led to a salt room with low lighting and lounge chairs. The room really added to other worldly ambiance. Think of galaxies and the universe. At the start of our session, our instructor gave a short tutorial on what the experience would entail. A box of tissues was available for nasal drainage that was expected. As an allergy sufferer, this was much appreciated. Although we went for the basic salt room session, they did offer a session plus reflexology. Being this was our first visit and not sure entirely of the experience, adding reflexology to the package would make it a much holistic experience. Nevertheless, after one of hour of breathing comfortably in a chair, listening to relaxing music, and feeling a light spray of pure minerals, we were satisfied. Breathing was much better, tense muscles melted away, and yes we felt a glow. I did not feel any type of excessive thirst however speaking to others, they were varied in that regard.

Would we do this again? The answer will be yes. We think it will be worth your while to visit various wellness spas offering salt therapies to find the best that suits your needs. This may be a fad or it may be not. Either way, the benefits of self care will always rise above once you dedicate prioritizing yourself.

July 18, 2022

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