I AM OVER THE MOON excited to announce that Clodagh will be writing the foreward to my book. 

Clodagh is the Beyonce of wellness design! 

Clodagh passionately believes that good design supports well-being and that it can transform people’s lives. She feels that clutter can undermine serenity, but minimalism should not be self denying. The experience of entering a Clodagh designed space is one of blissful serenity.

A believer in the tenets of integrative medicine which addresses the entire body and psyche as a whole, Clodagh embraces both ancient and cutting edge methods in an effort to comfort not only the body but also the mind.

She was among the earliest adopters of feng shui in her design practice. Clodagh is once again ahead of the curve by now incorporating such cutting edge modalities as chromatherapy and biophilia into all of her projects.

Life takes such synchronistic turns. I traveled with Clodagh to Menla resort, called Tibet in the Catskills,many years ago as part of a press/blogger junket. I always admired her work and was inspired by her mission to marry wellbeing and interior design but never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined our paths would cross again many years later in this way.

After a two and a half year journey writing Om for the hOMe, I am so grateful and humbled that Clodagh agreed to do this for me.

There will be much more discussion around The power of hOMe™ in future posts. 

XO

A Mindful Weekend

A weekend spent at Menla Mountain Retreat was equal parts inspiration, relaxation and education. Considered a Buddhist integrative wellness and healing center combining Western and Tibetan medicine with other holistic practices.

Nestled in the catskill mountains, it's managing directors, ex model and psychotherapist  Nena Thurman and ex Tibetan monk, religious expert, author, etc, etc  Bob Thurman; friends of the Dali Lama and parents to Uma, have been instrumental in creating something really unique.
We were lucky enough to have had them join us and tell us how this special place came to be, along with Clodagh,  a friend of the Thurman's and  the designer of the spa.  She is a world renowned "life enhancing minimalist" designer of residential and hospitality spaces.  Clodagh researched Tibetan colors, used Feng Shui and chromotherapy to help bring the spa to fruition.

There is said to be a kind of energy here because of a meteor explosion thousands of years ago creating the valley this retreat sits on, surrounded by mountains and 2 rivers.  This energy helps cultivate peace of mind and a state of blissfulness.  I can vouch for that!   Maybe the fabulous massage had something to do with it as well??

Tibetan artists worked on the temple design element within the spa for several weeks creating an authentic visual experience.  With its bright colors, intricate script and decorative design, it is seeped in rich tradition.

                                                           Meet the Medicine Buddha

Ornately calligraphied copies of pages from historical medical books are framed through out.  All proceeds from Menla go back to the Tibetan people to help preserve their threatened culture.

Musical vibrations are believed to be healing.  At the very least it is incredibly relaxing.  Have you ever been lulled to sleep by a samsula?

We all have the Buddhist nature within us.  Practicing kindness and compassion is something everyone should adopt, but also like a practicing Buddhist, they say one must think for themselves and discover for one's self what their own truth is.

At the end of the day, this was our truth (among other things)...

I have more to say on the topic so let's meet back here again ~ next time ; )

Thanks Andrew Joseph for including me in this enlightened weekend!