Maria Baltazzi’s

April 1, 2022

Happy April!

This month’s issue is about gratitude. In the wake of all that we have been through these last couple of years and the current chaos in the world, many have found comfort in recognizing and counting the blessings we already have in our lives.

One of my favorite quotes that I live more and more by is Meister Eckhart’s, “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.”

 
I hope you find ideas and inspiration in this edition of 8 Good Things to help you live even more gratefully.

P.S. Please share 8 Good Things with your family, friends, and colleagues. 

Could the Solution to the Great Resignation Be as Simple as Gratitude?
A New Study Suggests Yes! 

A simple “thank you” matters more than you may think. Those two words’ impact on work performance can be profound. Find out what a “Journal of Applied Psychology” study reveals on this very topic in a recent issue of INC.

Why Gratitude Is Good

This 2010 article offers compelling reasons to make a practice of gratitude. I thought it was worth sharing. Gratitude affects us physically, psychologically, and socially. Four of the toplines are 1) allow us to celebrate the present, 2) block toxic, negative emotions, 3) make us more stress-resistant, and 4) give us a higher sense of worth. Find out more in GREATER GOOD MAGAZINE.

The Science of Giving: Why Being Generous is Good For You

It has to do with the same hormone released when you have sex, oxytocin. It feels good to be kind and often leads to other acts of generosity. Find out more in this fun and easy-to-read infographic from HAPPIFY.

How to Practice Gratitude

People who consciously practice gratitude report fewer symptoms of illness, are more optimistic, are more likely to achieve their goals, and are more resilient toward anxiety and depression. MINDFUL MAGAZINE has an excellent comprehensive guide about practicing gratitude to improve your overall wellbeing, from mental health to better relationships. I highly recommend at least skimming through it.

Want to Be Happy? Be Grateful

This 2013 TEDGlobal talk by interfaith scholar Brother David Steindl-Rast (now viewed over 8.6 million times) is one of my all-time favorites about living Gratefully. His message is that gratefulness leads to happiness, not the other way around. Every moment is a gift to enjoy and an opportunity to be grateful. Even when painfully challenged, there is an opportunity to rise to that moment and learn something about yourself, others, or the world. Brother David’s key to Living Gratefully boils down to three words: “stop, look, go.” Watch and find out what this means and how to use it to better your life.

5 Ways to Practice Gratitude Through Travel

Here they are 1) slow down to savor your moments, 2) reframe your perceptions and attitude toward new people and places, 3) listen to the local wisdom, 4) go beyond your limits to try something you have never done before, and finally, 5) consciously learn and grow. Within each of these suggestions is an opportunity to be grateful. Think about why you travel? So often, it is to see and experience something new, and that in itself is worth a “thank you.” Read more in TRAVERSE JOURNEYS.

How Traveling Taught Me Gratitude, Simplicity, and More

This traveler’s blog focuses on many things that travel has taught me. One of the most profound lessons for me is how just a few essential items are all you need to live, feel content, and be grateful for it. TRIPZILLA offers some thoughtful quotes and reflective points of view on the beauty of life, gratitude, kindness, simplicity, and our oneness. All of which I have experienced in my journeys to distant lands and intend to keep on experiencing.

Eleven Films That Highlight
the Best in Humanity

Every year GREATER GOOD MAGAZINE publishes a list of films that showcase the best in us. The focus is on stories about love, optimism, empathy, and other issues vital to our wellbeing individually and collectively. The Perseverance Award went to the Oscar-Winning Film for Best Actor Will Smith in “King Richard.” (Ironic, right?) Here are the rest of this year’s picks.

Sojourn Getaways

For years I have traveled as a television producer, then a marathon walker, and now an Intentional Travel Designer and Guide. I also have an extensive background in the study of happiness and mindfulness. Every trip I curate is unique, combining my experience and expertise into thoughtful inner and out journeys. Here are some of my tailor-made luxury travel experiences. I would love for you to join me. Or, I am happy to curate something special for you.

PHOTO: CAMINO DE COMPOSTELA SIGN, 2021

I invite you to walk the last 100 km of the historic Camino de Santiago in Spain (however, it starts in Portugal) with me. It is a beautiful way to reconnect to yourself, experience new challenges, examine limiting beliefs about yourself, realign your desires, strengthen longtime relationships, and maybe even create new ones. If you are ready for your next step in life, start with this  pilgrimage.
You can download the itinerary here.

“Thank you so much for sharing your vast experience, calmness, and energy to help us during such a crazy time in our world…Maria is very inspirational, 
and I am very grateful for her teaching skills!”
~ Diana, Business Owner (repeat guest)

PHOTO: KAYA MAWA ISLAND LODGE, LAKE MALAWI

My first visit to Africa changed my life. That continent still touches my heart each time I am there. That is why I have curated an adventure that combines immersive wellbeing practices and mindful photography into a profound inner and outer journey experience. You do not need to be a photographer, just open to seeing what is around the corner on a dirt road or lying under a tree. 

Included with your inner journey safari:

• Fireside wellbeing chats
• Mindful photography outings
• Science-based wellbeing activities
• Photo sharing and reflections
• Mindful movement and meditations
• Guided self-reflective time
• Creating a post-trip Life Map to keep you on your inner journey

Included with your outer journey safari:

• Game drives (day+night)

• Walking safaris

You can view the itinerary here.

Early Bird Special

$13,400 pp, double occupancy, save $950 off listed price until May 31st, 2022

“My trip was so well-orchestrated! Each detail was spot on perfect! I can’t thank Maria Baltazzi enough for making this experience so magical!”
~ Gary, Former Oil Operations Engineer

Set on 45,000 acres of untouched wilderness is the iconic Singita Sabi Sand, Boulders Lodge, known for its exceptional game-viewing. One could easily spend an afternoon hanging out around their private splash pool, entertained by the elephants outside their suite. The lodge design was inspired by the boulders scattered along its nearby riverbank. Here you feel the echo of Africa’s raw natural beauty. It was such a rejuvenating stay on my visit last October. 

Photo Op

This photo of me and my guide, Mazin,
was taken in March 2022 at a desert camp in Oman.

Thoughtful

“Give yourself a gift of five minutes of contemplation in awe of 
Everything you see around you. Go outside and turn your attention to the 
many miracles around you. This five-minute-a-day regimen of appreciation 
and gratitude will help you to focus your life in awe.” 
~ Wayne Dyer

Stay safe. Stay well.

ABOUT

Every month, we bring you eight big ideas to help you live better. Each edition selects topics that reflect The Sojourn Experience’s desire to serve the greater good, both inwardly and outwardly. We are a conscious-centered company with three portfolio brands. The first is Sojourn Wholebeing, which focuses on the art and science of happiness and mindfulness. The second is Sojourn Explorers, which designs intentional travel experiences to extraordinary places around the globe. Sojourn Media looks to create partnerships with writers, producers, and directors to sell their projects to production companies and various platforms.

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.

Let us know your favorite things from this week.

Share how your perspective changed this week.