1)      Begin your mornings with a set of rituals for a purpose-filled day.  In a journal, write three intentions for your day. Make your bed to ensure an inviting space to come home to.  Be mindful in your morning activities. Move your body with gentle stretches, yoga or a walk. Eat an unrushed healthy breakfast.

2)       Create a sacred space where you can meditate each day. For at least fifteen minutes, it’s essential to quiet your mental chatter. Focus on your breath or silently repeat a mantra like “Om” or “Peace.”  At the end, it’s a good practice to ask for guidance in general and for specific situations you need help with. Then… listen with an open heart.

3)       Clear physical clutter in your space, especially from the floor. Clutter stops the flow of positive energy and keeps you stuck in the past. Think about it. Your clutter is your past and it’s distracting you from your successful future. Let go of any items you are keeping out of guilt, that you don’t like or deplete your energy. You should love everything in your space.

4)       Complete unfinished projects around the house. When you see projects that are “half-done” like pictures you haven’t hung, boxes you haven’t unpacked, a leaky faucet or a burned out light bulb, your energy becomes depleted. These incomplete projects block you from doing the things you love!

5)      Perform a space clearing with sandalwood incense or dried sage after an argument, a break-up, a death or when you want fresh energy to begin anew. Wave the incense in a counter-clockwise circle as you walk around your home. Say out loud “Thank you for disintegrating any negative energy, anger, sadness, relationship or financial problems from this space now.”

6)      Make a manifestation board. On a cork or poster board, place pictures and sayings that represent your dreams and goals. Write affirmations or intentional statements that clearly assert what you want to manifest. Hang this board in a special place where you can look at it every day.

7)      Bring nature indoors to boost energy, productivity and elevate your mood. Place thriving plants and colorful flowers in the corners of your rooms to create harmony. For immediate uplift, open shades and pull back curtains to allow natural sunlight to bathe the room. You can add a table-top water fountain at the entrance of your home, which brings in prosperity energy.

8)      In general, arrange your furniture to welcome you into each room. It’s not inviting to see the back of a couch. Add vibrant colors in rugs, window treatments, pillows, candles and artwork to positively affect your mood. There is a Chinese proverb that says if you move twenty things in your home, you will change your luck.

9)      Keep good company and apply the idea of feng shui to your friends. If the people you are spending time with are draining your energy, you might want to reconsider how much time you want to spend with them. Move towards the people that lift you up.

10)   Infuse your spirit by getting off auto-pilot in your every day life. Take time to re-connect with yourself, get back on your own rhythm and reflect on what you truly want in your life. You might give yourself a gift of a spa day, a weekend away or a full week of a wellness retreat in some beautiful part of the world.

11)   Follow a night time ritual to de-stress and sleep deeply. Dim the lights, get off the computer and turn off the television at least one hour prior to sleep. Take a warm sea salt bath to remove stressful energy from the day.  Write three to five things you appreciated most in the last 24 hours.  Say a nighttime prayer of thanks and you’ll be on your way to a new, energized you!

• Are you craving adventure, new experiences and fresh energy?
• Are you tired, uninspired or overwhelmed?
• Are you in need of healing or time to do whatever your heart desires?

Sept 27 – Oct 4 2013

Would you like to be luxuriating in Tuscany on September 27th? For the past two years, I’ve been leading magical retreats with my husband in Morocco but this year we’re going to beautiful Italy! Having been three times before, I’ve put together a wonderful Italian trip filled with amazing Tuscan adventures and can’t wait to share them with you.

We have only 10 spaces available and it will be first-come, first-served with a deposit. If you are serious about joining us, email me at jayme (at) jaymebarrett (dot)com as soon as possible to secure your space. Pricing details below. Be ready to open your heart and have fun with like-minded new friends. It’s a perfect retreat for singles, girlfriends and couples. Read the fabulous details and may you be as inspired as I am!  - Jayme Barrett

Join best-selling author Jayme Barrett on her 8 day Italian Adventure to Tuscany and learn techniques to energize your body, mind, spirit, love-life and home. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, we’ll stay in ancient stone farmhouses on a Tuscan estate facing the medieval towers of San Gimignano.

