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Finding a Meditation Space
As an experience meditator it really doesn't matter where you meditate .. it could be a busy railway station or while enjoying a massage .. but as a beginner it can help to set up the best possible environment right from the start. In this way we honor and support our intention to meditate, and we make the transition to practice as easy and as enjoyable as possible.
All we really need is a space that is quiet, soothing and comfortable; away from unexpected noises and interruptions. Somewhere that allows us to withdraw from daily life (no phone, no visitors, no distractions), that is welcoming and restful, can be invaluable for continuing with our meditation practice.
Take a look around your home with 'meditation eyes' .. is there is a space that holds a special energy, somewhere you might naturally be drawn to when seeking to retreat and rest? My meditation cushion is my portable meditation space, it sits like a good friend in the corner of my living room waiting for me. It's a comfortable place to rest and I always feel very grounded when I sit, and when I see my cushion in the corner of the room it’s like my friend is beckoning me to join them .. a visual reminder to take a moment, stop and meditate.
Taking the time to select, decorate and prepare a special place for your meditation practice also helps create an aura of sacredness. When we decorate the space with special mementos, pictures or flowers, we mark our time spent there as precious and not to be wasted. In the monastic traditions, keeping this space clean and ordered, is seen as an external representation of the state of mind we aim to cultivate.
When we have a sacred space solely for our meditation practice, we build up an association of our time there with feelings of calmness and refuge. Once experienced, we carry these associations with us wherever we go, even just thinking about our practice can connect us with that deeper sense of ease and calmness.
Then, each time we visit our sacred space it is like sitting with an old friend, imbuing our meditation with a special sense of reverence.
"Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued is always just beyond your grasp.
But which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you"
(Nathaniel Hawthorne)
 As an experienced meditator it really doesn't matter where you meditate .. it could be a busy railway station or while enjoying a massage ..
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Recipe for Oatmeal hand mask
Ingredients:
* 3 tablespoons of oatmeal
* 1 tablespoon of olive oil
* 1 tablespoon of milk
* 1 teaspoon of honey
Instructions:
Mix all the ingredients mentioned above. Apply mask to hands and put on gloves. Leave for 30 – 60 minutes. Then rinse with warm water.
 Your hands can really take a beating during the colder months and can end up cracked and dry so we have a great DIY oatmeal hand mask that you can try at home to revive your poor mitts.
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MANTRA : “RE-LAX”
Mantra is a Sanskrit word often translated as ‘something to lean the mind upon’. A mantra is a tool for cultivating awareness and reflection, and is one of the most common meditation techniques (along with breath meditation) used around the world today.
In mantra meditation the object of our focus (or our anchor) is a short word, phrase or sound - repeated over and over - aloud or silently in the mind. As you repeat the mantra your mind fixes on the sound and vibration, your body relaxes and your breathing slows. In time there is a sense of the breath weaving itself into the rhythm of the mantra (like a seductive song) .. and this gentle repetition stills and centres us, until eventually the mantra stops and we rest in stillness.
When we use a mantra that holds a meaning, when the words repeated have significance, then our mantra can influence our mind state, leading us away from the subconscious negative mind chatter fuelling our feelings of stress, to a sense of calmness and ease that we associate with the word ‘re-lax’.
“As we think, so we become” (Buddha).
"RE-LAX" MANTRA MEDITATION
* Find a place to sit comfortably and begin by spending a few moments just watching your breath.
* Observe your breath moving in its own natural rhythm, not trying to change or control your breath in any way. Simply being aware of the inhalation and exhalation in this moment.
* Feel your body. Feel your breath. Let go of any tension or tightness you notice. Allow your focus to gently move inward.
* When you feel ready, begin to silently note the mantra "RE-LAX". As you breathe in .. “RE” .. and as you breathe out the second syllable "-LAX". Gently in time with your breath .. “RE..LAX” “RE..LAX”.
