11.07.11
If you've been thinking about taking the family to the desert this holiday season to visit the Sedona, Arizona vortexes or go hiking in the Red Rocks, you may want to take into consideration that the El Portal Hotel was recently named the 2011 Readers' Choice for top small hotels by Conde Nast Traveler.
An estimated 8 million people voted in the survey, and El Portal Hotel came out on top because of its charming appeal, unique architecture and pet friendliness.
The boutique hotel is located in Sedona, Arizona's arts and crafts district, which is reflected in its detailed Southwestern style décor that includes adobe walls, recycled wood trim and native stone. Additionally, guests can feel free to bring the family pets along, as the hotel features a 1,000-square foot patio where dogs can roam free.
The facility only contains 12 suites, making it quite exclusive. There are many other quaint, interesting hotels in the city, however. People interested in visiting Sedona, Arizona attractions during the chilly months should plan ahead in order to get the best lodgings available.
10.28.11
During the holiday season, people often hit the stores, spending loads of money on material goods that they believe will make family members happy. However, items like iPads and new shoes are unlikely to bring about any kind of permanent happiness or fulfillment.
Instead, individuals should consider taking their loved ones to Sedona, Arizona attractions, like the Red Rocks and the majestic vortices. Forgoing materialism to help the family achieve personal growth and happiness is likely to be much more rewarding than any material gift.
Spending Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's Eve among a large population of the country's most impressive healers and intuitive masters could even become a new tradition. Each year, the family may look forward to leaving the snowy chaos of their home state and entering the calm of the Sedona desert.
It is the beauty and history of this region that drew author and philosopher Ilchi Lee to settle there, spreading his teachings of love, enlightenment and fulfillment to thousands of people in need of spiritual guidance. His Mago Garden is a renowned attraction for people seeking a higher state of being.
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10.14.11
From the Beatles to Jennifer Lopez, pop music has touted the benefits of a relationship based on love rather than money and the acquisition of materialistic goods. Recent research reveals that the adage may be true.
In a survey of more than 1,700 couples, a team of scientists at Brigham Young University found that volunteers who reported that money was low on their list of priorities were more likely to be in a stable relationship when compared to respondents who reported that finances were very important.
"Couples where both spouses are materialistic were worse off on nearly every measure we looked at," said lead author Jason Carroll. "There is a pervasive pattern in the data of eroding communication, poor conflict resolution and low responsiveness to each other."
Personal growth and development in marriage often requires open communication and a genuine love between wedded partners. Unions that occur because one or more partners wants to make a financial gain or climb up the social ladder rarely result in personal growth and happiness.
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10.07.11
Individuals with severe cognitive decline often experience frustration at their loss of independence, which may worsen symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. A study by researchers at the University of Sheffield and Bradford University reveals that allowing these people to make some of their own decisions may improve their quality of life.
The team noted that simple things like letting dementia patients pay the cashier at the grocery store can make a difference. Additionally, acknowledging positive or negative feelings – which are often communicated though facial expressions – may help these individuals know that their emotions are still valid.
"Their confidence can be quite fragile. It is important that they feel good about themselves and know that their views still matter," said co-author Geraldine Boyle.
Friends, family members and partners of individuals with cognitive decline may want to assist their loved ones in developing a personal growth plan. It's important for people to continue striving toward their goals. Perhaps it's something as exciting as a trip to a Sedona, Arizona attraction, or a minor event like shopping independently. Either way, their dreams are just as important now as ever.
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09.29.11
While some people may not be proud of the fact that they blush and feel embarrassed easily, research reveals that this may actually be a virtuous trait. In a series of trials, scientists from the University of California (UC), Berkeley, found that people tend to view others who show signs of embarrassment as being more trustworthy and generous.
Often, on journeys toward personal growth and development, people run into situations that make them get a little red in the face. For instance, they may mean well when they ask a woman when she is expecting her child, but then find out that the lady is merely overweight. While this is not a desirable situation to be in, showing regret or embarrassment over the mistake may prove to others that they are a conscientious, humble individual.
"Embarrassment is one emotional signature of a person to whom you can entrust valuable resources. It's part of the social glue that fosters trust and cooperation in everyday life," said UC Berkeley social psychologist and co-author Robb Willer.
Authors of the study were careful to distinguish between embarrassment – signaled by blushing, looking away and partially covering the face – and shame, which is a negative emotion that may indicate low self-esteem.
The researchers said that study participants who viewed individuals who reacted to certain social situations with embarrassment tended to want to affiliate with them more than with people who react to similar instances with pride or arrogance.
This suggests that individuals embarking on a personal growth plan should learn from embarrassing situations, as these can give them the opportunity to display personality traits that attract people.
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