You’ll eat delicious Tuscan meals amidst glorious views, relax by the beautiful pool, enjoy yoga and life enhancement classes, learn to cook traditional Italian food, and take day trips to magnificent Tuscan sites including Siena, Monteriggioni , San Gimignano, Cinque Terre on the Italian Coast and ending at Rapolano Terme, a thermal spa with natural healing waters.

Come rejuvenate and luxuriate under the Tuscan sun. Let your spirit be infused by Italian culture and discover new ways to create positive energy in your life. You’ll experience “La Dolce Vita” with like-minded new friends in one of the most beautiful places on earth. 

Our Pool and View of San Gimignano

Included in Retreat Package:

• 7 nights/8 Days Accommodations in Tuscan farmhouse
• 7 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners, 2 Lunches (including wine)
• 5 Feng Shui & Life Enhancement Classes
• 5 Morning Yoga Classes
• Free Day to enjoy Tuscany
• Private transportation on all day trips
• Transfers to/from Poggibonsi train station

Our Retreat Estate

Our Retreat Courtyard

Additional Special Retreat Inclusions:

• Wine and Olive Oil Tasting at our Vineyard
• San Gimignano – Hike/Bike or Drive (6km)
• Siena and Monteriggioni- Day Trip
• Cinque Terre -Day Trip to the Italian Coast
• Natural Thermal Waters – Day trip to Hot Springs Spa
• Half-day Tuscan Cooking Class including Dinner and Wine

Famous square in Siena

A village in Cinque Terre

Optional Activities for Free Day

• Chianti Wine Tour
• Florence or Volterra
• Photography Tour
• Hot Air Ballooning or Horse-back riding
• Relaxing/Swimming at our Farm

Thermal Spa we’re going to in Tuscany

Not included:

Flights & Train to Poggibonsi station, Trip Insurance, Tips to hotel, Yoga Mat, Airport Transfer (can be arranged)

To read and see reviews from Jayme’s 2012 Retreat in Marrakech, Morocco, click here.

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 Accommodations in Tuscany

Our ancient stone farmhouse is located on a 60 acre estate in the heart of vineyards and olive groves in the center of Chianti, about 25 km from Siena and 40 km from Florence. The accommodations are renovated Tuscan style apartments with private entrances, original vaulted ceilings and terracotta floors.

Each room is equipped with a separate bathroom, shower and hairdryer. The apartments have a fully equipped kitchenette with a microwave, toaster, coffee maker, refrigerator and TV. You’ll enjoy spectacular views while walking through the private wine and olive vineyards, from your private courtyard and the large swimming pool. Both single and shared rooms are available as is free Wi-Fi.

Meals 

Every morning you will be served breakfast at our farmhouse, along with two lunches and six dinners included in the retreat. We’ll be enjoying typical Tuscan-style, healthy food including fruit, veggies, salads, cheeses, sandwiches, pasta, roasted chicken & fish, beverages, wine and dessert.  You will also learn how to make Italian dishes during our half-day Tuscan cooking class.

Feng Shui/Life Enhancement Classes with Jayme Barrett

Jayme Barrett’s feng shui and life enhancement classes will be held at our farmhouse and some will be given on location during our outings. You will learn how to: 1) energize your spaces for health, wealth and love 2) use inner feng shui to harmonize your mind, body and spirit 3) employ manifestation techniques to bring your goals into reality and 4) integrate the beauty of Italian culture, architecture and spirituality in your daily life. All classes are optional. If you would like a private feng shui consultation with Jayme during the retreat, let Jayme know beforehand.

Yoga Classes with Beth Graham – All levels welcome!

You’ll enjoy five morning yoga classes with Beth Graham of Simply Yoga in Baltimore, MD.  She beautifully integrates all yoga levels into the practice. If it’s warm, we’ll practice outside surrounded by the beautiful countryside.

The weather in Tuscany during late September and early October is beautiful.  It averages low to mid 70’s Fahrenheit during the day and high 50s to low 60s at night.

