Total Executive: April 2010

I spend a lot of time thinking about new companies finding, nurturing and winning over their first lot of customers and I’ve realised that there are a lot of similarities with forming habits. Here are five…

Patience.
It takes time. It doesn’t happen instantly. Some things do, like a click or a visit or reading a tagline, but real engagement and commitment takes time. Same with habits. For them to become a part of your life, and not just something you occasionally, intentionally do, allow plenty of time. You can’t ‘cram’ customer development.

Repetition.
Linked to above, but importantly different. It’s not a smooth, linear experience. Ever. The customer will always have to do a few things over and over again before they form the habit. Before it becomes normal.

Unprogram.
It is rare that something valuable isn’t already being fulfilled some other way. Even if it’s just a use of time, it’s still a substitute. But that’s good. It’s much, much easier (though still hard) to get a customer to switch to you, than it is to get them to adopt a new thing for new value. However, the reality is that you have to get them to unlearn the old solution/habit and learn yours. That’s not easy. People call it the “switching cost”, but it’s not a once off transaction. Inertia is against you.

Distractions.
Habit forming doesn’t happen in a vacuum. 1,000 other things are happening at the same time. You have to be aware of the realities and work with them. Customer development is the same. It’s not a lab where you control the elements. Everyone is busy. And unless you are food, water or sex, it’s unlikely you’re going to command immediate and significant investment.

Variance.
“You’re unique, just like everyone else.” It’s true. Every single situation is different and herein lies the focus challenge. You need to focus on a small segment and a simple value creation point, but you need to allow room in there for the person’s own life, needs and timing to ferment into a commitment. Habits are the same. That’s why time management tools have to be rigidly rubbery.

I’m sure readers will have a few more.

Mick Liubinskas is one of Australia’s leading web strategists, having served in head marketing roles at Kazaa, Zapr and Tangler. He now runs Pollenizer, the business incubator he co-founded with former-Kazaa colleague Phil Morle.

Source:

Anthill Online

Total Executive Quotes & Tips #14 - "Who indeed can harm you if you are committed deeply to doing what is right?" - John F. Kennedy

"Who indeed can harm you if you are committed deeply to doing what is right?" - John F. Kennedy

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Total Executive

What will the Hadron Collider create

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Total Executive

The final launch of the Hadron Collider has had mixed reviews from around the world, but whatever everyone is saying... it is a great bound for the world of physics:

Total Executive Quotes & Tips #13 - "A smooth sea never made a skillful mariner." - Anonymous

"A smooth sea never made a skillful mariner." - Anonymous

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Total Executive

LEADERSHIP - Here is one of those '....' ads we are tired of seeing - but keep watching...thxapple...

Total Executive Quotes & Tips #12 - by Margaret Mead

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

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Total Executive

Coffee, relaxation and communication

Have you ever thought about how you have been able to reduce your stress over a coffee. Whether it is a social meeting or a relaxed business meeting, contemplate how a meeting over a coffee (or your preferred beverage) has helped you relax and solve problems in the past whilst viewing this brief video...

Total Executive Quotes & Tips #11 - "The beginning is the half of every action." - Greek Proverb

"The beginning is the half of every action." - Greek Proverb

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Total Executive

Small changes – big difference

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Total Executive

Dr. Susan’s 11 Healthy Living Tips

By Susan Smith Jones, PhD

Little lifestyle changes for a better you

It only takes small changes in your everyday routine to make big changes to your body, mind and overall wellbeing. No diet, surgery or quick fix supplements can replace the benefits of incorporating the following lifestyle habits in your life. Make a commitment to embrace them and you’ll be a fitter, slimmer and more energetic version of yourself in no time.

1. Take time to nourish your body and soul with a balanced diet of wholesome natural foods. Choose from a wide variety of colorful foods as close to the way nature made them as possible. Vary your diet daily and strive for at least 50% fresh, raw foods. Living foods increase energy, restore youthful vitality, and promote radiant health.

2. Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. Lack of moisture in faces creates wrinkles the way lack of moisture in grapes creates raisins. Drinking ample water is necessary to lubricate your joints, feed your cells, and keep your skin—that constantly loses moisture to the environment—clear, soft, and youthful. Pure water fosters vitality.

3. Eat only as much as needed and not much after nightfall—within 2 to 3 hours before sleep. Grazing on smaller meals more frequently throughout the day—every 3 to 4 hours—stokes metabolism, stabilizes blood sugar, and helps reduce cholesterol and unhealthy habits of overeating. It’s prudent to plan meals so you won’t get famished.

4. Exercise regularly and find a balance of strengthening, stretching, and aerobic activities. Make your program a top priority in your life, a non-negotiable activity, and stay committed to it! There is nothing that will benefit you more in terms of being happy, disease-free, vibrantly youthful, and energetic than a regular fitness program.

5. Sleep well—at least 7-8 hours nightly. Consistent lack of sleep leads to many health problems, including wrinkles, depression, weight gain and aging, low or no libido, toxic buildup, irritability and impatience, memory loss, lethargy, relationship problems, and accidents. Refrain from watching bedtime TV news. Make your bedroom an exquisite, peaceful sanctuary. Put 3 drops of lavender oil on your nighttime pillow. Sweet dreams!

7. Simplify your life and you will increase your joy and zest for living. What a powerful process is simplification. Simplifying doesn’t necessarily mean we have to restrict our activities, but it does mean uncluttering our lives so that we can put all our energy into activities we really care about. Activities, material things, and relationships are all time and energy consumers. Maybe it’s time to take inventory of your life and week out the superfluous. Being simple with life—not naïve, but clear—allows us to experience the present fully and deeply.

8. Live in the present and don’t spend time comparing the present with the past. Every new step you take is upon sacred ground. Every moment is imbued with wonder and miracles. When you’re trapped in the past, it’s impossible to be fully present and pay attention to what’s happening around you. Rather than living with continual five- or ten-year plans, concentrate on living one day at a time—out in Nature as much as possible to help feed your soul—continuing to connect with your inner guidance, and look for miracles each day.

9. Encourage the child in you to come out to play. Young children seem to know how to make life a celebration and create magical moments; they know how to open the door to the kingdom of wonder. Carpe diem . That’s Latin for “seize the day.” Moment by moment, choose to be aware of everything around you. Pay attention Participate fully in life. Maintain a childlike enthusiasm, ever for everyday chores. What a magnificent quality that is! To be excited about every part of life as though it’s always fresh and new. Actually, it is. It’s only old thoughts and distorted attitudes that get in the way of celebrating each moment.