* If you become distracted simply notice that you have been distracted and when ready return to the next inhalation and the mantra "RE ..LAX".
Before finishing, sit a little longer with your eyes closed simply enjoying the stillness and silence cultivated in your meditation. When you move back into your day, allow that peace and calm move with you, silently noting the mantra throughout the day to reconnect and remind yourself of your intention to relax.
Sarah Fletcher
Quiet Mind Meditation
www.quietmind.com.au
 Mantra is a Sanskrit word often translated as ‘something to lean the mind upon’.
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How did Fifth Element Day Spa begin?
Having enjoyed day spa experiences both locally and overseas and being involved with setting up a day spa previously, my partner and I felt the new building set on the Werribee River was a wonderful location for a new day spa, particularly as there are very few in the area and we had the opportunity to design it as our own concept. We wanted to create an environment that was not traditional in terms of asian influence but one that reflected luxury…the fifth element!
What was the inspiration behind Fifth Element Day Spa?
We wanted fifth element to be the quintessence of a day spa experience. A hidden oasis (as many describe us) that is removed from the hustle and bustle of the main street with the tranquillity of the parkland and river as the backdrop, often hard to achieve in urban spas.
I have always strived for perfection and don’t settle for anything less so our aspiration is to surpass the expectations of every guest’s experience.
What is the Fifth Element Day Spa's philosophy?
Everyone deserves a little luxury in their lives, with ancient philosophers believing life was a delicate balance of four elements (fire, earth, air and water) we felt luxury was the fifth element.
We have infused old world traditional treatments with modern day therapies using the purist and most potent ingredients available from Pevonia and Skeyndor. Treatments are delivered by passionate therapists in an environment that provokes and awakens all senses with a result that enhances the way you look and feel.
What have been the highs and lows of Fifth Element Day Spa?
The extreme highs are when your guests express their sincere thanks for the experience and environment.
The lows have been finding the right team who share the same philosophy as I do.
The highs are when you do find the right therapists and they are not only loyal to you but they are warm, caring and make sure each guest that they are taking care of is their number one priority…and they always smile…lucky me!
What sets Fifth Element Day Spa apart from other day spas?
Our therapists, treatments, facilities, ambience and location I believe sets us apart from other day spas. As we aren’t a franchise we are able to personalise our services and offerings to reflect our personality and concept.
How can Spa Seekers get the most out of a visit to Fifth Element day spa?
Leaving enough time following their treatment to enjoy our relaxation lounge to further enhance their experience. Our decadent High Tea or Chocolate Indulgence is also a wonderful way to tantalise your taste buds with a favourite person following any treatment.
What is your most popular treatment or package?
Arominerale 90min Ritual is our most popular treatment, it improves both your skin type and current emotional state. Combining aromatherapy for the face and minerals for the body this ritual offers the benefits of a corrective facial to provide instant results for a guests specific skin concern, whilst the vitamin infused massage provides hydration and relief for built up tension in the back, neck, face, hands & feet. As you retire to the relaxation lounge, a freshly made danish and tea awaits you so that your tummy is also satisfied!
How does Fifth Element give back to the community?
Amongst numerous donations to local kindergardens, schools and charity events I have initiated a women’s coaterie with two corporate ladies from local businesses to support the Werribee Football Club. Our aim is to enhance the clubs functions and events to attract more ladies to the games/events and in turn support the local VFL club. Last year we only held one event “High Tea” to discover what interest it would gain. Our event was sold out within 2 weeks of advertising.
Fifth Element Day Spa therapists provided mini mani, pedis and make overs throughout the day whilst guests sipped on champagne and dined on exquisite mini pastries, scones with jam & cream etc. It was held during one of the VFL games. Funds raised not only go back to improve the facilities but this year will be nominating a charity that we would like to support.
What's next for Fifth Element Day Spa?
