Please excuse my lack of posts lately, being in the eighth month of my pregnancy has completely taken the breath out of me. Literally. I've had such a wonderful pregnancy, even though I am technically what doctors refer to as a "geriatric" pregnancy. In fact, most of the time I actually forget I am pregnant and run around town doing things not even thinking I may need to take it easy. Well, this week my body let me know I was doing way too much and I had a big scare while out shopping. I got dizzy, blacked out, was sweating and couldn't breathe.
Turns out, I am perfectly fine but I just really needed some serious hydration, to relax and take it easy. Thankfully, my friends over at Viva Day Spa came to my rescue and gave me an absolutely wonderful mama-to-be care package treatment to get me back into a relaxed and zen state of mind.
TIPS FOR GETTING INTO A ZEN STATE OF MIND:
1. Be in the moment. On the way to the spa, I wore my most comfortable, flowy clothes like my floral duster so I would feel easy and breezy. I played some really meditative music in the car, Spotify has some amazing playlists. Take deep breaths frequently to really connect to the moment and take it all in. I absolutely am in love with the decor and the vibe of the spa. The wood walls, succulents and crystals surrounding you totally put you into the spiritual vibe which I love.
2. Aromatherapy is everything. I like to carry DoTerra oils with me, Peppermint and Lavender are my go-to's. Viva had the most wonderful smells to enhance my waiting experience. I got lost in smelling all of the wonderful products in the reception area. The candles were so beautiful, I wanted them all. They also have a ton of crystals for sale, so I really enjoyed looking at the beautiful gems.
3. There is something very zen about tea. I was greeted immediately with a hot cup of chai tea. It's my favorite. Actually, I am obsessed with Iced Chai Lattes at Starbucks. You can thank me later for that one. With each sip, I really enjoyed the experience of warm tea soothing my body. Especially while waiting in the spa room. The pink salt wall was more than relaxing and put me at ease immediately. I highly encourage you to get a salt lamp for your home, they really have such wonderful benefits.
4. Express your truth. I had quite a long talk with my massage therapist, (Sam is amazing by the way). I was really wishing that I could lay on my belly, which I don't get the luxury of anymore, and my wish was granted. The spa had an amazing pillow contraption for pregnancy so I could experience a massage laying face down instead of on my back. Sometimes, I would forget to express the things I really want just to go with the flow. However, its important for us to speak up, say our truth and ask for what we want because we most likely will get it and if not, there are no anxious mental thoughts of 'what if'. The less mental chatter, the much better and the much more zen you'll be.
Not only did I get an incredible back massage, I also had a light dry brush body scrubbing, which I am now obsessed with. I had to take the brush home with me so I could do it again and again. Grab one like I got here. Then I had a foot experience along with a scalp massage. OBSESSED, I didn't want it to end.
If you are ever in Austin, you must check it out.
