Monday Musings: On Relevancy and Honesty
I have a lot to percolate about my trip to Miraval in Austin and will share an update as soon as things have gelled. I did want to express my surprise to hear from readers who felt offended that I would be interested in and attend sessions on everything from yoga to Lunar phases, to meditation, Reiki, and learning about crystal energy, etc. I don’t see them as in conflict with my spirituality, but some people do.
I choose to explore the world and be open to new experiences. Having an open mind and curiosity about life helps keep us relevant. I’ll continue to share my discoveries and thoughts with you here because, although not an open book, I am willing to expose parts of myself to my audience. Many bloggers expose tiny snippets of their lives, and some share it all. Some also show a whitewashed, “perfect” version of their lives, which makes me feel lacking, so I won’t do that. I believe we grow and form healthy bonds by sharing our truths. I don’t expect to be everyone’s cup of tea, and if I’m not yours, I get it.
I began my blog in 2012 as a lifestyle blog. It morphed into sharing a lot of fashion as more women expressed interest. What we wear is a powerful tool that helps us express our individuality, strength, and can build our confidence. I will continue to focus on fashion, because frankly, I love it and know the potential it holds to improve our lives! FYI, I did put thought into my outfits for this trip, and didn’t capture one photo of them so that tells you where my attention was focused. I’ll recreate them at home and share soon.
I didn’t take a poll, but I think I’m the oldest woman in our group of 10 who attended this Miraval retreat which has also felt interesting.
Save or Splurge Puffer Vest Outfit
Here’s another save or splurge outfit for inspiration this week. For many of us, who don’t live in frigid climates, it’s puffer vest season so I thought this would be fun.
Some classic straight leg jeans, tan booties and bag with a winter white vest and a bright pop of pink to lift your spirits.
The logos are a giveaway here, but without them, could you tell the save vs the splurge outfit?
Thanks for reading and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
Your retreat sounds great. I have always been interested in unusual things like that but never venturing too far down the path. Sounds like a wonderful way to recharge. As for the spiritual aspect, I have been told that since I believe in evolution that I can’t possibly have my faith. So, just chalk it up to not an open mind and continue to explore what you like. A mother daughter get away sounds like fun too.
On another note, I am still excited to hear about your session with John Kitchener, and see if that would be another one for me as well. Some times I think I have too many choices with the palettes I have but still curious about his methods.
Continue to be your amazing self
I’m still percolating that analysis too! In fact, I’ve been focused in in the shapes and colors more this last month. I’ll keep working in that post.
I too agree with the ladies that appreciate you filling us in on “all things life.”
I love hearing about new things and approaches to better health. I have done Reiki, continue meditation, continue massage/acupuncture, and now functional medicine for the past year. Our bodies are our temples and we need to treat them better.
Even though my husband passed away from colon cancer five years ago, along with his chemo treatments, he also had Reiki treatments. I do believe Reiki extended his prognosis.
So keep doing what you are doing. I appreciate it. Thank you.
I’m so very sorry to hear about your husband, Marlene. Reiki can be very helpful for so many things. Sending hugs.
Some people can be so mean spirited and negative. The direct opposite of what you are supposed to be. How can any exploration of your own spiritual curiosity be wrong? And whose business is it anyway but yours? Yes, you might put a bit of it out there and so bravely open yourself up to narrow minded people who think there is only one path in this life. The world is flat crazy in its polarization, and the ability to hide behind a keyboard and be bullying and hostile is all too prevalent.
I agree.
If you are not learning, growing, and exploring – then what is the point!! Kudos to you for being open-minded. I love Reiki, and have you tried sound bath meditation? It’s divine!
I did two sound bath meditations and loved them!! Amazing!
My word for 2024 is “Curiosity,” so I applaud this trip that you took. I recently did a Sound Bath and just loved it! I also did a Forest Immersion walk and loved that too. We are never too old to learn and grow!
I want to try a forest immersion walk! That sounds amazing.
I will always enjoy your fashion ideas, trips, diet, hair, etc. What color is in for spring 2024? Any new fashion styles? How can over 60 not look frumpy or invisible?
Thank you for all the ideas for a well styled life.
Blessings
The new color for spring looks peach!
