DJ Trava

Archive for August, 2009

I’ve been researching the healing qualities of South Africa’s indigenous plants. Many cosmetic companies have already been using the South African indigenous plants for decades. But, my interest is for my own curiosity and practice. As I live in comfort in one of the luxury hotels South Africa has to offer, I also, go out into the hot and humid nature reserves to do on-site research. I’ve been studying the healing properties of plants all my life. My mother was a healer in her community and I would go with her on her nature walks where she would actually talk to the plants, and ask them for permission to use their roots or leaves or stems. As a child, I never understood this part of her practice, but now that I’m an adult and am a doctor of natural medicines, I can appreciate just how much she respected all life, all lifeforms.

I’m more interested in skin care and skin repair. I’d like to create a product that will actually restore damaged skin tissue. Either from damage from the sun to damage from a fire or chemical burn. I’m looking for a plant my mother used on burn patience, she’d apply a balm from a particular plants root and then put the plants leaves on top of the balm. The village where she worked had no medical doctors. So, she was kept very busy, but I remember when she’d apply the balm, the burn patients pain would subside and the healing began right away. Through my studies, I’ve found that the balm helped protect the skin from any more water loss and also acted as a pain reliever. Plus, just being around my mother was a peaceful, calming experience, that any person coming with in her aura was put at ease. My mother told me, that healing can only begin when the patient is at easy with the world.

South Africa, I hope, will always keep it’s knowledge of healing plants alive by, as it’s starting to do, maintaining and protecting it’s abundance of natural remedies found in nature.

The company I work for arranged for my department to fly to Australia and stay at one of the top Melbourne hotels where we will participate in a drumming experience for team building and leadership training. There are 27 people in my department, that’s quite an expense for our company to make us learn how to drum. We were all laughing when we got the memo, but, any chance to go to Melbourne, Australia, even if it is with all my fellow co-workers, sounded good to me.

When we all assembled at a conference room in the hotel, I had no idea what to expect. The facilitators put us at ease right away and told us that by drumming together has been scientifically proven to help boost our immune system, relieve stress and is an unbeatable ice-breaker because it requires team work and it will motivate, inspire, empower and unify our whole department. Of course they knew what our first question was, ‘how will drumming do this?’ and they were prepared with an answer: they told us to consider the pure and simple musical elements which are the building blocks of music, drumming and percussion. Those elements are rhythm and harmony, melody and pitch. But, they also included timbre into the mix which is more a dynamic rather than an element.

They continued to explain that the elements and timbre have the potential for promoting and inducing relaxation, peace, calmness, energy and rejuvenation. All are a part of healing. The very elements and dynamics of percussion and music have been used the world over to induce healing. The healing does not refer to the healing of bleeding skin, or other physical traumas, though it may help with how quickly these ailments heal. Rather, the healing refers to developing a greater sense of well being. They told us that whatever state a person is in, that combining the elements of music and the dynamics of percussion, will only increase the sense of well being and relaxation, so then it can be said that a healing has occurred. So, the art of drumming is an ideal healing art.

But, we had no idea what this had to do with building up are team. They handed us our drums and told us that by the end of the day, we should have created a piece of music, all percussion, that we would be proud to play at any symphony house. I’ve never had so much fun in my life. My whole department, every single person all worked so well together and we even found out that some of our team mates were very talented drummers! We worked through the whole day, not even noticing the time, we enjoyed everyones input (drumming) and tried to figure out how to incorporate everyones own sense of rhythm into our creation, our symphony of percussions. When we got to play our piece in front of the facilitators, we were all beaming with smiles and totally paying attention to all the nuances and changes in rhythms anyone brought into the piece. We all just flowed with the beat. When it was over, I noticed a few of my team mates were crying. From that day on, I knew my department now had the means to work in harmony together.

