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8 Good Things is a curated biweekly newsletter of inspirational and informational articles, videos, and quotes. Content falls into the three verticals that are The Sojourn Experience.

Sojourn Explorers is about transformational travel and exploration. Picture Happiness is about conscious-centered living. Sojourn is about photography, storytelling, and the entertainment industry.

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

1What the Way of the Maasai Warriors Can Teach About Happiness. “As an outsider looking in, the Maasai Warrior’s happiness seems to reside in having a sincere regard for God, highly valuing their family, their supportive communal way of life and the gratitude they express, almost moment-to-moment.” An article I recently wrote.

2‘Transformational Travel’ is the Industry’s Latest Twist on Making Vacations More Meaningful. Transformational Travel Council Co-founder, Dr. Michael Bennett, believes “We want travel to be deeply experienced, and we think it’s a chance to change other people’s lives, both in transformation of the life of the traveler but also way beyond.” I am one of two North American Ambassadors for this council.

310+ Interesting Facts About Travel, Backed by Science. I am all about Number Four, “Happiness thrives when you spend your money on experiences instead of objects.”

4Just Do It: The Experience Economy and How We Turned Our Backs on ‘Stuff.’ More on how we are spending less money on buying things, more on doing things. The new status is in experiences. We are also less likely to compare our experiences the way we compare our possessions. Why? A fancier vacation does not necessarily equal a better time. Say ‘goodbye’ to being jealous of your friends on social media.

5Here’s Your Cheat Sheet to Happiness. The most talked-about college course in America is not about making money nor saving the world. It is about being happy.

6Being Near a Body of Water Makes Us Calmer and Healthier, Science Shows. Blue spaces are a good thing. “There is a clear correlation between close proximity to a body of water and better psychological and overall health outcomes.” Try meditating near the water. I recently did this with a group around sunset. Afterward, there were smiles all around. Ahhh, felt so refreshing, so soothing.

710 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About GREASE. 40th anniversary this summer! Did you know that the Fonz almost played Danny Zuko?

8Generation Wealth – Official Trailer | Amazon Studios. I saw a pre-screening of this documentary by filmmaker/photographer Lauren Greenfield. It is a raw, extraordinary twenty-five-year look at wealth, the illusion of wealth, and its impact on culture. “Generation Wealth, simultaneously a deeply personal journey, rigorous historical essay, and raucously entertaining expose, bears witness to the global boom-bust economy, the corrupted American Dream and the human costs of capitalism, narcissism and greed.” Truly, a documentary for our time.

” Thoughtful

“Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers.
The mind can never break off from the journey.”
~ American Author Pat Conroy

Sojourn Experiences

The Holy Land | December 13th – 23rd, 2018
This holiday season I have put together an extraordinary opportunity to travel to the Holy Land with the Very Reverend John Bakas of Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral. If interested, please contact me by August 8th.

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

I took this photo on the last morning of a recent trip to Africa — my favorite place in the world. 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 Studio pro along with my Mindfulness teaching. Please join us on a uniquely curated safari that will tap into your true inner-photographer. This adventure can be shared with a group of friends or done as a solo sojourn.

Sojourn Programs

Happiness: The Art of Life Balance
I am committed to helping those who sit in the overwhelm, continually feeling out of time and always stressed. As a longtime television producer, I have been there many times over and have spent a decade plus studying what to do about it. Now, I work with professionals, helping them get out of the crazy and into the happy (and yes, I still produce shows). I have designed a program that can fit into anyone’s schedule and joined at any time. For a complimentary session, please contact me.

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

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

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