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Hello Sojourners!

I hope this edition of 8 Good Things finds you safe and healthy and managing to enjoy what remains of this season. Are we already bumping into September? Even though most of us are staying close to home, my goodness time has flown. Though I know, many are missing travel. I know I am. So, I am highlighting several ideas to consider for those wanting to venture out, or if you just want to vicariously travel through words. There is an article about life lessons from Sir Richard Branson, one of my favorite socially conscious entrepreneurs. Tips on keeping healthier and happier. A list of memoirs by Black authors. And some pearls of wisdom from the beloved Dr. Jane Goodall. Keep scrolling down after the articles to see our Sojourn Getaway, details about a new online mindfulness course I am offering, and other fun and useful links.

I also want to share here a video that showcases some of the current COVID-19 research being done by a forward-thinking university in Israel, Technion. More than 50 labs focus on vaccine research and therapeutics, personal protective equipment, diagnostics, and assistive technologies for healthcare providers. You may find the six and a half minute watch worthwhile.

Finally, the latest update on my 1000 CharityMiles walk for Stand Up To Cancer. As of this writing, I am 662.92 miles into my journey. I am walking to support patients and caregivers with COVID-19. Your donations are meaningful. Even pledging one-cent per mile makes a difference. I am grateful for everyone’s support. The easiest way to sponsor this walk is to go to my GoFundMe pledge page.

8 Good Things is a curated newsletter of inspirational and informational articles, videos, and quotes. If my thoughts about an article or video interest you, please click the ‘source’ button (e.g., NEW YORKER) to learn more. If you come across a story you would like me to consider sharing, please send it to explorer@sojourn-intl.com. This newsletter comes out once every three weeks.

Inquire About Travel Destinations

1Here’s How To See Auroras — From The Great Lakes. It turns out you do not have to go all the way to Iceland or the Arctic Circle to see these otherworldly Northern Lights. If you are in the Upper Midwest or want to travel there, you just may have a chance to see this annual phenomenon. If you are really fortunate, you may see the aural oval in Chicago or Cleveland, where I was born and lived until I went off to college. Peak sighting conditions are on a clear night with no full moon lighting up the sky. You want as little light pollution as possible. I only glimpsed these lights once when I was producing a television show in Alaska. It was spectacular to see.

2Why Is Anyone Going to Disney World Right Now? I think the answer speaks to places we are missing and willing to visit during this time. As many feel the pull to venture beyond the walls of our homes, we can do one of three things: take part in the re-opening of places we love, adapt to how we experience places we love, or keep waiting for places to have an ‘all clear.’ This article points to people willing to take measured risks to return to places where they feel a sense of security and happiness. For some, it is Disney World. For others, it is our public beaches or national parks. What Disney fans talk about is the fantasy park being associated with memories that feel good. It reminds them of a time and place where they felt a sense of joy. Such a place like Disney World becomes a blissful touchstone, their happy place. While Disney World may not be your brand of happiness, I think the idea is valid for wherever you are longing to go and why. We want to be in physical places that tap into our inner happy place.

3The Best Road Trips To Take In The U.S. Before You Think About Going Abroad. While many of us are not traveling around the world right now, or even getting on planes, that does not mean domestic road tripping is off the table. Here are some ideas on how to still enjoy what is left of the summer. At the top of the list is a journey through my current home state of California. The drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, especially the farther north you go, is stunning. Its winding roads are fun in a sports car or on a motorcycle! Though I am opting for a van road trip before the winter; camping, doing some photography, and writing will be a welcomed change from looking at the walls of my home in Los Angeles. I can feel the soothing negative ions now.

49 Essential Steps for Planning a Family Trip During COVID-19. Top three recommendations: read up on travel restrictions, check-in with your doctor, and know everyone’s risk status.

Inquire About Being Happy

5Seven Life Lessons From My Dad. I have long been a fan of Sir Richard Branson, appreciating how he has used his brand, his name, and his wealth to do good works in this world. This is a daughter’s reflection on her dad as he turns seventy. The top three life lessons: always be present, respect everyone’s right to be who they want to be, and when you feel you can’t, know that you can. Find out the other four. Btw, this is a man who has shown that fun, work, good works, and family can co-exist. It is not about work-life balance. It is about work-life integration.