New Menu, new treatments! We have noticed that increasingly guests are looking for non-invasive/non surgical answers to skin and body concerns so we are advancing our treatments and technology to increase our offerings in a non-clinical spa environment with a luxurious experience.
 In our series of spa stories, we uncover some of the hidden stories of hard work, passion and determination behind some truly unique and beautiful spas. This time we hear from Michelle Peace, owner of the beauiful fifth element day spa in Werribee, VIC.
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Although the benefits of a relaxing massage or invigorating facial are hard to dispute, sometimes true wellbeing just has to come from a deeper place. Enter Ayurveda: an ancient system of natural medicine that integrates various lifestyle factors to achieve optimal physical, mental and spiritual health.
Developed in India over 5000 years ago, the holistic approach is considered one of the oldest forms of natural medicine and is thought to have been the starting point of traditional Chinese natural medicine. While the name might not roll easily off the tongue, its translation to “the science of life” sums up the aim of the alternative process. Western practices of Ayurveda focus on changes to behaviour and lifestyle in order to achieve balance between all of the body’s elements.
Since its migration from India to the West, Ayurveda has become more of a complementary medicine as opposed to a spiritual system. Although the discipline typically requires five years of training in India, health workers as diverse as medical doctors to massage therapists to health counsellors are able to practice in Western society.
Ayurveda does not focus on disease and viruses, but instead evaluates an individual’s prakriti (their personal energetic make up) versus vikriti (any illness or imbalance among the body’s elements). Ayurveda attempts to prevent any imbalance by guiding individuals towards their best lifestyle choices and also prioritises health promotion. Diet, exercise and other treatments are selected by Ayurveda practitioners based on which elements of the body need to be regulated, although the approach changes when a person is unwell. However, the aim of treatment is still to foster harmony in all systems of the body and mind.
Although lifestyle changes are a focus in Ayurvedic practices, treatment also includes massage and relaxation therapies. The aim of these therapies is to promote energy, maintain health and expel toxins, as well as removing negative energies and emotions to also encourage optimal mental wellbeing.
The approach taken by Ayurveda towards overall wellbeing may be one many of us are not used to. But when it offers complete mental and physical wellness simply through behavioural changes, it’s surely worth a try. Perhaps wellness, like beauty, needs to truly come from within.
 Have you ever noticed Ayurvedic massage on spa menus and wondered what on earth Ayurvedic means? Well so have we so we sent Spa Detective Kirby on a mission to find out!
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Blog
Is my skincare product organic?
Many of us take the time (and spend the additional pennies) to shop for organic food to feed your body but have you thought about shopping organic to feed your skin?
The word ‘organic’ gets thrown about a lot these days especially on the products we buy and it made us stop to think about what it means when a skincare company brands its products as ‘organic’.
It is concerning that skincare producers (and other producers) can call just about anything organic even if it only has 2% of organic ingredients and 98% synthetic ingredients. The only way you can be sure that what you are buying genuinely contains a high percentage of organic ingredients is by looking for the logo of a certifying body somewhere on the product.
Here is a quick guide to what various ‘organic’ statements on product packaging mean:
Certified Organic – certified by an Australian government body to demonstrate that they contain a minimum of 95% certified organic content with the remaining 5% of ingredients sourced naturally
Made with Certified Organic Ingredients – certified by an Australian government body to demonstrate that they contain at least 70% certified organic ingredients with the remaining ingredients sourced naturally
Organic – may contain any percentage of organic ingredients and synthetic ingredients. There is no minimum percentage required to say your product is organic.
Botanical – contain a percentage of ingredients derived from plants, not necessarily organically produced plants and the percentage can be any amount, large or small.
Natural – product contains a percentage of ingredients derived from a natural substance
It is important to remember that even though a product says it is botanical or natural this could potential only apply to a small amount of the product’s ingredients and it may still contain synthetic ingredients including artificial fragrance and does not mean that any of the ingredients are organic.