Our ego can get the better of us if we are not careful and aware of how we act out of ego. While in the room of my luxury hotels Dubai UAE I watched a particularly funny British sit com episode that revolved around ego. The scene was a man entering a party and engaging in small talk with others at the party. He was clearly baiting the conversation around to talk about occupations. When asked what he did he stated he was a doctor. When pressed further for what type of doctor he states with all kinds of puffy egoness that he is a brain surgeon. He than asks one of the other party guests what they did and once they state their occupation this first character says ‘Well that isn’t exactly brain surgery, is it?” This plays out once more with another party guest when another man joins the party and the Dr and this man begin to converse. Again the Dr is dragging the conversation around to occupations. The new man at the party final say what is it you do and the Dr tells him he is a bran surgeon. The Dr then asks the other man what he does, he states he is a scientist. The Dr then asks what type of science. The man answers ‘I’m a rocket scientist’ and continues on with ‘…and your a brain surgeon? hmmm not exactly rocket science is it?” The exchange was amusing and funny but very telling on how we puff our selves up with self importance for out ego’s purpose and that there is always someone else will to take a poke at our ego and deflate it. I like to interact in these situations with openness and try to let go of ego. not talking about myself and what I do unless specifically asked and then I choose to answer what was asked and not to elaborate too deeply as not to get ego involved.

What are some of the funnest activities to take part in on the beach?  Wake boarding perhaps? Or maybe surfing.  Many find it relaxing to fly a kite.  Well on the island of Mauritius, one of the most popular sports, that just keeps gaining in popularity each day, combines all three of these activities into one incredible pastime.  This is known as the sport of kite surfing.  Those who find excitement and enjoyment in a bit of speed, will find this to be one adventure that should not be missed.

There are eight locations on the island wherein one can take classes and rent the equipment necessary to participate.  This is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the beauty and the splendor of the island.  There are many opportunities to find accommodations in five star hotels.  Mauritius has become the kite surfing capital of the world.  As the thrill and the beauty combined are drawing those interested in not only learning more about the sport, but in just experiencing it all first hand.

One of the most popular spots on the island for the sport is Le Morne.  Some of the other locations that are just fine are Trou aux Biches, Baie du Cap Lagoon, and Ilse aux Cerfs.  In these locations the wind direction and the flat and smooth surface combine to make the best possible circumstances.  When taking a ride in these locations one should be prepared for speed, and those who are faint of heart or nerve, this may not be the ride for them.

The safety and the concern of the surfers is of utmost concern, and the best locations to take classes is from the schools that are registered.  If one happens to visit the island during the peak tourist seasons, these schools tend to book up, so plan ahead and make reservations ahead of time.  Throughout the year, the kite surfing opportunities are plentiful, however the best time for this kind of adventure is during the winter months.

While staying at one of the Singapore spa resorts and got to participate, unexpectedly in an impromptu teaching about the importance of touch. I had, mistakenly walked into an staff training in the spa area of the hotel. The instructor invited me to take a seat, so I did. The staff was getting a re-charging lesson so they can always stay fresh with all the hotel clients.

I learned that touch is an ancient form of communication and communion. It’s the first means in which communication with other beings as soon as we’re born and brought into this world. Soon, as the years pass by, the human touch is gradually forgotten. In its place are endless technological and non-human touches. At the most, human touches becomes verbal talking at a distance. Touch is tactile feeding which is through the skin. Being touched means receiving or as the instructor like to put it: eating through the skin. To touch others means to give or to  feed through the skin. However, at a certain point in this departure a return to the primordial touch is completely mandated by the very powerful and demanded forces of the sex energy. This calls for the preservation and propagation of the human race.

The loss and damage during this departure can be devastating. The human with all it’s instinctive, sex, moving, emotional and all the thinking parts are left in a decaying state of distress, pain and even hunger. So, the holistic touch is aimed to bring back touch with a faster rate and is more timely for the negative consequences of the departure of our endless, brake-less trains. Touch aids with redefining and remembering our own bodies boundaries and body image. Both in the physical and the spiritual realms. Touch aids in understanding of ourselves more succinctly as a four dimensional being.

So, for the spa staff, they were learning that as a result of a non-touching society their touch can elevate states of distress and promote a healing of diseases, personal growth and give a boost to our development of our potentials. By sensing, feeling and observing through touch exchanges, they will be able to understand the recipients.