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PAYMENT, DEPOSIT & REGISTRATION – Limited to 12 participants

September 27 – October 4 2013

Deposit: $850 (non-refundable) when place in workshop is confirmed.

Balance due: July 26, 2013

• Single Occupancy: $2,550 (Full/Queen bed)

• Double Occupancy: $2,350 per person (Twin beds or Queen if sharing bed)

SEE SPECIAL DISCOUNTS BELOW! (Only 1 spot left)

(Payment Options: We accept Cash, Checks, Money Orders and PayPal. If you use a debit or credit card through PayPal, there will be an additional 4% fee.)

To complete your reservation, we require you to sign and return an: “Acknowledgement of Risk, Release and Indemnity.” This form includes additional terms and conditions of travel, including limitations of obligations to you. This document will be sent to you after you have paid your initial deposit and your place in the workshop has been confirmed. Please read it carefully. The document must be completed, signed and returned to us. Our receipt of the completed and signed form will finalize your reservation.

**If the Euro is higher than 1.30 USD to every Euro at the time of final payment, some adjustments will be made to the final price.

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Retreat Leaders: 

Jayme Barrett – Author of the best-selling book “Feng Shui Your Life,” Jayme is a leading expert on Life Enhancement and Feng Shui, specializing in techniques for personal fulfillment, prosperity and integrated health. Jayme regularly shares her passion for inspired living in her writings for Whole Living, MindBodyGreen, Self Magazine, Health, Elle, Parents, Redbook and many more. In addition to feng shui consulting for individuals, companies, hotels and spas, Jayme leads lifestyle workshops worldwide. She has appeared in home-design segments for NBC, HGTV, Style Network, and E! Entertainment.

Zouhir Yakoubi – Jayme’s husband, Zouhir will be co-leading this retreat with her. Together, Jayme and Zouhir have led two incredible retreats in Morocco. Click to see the highlights of their 2012 Marrakech retreat with videos from participants. In addition, check out Jayme and Zouhir’s natural skin/body/hair care line, Zweena Argan Beauty Elixirs, based on organic argan oil from Berber women’s cooperatives in Morocco, visit www.zweenabodycare.com.

Yoga Teacher – Beth House Graham

Beth discovered the benefits of yoga after a car accident and neck injury 20 years ago.  Along with pain relief, she also experienced stress reduction, better sleep and weight loss. Beth began teaching in 1997 in the Iyengar tradition and has completed Power Vinyasa training as well. She has fused these two styles into a practice that flows with a strong foundation on alignment of the body and teaches 15 classes a week. Beth lives in Baltimore, Maryland with her husband Scott of 25 years and her three children.

Travel and Flights to Italy 

You will be responsible for booking your own travel and flights. 

Participants from the United States will need to fly on September 26 in order to get to Italy on September 27th for the start of the retreat. Our welcome orientation will start at 5pm so you can arrive anytime before then.

The two closest airports to our estate in Poggibonsi (25km from Siena) are the Florence (FLR) and Pisa (PSA) airports. Both are between 1 to 1.5 hours away. You may also fly into Rome which is about 3 hours away. You can take a train to Poggibonsi from any airport. We will arrange the transfer from the Poggibonsi station to our estate.

If you’d rather be picked up at the Florence or Pisa airport, it can be arranged in advance for an additional $35.

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Medical Issues and Travel Insurance

No immunizations are necessary for Italy. If you have any medical issue that will require professional care while on your trip, you must bring and be responsible for all necessary items and treatments related to your condition. It is strongly recommended that you obtain medical and dental insurance that will cover the cost of any medical or dental assistance you may require during your trip. Before travelling with Jayme Barrett, we strongly recommend you review your personal insurance and health insurance to ensure you have coverage appropriate to meet your needs, and the needs of your family and dependants, in case of any loss of property or illness, injury or death.

Insurance: The trip price does not include any insurance coverage, and Jayme Barrett strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance to protect your trip investment in the event of medical emergencies, lost bags, a cancelled trip or any other unforeseen trip or pre-trip related event. You can get travel insurance including medical through www.worldnomads.com, www.csatravelprotection.com or call your travel agent.