9. Communicate both your thoughts and your feelings clearly with your co-workers, friends, and loved ones. Remember that we all desire the same thing—respect, kindness, appreciation, validation, and love. Keep the golden rule your default position in life and treat others the way you like to be treated. Silently bless everyone in your life each day.

10. Lift your attitude UP and see the best in everyone and everything. If you are facing a challenge, handle it with vigor and poise and, at the same time, find opportunities to laugh and smile often. Both of these healthful activities firm your facial muscles and reduce stress. Laughter is life’s elixir and our soul’s smile. Cultivate a joyful attitude of gratitude. Attitude is the mind’s paintbrush; it can color anything.

11. Love yourself and live peacefully. What better evidence of spiritual strength could we have than a peaceful mind and a loving heart? Champion your self-esteem, needs, and healthy self-boundaries. Create an empowered presence and invite joy, love, and peace into your life. Dream abundantly! Say YES to living your highest vision. Know that you deserve the very best—life’s richest blessings.

Dr. Susan’s 11 Healthy Living Tips

Little lifestyle changes for a better you

1. Take time to nourish your body and soul with a balanced diet of wholesome natural foods. Choose from a wide variety of colourful foods as close to the way nature made them as possible. Vary your diet daily and strive for at least 50% fresh, raw foods. Living foods increase energy, restore youthful vitality, and promote radiant health.

2. Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. Lack of moisture in faces creates wrinkles the way lack of moisture in grapes creates raisins. Drinking enough water is necessary to lubricate your joints, feed your cells, and keep your skin — that constantly loses moisture to the environment — clear, soft, and youthful. Pure water fosters vitality.

3. Eat only as much as needed and not much after nightfall — within 2 to 3 hours before sleep. Grazing on smaller meals more frequently throughout the day — every 3 to 4 hours — stokes metabolism, stabilizes blood sugar, and helps reduce cholesterol and unhealthy habits of overeating. It’s a good idea to plan meals so you won’t get famished.

5. Sleep well — at least 7-8 hours nightly. Consistent lack of sleep leads to many health problems, including wrinkles, depression, weight gain and aging, low or no libido (sex drive), toxic build-up, irritability and impatience, memory loss, lethargy, relationship problems, and accidents. Refrain from watching bedtime TV news. Make your bedroom an exquisite, peaceful sanctuary. Put 3 drops of lavender oil on your nighttime pillow. Sweet dreams!

7. Simplify your life and you will increase your joy and zest for living. What a powerful process is simplification. Simplifying doesn’t necessarily mean we have to restrict our activities, but it does mean uncluttering our lives so that we can put all our energy into activities we really care about. Activities, material things, and relationships are all time and energy consumers. Maybe it’s time to take inventory of your life and week out the superfluous. Being simple with life — not naïve, but clear — allows us to experience the present fully and deeply.

8. Live in the present and don’t spend time comparing the present with the past. Every new step you take is upon sacred ground. Every moment is filled with wonder if you choose to experience it. When you’re trapped in the past, it’s impossible to be fully present and pay attention to what’s happening around you. Rather than living with continual five or ten year plans, concentrate on living one day at a time — out in Nature as much as possible to help feed your soul — continuing to connect with your inner guidance, and look for miracles each day.

9. Encourage the child in you to come out to play. Young children seem to know how to make life a celebration and create magical moments; they know how to open the door to the kingdom of wonder. Carpe diem – seize the day. Moment by moment, choose to be aware of everything around you. Pay attention so you can participate fully in life. Maintain a childlike enthusiasm, ever for everyday chores. What a magnificent quality that is! To be excited about every part of life as though it’s always fresh and new. Actually, it is. It’s only old thoughts and distorted attitudes that get in the way of celebrating each moment.

10. Lift your attitude UP and see the best in everyone and everything. If you are facing a challenge, honour your difficulty and, at the same time, find opportunities to laugh and smile often. It will reduce the stress. Laughter is life’s elixir and our soul’s smile. Cultivate a joyful attitude of gratitude. Attitude is the mind’s paintbrush; it can colour anything.

11. Love yourself and live peacefully. Cultivate a peaceful mind and a loving heart? Champion your self-esteem, needs, and healthy self-boundaries. Create an empowered presence and invite joy, love, and peace into your life. Dream abundantly! Say YES to living your highest vision. Know that you deserve the very best — life’s richest blessings.

Susan Smith Jones, is a world-renowned natural living expert, author of 20 books, including her bestselling 3-book healthy eating and living series published by Hay House; The Healing Power of NatureFoods, Health Bliss and just released in full colour, Recipes for Health Bliss: Using NatureFoods & Lifestyle Choices to Rejuvenate Your Body & Life.

For more info check out: www.SusanSmithJones.com • www.SusansRemedies.com

By Julie Hamilton on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 and filed under 'Healthy Living' | (0)

Authors Website: http://www.omigoddess.com.au

Total Executive Quotes & Tips #10 - "Actions speak louder than words." - English Proverb –

"Actions speak louder than words." - English Proverb

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Total Executive Tips

Total Executive Quotes & Tips #9 - A talk is a Voyage

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Total Executive

“A talk is a voyage. It must be chartered. The speaker who starts nowhere, usually gets there.”

- Dale Carnegie

We have a personal and professional responsibility to present ourselves, our organization and our ideas in the best possible light. Here are some methods to better organize your presentations:

Select a positive, attention-getting opening
Determine the main points of your message
Select positive illustrations that support your message
Leave the audience with a favorable, memorable impression

How did we look at Environmental Sustainability a couple years ago...

Source:

Total Executive

This video gives one example...

And if you look back one year previous - here is one solution the UK government had...