The science of touch, the bodys knowledge and understanding can challenge those old worn-out beliefs and misconceptions that have been incorporated in the mechanical lives that are non-supportive for a healthy lifestyle. The communication of touch is one of the four physical dimensions that’s intangible and a supreme way to express an array of affection, disapproval or nurishment. There is a common physical touch which is normal, but that intangibility of that touch has such a great impact on the harmonious development of the human being and the human species.

Greater numbers in the elderly community in the United States drink more than they should.  Either neglected or accidentally looked over, those in the medical community aften miss out on the fact that older people consume more alcohol than is recommended at their age.
 
In a study done with Medicare, scientists discovered that about 9 percent of people with Medicare benefits drank more than necessary from the age bracket of 65 years and older.  The number of people used in the study was around 13,000 and provided a good example of the problem of alcohol in the elderly within society.   With numbers growing, alcoholism intervention might become a growing trend among older loved in families.

Other researches provided more evidence that not all of the elderly are experiencing these same problems.  However, the previously mentioned 9 present still pose a problem.  In a month they can usually consume 30 or more drinks and in just one drinking session, they can drink 4 or more drinks.  Most Medicare beneficiaries do not drink at all: 2/3 were found to be complete teetotalers.  no official studies have been done with medicare to check on the possible growing number of alcohol abuse intervention. 

Other statistics showed that those that do drink, drink within the limit that healthcare providers recommend. Researchers at Brandeis University found that about two-thirds of Medicare beneficiaries do not drink at all and 25 percent drink within recommended guidelines. But the remaining nine percent drink more than 30 drinks during a month or more than four drinks in any one sitting.

While alcohol abuse remains much more a problem within teenagers and young adults, the problem has been expanding for the elderly.  Yet little news or attention has been given to this problem by the media or the medical community.  But in many an addiction treatment center, there has been a definite increase in patients that
range in age from 65 and older.

“Taman Werdi Budaya?” we asked at the desk of the Hotel Bali Indonesia. The smartly dressed fellow in the powder blue Nehru jacket and ruffled shirt replied in perfect English. He sounded like he was part Texan, part Indonesian. “Well, lemme tell ya..” he drawled, and I could not tell if he was teasing us or not. No matter, we got directions he wrote on what looked like parchment paper from the nineteenth century and we were off to the train. In our room I had  boomed out “I want Malaysian culture and I want it now!” until Suzy told me to calm down and we would ask how to get to what is also known as the Bali art center. Suzy teaches art in high school and goes to art museums wherever she goes, and this trip to Bali was no exception. As it turned out the train let us fifteen minutes form the building, and we walked through the lotus gardens of the wonderful reddish building, heavy and beautifully decorated with Balinese symbolism. It was, well, and exhaustive display of Balinese art, carefully and lovingly displayed. Weaving crafts, work on silver, incredible paintings, and incredible blend of contemporary and traditional works of art. Kim seemed to really dig the digs here.

Later we decided dinner would be in order, and I had done my research, and stopped for Chicken with Balinese Spice, or, Ayam Betutu which is just fun to say, and even more fun to eat. A chicken is boiled with spices and chillies and somehow roasted to a tender, crisp tantalizing skin that was incredible. it came with white polished rice and vegetables. It came out so wonderfully crisp and brown, I immediately suggested that this was a true work of art, worthy to be in the art museum as much as any painting or sculpture!

Our five-star Madrid hotels are accommodations that meet the highest standards of the industry, and there are distinctive extras that set them apart from the rest of the pack.  Your stay here will feel like a splendid journey into the lap of luxury, with sumptuous feasts prepared by our world-class chefs, who specialize in innovation and tradition.  This is a heady combination in Madrid, where classical merges with the contemporary, sometimes almost seamlessly.  You’ll be dazzled by the magnificent design and style at our hotels, carefully arranged my some of the hottest designers in Europe, working to make your time here memorable and refreshing.  One decadent night’s sleep, and you’ll be ready to make new adventures in the beautiful city of Madrid.

