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Hello! Maria Baltazzi here. 
P.S. The Future of Travel in the Covid-19 Era. What you need to know. P.S.S. Please share 8 Good Things with your family, friends, and colleagues. 
July 09, 2021 
The Practice of Freedom As a salute to this past 4th of July. A reflection on what it genuinely means to be free from a mindfulness point of view. You are free when no longer controlled by conscious and unconscious desires to keep grasping for what you want. When you face your fears instead of turning away from them. You can regulate your fears and desires by gaining greater awareness and insight into your motivations through meditation, cultivating patience and love, and consciously avoiding harming yourself or others. Find out more from the Queen of Meditation, Sharon Salzberg. Discover this article from TEN PERCENT HAPPIER. 
What Did COVID Do to Friendship? This past year has indeed put a spotlight on friendship. Who we define as friends, how we spend time with them, and the value we place on friendship itself. There were definitely people I let go of and others I cherished even more. And oddly, many have found there was a unique kind of intimacy in being distant. 
How to Stop Ruminating and Find Peace in the Present Moment When you notice that you are ruminating on unproductive thoughts, simply shift your focus to your breath, a mantra, or a centering word, like peace. Those who have a meditation practice eventually learn to become the observer of their thoughts versus identifying with them and more easily let pesky thoughts go. Even an obsessive thinker can learn to do this too. 
How to Think About Pleasure “It’s complicated.” Consider: Pleasure is everywhere, yet, really, what is it beyond a fundamental part of our existence that we experience? What about pleasures of the mind versus body, and which one is better or do they need to be? Some say pleasure is the absence of pain. Then, there is the pleasure you enjoy in others. Philosophers through the ages offer insights. However, it ultimately comes down to your perception of pleasure and what works for you, especially as we define our new normal. Discover this article from PSYCHE. 
The 18 Best Motivational Podcasts That Could Change Your Life From Career Motivation to Happiness and Mental Health Motivation to Financial Wellness Motivation to Physical Health Motivation to Dating and Relationships to Productivity to Home and Family. I am sure you will find something to get and keep you going as we re-emerge from our lockdown world. Discover this article from MASHABLE. 
Explore the New Seven Wonders of the World If you are Indiana Jones’ing to get out into the world, though away from crowds, here are some very cool, less-traveled places. Think: Antequera Dolmens, the Spanish version of Stonehenge. The ancient Roman ruins in Baalbek, Lebanon. Experience falls twice the size of Niagara in Nahanni, Canada. Ancient Aboriginal Rock Art in Australia. The kelp forests of South Africa. Then there are the megalithic Easter Island-esque statues of San Agustin, Colombia. Finally, the fifth century A.D. palace that is both a human-made and natural wonder in Sigiriya, 
The 2021 Gold List 1) The Best Hotels and Resorts in the World. 2) The Best Hotels and Resorts in the U.S. and Canada. 3) “Our” Favorite Hotels in the World. These three lists will definitely spark your wanderlust! Discover this article from CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER. 
A Man, a Dog, a Walk Around the World The year was 2015. Tom Turcich was thirty-two years old and wanted to circumnavigate the planet on foot with his rescue puppy Savannah. This is his “excellent adventure” to date and what he has learned traveling as a white guy from New Jersey. Discover this article from AFAR. Sojourn Getaways
I have thoughtfully designed a pilgrimage covering the last 100 kilometers of the Camino de Santiago’s most popular route, The French Way. I chose this route because it is doable for almost anyone, no matter their age. So what is unique about this pilgrimage this year? First, it is a holy year, which only happens once every eleven years when St. James’ feast lands on a Sunday. Second, a special door of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is open for pilgrims to pass through, and all misdeeds are forgiven. 
Two of the hidden gems of Africa are Zambia + Malawi. We have partnered with our Experience Specialist Mike Varndell to curate and guide a photographic safari. This trip combines everything you want in an African adventure through a mindful lens. Indeed, an inner and outer journey you will always remember. Please join me for this unique small group sojourn. Picture Perfect
Strawberry Supermoon: Thoughtful
Stay safe. Stay well. 
Maria Baltazzi ABOUT Every three weeks, 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 Picture Happiness: Take a Shot, which focuses on the art and science of happiness and mindfulness. The second is Sojourn Explorers, which curates transformational travel experiences to extraordinary places around the globe. Part of the money for each trip goes to nonprofit organizations we support. The Sojourn Media Group looks to create partnerships with writers, producers, and directors to get their projects sold 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 
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