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8 Good Things is a curated newsletter of inspirational and informational articles, videos, and quotes sent twice a month by Maria Baltazzi, PhD, MFA.

Please make sure to scroll all the way down to see my upcoming trips and programs.

Inquire About Travel Destinations

121 Weird Ways the World Changes in Autumn. Ever heard of “Leaf Peeping?” Neither have I. Though it seems to be a three-billion-dollar business in New England, thanks to the Out-of-Staters going to see the leaves turn colors. The term is slang for ‘fall leaf tourism.’ The things you learn curating articles for this newsletter.

2Journey Through Peru’s Incredible Sights in 6 Minutes. From National Geographic’s Short Film Showcase Official Selection. As you can expect, beautiful cinematography. If you want to go to Peru, I can take you there. I have a fantastic sojourn to Machu Picchu via the Salkantay Trail, which was voted one the world’s twenty-five best treks by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine. You will experience the trail on horseback, though you can hike if preferred. Along the way, we stay in well-appointed dome-shaped tents. The camps are brand new and gorgeous.

Inquire About Happiness Mentoring

3Live Like a Stoic: Humans Can’t Control Anything—Except Our Own Happiness. The article suggests going back to the Stoics of ancient times for insight on how to live happily in modern times. Most simply put, it is by controlling our thoughts and judgments.

4Tonight, Fall Asleep Instantly With This Breathing Trick. “The exercise is called the 4-7-8 technique, and Dr. Andrew Weil calls it a ‘natural tranquilizer for the nervous system.’” I have used this myself. It works!

5Want to Experience More Happiness? Try Any of These 33 Habits of Happy and Successful People. The article is geared to professionals and entrepreneurs, though can be for anyone. This is a useful list, especially if you are applying it in the workplace. My tops on this list are: one, “don’t harbor a grudge.” Two, “keep your promises to others.” Three, “refuse to engage in malicious gossip.”

6Effect Your Office Culture, Why and How You Should Say “NO!” to Gossip. An article I recently wrote on one of the biggest destroyers of company morale.

Inquire About Media Partnerships

7How Is the New “A Star Is Born” Different Than Its Predecessors? We’re So Glad You Asked. It is the fourth time that this story has been made. First was with Janet Gaynor and Fredric March (1937). Then, Judy Garland and James Mason (1954). Kris Kristofferson and Barbara Streisand (1976). I picked this article to share in case others were curious as to why Hollywood filmmakers keep retelling the same yarn. I was also hoping the article would give me the motivation to see it. So far and despite its good reviews, I think I will wait to hear if it gets an Oscar nod. However, you may feel differently after you read the article and watch the trailer.

89 October Movies That Could Be Awards-Season Contenders. “October represents a crucial moment in Hollywood’s awards cycle.” This month marks the start of what is called the “prestige season,” when the major film festivals are over, and the viewing public gets to see the “best in class,” so to speak. Included is A Star is Born. Personally, I am excited for First Man. I am attending a screening this weekend at the Director’s Guild.

” Thoughtful

“Once a year go someplace you’ve never been before.”
~ Dalai Lama

Sojourn Experiences

Phoenix, Sedona, Scottsdale | December 29th – December 31st
Bring in the New Year with two-time Grammy-nominated Songwriter Jim Brickman. I am joining Jim on his Fan Trip. I met Jim when I was producing a pilot for ABC. We used one of his songs in the opening of our show, from there we became friends. My role on the trip is to guide people in setting intentions for the coming year. Jim’s role is to entertain everyone with his beautiful music. We will spend three days touring and planning for 2019 by day, and enjoying great food and music at night.

The Holy Land | December 13th – 23rd, 2018
***SOLD OUT***WAITLIST ONLY***
This holiday season I have put together an extraordinary trip to the Holy Land with the Very Reverend Father John Bakas of Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles.

Photographic Safari and Mindfulness Workshops
Kenya | Botswana | Inquire About Dates

You do not always get to see these guys, leopards! I took this photo on one of my more recent trips to Africa. My favorite place in the world. A place I love sharing with others as well. Great Plains Conservation’s Wild Studio was started by award-winning National Geographic filmmakers Beverly and Dereck Joubert. This is an experience that I put together. It combines learning the secrets of great wildlife photography from a Wild Studios pro and my Mindfulness teaching. Please join us on a uniquely curated safari that will tap into your true inner-photographer. This journey can be shared with a group of friends or as a solo sojourn. The choice is yours.

Sojourn Programs

Mindfulness Meditation Classes | Studio City
Oct 17th, 8:15 am – 8:45 am | Oct 18th, 6:15 pm – 7 pm | $23
If you live in the Los Angeles area, I am teaching a couple of classes next week. I would love for you to join me.
LOCATION | The DEN Meditation, 12323 Ventura Blvd | 818.856.8033
PARKING | There is public parking a block and a half down the street, across from Art’s Deli. First hour is 60 cents, two hours is $1.50.

Happiness: The Art of Life Balance | Fall Special
As a longtime television producer, stress was my middle name. I have spent more than a decade studying what to do about it. Now, I work with professionals, especially those in the media, to help them get out of the crazy and into the happy (and yes, I still produce TV shows). I have put together a program that can fit into anyone’s schedule and can be joined anytime.
40% off my program. Use promo code: OWA40

By Appointment
Offering private sessions in Mindfulness, Primordial Sound Meditation, Contemplative Prayer Meditation, and Restorative Yoga. Available in-person, or on Skype and FaceTime.

Special Shout Out

61 Series
If you are an art collector, you may want to check out the recently released 61 Series by the award-winning commercial director David van Eyssen. Directing is only one of his many talents. His current series was inspired by a book of family photos. There are two components. One is 61 Live: Video Projection (with audio from the John Schlesinger documentary, Terminus, 1961). To access the video, click the button below and type the password ’61’. Second is a series of prints, which are also available for sale. If interested in buying, contact me, and I will connect you to David.

Happy Weekend! Love,
Maria and Team Sojourn
Learn More About Us | +800-869-0538

Special thanks to Astrid Martin, article and video content research, and Michael Tobias, editorial review and formatting, for their ongoing contributions to 8 Good Things.

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