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Your Goddess Within - The Day I Was Rescued by Dolphins

Your Identity –your Goddess within

*swimming with dolphins in this unaltered photo by Todd Essick - view more at www.essickphoto.com

After fantasizing about it for years, I decided it was time to fulfill my dream: to take a year off and live on an island. Had I gone bananas? No, Thoreau’s Walden profoundly inspired me and I always wanted to do what he did: leave the distractions of the daily grind to find out the meaning of life. He wrote his philosophical book in the woods in a house that he had built himself, on the shore of Walden Pond, in Concord, Massachusetts. I chose the tropical beach version. I was living in New York City and was insecure, confused about my career path, and on a quest to find my identity different from my parents. I had many excuses of why I couldn’t do it, but when I was 20, I cashed in my investments and decided to invest in myself. I traded in my sequins for seashells and purchased a one-way ticket to the Caribbean. It was the single best thing I ever did for myself. What happened next was the last thing I could have expected: a miracle.

I was bold, stubborn, foolish and lucky. I had been living in a campground on Tortola, in the British Virgin Islands for 3 weeks when I set out to sea. I bought a small inflatable boat with a motor, packed all my belongings in it and went in search for a secluded beach to live out my “Walden”. I was on an island known for great sailing and I ignored all sound boating advice given to me. I didn’t check for weather or I would have noticed a squall just outside the safety of Brewer’s Bay. I also neglected to tie-down my camping equipment and when my boat hit large waves, my tent went overboard. I jumped in after it and became separated from the boat. I was tossed violently in the waves until I went unconscious. When I regained consciousness, I was being pushed and lifted to shore by a pod of 3 dolphins. The locals began calling me dolphin-girl, which eventually evolved into Dolphina over the course of the year I lived there.

As other people that have experienced a near-death incident, I was shaken to the core and forever altered. All the masks that I wore and presented to the world to protect myself were stripped away. I saw clearly my identity, who I am at the core. When I returned to New York City a year after living on the island, I officially assumed the name Dolphina to represent the new me, the true me.

You have an essence that is exclusive to you. There are things that you may want to change about yourself, because you are always changing and growing, but this essence does not change. It is pure, perfect and exquisite right now and forever. It is like a brilliant gemstone. This essence is your true identity and is not altered by external influences. I call this the Goddess within.

Women often identify themselves exclusively by their relationship to others. We think of ourselves as someone’s mother, wife, daughter, boss, sister, friend and the list goes on. Most women are nurturers and tend to other’s needs before our own. This in itself is a beautiful feminine quality that I do not recommend changing completely. However, this is not the essence I am speaking of: you are a woman first and foremost. You have a uniqueness that is whole unto yourself, apart from your relationships. Left to your own devices, you could go a very long time taking care of everyone and everything in your life, except for yourself. “I am too busy”, you say to yourself. You might even feel selfish at the thought of taking time for your Goddess within. You would be surprised at the wonders just an afternoon at the park, a museum, or wearing a tiara to a coffee shop by yourself can do to polish your gemstone so that it is shining brilliantly. Your family and friends need not worry that you will permanently take residence in your bubble bath, never to return. Everyone benefits: when you factor in well-deserved personal time to nourish this feminine spirit, you will have more to give back to your entire life.

If you completely define yourself by your relationship to others, you may feel the rug pulled out from underneath you if you move to a different city, become divorced, are betrayed by a friend or feel unmotivated by a job. Think of all that has happened as an exciting opportunity to reinvent, recreate and redefine who you are. Now this is your time! Dedicate this year to your Goddess within! Create the new you even more fabulous than the old you. Create the new you as the person you want to be. Create another persona with another name – like bellydancers do. Redecorate a room or corner to match the reinvention of yourself. It could even be a drawer that is filled with luxurious lingerie and scented pillows. See this space as a physical manifestation that would remind you of your new self – or one that you need to be sometimes.

I am giving you permission. Go on Goddess, take a break and allow time to wander, to let inspiration in and hear that voice inside you.

Summer Solstice Event with Fiona Horne

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What type of Goddess are you?

There are many sides to you. You are like a diamond: all your facets are a part of the whole you, infact, they make you shine more brilliantly. Depending on the day, the hour you take this quiz, you could be any of these types of Goddess. There is always one cut on any diamond that is larger, more dominant than any other – and this is your type of Goddess. Circle the answer you feel best describes you the most, then read about yourself!