There is no Australian standard for skincare so these products are classified under the ‘National Food Standard for Organic and Bio-dynamic Produce’.
To be ‘Certified Organic’ every ingredient and every part of the manufacturing process of every product is subject to an annual independent audit by a government or independent certifying body such as Australian Certified Organic (ACO), NASAA or Organic Food Chain (OFC). Certification from one of these bodies also means that the skincare product doesn’t contain artificial fragrances or petrochemicals.
Interestingly if producers in Australia wish to export their ‘organic’ products, AQIS, (Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service), will demand that that you are a certified organic processor and that your manufacturing facility and your formulations have been approved by a body such as ACO, NASAA or OFC.
Each of these three certifiying bodies have logos which companies can use on their certified products however it makes a difference where on the label this logo appears.
• Certification logos on the front of a skincare product you can be sure that it is 95% of the ingredients are certified organic with the remaining 5% being naturally sourced.
• Certification logo on the back of the product generally it means that 70% of the ingredients are certified organic.
• Can’t find a certification logo anywhere on the product? Then its likely that the product doesn’t contain enough organic material to be considered for certification or it may contain an ingredient which is considered toxic.
So before you buy organic take the time to make sure you know what you are really buying.
Do you buy organic skincare? What’s your favourite organic skincare brand?
 Many of us take the time (and spend the additional pennies) to shop for organic food to feed your body but have you thought about shopping organic to feed your skin?
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 When your defences are down and you are feeling flat, try a green juice to pep you up and boost your immune system with loads of great antioxidants.
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We all love getting a great bargain but sometimes a bargain on your skincare products might not be as great as it first seems.
Imagine your delight at spotting your favourite cleanser at an amazing price on the internet, now imagine your disappointment when you tear open the delivery box and open the seemingly perfect packaging only to discover the cleanser doesn’t quite smell right and doesn’t feel right on your skin. So even though you thought you had saved money it really went to waste because you unwittingly purchased a fake version of your favourite product.
As well as hurting your wallet fake skincare products may hurt your skin. A fake product probably won’t contain the same ingredients or formula as the real thing and this may lead to reactions like nasty rashes or even burns.
If the worst happens and you have a reaction to a product which wasn’t purchase from an authorized retailer or the manufacturer themselves then you have no one to complain to and no way of getting any refund or any satisfactory apology.
The effect of buying counterfeit skincare products may have further future implications on the price of your favourite products as Liane Scior from Pevonia Botanica and ELES Cosmetics told us, "Counterfeit products in the spa industry are emerging at a head spinning rate, these businesses are cashing in on years of hard work by smaller companies to establish their brands but more importantly having no regard for the consumers health and safety. They just want to maximize their profits. Who knows how their products are produced? What does it mean? If these rogue traders continue to hijack sales from reputable companies those companies will not be producing new and exciting products for the market, in fact, those companies will either have to raise their prices or cease to exist, either scenario is not desirable for the end consumer who deserves the best and safest products" Liane Scior, Director of Education, Pevonia Botanica
So how can you tell if a product is fake?
Generally counterfeit skincare products will not have a batch code or an expiry date on them, although the scammers who are after your money are getting good at faking these now too.
How can you be sure that you are spending your money on a genuine product?
Treat your skin kindly and purchase products from authorized day spas, retail outlets or the products own website itself. This way you can be assured that you are using the genuine article, surely your skin deserves that much.
The bottom line is that if the price of a product seems too good to be true, then it probably is.
 We all love getting a great bargain but sometimes a bargain on your skincare products might not be as great as it first seems.
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Think Spa when planning your next holiday
With the Easter school holidays fast approaching, you may not have thought about where to go with the kids yet, but generally speaking, do you consider spa when making your holiday plans?