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Cancellation Policies: 

 • Your deposit is non-refundable. Full payment is required within 60 days of departure. Cancellation from 60 days prior to 45 days prior: cancellation fee is 50% of total trip cost per person. The trip is nonrefundable inside of 45 days. If a replacement is secured, travelers will get a refund less $250.00.

• If you wish to cancel the trip outside of 45 days, a written cancellation request is necessary. No refund for unused portions of the retreat, including but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights and sightseeing.

Cancellation by Jayme Barrett: Jayme Barrett reserves the right to cancel the trip at any time for any reason, including if there are too few participants, or if the quality of the trip or the safety of travelers is judged by Jayme Barrett in her sole discretion to be compromised. In such cases, a refund of payments received by Jayme Barrett shall constitute full and final settlement. Jayme Barrett is not responsible for any loss incurred on account of non-refundable or non-transferable air tickets. If there is an official warning regarding travel to Italy, you will receive a full refund.

Travel insurance is highly recommended.

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SPECIAL DISCOUNT OFFERS:

- Bring 2 People with You - Receive $100 off each retreat price if there is availability.

- Pay in Full by April 15th – Get $150 off

*offers cannot be combined.

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QUESTIONS AND BOOKING 

If you have any questions about this retreat and/or would like to sign up, email  jayme (at) jaymebarrett (dot)com as soon as possible to secure your spot. Only 4 spots left. We will send you a registration form as soon as your place is confirmed. You can pay your deposit by check or below with Paypal.

To send in your deposit of $850 now, click below to pay with PayPal (4% fee is added). Please also email Jayme with your information. She will then send you out a registration form.

Practicing mindful self-care for your body is essential in managing stress and achieving inner calm. You must honor your body. It is your home during your lifetime and the dwelling place for your spirit. You must provide it with proper food, sleep and exercise so you can reach your full potential.

• Mindful Eating – Eat slowly and relax at your meals. Pay attention to what you are feeling when you reach for food.  Are you physically hungry or trying to fill yourself with an emotional need? No amount of food will fill that emotional hole so ask yourself what you really need in that moment. Mindful eating means that you don’t eat while watching television, working on the computer, talking on the phone or driving. Try to minimize sugar, salt, caffeine and processed foods while drinking loads of water for hydration and mental focus. Put your fork down in between each bite and fully taste your food, appreciate and savor it.

• Mindful Exercise – Doing physical activity will oxygenate your body, reduce stress and clear your mind. Before you begin moving, inwardly dedicate your exercise to your inner peace. Whether you are taking a walk or a run, practicing yoga, biking, doing tai chi or working out at the gym, consciously remind yourself to breathe deeply. Exercise in nature whenever possible since nature’s energy is healing. Sunlight can recharge your battery.  You can silently repeat positive statements during your walk such as “I am calm and centered.” “I let go and breathe in joy.” “I’m grateful for my healthy body.” Make it a mindful, moving meditation.

• Mindful Sleep – Be aware of how you prepare yourself for slumber. Start getting ready for bed at least one hour before you want to fall asleep.  Begin your sleep ritual by turning off your computer, cell phone and television. Wind down by dimming the lights in the house. To relieve stress, you can take a salt bath, read a feel good book, light an aromatherapy candle and breathe deeply. When you climb into bed, feel grateful for your comfortable bed, soft sheets and give thanks for your day. Envision your body in a perfect state of health and make sure to get seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep.

For more on achieving balance, read Chapter Two of Feng Shui Your Life.

If you’ve been to a yoga class, your teacher will typically end the class by bowing her head with hands in prayer position in front of her heart and say “Namaste.” The students will then mirror the teacher and say “Namaste” in return.  If you are a yoga student, ask yourself if you are doing this by rote or are you truly connecting to the higher, divine essence of this greeting?

What does it really mean to say “Namaste” and how can we use it purposefully to shift our interactions with friends, family, work colleagues and people you encounter as you go about your daily life? Below are a few interpretations of “Namaste” that can positively transform your life.