1) Your favorite getaway is:
A) Hawaii
B) Paris
C) Venice, Italy
D) Las Vegas
E) Martha’s Vineyard

2) The shoes you wear all the time are:
A) Fredrick’s of Hollywood marabou slippers
B) Manolo Blahniks
C) Barefoot
D) Black Boots
E) UGG Boots

3) Perfect Date:
A) Dinner, dancing, hot tub
B) Foreign Film, coffee shop discussion
C) Charity Benefit
D) Concert
E) Picnic in Park

4) Fave Binge food:
A) Ice Cream
B) Champagne
C) Chocolate
D) Spicy Food
E) French Fries

5) I love to read:
A) Magazines
B) NY Times Bestsellers
C) Self-Help
D) Biographies
E) Adventure




6) Dream Job (If money wasn’t an issue):
A) Bellydancer
B) Entrepreneur
C) Mother
D) Artist
E) Park Ranger

7) You call in sick when you:
A) Sleep in
B) Never
C) Met a new love
D) Have a hangover
E) Have a fever over 101 degrees

8) Favorite Indulgence:
A) Baths
B) Manicure
C) Creams, lotions and perfume
D) Music
E) Flowers

9) Ideal Workout:
A) Dancing
B) Yoga
C) Swimming
D) Weight-lifting
E) Hiking

10) You are having a stressed-out day at work/school, you:
A) Take a rose-petal bath
B) Go shopping
C) Write in your journal
D) You thrive on stress – it makes you work harder
E) Take a walk in the park











If you picked mostly A’s – You are a Sexy Goddess
My, it’s getting warm in here. You love being a girl and are amused watching the boys fall at your feet. Everything about you is provocative from the way you dress to the way you talk. You are passionate, witty, dangerously smart, though you may keep this on the QT to add to the mystery of your allure.

If you picked mostly B’s – You are a Modern Goddess
Casual Fridays? For you, dressing up is not a chore – it’s a raison d’etre. Luxury is your way of life. You would rather have a few designer threads than a closet full of bargain brands. You are sophisticated, chic and into the most current trends. You adore traveling, learning new things and shopping.

If you picked mostly C’s – You are a Love Goddess
All you need is love, Love is all you need. You hate conflict and clothes that aren’t soft to the touch. You always see the glass as half-full and want to make a difference in the world. Beautiful, fragrant things are important to you and you indulge in lotions for each part of your body. You care deeply for all people, especially children.

If you picked mostly D’s – You are a Rock Goddess
Take a walk on the wild side is your motto. You will try anything once. Your sense of adventure includes your risk-taking style, though you can always count on your favorite pair of jeans. It’s all about the hair, whether it’s blonde, brunette or red. You won’t take no for an answer, unless it’s coming out of your mouth. You speak the truth, which often gets you into trouble. You are highly creative and artistic, even the way you make dinner.

If you picked mostly E’s – You are a Natural Goddess
To you, an embarrassment of riches is watching a sunset over the ocean. Your style is easy going and your make-up is clean, fresh, dewy and above all, natural. You are honest, good listeners and make the most loyal of friends. You care deeply for nature and animals. You are health conscious and organic foods and exercise are a priority.

The Goddess Workout Teacher Training and Swim with Dolphins Retreat in Hawaii

Imagine spending an unforgettable week in paradise swimming with wild dolphins, feasting on delicious food, dancing under the moon and rejuvenating in a sacred waterfall. In this retreat, Dolphina will share with you her special connection with the dolphins and her secrets to living your own Goddess Life

WHO COMES
Women of all ages (must be 18 years or older), sizes and walks of life who desire an unforgettable experience. This retreat is appropriate for dancers of all levels, from absolute beginners to those who want to become licensed to teach the Goddess Workout. At the end of the Teacher Training, dancers have the option to purchase for an additional fee, a license to become certified to teach The Goddess Workout with Dolphina. For the wild dolphin swims, it is usually best to be both a good swimmer and comfortable snorkeling in the ocean to swim with the dolphins. If you do not feel comfortable swimming in the open ocean, you will still be able to experience the magic of dolphins from the shore or boat

THE CENTER
Our GoddessLife retreat will take place at the lush and secluded Kolealea (which means 'bouncing waters' in Hawaiian) in "upcountry" Maui. The center enjoys 80 degree weather year round and is surrounded by Plumeria Trees, quiet walkways with bridges over streams and a valley of ginger, and the famous "road to Hana" is at our back door. We will dance in a studio with bamboo floors with views to the tropical garden on all sides.