Total Executive Quotes & Tips #8 - by C.S.Lewis –

"The more often a man feels without acting, the less he'll be able to act. And in the long run, the less he'll be able to feel." - C.S. Lewis
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Total Executive Tips

10 natural hangover cures

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Total Executive

10 Natural Remedies to Prevent & Heal Hangovers

by Susan Smith Jones, PhD ©

Prevention is always the key, but when those dreadful hangovers come for a visit, try these natural remedies recommended by world-renowned natural living expert, Susan Smith Jones, PhD, author of 20 books, including her bestselling 3-book healthy eating and living series published by Hay House The Healing Power of NatureFoods, Health Bliss and just released in full color Recipes for Health Bliss: Using NatureFoods & Lifestyle Choices to Rejuvenate Your Body & Life. www.SusanSmithJones.com • www.SusansRemedies.com

Alcohol can act as a depressant or lead to aggressive behaviour and have you waking up with a painful hangover which can include sensitivity to noise and light, a throbbing headache, upset stomach, achy muscles, nausea, and a host of other uncomfortable conditions. Here are 10 suggestions that really work for cures and prevention. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

1. Drink like a fish: Drinking alcohol is very dehydrating to the body; it literally dries you out. Don’t forget to water your brain both before and after too much drinking. Your brain is mostly water and after too much alcohol, it gets very thirsty. Most often those nasty headaches after a night of drinking is your brain’s cry for water. I also recommend drinking lemon balm tea; it’s delicious and will help assuage your headache and lift your sagging spirits. Use 2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm leaves (or 1 tea bag) in a cup of boiling water. Steep, cool, and strain the herbs and enjoy. To calm your stomach, ginger tea is always a winner. Use a tea bag or simply take an inch of fresh ginger root, slice it thinly and simmer it in water for 10 minutes and drink up. I start each day with freshly made ginger water simply as a healthy start for my digestive system and the day.

2. Lemon juice to the rescue: A little lemon squeezed or sliced into a glass of water or ginger ale helps prevent and quell a hangover. Drink a glass before bed and first thing the next morning.

3. Turn to turmeric: The bright orange-yellow spice, native to southern India and cultivated for more than 5,000 years, is known to have significant anti-inflammatory properties, making it as effective as anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis (especially rheumatoid arthritis), and without unpleasant side effects. But it’s also a wonderful remedy for hangovers, too. It helps mop up the acid residue of the alcohol, prevents nausea, relieves nausea, detoxifies the liver, and can even help put you in a better mood. Take it in capsule form, liquid extract or sprinkle the spice on your beans, pasta, casseroles, or other high carb foods.

4. Eat some lean protein: Protein helps your brain cells regenerate. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Like vitamins and minerals, they can also be depleted by use of alcohol. Replenishing amino acids plays a key role in repairing the ravages of a hangover. You can add a protein powder to your juice or smoothie. Other good foods picks include dark, leafy greens, fish like salmon, eggs, a slice or two of cooked turkey breast, tofu and even beans.

5. Diminish hangover time with thyme: Brew up some tea with thyme leaves and enjoy it with a drop of honey. Thyme helps soothe tense and tired muscles, and can help with any stomach troubles that often accompany a hangover. To increase the hangover remedy potency, combine thyme, ginger and peppermint teas and add in a cinnamon stick.

6. Find some fennel: Throw a few fennel seeds into a hot cup of any kind of tea you enjoy. Fennel is a restorative herb, and can help bring your liver back into working order. For example, make some peppermint-ginger tea and include a few fennel seeds. This will calm a queasy stomach, perk up your mood, and revitalise your liver.

7. Dine with evening primrose oil: Evening Primrose Oil has long been used as a natural hangover remedy since it can help reduce stomach and liver discomfort. Since the liver is working overtime during the hangover period, this herb can help make the process that much more efficient. It ‘s readily available in natural food stores in capsule form.

8. B-complex will uncomplicate a hangover: Make sure to include a B-complex in your nutritional arsenal. Drinking drains the body of these valuable vitamins. Research shows your system turns to B vitamins when it is under stress—and overtaxing the body with too much booze, beer, or wine definitely qualifies as stress. Replenishing your body with a B-complex vitamin capsule can help shorten the duration of your hangover.

9. Blend together a banana smoothie: The morning after, make a smoothie in your blender using a combination of your favourite liquid base (juice, milk, or tea), two ripe bananas (fresh or frozen), a handful of strawberries or blueberries (fresh or frozen), a dash of cinnamon, 3-4 leaves of romaine lettuce or a handful of baby leaf spinach (you won’t even taste the leafy greens) and the optional sweetener of your choice. Blend until smooth and enjoy.

10. Reduce acidity with an alkaline juice: If you have a juicer, make a fresh juice combining greens like spinach, celery, lettuce, and parsley, with some carrot and apple for sweetener, and some fresh ginger root and lemon for give it more zing. If you don’t have a juicer, most health food stores carry fresh juices.

Getting over the night before – naturally

By Susan Smith Jones, PhD ©

Alcohol can act as a depressant or lead to aggressive behaviour and have you waking up with a painful hangover which can include sensitivity to noise and light, a throbbing headache, upset stomach, achy muscles, nausea, and a host of other uncomfortable conditions. Here are 10 suggestions that really work for cures and prevention. And of course the best cure is to go easy on the Chardonnay next time!

1. Drink like a fish: Drinking alcohol is very dehydrating to the body; it literally dries you out. Don’t forget to water your brain both before and after too much drinking. Your brain is mostly water and after too much alcohol, it gets very thirsty. Most often those nasty headaches after a night of drinking is your brain’s cry for water. I also recommend drinking lemon balm tea; it’s delicious and will help ease your headache and lift your sagging spirits. Use 2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm leaves (or 1 tea bag) in a cup of boiling water. Steep, cool, and strain the herbs and enjoy. To calm your stomach, ginger tea is always a winner. Use a tea bag or simply take an inch of fresh ginger root, slice it thinly and simmer it in water for 10 minutes and drink up. I start each day with freshly made ginger water simply as a healthy start for my digestive system and the day.

2. Lemon juice to the rescue: A little lemon squeezed or sliced into a glass of water or ginger ale helps prevent and quell a hangover. Drink a glass before bed and first thing the next morning.

For more info check out: www.SusanSmithJones.com • www.SusansRemedies.com

By Julie Hamilton on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 and filed under 'Healthy Living' | (0)

Authors Website: http://www.omigoddess.com.au

Source:

Omigoddess.com.au

Total Executive Quotes & Tips #7 - "You'll never plow a field by turning it over in your mind." - Irish Proverb

"You'll never plow a field by turning it over in your mind." - Irish Proverb

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Total Executive Tips

Creating a chemical-free home

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Total Executive

Home safe home

Taking action to remove the harmful chemicals from your home environment is easier than you think. Swapping over to natural products can lead to healthier, happier kids (and grown-ups) and will also help our planet. Here are eight ways to make the change.