Personally, I consider having at least one spa treatment an essential part of any holiday I go on. This is especially true when holidaying with kids! I do like to stay in resorts when on family holidays for many reasons, including the option for one or two spa treatments. But what about when we’re booking a holiday house, or even camping? I will guarantee that a spa will not be too far away. MySpaGuide.com.au makes it exceptionally easy to find a spa close by – simply type in the postcode of where you’re staying and voila! A list of spas within that region pops up! Couldn’t be easier!
So, which spas do I like to visit I hear you asking....here’s a few of the spas that I have grown to love over the years.
Each year I do have a child-free holiday in eclectic Melbourne – where Isika Spa in the Crown Metropol has to be one of the few at the top of my list. From the moment you enter, Isika overwhelms you with what can almost be described as sensory overload. From the light, fresh welcoming reception area, with a killer view, one could be quite content not even going through for a treatment. But, let me tell you, that Isika treatments are a MUST DO! Air beds, steam rooms and scintillating treatments await all in chic surrounds....need I say more?
The Hunter Valley is another favourite holiday destination, and not only boasts spas at Peppers, Golden Door, Cypress Lakes, but the Americans, who REALLY know how to spa, have given us the spa at Chateau Elan. What a delightful, relaxing, holiday experience to say the least. Behind the doors lies a diverse selection of holiday spa fantasies with my favourite start to a spa treatment being champagne in the hot tub overlooking the stunning Australiana view that Chateau Elan offers. Definitely one for the holiday destination list!
Palazzo Versace – the name says it all. Indulgence, luxury and pleasure in Versace surrounds. Admittedly I’m a Versace fan from way back (could it be my ‘80’s upbringing), but the service, treatments, and surrounds are yet another spa to be added to your holiday-spa list!
It’s important to remember that the greater majority of resort/hotel spas allow anyone to book in for a treatment, so you don’t necessarily need to be a guest to enjoy their spa facilities and treatments. This is also a great way to experience many different spas when travelling or holidaying around Australia.
So, if you haven’t previously, you should add spa to your list of requirements when researching for your next holiday – and don’t forget to utilise MySpaGuide.com.au to seek out spas close by to where you’re holidaying.
Bon Voyage!
Nikki Wells is the former President of the Australasian Spa Association, and has consulted to spas around the world including Ritz Carlton, La Prairie, Hilton Worldwide, Sandals and more. She now helps spa owners to create their dream business. If you’d like to contact Nikki, phone 0405 090 234.
 Do you consider spa when making your holiday plans?
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What inspired you to create ELES?
I’ve always had a passion for luxury products, I’m a sybarite at heart but I’m equally passionate about products that are therapeutic and beneficial for the skin and body. I created ELES Mineral Makeup because I’d searched in vain for three years for the right makeup line to enhance the great results of Pevonia skin care and I couldn’t find it. Don’t get me wrong, there are many great products out there but nothing that met the criteria I’d set which was pretty demanding.
What sets ELES apart from other mineral makeup brands in the market place?
It has all of the benefits of the best Mineral Makeup lines such as triple-milled minerals and other protective ingredients but is so much easier to use and apply because it’s pressed the same way traditional makeup is. It’s mineral but not messy. In addition it includes some of the most potent anti-aging ingredients available which makes it more like a skin care line than a cosmetic cover-up. It treat’s while it conceals flaws.
Your company, Universal Aesthetics, has been the sole distributor of Pevonia Botanica products in Australia for the past 17 years, what was it that attracted you to their products initially?
It was the developer of Pevonia that attracted me to the products; Dr Sylvie Hennessey was an inspiration to me, her background in dermatology and cosmetic biology was extensive and I attended her lectures whenever I had the opportunity. Not only was she an encyclopaedia of fascinating information she was refreshingly honest about cosmetics and what they could do. When I found out she had created her own line I jumped at the opportunity to introduce them to Australia. I knew they would be wonderful and Pevonia didn’t disappoint. It’s still one of the most advanced products on the market due to her association as a Gatfosse biologist (leading cosmetic development group), yet it contains features that other brands pin their entire marketing campaigns on such as organic ingredients and paraben free. These are still the basis of the entire range and have been long before they became popular.