ACCOMODATIONS
There are several charming cottages nestled throughout the pristine aina (land) of Kolealea retreat center. Each house has something unique, including an outdoor shower, hot tub, and views. Sleeping is double occupancy.

THE CUISINE
We will feast upon 3 vegetarian gourmet meals a day. All meals are prepared by a loving staff dedicated to the spirit of Aloha using fresh local produce grown in organic gardens.

TRANSPORTATION
Book and fly the airline of your choice. Dancers come from all over the world for our retreat and teacher training, so there is no way to include airfare in our package price. There are three airports on Maui. We will provide van pick-up and lei greeting between 3-5pm on August 20th at Kahului, Maui, HI (OGG-Kahului) Airport. You are welcome to rent your own car to explore the island.

PRICING
Deadline for the discount to save $1999 rate is June 25th!
50% Deposit due upon registration. Balance due by July 25th.

HOW TO REGISTER
Fill out registration form and fax and mail with your deposit check, money order or credit card information to GoddessLife. Upon receipt of your application, we will send you a registration package that includes a detailed itinerary, how to prepare for your retreat and what to bring. Space is limited and will sell out!

GoddessLife
4051 Glencoe Avenue #5
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Goddesslife@gmail.com
www.goddesslife.com
http://goddesslife.com/retreats.html

Bed, Baths and Beyond

I was about 6 years old when I first went to a hammam. These are public bathhouses in Morocco, in which I briefly lived with my family. In Marrakech, bathing at a hammam is a social ritual to which we do not have an exact comparison in America. It most resembles a spa, but not as luxurious as its western counterparts nor as private. Women in Morocco frequent the hammam about once a week and are not as modest as American women at spas.

The hammam’s main room is tiled and steamy. You can hire a professional bather, but many women scrub, massage and cleanse each other. An amber colored goo is applied generously to the body, followed by a rigorous exfoliation with loofah mitts. Everyone has her own bucket of hot or cold water to douse herself with. Most women and girls are naked, except for panties. It is quite an intimate activity to share devoid of awkwardness. The women are more accepting of and open about their bodies than many American women.

The hammams were my first experience at pampering and it left a lasting impression. As a little girl, I mostly remembered the amber goo and how soft my skin felt afterwards. I would often think about the clean feeling I had immediately following a visit to the Moroccan bath. I was dirty most of the time in Morocco from the dust, wind and communal living. Even through the mind of a child, I knew a visit to the Moroccan spa felt more than just about getting clean; it felt like a fresh start.

As an adult, I decided to further my education in the arduous and highly competitive field of becoming a spa aficionado. I have delved enthusiastically into this area of study, dedicating many hours of research to visiting day spas, traveling to destination spas and reading many complex spa treatment menus. I have submitted myself to be the subject of dozens of grueling experimental spa treatments. I have been wrapped in chocolate in Mexico, had a gin martini facial in Paris, a rose-petal massage in Ojai, three-masseuse massage in Thailand and Lomi Lomi in Hawaii. With just a few credits shy of getting my degree, I have discovered my thesis: Pampering is about feeling taken care of.

The stresses of life can be exhausting and we are all guilty at times of biting off more than we can chew, doing too much and subsequently running on empty. In this drained state, we have little to give and often take for granted the blessings in our lives. The act of being pampered is rejuvenating. It is like refueling. Going to the spa is taking care of yourself and allowing someone to pamper you. Spas are sacred temples to renew a sore body, weary soul, a broken heart and a tired mind.

Pampering does not need to be luxurious to be effective. A natural mineral spring bath can be just as valuable as an expensive treatment in Beverly Hills. Even a short pampering session like a pedicure can go a long way to remove the grime of life that prevents you from seeing the beauty that surrounds you.

So memorize the list below and add your own pampering discoveries. Remember, as a goddess, we must always be working on a Phd in Pampering!

Some wonderful ways to Pamper Yourself

1) Baths – get rose petals from your local florist or garden and scatter in your bath.
2) Use a beautiful wine glass for your water
3) Coat your feet with peppermint lotion and put on thick cotton socks.
4) Paint your nails red
5) Face – lay down after work with chamomile tea bags on your eyes and your favorite CD playing.
6) Go for a professional blow-out before a night out
7) Body Wrap – detox your system
8) Body Scrub- exfoliation is crucial to glowing skin. Make a homemade body scrub with sugar and jojoba oil.
9) Have a complimentary makeover at a cosmetic counter
10) Get a Massage – see list!