1. Bathroom Bliss

Changing your toiletries is one of the fastest ways to reduce your exposure to nasty chemicals. The skin is the largest organ we have, and through it we absorb a great deal of what we put on it. Standard soaps, shampoos, toothpastes, bubble baths, sunscreens and moisturisers that we use every day are filled with harsh chemicals and perfumes that can cause or aggravate eczema and other allergies. Go for all-natural, soap-free or organic and avoid products that contain sulphates wherever you can. If you dye your hair – consider using an organic alternative.

2. Clean & green

The average household has enough hazardous cleaning products under the sink to start a small factory! These chemicals aren’t just dangerous if you child accidentally eats or drinks them, their vapours affect our health in the short term and in the long term they pollute our waterways.

Allergies, asthma and eczema are all exacerbated by cleaning stuffs – but there are alternatives. Try using low-allergy and low environmental-impact products from your supermarkets. Planet Ark, Herbon, Amaze, Green Choice, Safe and Earth’s Choice are widely available cleaning products for use in the bathroom, kitchen and laundry, all of them non-caustic and bio-degradeable.

You can even make your own. Eucalyptus oil is a great disinfectant, while white vinegar is brilliant fro cleaning. For an entirely chemical-free approach, try a high pressure steam cleaner – the super heated steam kills dust mites, fleas eggs and bacteria while cleaning up oil, mould and dust. alternatively go to www.enjo.com.au or check out microfibre cleaning cloths and mops on the market that require only warm water to leave your house spotless.

3. Safe as houses

If you’re decorating your home you can start with some toxin-reduced basics. A low-odour paint range is available from Dulux and Crown. From the US, there are Benjamin Moore paints, which are recommended by the US Asthma Association. You can get them at all good paint stores, with prices starting at $50 for 4 litres. Safer types of plant and mineral-based paints and wood finishes can be ordered from Planet Ark and are only about 20% more expensive than conventional chemical-based paints.

Once you’ve finished the paint job, don’t pour the leftover paint down the sink; solidify it with waste paint hardener from your local hardware store. Once sachet cost around $6.50.

If you’re renovating your older property, contact the council for advice on lead and asbestos removal. Lead, which is common in older houses, is extremely dangerous for children and pregnant women, so if in doubt, move out while the builders are ripping up your home. If you want to reall get into healthy home building then go to www.healthyhomeplans.com

4. Sleep easy

For children and adults who suffer from asthma and allergies, check out the Madison range of asthma beds approved by the Asthma Foundation and which are dust-mite proofed. They’re available from Captain Snooze Australia-wide and, while they are not cheap, they are very effective against allergens.

Allergy pillows by Comfortel are also in the stores. They cost $35 and can be machine-washed and tumble dried. Low-allergen carpets can also help reduce symptoms in wheezy kids, though research tends to indicate that the best choice for reducing allergens is wooden floors.

5. At the supermarket

Highly-processed foods and drinks are a major cause of reaction in children. Whenever it’s possible, choose organic and chemical free foods. Wash all fruit and vegetables and, if your kids are sensitive, steer clear of labels that include glutamate, preservatives, colours and artificial sweeteners.

6. Toxic-free togs

Where possible, let your children wear and sleep in cotton clothes, sheets and natural fibres. If you have a highly allergic child, you can choose unbleached, organic cotton from specialist stores. Wash clothes in washing powders and fabric conditioners that don’t use irritating chemicals.

7. Playing with trouble

PVC has been identified as an environmental bad boy. Highly toxic chemicals known as dioxins are by-product of the creation of PVC. These are poison for nature and humans, and are associated with a host of health problems. Pass on PVC toys try something natural. There are companies that sell handmade Ecotoys and use 100% natural fibres. Try www.todae.com.au or www.ecoshop.com.au

8. Bug off

Insecticides are an obvious source of toxins, so choose eco-friendly pest-ridders. Yo can get natural flea treatments for pets and chemical-free cockroach baits. In the garden, keep the bugs at bay with environmentally responsible Multi-Crop pest products. There is a wide range available from Planet Ark. For more details visit www.planetark.com.au

By Julie Hamilton on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 and filed under 'Healthy Living' | (0)

Authors Website: http://www.omigoddess.com.au

Total Executive Quotes & Tips #6 - "Not being able to do everything is no excuse for not doing everything you can." - Ashleigh Brilliant

"Not being able to do everything is no excuse for not doing everything you can." - Ashleigh Brilliant

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Total Executive Tips

Back on track

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Total Executive

It’s the central pivot of our bodies, the structure around which all of our movements are executed. The spine has such a fundamental effect on our quality of life that we should be lovingly protecting it and keeping it safe from harm. Yet, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, our slouchy lifestyles have made back pain not only the most prevalent, but with total spending on pain relief exceeding $8 billion, also the most costly musculoskeletal condition in Australia. The good news is, with a little attention, it’s not too difficult to keep a back happy.

Meet Your Spine

This clever stack of vertebrae and cartilage plays best supporting structure to your skull, pelvis, arms, legs, ribs, and spinal cord (which connects your brain to your body via the nervous system). The jelly-like cartilage discs between each vertebra provide cushioning and shock absorption, and a complex series of muscles and ligaments keeps it all in place. With a natural s-shaped curve, it is both strong and flexible, enabling you to twist, bend and arch at your leisure. Your spine’s job is to deal with the physical stress placed on it from everyday activities. Unfortunately, sedentary modern lifestyles and workplaces have not been designed with spines in mind.

How Do Backs Go Bad?

This common condition affects men and women equally. In a healthy adult the most frequent cause of back pain is injury or trauma to the vertebrae and surrounding tissues. Modern lifestyles, complete with long hours of sitting at desks, on couches, using computers, and general inactivity, have created a population of weak-backed people. Weak muscles are particularly susceptible to injury, as they are unable to handle the stresses and strains of everyday activities (not to mention the odd burst of well-intentioned exercise). Sprains, strains, and spasms of the muscles and ligaments of the back can come from such simple activities as overstretching, lifting something too heavy, housework and gardening.

Acute symptoms may come in the form of muscle aches, shooting pain, limited movement and limited flexibility. Back pain is considered chronic when it persists longer than three months. If the strain is too much for the spine, or it becomes overly compressed, it can lead to bulging or rupture of an intervertebral disc. Bulging discs can put pressure on the nerves coming from the spine and lead to problems such as sciatic pain.

