1COVID-19 Risk on Planes ‘very low’ with Proper Measures, Harvard Review Say. Some hope for those thinking about traveling during the holidays. It is all about the onboard ventilation systems, wearing masks, and being super clean. And for those willing to venture out, I have highlighted some places under Sojourn Getaways

215 Best Thanksgiving Getaways for Families or Couples. Great ideas for several parts of the US. San Diego is number eight and just a two-hour drive for me. Get inspired!

3The Best Day Hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail. This is a companion piece to the one above. If you want to get out into nature, here are nine treks along the famous route between Washington and California. I want to do the eleven-point-two-mile Storm Canyon Lookout to Kwaaymii Point hike in San Diego.

4How to Host a Safe Outdoor Thanksgiving (and decide if you should). Close friends hosted a safe outdoor Rosha Hannah dinner this year. It was delightful, not to mention giving a sense of normalcy to a holiday. An article for those thinking about sending Thanksgiving dinner invitations.

58 Over 80: Fascinating Exploits of People in Their 80s and Beyond. In part, this article applauds that the US now has a President-elect that will be seventy-eight years old by the time of his inauguration. The most senior elder ever to lead our government. That shatters the current average age of retirement being sixty-six years (and two months.) Thank Goodness! I belong to the Explorers Club, where a good percentage of its members are over sixty, and I promise you, they are not rolling up the carpet. They live vibrantly and as an example for the rest of us. Anyone who knows me knows I do not believe in age being a limiting factor in life. Here are role models stepping into their dreams regardless of age. I love the centenarian world champ runner and eighty-year-old Everest summit-er.

6We’re All Going Through a ‘Lifequake’: Here’s How to Get Through It. We are collectively going through a major transition in our lives and in our world. What has been coined as a “Lifequake.” We are anxious about the uncertainty of the future. We are wrestling with a new normal that has yet to be defined. We are uneasy over in-person social connections. And we are completely Zoomed out. According to the author interviewed in this article, transitions have a three-part structure for them. First, mourning the loss of the world, we once knew. Second is the “messy middle,” where you get rid of what is not working for you and bring in new ones that do. The third is when you begin anew.

75 Foods You Can Eat to Boost Mental Health. Exercise PLUS eating healthy EQUALS improved mental health. And the foods can be fun too! Like eating dark chocolate to boost your mood.

8Remembering the Dark Magnetism of Sean Connery. The original and best ever James Bond left us on Halloween. Thankfully, he went peacefully in his sleep. Like many, I loved Sean Connery’s dark, handsome looks, a man who could have eaten soda crackers in my bed anytime. He certainly inspired my appreciation for a good martini, shaken, not stirred. Ah, sigh… Our tribute to “Bond, James Bond.” Articles in GQ (of course), the New York Times, and his films.

Sojourn Programs

Check out a film by my friend and colleague, Rob Bemmer, “The Mindfulness Movement.”  It features pioneers and thought leaders of this movement, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Sharon Salzberg, Dan Harris, Daniel Goleman, Diana Winston, and Richard Davidson. It is also Executive Produced by and features Deepak Chopra and Jewel.

Click this link to buy or rent. As a gift, you can use the discount code mindful10 for ten percent off. Plus, get four free videos, including a talk and guided meditation in Spanish.

Sojourn Getaways

Scubaspa   |   Maldives For those up for holiday travel, here is a dreamy floating resort in the Indian Ocean. It combines the best of diving with a luxury spa experience. The water in this part of the world is sublime, and the temperature is lovely year-round.

Special Guest Invitations   |   Through December 2020 Fifteen percent discount if you book travel forty-five days before arrival, including 2021 trips booked now.

If you travel December 19th through 26th, save up to $1870 per person. *Only one promotion applies.

Kuria Hills Lodge   |    N. Serengeti, Tanzania

Magnificent wide open spaces, teeming with elephants and big cats. On my last trip to Tanzania, I saw more wildlife at Kuria Hills than any other camp, which is saying a lot. There was an abundance of wildlife throughout that trip, though this location in particular. We had a chance to see a family of cheetah cubs, so sweet.

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.

Also, click this link for an article that lists the African countries open for tourism and their entry requirements as of October 18th.

Camino De Santiago   |   Spain September 19th – 28th, 2021

Taste what it is like to carry the pilgrim’s symbol pointing you toward Santiago, a scalloped shell on your backpack, and wish others who are also following The Way, a Buen Camino. This is a thoughtfully curated transformative journey covering the last 100 kilometers of the Camino’s most popular route, The French Way. This route is doable for almost anyone, no matter your age.

Picture Perfect Holistic Safari   |   Zambia + Malawi November 8th – 19th, 2021

I have partnered with our Zambia + Malawi specialist to design and guide a photographic safari that combines everything you want in an African adventure through a mindfulness experience lens. Hope you will consider joining me for this unique small group sojourn. It will give you something to look forward to next year. According to research, even planning a trip can boost your mental health.

Photo credit: OceanSky Cruises

Arctic Quest   |   North Pole Launches 2024

I am super excited to be offering this pioneer’s adventure to the North Pole in a modern airship.

Sojourn Invitation

I am an advisor for a courage movement called Scare Your Soul, and sharing our newest project, called “Lost and Found in 2020.” It is so powerful and timely given what is happening in the world. Until the end of the year, people are invited to share personal stories about life during Covid-19. These stories will be featured in a free e-book. There is a great contest too! The top ten entries will be recorded by you or a professional actor and part of an audiobook! I hope you will be part of this wonderful project. Here is the link: www.lostandfoundin2020.com

! Funny Baby Elephant Throwing a Tantrum Lately, I feel like this little one. Over twenty-two, five hundred thousand views.

Picture Perfect 10 Ideas for Celebrating Thanksgiving During a Pandemic

☺ The Art and Science of Happiness in Action Gratitude Letter

One, think of someone, preferably living, who did something that you feel incredibly grateful toward, yet have never properly thanked them. Two, write the letter with as much detail and feelings as possible. Three, contact this person to share the letter via Zoom or, if it is appropriate, in-person.

Why This Works: This activity affirms what is positive in your life. It reminds you of those who care about you, which makes life feel less lonely. It gives you a sense that you are supported and will create a stronger connection with this person.

Time Required:30 mins  |  Frequency: 3x per week

” Thoughtful

“What if, today, we were grateful for everything?” ~ Charlie Brown

Stay safe. Stay well. Maria and Team Sojourn Learn More

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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