I spend the winter in Scottsdale and Miraval also has a location in Tucson which I have been considering. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on your retreat. Hope you enjoy it.
Your retreat sounded wonderful. Good for you to take that time for yourself. Experiencing new things is one of the most important parts of life and well being, in my opinion. I’m 77 years old and I’d go to a retreat like that in a heartbeat. Always stay true to you.
Thanks Leslie
We are all entitled to our opinion and entitled to keep to ourselves. Why anyone thinks their judgement is of general interest is beyond me. I encourage everyone to seek and find what works for them.
You’re right! I need to remind myself that someone else’s opinion is none of my business. Have a great Monday
Hi Jennifer I just joined your blog so I haven’t had a chance to make an opinion about it. I think negative people if they don’t like it need to move on and keep negative vibes to themselves. I just turned 63 and was starting to feel a bit frumpy in my clothes, so far I love your outfits and look forward to reading more.
Welcome!!
Thankyou for sharing your experiences. I have been following you since 2012 and love the fact that you like to experiment and try many things. You never judge and that is just one of many things you share in your column.
Always a fan, I like forward to your next discovery.
Wow, thanks for hanging with me so long Susan.
As Raul Paul says….IF they aren’t paying g your rent, pay them no mind!
lol, I love that
Amen to that
I love that you explore other areas of spirituality. Being open to other experiences, opens our minds. Crystals, lunar phases and meditation are areas I would, personally, find fascinating. Save or splurge today, even without logos, a snap💗 The vest and quilted crossbody were my clues. I always enjoy your blog! Thank you.
I am interested in your retreat Jennifer. As an 83 year old, yoga has kept me flexible and strong and meditation, which I started in my twenties, is now a mainstream of wholistic health programs. As science reveals more of the quantum universe to us, I believe we will keep growing in our awareness that all is one. Your blog consistently works to uplift and support others. Thank you for that!
Yoga is so good for the body and mind. My dr just recommended I do more of it because of changes in my spine.
I totally agree with you. It’s good to have an open mind, expand your knowledge, and explore new things. I would have loved to be on that retreat. Can’t wait to hear all about it!
You go girl! Experiencing these traditions will give you a long happy life, and I agree does not interfere with spirituality. Enjoy your trip!
Great post. Thank you for sharing. I can’t imagine anyone who claims to be spiritual being offended by yoga or meditation. Reiki is accepted by organizations like Hospice and many major hospital use it. Being open to life is a beautiful thing.
@Jan H. It is a bit concerning that hospitals are using Reiki which falls under the umbrella of pseudoscience.
I had Reiki during my breast reduction surgery. Recovery was quick with only aspirin for pain relief. I don’t understand how this or other modalities has a spiritual conflict. I found that the naysayers have never explored these things so who are they to tell anyone else what to do. Enjoy yourself, find yourself in the way that works for you.
Jennifer, I love how you are open to new experiences and learning, and am looking forward to an update on your spa retreat.
I read your blog because it has many things of interest and although not everything you suggest is appealing, I appreciate the intention and effort you put into it. Thank you.
I love the combination in these outfits.
Hi, I was absolutely SHOCKED there is a sign behind you in the first first photo- a Designated Smoking Area. ———annd it is Indoors. In a supposed wellness retreat. No. Just absolutely no. Second hand smoke is just as deadly as smoking itself.
This was taken at the airport. Sorry for the confusion. Although I did see a woman smoking a E cigarette.
Love your posts, Jennifer. Always good to broaden our thoughts and find tranquility and balance in whatever form one wishes. Keep up the good work!
Jennifer, I enjoy your column very much and admire your openness and spirit of adventure. It is shocking to hear that some disapprove of your exploration. Don’t listen to the naysayers…you do you! ❤️❤️❤️
Happy Monday, Jennifer. Nobody has a right to question or attack someone else’s spirituality. This is far worse than the political discussions we all want to avoid. We have only one life to live and to spend it with a closed mind attacking someone else’s core essence is just plain wrong.
I agree and it speaks more of them than it does me.
Jennifer, I liked reading about your retreat. I found encouragement that you, someone my age, were trying something new. I enjoy your work. Thank you for sharing!💖