8 common causes of back pain

Insufficient exercise, or exercise without warming up and cooling down
Not moving enough during the day
Old mattresses
Poor posture
Being overweight
Stress
Dehydration
Non-ergonomic workplaces (In Australia 39% of back pain is work-related)

Prevention better than cure

There’s an easy option when it comes to avoiding ongoing pain and costly treatments, and that’s by preventing back pain from occurring in the first place. Not only will this save you much moaning and groaning (and hard-earned dollars), but you may actually start noticing an overall feeling of good health too. Here are six top tips for you and your back:

Exercise. Do it regularly and the muscles that support your spine will improve along with your posture. Gentle exercise for 30 minutes a day is the goal, but even incidental exercise such as using the stairs instead of the lift will do. Remember to warm up and cool down.
Watch how you lift. Bend your knees and keep your abs tight when lifting. When carrying, keep the object close to your body and keep your back straight. Whatever you do, don’t twist while lifting or carrying something heavy.
Take a break. If you have to sit for long periods (i.e. driving or at work) take a minute every hour to stretch or have a little walk. This will loosen your back muscles and allow your joints some flexibility.
Take a load off. Maintaining a healthy body weight prevents the extra weight from compressing the intervertebral discs, and putting strain on the back.
Sleep well. If you’re waking stiff and sore in the morning it may be your mattress. You might also want to adjust your sleeping position, for example, sleeping on your stomach puts undue stress on your back.
Drink up. Keep yourself fluid and flexible by drinking plenty of water. It rehydrates your muscles and keeps your intervertebral discs heightened and healthy.

Don’t be a slouch

The health of your back is intimately linked with your posture, and the quality of your posture is intimately linked with your core muscles. Unless you are super-fit, or were brought up attending ballet lessons twice a week, chances are you slouch. Slouching placates your inner slob, but it also weakens your deep abdominal and lower back muscles, otherwise known as your core.

Core strength

These synergistic muscle groups work together, complimenting each other’s movements, while they support your spine and give you fabulous, movie star posture. When it’s strong it lowers the chance of injury or damage to your spine and keeps your vertebrae in alignment. Exercises that improve your core muscles include yoga, pilates, and swimming.

When To See a Doctor

Most back pain can be managed easily, but every so often back pain can indicate a more serious problem. Back pain accompanied by fever, difficulty passing or controlling urine, weakness or numbness in the legs, pain when coughing, or severe pain that keeps getting worse, is worth getting checked out by your GP.

Getting back to health

If you’ve already done yourself a mischief there are a few things you can do other than downing painkillers.

Temporarily reduce heavy activity.
Exercise. Strengthening, mobilising and stretching is great, but often best prescribed by an exercise specialist, such as a physiotherapist.
Acupuncture has been shown to have wonderful analgesic effects, and reduces muscle spasm, inflammation, and nerve pain.
Massage. Any excuse!
Joint mobilisation and manipulation can help re-align unhappy spines. Qualified osteopaths or chiropractors can help you with this.

Somebody Help Me

Here’s a list of therapies that can help you out of a tight spot …

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been used for pain relief for centuries. Acupuncture reduces pain by releasing ‘stagnation’ and encouraging blood flow to the affected area. This flushes injured tissues with nutrients and sweeps away inflammation, swelling, and bruising. It also encourages muscle, joint, and bone repair, which in turn eases chronic pain. Needles are placed around the painful area, as well as at points on the arms, legs and feet. These needles are hair-fine and are essentially painless. Current research confirms what the Chinese have known for so long. Research published in the Clinical Journal of Pain has shown that not only is acupuncture a safe and effective treatment for back pain, but that the results last for six months or longer without the negative side-effects of medication. You can find your local practitioner through the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association.

Craniosacral Therapy

The origins of craniosacral therapy can be found in early 20^th century cranial osteopathy, but in the mid 1970’s Dr John Upledger developed the fledging theory into a complete therapy. Your craniosacral system is the bones and soft tissues of your head, spine, sacrum, and pelvis. Craniosacral therapists work with the fluid that surrounds, protects, and nourishes these structures, while travelling around them in a kind of tidal movement. Using a light tough, practitioners mobilise and release restrictions that cause pain and dysfunction in the body. Each treatment lasts around 40-60 minutes. The Craniosacral Therapy Association of Australia has a list of practitioners in each state, or find one in a natural health directory.

Rolfing

Rolfing, also known as Structural Integration, was developed by Dr Ida Rolf over 50 years ago. Deep tissue manipulation and movement integration is designed to reshape your body’s myofascial structure and remind the structures of your body how to work together again. Rolfers work the connective tissue of the body until it is supple, allowing muscles to lengthen and fall into proper alignment. Releasing this tissue tension encourages correct alignment, improves posture, and increases range of movement. Basic Rolfing treatment consists of 10 weekly sessions, each session taking 60-90 minutes. The Australian Group of the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration has a list of practitioners, or try a natural health directory.

Bowen Therapy

Bowen therapy also works on the connective tissue (fascia) to ease pain and improve posture. Unlike Rolfing (which employs techniques similar to classic massage), Bowen therapy uses sequences of small movements over particular areas of the body. Using gentle movements that vary in pressure, Bowen therapists use their hands to roll across the muscles, tendons and ligaments, to release the fascia. These techniques affect the autonomic nervous system, increase oxygen production, and improve circulation, which relieves pain and physical and emotional stress. During your treatment the therapist may leave the room after some of the moves to allow your body to process the information. Most treatments take 30-60 minutes. To find a Bowen therapist near you the Bowen Therapists Federation of Australia has a list for each state.

Alexander Technique

If your back pain is recurring and you’re sick of going to the chiropractor, it may be time to unlearn some bad habits. The Alexander technique addresses the cause of back problems by stopping them before they start. By helping you to rediscover poise, balance, and coordination while you move through your everyday activities, this clever technique significantly reduces strain on your bones, joints and muscles. The result is a sensation of lightness throughout your body as it begins to move more efficiently, with childlike ease. A study printed in the British Medical Journal in 2008 reported that a series of six lessons in the Alexander technique combined with an exercise regime significantly reduced both chronic and recurrent back pain. Find your local practitioner through the Natural Therapy Pages.

Simple changes to your lifestyle can make huge changes to your long-term health and happiness. Looking after you spine now will help you stay active and comfortable, whatever age you may be.

By Aja Stuart.