1)      “Your Spirit and My Spirit are One” – If this is true, isn’t the Golden Rule so easy to take on? The Golden Rule encourages us to treat others the way we wish to be treated. If we acknowledge our oneness with Namaste, it’s easy to treat people with the respect that we desire.

2)      “All that is best and highest in me salutes all that is best and highest in you.” – Wouldn’t it be amazing to focus on the best and highest in each other? That would mean less gossip, less judgment and more compassion.  Instead of simply reacting to what someone is saying that may hurt us or trigger a negative response, we could choose to focus on the bigger picture; their higher self. We can stand back and see that perhaps this person is fearful or crying out for love, connection or validation. Our reaction can change the course of any interaction.

3)       “I honor the place in you in which the entire Universe dwells, I honor the place in you which is of Love, of Truth, of Light and of Peace. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are One.” – This is my favorite interpretation. There is a divine place in all of us where love, truth, light and peace dwell. If we could focus on those parts in ourselves and in others simultaneously, we would be authentically saying “Namaste.”

So, the next time the yoga teacher bows with a “Namaste” at the end of your class, respond with intention and take it with you out into the world. You can even say it silently before or after meeting with people.  Most importantly, see if it can ‘up-shift’ your daily interactions.  With great respect and loving-kindness, I say to you … Namaste.

This video was filmed in 2010. Since then, Jayme’s new edition of “Feng Shui Your Life” has hit the stores. Check it out here!

As many of you know, my love for all things Morocco began after I met my husband there in 2008.  Since then, I’ve been back eight times for vacation and to lead Infuse Your Spirit retreats in Marrakech. What fun! It is with great excitement that I’m sharing our latest Moroccan venture into organic beauty! We just launched a skin/body/hair care line centered around our signature ingredient, organic argan oil from Morocco. Here’s how ZWEENA, Argan Beauty Elixirs of Morocco began… 

When a friend invited Jayme Barrett, best-selling author of Feng Shui Your Life, to visit her in Morocco, Jayme never thought she’d meet her future husband there. It was on the third day of her exotic vacation in Morocco that she met Zouhir Yakoubi at a beautiful hotel in Tangier. That’s when the romance began. Sometime in the middle of her next six trips to Morocco (all the way from California), Jayme discovered the amazing benefits of argan oil.

On one of her Moroccan visits, Zouhir bought Jayme pure argan oil, his country’s miracle moisturizer, as a gift. Within minutes of applying the argan oil, Jayme’s skin felt hydrated, silky and replenished. She became enamored with its natural nutrients and amazing results for her face, body and hair so they went to visit a Berber women’s Argan cooperative a few hours southwest of Marrakech. It was very special to meet the women who were hand-cracking the precious argan nuts. Jayme bought many more bottles of organic argan oil for her friends and family who also fell in love with it. As their long-distance relationship blossomed, so did their conversations about bringing pure organic argan oil to the U.S.

Click here to read the full article.

Read 10 Ways to Use Argan Oil in your Daily Beauty Regime

Decompressing and releasing tension after a difficult day is essential for your overall health. You can easily create a soothing ritual that will help you to unwind.  Carrying stress and anxiety in your body will deplete your energy and could turn into a more serious health issue.  It’s important to disconnect from the stressful situation so you can bring positive energy into the rest of your day and night.

Immersing your senses in multiple relaxation techniques will help you recover more quickly and get on with enjoying your life. Below are seven steps to a new, energized you!

1)      Express your stress but don’t repeat it over and over  – It’s healthy to talk about a stressful day to a friend or significant other but don’t repeat it again and again to multiple people. Every time you share your upset, you bring it back into your energy field and get upset all over again. Your friends begin associating you with your problems and that’s not helpful. You want them to send you positive energy. After you share, ask your friend or companion to help you by envisioning you free from this stress and feeling happy. Also, check out disarming your negativity and mental feng shui.

