Time Well Spent!
Tuesday August 18th, 2009
Does something feel different this summer? I am not sure what it is, but people seem to be genuinely slowing down and making the most out of the summer season. I see more people on the street with their children and heading off on family vacations without the usual frantic scramble to get everything organized.
I am not certain what it is, but I do have a theory. Maybe there are some positives to the economic slowdown? Maybe we are actually taking time to truly enjoy summer rather than trying to cram it into our overbooked schedules. Think about it? Even if we were just fifteen percent less busy than last year that would free up an entire day every week! For those who can resist the need to fill that vacuum there is the opportunity for something remarkable to happen: extra time at the park, a longer walk, time to enjoy a glass of wine and watch a sunset, maybe a day at the spa? The possibilities are endless! Regardless of what you choose, I believe you will discover the value in time well spent.
By Peter Smed.
Change we can believe in
Tuesday January 20th, 2009
Millions of people worldwide pause to witness a truly remarkable moment in history as Barack Obama is sworn in as President of the United States of America. What will it mean for us? Can the vision and hope of one man truly change the future of humanity? Many believe he can, while others struggle with the past disappointment that is often associated with the "Audacity of Hope". What I am certain of is that this Presidency, more than any in my lifetime, will bring to the forefront the eternal battle between hope and cynicism.
So what does all of this have to do with the spa and wellness industry? Actually, I believe that the same battle is continually waging in each of us, especially at this time of the year. Every January, as do many of you, I rededicate myself to living a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. I commit to healthier choices and to take better care of myself, physically, mentally and spiritually. I am filled with hope and the will to back it up. I eat better, I get regular spa treatments, and I exercise more frequently. By the middle of January I have lost some weight, and I am well on my way to being completely revitalized.
But something is wrong? I don't necessarily feel any happier. In fact, this new found lifestyle is quite uncomfortable. Maybe this is what Obama means by sacrifice and why the cynics are so certain of victory (or is it failure?). Am I really committed to change... REALLY... or will I resort back to my old patterns? Change is indeed challenging. Am I up to it? Today, along with millions of others, I choose to believe.
By Peter Smed.
Giving in a time of "Financial Crisis"
November 24, 2008
Every year retailers and spas alike seem to go through a crisis of faith. We work tirelessly to make sure that shelves are stocked unlike any other time of year so that we never run out of gifts for the busy holiday season. We create all kinds of promotions and incentives and goals intended to make our offering irresistible. Then, on November 1st, with all the decisions made and inventories overflowing, we launch our annual holiday campaign knowing that success is just around the corner... or is it?
What if Christmas (to name just one occasion) does not come? It has always come, but maybe this year is different? Surely Calgarians will give generously as always... won't they? It will take more than a global financial crisis to stop the holidays from coming... won't it? Think of all the joy that would be missed without presents under the tree... it is not possible... is it? I don't believe so. I actually believe this holiday season has the potential to be one of the best ever... maybe not for retail sales or exorbitant gift giving, but rather for the opportunity to recognize and appreciate the amazing abundance that surrounds us all. We all know that family, friends, and health are more important than any gift.
I am not suggesting that we don't share gifts this season (PLEASE DO!), rather my hope is that in the midst of a challenging time for many that we might remember how blessed we are here in Canada, and that the gifts we share are not to demonstrate our wealth but rather our love for one another. Either way, the Holidays will come as always.
I wish you and yours a remarkable holiday season!
By Peter Smed.
Why not have both?
July 24, 2008
I had a facial yesterday right in the middle of a sunny summer day. At first I felt a little guilty being inside instead of taking advantage of our all too short summer. Let's face it, there are only so many days a year where the stars align and the weather is beautiful and here I was inside?
Then Sheb, (my esthetician), started my service. First, with a relaxing cleansing, and then, with a remarkable facial massage that removed any doubt about my choice to treat myself on this particular day. Following the less sexy, but surprisingly rewarding extractions, I was immersed in the creamsicle scented Teye Vibran C Mask, which was uplifting and perfect for a summer day. After an hour I emerged from my sanctuary feeling refreshed and peaceful and ready to go back to the real world... or was I?
Actually, I was feeling so great that all I wanted to do was get outside and go for a walk through one of my favorite neighborhoods. Why not? I deserve both, and yet I rarely allow myself such indulgence. Needless to say, it was a perfect day and I had learned something about myself. Whatever day or season, I do not have to always choose one experience over another. Sometimes I deserve both... and so do you!
By Peter Smed.
More than a massage
May 20, 2008
We are fortunate to have some of the industries best massage therapists and we are frequently recognized for it. Testimonials from our guests rave about our team and reward them with their loyalty. In fact, massage has become our single most popular service at the Oasis, far exceeding any other. So what gives?
Are we suddenly needing more massage? Is life putting more physical demands on us and our muscles are requiring even more maintenance? Maybe it is the growing number of company extended benefits covering massage therapy?
I believe there is something much more. I believe many guests are actually becoming aware that massage goes beyond mere "physical" therapy. In fact, I believe that the body is a metaphor for our mental, emotional and spiritual well being. Our physical tension actually serves first and foremost to bring awareness to our whole state of wellness. Aches and pains are reminders of where we are neglecting or overexerting ourselves in our lives. Louise Hay, a bestselling author on the connection between mind and body, states that "mental patterns create dis-eases in the body". These patterns can be changed once we become aware of them. That’s where massage comes in.
Next time you have a massage, pay attention. Are you always suffering from the same dis-ease? Is there really a physical explanation for the tension in your body or might it be the result of other stresses? The true gift in massage is awareness. Our body is communicating with us at all times, showing us where we need to restore balance. Once we are aware, we can make a different choice. The fact that massage feels great makes the journey even better!
By Peter Smed.
The Spa Industry is Booming!
May 8, 2008
The spa industry is booming! Consumers like you and I are all scrambling to discover the holy grail of youth and vitality. Not for the sake of vanity of course? We are too enlightened to be swayed by the promise of "anti-aging anti-wrinkle" treatments that offer only superficial results. We all know that happiness and well being can only come from within. We are interested in the noble pursuit of "life balance" and "wellness"?
Then why all the fuss now? It reminds me of the 80's when Tom Cruise's character in Cocktail made owning a bar the pinnacle of social status. Now it seems, owning a spa is in. Fueled by massive media campaigns from cosmetics manufacturers and the promise of a "new" and "better" you, the spa industry is exploding into communities, hotels and resorts across the world. Consumers of all ages are exploring the endless offerings of spa treatments from basic manicures to therapies no one really seems to fully understand.
We appear to be losing our way and are now in jeopardy of being caught up in our own self importance. Spas appear to be more focused on impressing customers with their opulent facilities and exclusive practices, than creating value for all guests. We are slowly forgetting why we chose this industry in the first place. People need viable options to deal with an increasing stressful world. I truly believe the spa industry has a significant role to play. Not exclusively, but as one of the choices our guests have to find the health and vitality we all crave. It is an honor to serve our community and a sense of humility is central to our role. Without it, our guests will be forgotten.
By Peter Smed.