By Julie Hamilton on Friday, December 11, 2009 and filed under 'Healthy Living' | (0)

Authors Website: http://www.omigoddess.com.au

Total Executive Quotes & Tips #5 - "There is a time to let things happen, and a time to make things happen." - Anonymous

"There is a time to let things happen, and a time to make things happen." - Anonymous

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Total Executive Tips

How to be rich & thin with great hair

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Total Executive

100 Self Help books later

It started, as I guess it often does, with a life crisis. My mother was diagnosed with cancer – ’serious’ cancer, the type with a poor prognosis. I took three months off work to look after her following her surgery and had plenty of time, as well as the inclination, to consider what I was doing with my own life.

Mid life crisis

Two things were clear to me: no one lives forever, and I was now playing a role that I had not chosen – ‘carer’. Is this who I was, who I wanted to be? What were MY goals, what did I want out of life? And I was turning 40 soon. I had all the ingredients for a mid life crisis, but I was determined to rise to this challenge and I turned to … books.

French connection

It started innocently enough. Despite my left wing leanings and bohemian inclinations, I started reading the Vogue and Harpers Bazaar, magazines I had disdained for clues as to what my next haircut should be, and somehow this led me to the idea that the French had all the answers. Not just about hair, about EVERYTHING.

Pandora’s box

I read my way through ‘French Women don’t get Fat’ and countless bios from women writing about how moving to Paris had changed their lives. One thing leads to another, and soon I was also devouring tales from women from many walks of life on how they had lost weight and changed their lives. I quickly moved from there to how to change your life through what you eat: Ayurveda, protein diets, food combining, vegetarianism, baking bread, giving up sugar, eating the right fats, eating local, growing your own food. Like the diets themselves, these books soon left me wanting more. My trips to the library took me to shelves I never even glanced at previously – where personal development meets spirituality and that is where the trouble really started!

Zen monks to backpacking

Buddhism, Christianity, Zen, Quakerism, Atheism, Humanism. Meditation, yoga, human evolution. I’ve read Eckhart and Deepak, and ‘old school’ material like ‘7 Habits of Effective People’. From downsizing and voluntary simplicity to career planning and being the perfect employee. Enneagram, Myers Briggs, habit breaking tricks. Philosophy, Astrology, Romanticism. Even economics, architecture, urban design and global warming – to understand the world I live in! I’ve read biographies of people who’ve become Zen monks, lived on remote South Pacific islands, cycled through Japan, backpacked China and cooked their way around India.

New and improved!

So what have I learnt? Am I richer, thinner, healthier with a better hairstyle? Am I calm, centred with a great career? Well, yes and no! I am a little bit thinner, but my health is the same. My hair - a boring bob I have to admit! My career? – well I’m still in the same job, but I have enrolled in a part time degree and for the first time in my life actually have a career goal. I will claim to be more centered – most days! A regular yoga practice has helped. I have a better understanding of living in the ‘now’. I am trying to have less attachment to outcomes and more attachment to my values and principles and I’m starting to appreciate where my ‘circle of influence’ lies.

Making it happen

The big step of course is to move beyond the reading and into action! I ran a charity fundraiser at my work for a cause I believe in – hard work for an introvert! I’ve enrolled to study, and re-affirmed my commitment to my role as a mum and a carer – but the good news is, Mum is well. She had another serious battle with a secondary cancer, but she’s had 12 months of good health.

Most of all, I’ve learnt to count my blessings, one of which is having a great local library!

Holly Humphrey

By Julie Hamilton on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 and filed under 'Healthy Living' | (0)

Authors Website: http://www.omigoddess.com.au

Total Executive Quotes & Tips #4 - by Elie Wiesel –

"I swore never to be silent whenever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." Elie Wiesel

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Total Executive Tips

LESSON#1 - How to NOT Launch YOUR WEBSITE

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Total Executive

LESSON#1 - How to NOT Launch YOUR WEBSITE

wE ALSO JUST SENT AN ENEWS OUT TO THOUSANDS OF EXECUTIVES LETTING THEM KNOW WE HAVE LAUNCHED...

THIS is the first page they will land on on our newly launched site... WE ARE EXCITED!!!

Clearly, this is not the type of content a business wants at the top of the front page of their newly launched website.

Over the coming months, we can show you how it is done...

Have you ever seen a web site launched with content like this?

We have.

And we want to be clear, there is not a problem releasing a website with content like this. If you are in communication with friends, mates, your community who know you, etc - you can communicate in any way you want that you know appeals to them.

You can also be assured that executives in some areas will enjoy this style of communication, though not all.

So, where do you start if you want to communicate with an executive that you do not know - via a written (web,email,vodcast,whatever)?

Our first recommendation is that you follow the 5 steps of introductions to communication

Self Esteem - Approach with a high personal self esteem - it shows

Personal relationships - Build personal relations

Communication - Communicate at a level you are pitching to

Leadership - Display leadership in your communication of knowledge

Action - Encourage action to be taken

Remember...

SPC in LA

People are not 'Creatures of Logic'

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Total Executive Tips

“When we are dealing with people, let us remember we are not dealing with creatures of logic. We are dealing with creatures of emotion, creatures bustling with prejudices and motivated by pride and vanity.”

- Dale Carnegie

What is it that inspires you to do your best work? Have you considered what things might be fueling the work of your employees/coworkers? Although unique to each worker, professional drive has a basic core to which everyone can relate. Discover your essential similarities, and use this knowledge to inspire others to cooperate, instead of mandating that they do so.

Don't dictate -- inspire
Don't direct -- win people to your way of thinking
Begin with praise and honest appreciation
Build morale and earn loyalty
Ask questions instead of giving direct orders
Give the other person a fine reputation to live up to

Quick Quinoa

Source:

Total Executive

www.theorganiccook.com.au

Autumn is here and we have been feeling it in Sydney for a few weeks now so it’s time to put away the BBQ's and start to use lighter and quicker cooking methods.

This month we will be looking at the delightful grain Quinoa, it has become a popular little grain this year for its lightness and abundant mineral and protein profile. I use it often in my cooking particularly in salads, casseroles and congees. I first discovered this grain when I was living in Toronto, eight years ago, and working at a wonderful and delicious vegan restaurant . Quinoa started to appear on the menu I soon started to realise that deciding to live in Canada would be the best place to learn about health and food as it was and still is at the forefront of health and organic foods second from the USA. The Canadian also gave me insight on how to pronounce this grain Keen – Wah, this is how I have always said it and often I hear people call it Quin- oa!