2)      Cut the cord – After you leave the demanding situation, it’s important to “cut the cord” from the person or event that stressed you out. Your solar plexus (soft area between your ribs) is a place that gets zapped with negative energy. Simply put, you are connected to people through invisible energy cords that gather in that area. To disconnect, swing your hand in front of your solar plexus with your palm facing your body like you are cutting the cord to that person. Visualize your hand as a sword and say “I’m cutting the cord from this person or this situation.” Making the hand gesture and stating your intention helps to disconnect you from the negative energy. To see an illustration on cutting the cord, see Chapter 2 of “Feng Shui Your Life.“

3)      Take off your shoes before entering your home – Leave your stress outside of your home. Once you step inside, you will be entering a sanctuary. Your home is your temple. Don’t bring the dirt (negative energy and stress) with you. Click here for a video on De-Stressing in the Home. 

4)      Drink a cup of herbal tea - Calming herbs and relaxing teas can take the edge off stress and offer you a bit of herbal anxiety relief. There are many tea companies offering relaxing blends of herbal tea that are caffeine free. Some relaxing herbs include Chamomile, Verbena and Valerian.

5)      Light an aromatherapy candle – There are a variety of aromatherapy scents that can be useful for calming and relieving stress. Try Lavender, Jasmine, Rose, Neroli, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Vanilla or a combination. Bring the candle into your bathroom or bedroom and gently focus on the flame to quiet your mind.

6)      Take a salt bath with lavender essential oil – Sea salt (not Epsom Salt) is an effective way to clean your body and energy from a stressful day. Pour two cups of sea salt into a bath and add eight drops of Lavender essential oil.  Relax your body in the warm bath for at least 20 minutes. Make sure the water covers your solar plexus. You’ll be amazed at the lightness you feel when you emerge.

7)      Do a visualization in the bathtub – As you are soaking in your salt bath, visualize the water as a warm violet lake. Violet is the color for clearing emotions. Close your eyes and envision the stress leaving your body, mind and spirit and immediately dissolving into this violet lake. You can also play a guided visualization on a CD that will leave you relaxed.  After your bath, watch a funny movie, play relaxing music and eat healthy food. Be purposeful in bringing positive energy back into your body!

 Sending positive energy your way!

Jayme

Summer is the perfect time to clear out the old to bring in the new. 

Of course, clearing clutter is the first step in cleaning your space. The second step, is to do a space cleansing where you remove the energy debris that has built up over time. Once you perform the cleansing, the energy of the space lifts, brightens, and circulates freely. Then, implementing feng shui becomes a breeze.

The energy debris can be a result of negative emotions, thoughts, occurrences, and stress that you have experienced in your space. Your house is like a sponge. Whatever transpires in your environment is absorbed into the walls, furniture, carpet, ceiling, and objects. Frequently, these negative energies accumulate in the corners and tucked away places. Also, if you had a negative event happen recently or a lot of sadness or fear, cleanse your space immediately! Visualize space cleansing as wiping away dust bunnies from the past.

When Should You Space Cleanse?

The following situations are appropriate times to space cleanse:

• After you remove clutter
• After an argument
• When you move into a new space
• When a roommate or companion moves out
• After a divorce or break-up
• After an illness or death
• When you buy an antique or second-hand item
• Anytime you desire fresh energy for a new project or beginning.
• Before implementing feng shui

How to Cleanse a Space: 

Here is a simple space-cleansing technique to perform on your home, office, or even on a specific object:

• Create a strong intention in your mind to clear the space in order to bring in vibrant, healthy energy.
• Burn sandalwood incense or dried sage to disintegrate the negative energy in each room.  (Buy incense from India, Japan or China as the energy is stronger.)  Wave it counterclockwise in each corner, closet, and cabinet. You may also let one stick burn in each room. Say, “Thank you for the complete disintegration of all negative energies, thoughts, and emotions from this room now.”
• After cleansing, always open East windows and doors to allow fresh energy of the sun to enter.
• Light a candle to dedicate energy to your endeavors. Say your wish out loud.  For example, “I am so grateful for all the love, harmony, and healthy energy pouring into my home right now.”
• Imagine brilliant white light filling the whole space. Visualize your home or office as a shining star emanating light, positive energy and blessing to everyone who enters.

Feel confident that the energy in your home is fresh and ready to receive all the opportunities Summer has in store for you.