Madrid is one of Europe’s more unique treasures.  With all the architecture, fashion, and style of a buzzing urban center, the influences of antiquity are also very strong here, and serve as a constant presence.  There is a sense of otherworldliness about Madrid, as if time were not exactly standing still, but certainly bending in unusual directions.  Perhaps this is nothing new; perhaps it’s not a product of the modern age.  Looking at the work of Goya, one gets the sense that he experienced this same strange effect of time on the human imagination.  For him, time was more impenetrable, working as he did at a time when there was so much upheaval, and his paintings are a visual history of Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Francisco José de Goya y Lucentes was born in 1746 in Fuendetodos, in the kingdom of Aragón. From a very early age he showed remarkable talent, as well as a remarkable blatant disregard for members of the ruling institutions.  In many of his works, then, the subjects he painted are often formally elegant on the surface, but are actually very critical, to the point where they become obviously foolish.  Many of these works can be found in local museums today.  Goya was certainly an iconoclast, having ridiculed the court, and law, and even the laws of human love, in his work.  His images are indelibly marked on the imaginations of art lovers everywhere, and visitors to Madrid can see some of his most intimate works, painted in the city that was his home.

When it comes to Thailand’s five-star hotels, Phuket can offer a splendid mix of convenience and decadence, and make any trip to this island paradise an exceptional memory.  Our hotels meet the highest standards of the industry, offering all the amenities one would expect from a hotel with the five-star designation.  Add to this all the pluses of the location, and there is a sumptuousness here that is out of this world.  Not only do we offer excellent world-class cuisine, prepared with some of the best secrets of Thai cooking and the pleasures of fresh seafood, there are also splendid exercise facilities, in-room entertainments, and a hospitality that is truly unique and local.  Phuket offers the benefits of exotic surroundings combined with the convenience of a globally-conscious urban area.

One might suspect that shopping here is superb, with international sophisticaton and local flair, and one would be absolutely correct.  One of Phuket’s more pleasant secrets is the Dharma Bum clothing store.  The enterprise was begun by two friends, Ann-Sofie Stehdahl and Susanne Nilsson, with the intention of marketing a kind of beachwear that is not only fashion-conscious, but also environmentally friendly.  Their lines of beachwear are designed according to international standards of hipness and sophistication, and also with the extreme practicality of beach living.  This becomes a splendid clothing line that has hippie undertones for casual wear, but is also suitable for a night on the town.

The name Dharma Bum might seem like a contradiction in terms.  It suggests both a devotion to conscious living, and a practice of compassion for all living things, but also suggests a laziness and ability to relax and let the normal concerns go pleasantly by.  This is exactly what the business partners are looking for, and, drawing on a novel by beat writer Jack Kerouac, Dharma Bums, they are designing clothing that is a lifestyle, a fashion choice, and a philosophy.  As part of their practice, clients who get tired of their old clothes can bring them in, and the owners will reuse the fabrics to create new constructions of beach fashion that speaks to the culture of Phuket.

For perfection in five-star hotels, Dubai has it all.  A gorgeous setting in a rich, cosmopolitan city, with the mysteries of the desert and the beauty of the beach, Dubai is one of the hottest tourist destinations of recent times.  Guest in our hotels will be treated to a sumptuous combination of old-world hospitality and new-world convenience, in accommodations that confidently meet the highest standards in the industry.  With world-class cuisine served up by top chefs, guests will experience a luxury that borders on decadence.  There are also hosts of extras, offering amenities that will revitalize the body and spirit.

Dubai has really started coming into its own in recent years.  With initiatives sponsored by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the city has been very successful in becoming one of the creative capitals in world culture.  One of these initiatives, not to be missed by lucky travelers whose dates correspond with the event, is the Dubai International Poetry Festival.  This is a week-long event that features a thousand poets gathered to speak their words, give lectures and symposia, and to take part in the incredible energy of the event.

2009 was the first year for the Dubai International Poetry Festival, and by all accounts it was hugely successful.  It was opened by none other than Wole Soyinka, the Nigerian playwright and poet who has won multiple awards for his writing and commitment to human rights causes all over the world.  The festival focuses on celebrating the capacity for poetry to transcend the limits of geographical borders, culture, and language.  Simultaneous translations were offered during the readings, to unify the crowd to the poets who came from all over the world, including Portugal, India, Germany, Venezuela, and all over the Middle East.  There are at least four more festivals planned for the coming years.