Quinoa is native to the Andes and the Incas revered it as their mother grain. This grain is a plant and because of the extreme climate in South America it is very hardy and can grow in the most extreme weather conditions. In Australia we have been getting four colours of this grain red, white brown and black. They look gorgeous if you use all four together. The colours all hold equal nutritional value.

Quinoa is considered a high energy grain and because it is so easy to digest and wheat, gluten free its ideal for allergies and special diets. Its energetic properties are warm and drying and it is strengthening for the kidneys. It also contains more protein than any other grain; it is a complete protein with an essential amino acid profile that has been compared to mother’s milk.

Mineral wise it is high in B vitamins, iron and phosphorous. It cooks very quickly and the best way I have found to prepare it is 1 cup grain to 1 cup water (or chicken stock is delicious) Please enjoy my recipe, I love this dish and often have it for breakfast as it gives me a lot protein and energy to start off the day.

Salmon, quinoa and corn congee with broccoli

4 pieces salmon, skinned and cut into small cubes

1corn cobs, dehusked

1 cup coconut milk (spiral brand)

1 cup white quinoa

2 cups dashi or fish stock

half bunch parsley, chopped

1 leek, white part sliced finely

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1 broccoli floret, cut into pieces

Method

Place coconut oil in a saucepan with leek and gently sauté

add in corn cob and gently fry for 5 minutes.

pour in stock, coconut milk and add quinoa and cook for 15 minutes on a simmer , when the Quinoa is ready it will have a spiral in which looks like small coil, when you see this add the salmon for 5 minutes if the chowder needs more liquid add some water in a separate pot steam the broccoli.

Lastly stir through fresh parsley into the chowder and serve in a bowl with steamed broccoli

Preparation Tip This dish can be frozen and re heated, it is high in minerals and essential fatty acids and a very nutritional meal for the sick.

Happy Cooking!

Love Belinda

By Belinda Randell on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 and filed under 'Healthy Living' | (0)

Authors Website: http://www.theorganiccook.com.au

Profile: Belinda Randell is the owner and director of The Organic Cook. Belinda is a chef, cooking teacher and food educator She is inspired and passionate about ethical, sustainable biodynamic and organic food sources, fresh seasonal produce, health, nutrition and education. Belinda has recently appeared on the SBS Food Investigators designing a range of natural foods for children, she has also appeared in Madison and Harpers Bazaar magazine. Please go to Belinda's website for more info www.theorganiccook.com.au

Source:

Omigoddess.com.au

Total Executive Quotes & Tips –

"Action is the antidote to despair." Joan Baez

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Total Executive Tips

Guilt-free luxury

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Total Executive

eco-resort

Travel writer Karen Lawson spent time in two eco-friendly luxury resorts to see if they could meet their green hype while she sipped Martini’s by the pool. It was a tough job – but she was prepared to do it!

Chillin’ with a conscience

When it comes to holidays Australians bear a greater carbon emission burden than their fellow earth dwellers. Take an international flight and you wipe out whole years good efforts of turning off appliances at the source, low emission light bulbs, short showers and the constant drudgery of separating your recycled rubbish. So when a resort makes it easy for us to sip a Lychee Martini knowing we haven’t contributed to global warming, it begs the question – if you care, why would you holiday anywhere else?

Walking the talk

The disparity in lifestyles between those who relax in resorts and those who build or work in them is a contradiction facing resorts in developing countries. A self-confessed greenie, I go to find out if it really is possible to enjoy the experience of luxury guilt free. Two companies are leading the way in their embodiment of environmental values and commitment to addresses both the physical and human responsibility which faces them. Six Senses and Banyan Tree have won global acclaim and awards for their dedication. I look at four key areas to assess whether they are walking the green line.

1. Building and operating eco-friendly resorts

Banyan Tree: All resorts are built with consideration of the environment, whether it is the positioning of the accommodation or how building materials are transported to minimize the impact on the local area. Phuket was built on land decimated by tin mining. The UN reported the area was too severely ravaged to sustain development. The soil was so leached by chemicals it could not support vegetation. Costing $250m to build, acid filled craters were filled with fertilized top soil and now contain lakes abundant with wild ducks, fruit trees and migratory birds. Low rise buildings with Thai architecture grace the landscape fringed by the sea. In 2008 Banyan tree launched an initiative across the group to reduce consumption and carbon emissions by 10% every year from 2006 levels between 2008 and 2010. Simply by changing to energy efficient light bulbs and moving the thermostat from 22 to 25 degrees has seen a saving of between 10-30% in electrical costs.

Six Senses: Have developed an impressive social and environment programme in line with its core purpose of SLOW LIFE meaning SUSTAINABLE – LOCAL – ORGANIC – WHOLESOME LEARNING – INSPIRING – FUN – EXPERIENCES. When a property is developed there are two stages for environmental consideration; Design and Construction. An environmental management system is based on the Six Senses’ Holistic Environmental Management Programme (HEMP).Both phases include a myriad of steps including legal, local environment, geographical risk, building design, water treatment/ supply and energy management. One of the more recent properties to open in Oman was made from native materials and sustainable sources, creating its own organic garden, waste water plant and a moving bed bio reactor. Great care was taken over the build to ensure that a traditionally important tree for the region, the Sidr tree, was undisturbed given its delicate yellow flower is the basis for one of the world’s finest Sidr honey.

2. Social responsibility – the human factor

Only when people have food on the table and a promise of a better life will they be open to eco-sensitive practices. The engagement by resorts of local people is key to changing behavior and sustaining earth enhancing activities.

Banyan Tree: Laguna Resorts & Hotels Plc has a dedicated Community Relations Department to work with, and support, local stakeholders. To improve local education the Laguna Phuket resort (which includes Banyan Tree Phuket) established a 2million Baht Education Foundation; this has already provided over 500 scholarships to in-need students in 7 years. A childcare centre has also been established. Initially available as a staff facility this has now expanded to support children from the surrounding area. This award winning facility is completely funded by Laguna Resorts & Hotels Plc.

Other community support programmes include a donated community medical centre, an English teaching centre and support for marginalized communities such as the elderly who are provide with both donations and staff volunteer visits throughout the year to provide entertainment.

Gainful employment and training is also provided and the resorts retail outlet, Banyan Tree Gallery, offers possible sustainable alternate income, for example by procuring triangular ‘Muan-khid’ cushions that grace their villas.