6How Hope Can Keep You Happier and Healthier. Amidst the daily and ever changing uncertainty, many struggle with keeping their sights on hope, though it may be the very antidote you need. Especially during the moments when you worry about your industry, your business taking a long time to come around again, if it ever does. Two of my primary sources of business are not happening now; television shot on location and international travel. However, what keeps me buoyed? My attitude of gratitude and hope. This article defines hope as “a can-do attitude and a belief that we have a pathway to our desired outcome.” I agree. If you are low on hope, know that you can intentionally develop it. Here is how: one, watch or read a motivational speech. Two, engage with a religious or spiritual community. Three, forgive — this is a big one. Four, choose a “hero of hope.” Perhaps think Barack Obama, Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi. All modern leaders of hope and change. Take inspiration from their lives for yours.

Inquire About Media Partnerships

78 Memoirs by Black Authors that Celebrate Joy and Help Paint a Fuller Picture of the Black Experience. These authors share a powerful and inspiring outlook on the Black experience that we do not often read or hear about, Black joy. These are books that are inspiring for any reader. Pulitzer Prize finalist and poet Elizabeth Alexander writes about her journey to hope after her husband’s sudden death in The Light of the World. Megahit American TV producer and screenwriter Shonda Rhimes shares her opportunities and challenges in Year of Yes. Baltimore Ravens’ lineman John Urschel recounts how he got his PhD in mathematics at MIT while playing ball in Mind and Matter. Find out about the others.

8Every Day You Live, You Impact the Planet. Just when you need inspiration about purpose, Dr. Jane Goodall appears. In conversation with the head of TEDTalks Chris Anderson, Jane tells the story of her formative days working with chimpanzees, how she transformed from a revered naturalist into a dedicated activist empowering communities around the world to save natural habitats.

Sojourn Programs

L.O.V.E.S.   |   Coping With Uncertainty   |   7 – 8:15 pm
Wednesdays: Sept 16th, 23rd, 30th + Oct 7th
This 4-part online course uses the basic principles of mindfulness toward coping with these uncertain times. Each session will cover at least one of these topics: mindfulness of the breath, mindfulness of the body, mindfulness of thoughts and emotions, mindfulness of events and situations. The intention is to create a safe container where you can practice mindfulness and express what is on your mind using the acronym L.O.V.E.S.: L. What is the status of life right now? O. What are the perceived obstacles or opportunities? V. What are your victories? E. What will elevate you? S. What kind of support do you need? Suggested COVID Cost: $45. If finances are a concern, pay what you can. All are welcomed. No one will be turned away.

Part of The Sojourn Experience’s mission is to help our community cultivate a healthier mind, body, and spirit. While we are all staying a social honoring distance apart, I would like to share some other offerings to support your pandemic self-care.

First are a downloadable PDF guide and recording of my Love, Gratitude meditation practice. Two things we can all use a lot of right now, and always.

When you download the PDF, you can enroll for free in my self-paced online course, Happiness: Art of Life Balance.

Sojourn Getaway Special

Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp   |   Tanzania
One of the most spectacular places for viewing African wildlife is in the Ngorongoro Crater. It is the dry season through October. Typically, it would be the busiest time of the year. Though, as you can imagine, things are drastically different this year. Suppose you are willing to get on a plane. In that case, I suggest staying at this cozy tented camp, set in a beautiful acacia forest. This location is excellent for giving you a headstart in the morning to see wildlife because you are already in the Crater, instead of driving to it like most of the other camps in the area. 

Special Guest Invitations   |   Through March 2022


Twenty-five percent discount for stays of four nights or more.
Fifty percent discount on the second night of a two or three-night stay.
First child (5 – 15yrs) sharing a room with one or more adults is complimentary.

Honeymoon Special

Groom’s first night is complimentary. The bride enjoys a fifty percent discount with a minimum five-night stay.

! Adorable

Underwater Diver has been Playing with wild seals for twenty years!
[Thank you for sharing, Gary Fiset!]

☺ The Art and Science of Happiness in Action
Creating + Recalling Positive Events

One, choose something you enjoy doing alone
and set aside time during the day to do it.
Two, choose something you enjoy doing with others
and set aside time to do it.
Three, choose something you find meaningful and
set aside time during the day to do it.
Four, at the end of the day, write about what happened
during and after each of these activities.

Why this works: Doing a range of activities can help from getting used to doing the same thing over and over, giving you less satisfaction. Also, combining different events that bring you happiness will improve your overall happiness versus merely experiencing one kind of happiness. Finally, when you look back on doing these activities, you are more likely to store these experiences to call upon at another time when maybe you could use a boost.
Time Required: one or two days    Frequency: as you feel inspired

” Thoughtful

“In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter,
and sharing of pleasures.
For in the dew of little things the heart finds
its morning and is refreshed.”
~ Khalil Gibran

Stay safe. Stay well.
Maria and Team Sojourn
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