What advice would you give to aspiring spa and beauty product designers?
1) Never compromise on quality – it’s what keeps your clients loyal to your product, the fact that it works, is safe and is value for money and 2) Listen to your customers – finding out what people want and delivering that time and time again means you’ll never have to convince people to buy your products, they will speak for themselves
How important do you think botanical and natural ingredients are in beauty products?
There is so much dispute about whether “natural is better”, “chemicals are dangerous” and “which ingredients we should all avoid” and it’s no wonder we all get a little befuddled over it all. Rather than adding to confusion with more marketing hype I will say that I believe nature is much smarter than we will ever be, that there is a delicate balance in nature which makes it the most cutting edge pharmacy in the entire world. When we create our own ingredients we can never be sure we are not disturbing an innate balance somehow, that something that may correct a problem may also create a new one. We’ve seen the same thing in medicine and are making a shift back towards natural therapies and we’ve even witnessed a similar principle in the foods we eat. Anything we put on or inside our body will affect it’s holistic balance. For my part I love natural ingredients and prefer to use them because I think they are smarter.
What are your ‘can’t live without’ Pevonia and ELES products?
That’s easy, I cannot live without my Pevonia Caviar Eye Cream, it’s so light yet so effective. I can’t say I look younger since I first used it several years ago but I can honestly attest my eyes and the area around them has not aged all since I started using it, I will never give this up! My all-time favourite ELES product is my Mineral Liquid Powder Foundation, it’s like cashmere in a tube, has great coverage yet feels like you are not wearing any makeup at all.
How do you balance your home and work life?
I could lie and say “Like a pro” but truth is I’m a disaster at balancing home and work, I work when I should be relaxing and run around doing home stuff in the middle of the day when I should be working! I have great people helping me do the things I do every day, the team at work for one who not only remind me what I should be doing but help me do it and my family who understand that I’m a modern mum and don’t iron underwear. We all pitch in and I couldn’t do without them. Each day I always make sure I exercise and eat well and I try to sleep eight hours a night, in between I’m on the go for 12 hours straight so need to stay fit and healthy. I might be disorganised but overall I’m optimistic and somehow it all gets done in the end.
What is your top make up tip?
Something that was an epiphany for me was “concealer is a girl’s best friend”, if you successfully conceal any flaws like dark circles or blemishes you need very little makeup at all!
Do you have a top tip for overall wellness?
All of those things my grandma told me that I thought were so basic at the time; eat well, sleep well and exercise every day, they not only keep your body in balance but also your mind.
Do you have a favourite Aussie day spa or retreat?
I don’t have a favourite, there are too many to mention and they all have unique attributes. One thing they all have in common however is their commitment to providing great service and passion for what they do. For me it’s not about décor or prestige but an unwavering dedication to great client care.
If you hadn’t been in the beauty and skincare industry what else do you think you would have done?
I would have been a painter, I paint and draw every moment I can and time ceases to exist when I’m doing it, maybe that’s why I love painting faces so much.
What are your plans for ELES and Pevonia Botanica Australia in 2012 and beyond?
ELES and Pevonia will continue to grow with new products and innovations and with new technology. We’ve expanded into Asia and will continue to expand internationally. My goal is to empower our clients to look and feel their best so our focus will be on education through “how to” videos and through the salons and spas that provide our brands. We’ll be more accessible to the end consumer through our online sites, however our passion has always been for working with our professional partners and we work with the best.
We love meeting influential and innovative women on the spa scene so we were super excited when Liane Scior, creator of ELES Mineral Makeup, agreed to spend five minutes with us.
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Mindfulness is the practice of being acutely aware of the present moment. When we are fully engrossed in the present moment, time seems to stop and so does our constant internal mind chatter. 