Six Senses: Contribute 0.5% of monthly total revenue to support social and environmental projects on a local, national and global level. At Zighy Bay in Oman, evidence of this is their collaboration with organizations on both the Omani and UAE side and has developed strong partnerships with the Environment Society Oman (ESO), Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) and the Emirates Diving Association (EDA) already they have been recognised with the Abu Dhabi Council, First Estidama Sustainability Award Sustainability award. The peninsula is home to the Shihuh Tribe who are very different to the Omanis and even have their own language. A hundred villagers live off fishing, date farming, and goats. Six Senses was able to assist with the Omani government with its commitment to preserve the way of life and prevent the abandonment of the peninsula. A regular supply of necessities such as water and basic food is flown in or taken by boat. They have provided new opportunities for villagers to earn an income without having to leave their beautiful bay and are helping them to build better houses in the village and provide free English lessons. Two other initiatives run across the group with the aim of educating the guests. Each guest is invited to ‘adopt an animal’ in Zighy Bay it’s a toy camel. The proceeds go towards The Care for Children Foundation which operates in China to relieve hardship in abandoned and orphaned children.

The second initiative is, ‘Restaurants Against Hunger’. A special dish on the menu is provided with the proceeds going towards fighting hunger in over forty countries specializing in emergency situations of war.

3. A better future for staff

Employment is a vital enabler with the capacity to positively influence the quality of life for not just the individual but their family and local communities. The ability to operate as a profitable business relies on each company’s ability to empower, train and motivate their staff.

Banyan Tree: Last year their 8000 staff undertook 352,884 hours of training. That’s around 44hrs per employee per year. Most western companies would struggle to undertake this level of paid education. A Management academy was set up to develop employees and a Talent Management programme to equip managers with leadership skills. A Lifestyle programme originally started at the Bintang property covers topics such as HIV, nutrition and environmental conservation. During my stay at Phuket one of the marketing executives commented that her first position was as a waitress and within a few weeks was provided with the opportunity to move into an office role, whilst my spa therapist joined the group not knowing anything about massage, underwent training and has worked all over Asia. Staff facilities are also outstanding. Residences include bedrooms, bathrooms, Telephone, TV’s, common areas and access to sporting facilities and staff restaurants. Some choose to live in quarters others take their allowance and live outside the complex. In Phuket, staff busses are laid on everyday from the city so not even transport costs become a worry.

Six Senses: What strikes you is that Six Senses is very different to the typical structured bureaucratic company with a defined hierarchy. They reflect their vision – an organic, boundary less company. In fact when they tried to draw a conventional organization chart, it didn’t work and they thought that something was wrong! Instead they operate within a number of spheres revolving around each other, inter-dependant, each influencing the other. This is seen at the employee level. At Zighy Bay staff work 5 days a week. This is absolutely unheard of in the hospitality industry as 6 days is universal. The priority is the creation of a holistic balanced life by providing time for education and learning which strengthens bonds with family and workmates. This energy is then passed onto their guests in an organic chain reaction. The staff has their own quarters built slightly away from the main Hideaway villa area. All food, drink and amenities are provided for including transport to take them into Dubai which is a 90 minute ride away. The younger staff love the opportunity to shop, explore and have fun in the ultimate urban playground! An Omanitisation programme is underway to replace expats with locals, providing more opportunity for individual growth. Spa therapists are provided with unrivalled training as key specialist from around the world are brought in to provide continued investment in their skills. I was delighted to find a fellow Australian, Alison Potter providing Wellness Consultations at Zighy Bay. One of the world’s leaders in her field, she commented on how Zighy Bay was truly one of the best examples of its kind.

4. At the resort – conservation in action

Banyan Tree: At Phuket it’s great to see those annoying plastic bottles of shampoo have disappeared, replaced by biodegradable toiletries in refillable ceramic or celadon containers. Gone are plastic bottles of water, replaced by recycled glass. Other eco measures include recycling waste water for landscape, golf course irrigation and gardens as well as using bio-degradable detergents and non-chlorinating water for pools. Attention is also given to planting to ensure they are gentle to the earth. High-touch, low tech philosophy is applied to use locally sourced ingredients, from local suppliers and where possible the used of energy zapping technology is avoided.

Six Senses: The list of operational activities to reduce the impact of guests on the natural environment is quite literally gobsmaking. All of the above is standard, but there is a very strong voice of education which is part of your stay. One of the sexy coffee table books is a hard back copy of “The Inconvenient Truth”. All writing paper is recyclable and even the resorts selection of handbooks are deliberately designed with organic in mind. The Green Book (which is of course Green in colour) highlights hundreds of activities being undertaken and outlines your responsibility as a guest to act thoughtfully. Bags are provided for guests to take batteries and unwanted items out of the peninsula as they do not have a processing plant to deal with them! Every surface, fixture and fitting has been chosen with an obsessive design and fixation on environmental consideration. Even the fly spray has a hessian cover! I read with dismay that my journey from Sydney has created 5.63 tons of CO2, however the carbon calculator provided allows me to offset this for the cost of 73 Rials. I am hoping to find some New Yorkers to tease as they are the next guilty carbon offenders. Whilst golf buggies are provided to assist guest to move around the resort, each stunning villa has his ‘n’ hers bikes to reduce the drain on electricity.

Sexiness and sustainability

Did I enjoy my stay at both resorts? Yes I did. They both addressed luxury in different ways. Banyan Tree Phuket was the embodiment of western decadence, complete with boutiques, high-end restaurants and a world class spa. As a guest you almost wouldn’t know you where in tree hugging land, yet behind the glossiness is an army of environmental warriors. Six Senses offered a very different experience. Intimate, sophisticated and personalized beyond expectations. The owner of Soneva Gili said that a stay is ‘for haute bohemians who like a bit of sexiness with their sustainability”. Both these companies have gone beyond the superficial so that everything you see, touch, taste, hear, smell can be enjoyed knowing that you can lie back and relax because these guys care. They may be in the minority, but they are there!

Banyan Tree: http://www.banyantree.com

Six Senses: http://www.sixsenses.com

By Karen Lawson on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 and filed under 'Healthy Living' | (0)

Authors Website:

Profile: Karen developed her love of food, wine and travel through her corporate career in Europe, which took her to the best restaurants and enabled her to travel extensively and also study wine. When the itch to see, experience and taste more became too great, she took off on an adventure, which turned six months of travelling into two years of planetary wandering. Now settled in truly one of the best places in the world (Australia) she continues to follow her passions and now writes about them, so others can share too.

Source:

Omigoddess.com.au