Cover of Forgiveness

Every January, I look back at the previous year and attempt to evaluate it honestly. You know how that works. It’s the hard look in the mirror. What were the best moments of 2011? What were the worst? Where do I go from here?

I’ll be honest. Most years, my resolutions are very personal in nature. Exercise more. Eat healthier. Accomplish X, Y and Z. Spend more time with the ones I love. How about you? I think it’s our human nature to look at the New Year as a time of renewal and creating a better version of ourselves.

On a recent trip to Phoenix, AZ, where my husband and I lived for over 14 years, I was overwhelmed as I visited with friends I haven’t seen in several years. The universal theme of many conversations was the pain and suffering that comes our way as we journey through our lives. It startled me.

The older I get, the more I realize that we are all human. My friends in Phoenix are certainly not unique in their suffering. Along with our humanity comes broken promises, hurt feelings, misunderstandings, anger, bitterness, resentment. The pain of life is universal.

The healing from that pain is not.

I’ve known many in my life, including myself, who have held onto bitterness and anger. It colors one’s outlook with shades of grey, resulting in dark and desparate feelings of general malaise, depression, anxiety as well as very real physical issues such as high blood pressure. Even more painful is the continued bleeding of that emotional wound onto those around. The hurt begins to wound others, too. Maybe it’s family relationships. Maybe your children. Emotional wounds are far-reaching.

The Mayo Clinic offers “Forgiveness: Letting Go of Grudges and Bitterness” as a suggestion for maintaining a healthy lifestyle on their website. Surprising, isn’t it, that a clinic as well-regarded as The Mayo Clinic would suggest that forgiveness could lead to a healthier life? They are certainly not in the business of healing the spiritual life of their patients, but they acknowledge, by virtue of publishing the article, that there is a physical benefit to ending emotional pain.

Interesting that one of the final acts of Jesus was to plea for forgiveness on behalf of those who were putting him to death. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” Jesus said as he hung from the cross. [Luke 23:34] Even if you are not a follower of Christ, you can’t help but ponder the last words of a man who lived a life such as his. In the midst of unspeakable physical suffering, he held no resentment for being wrongly and unjustly tried and put to death. He simply prayed, as an act of intercession, for them.

Image via Wikipedia

I’ll be honest with you. Praying for and having a heart of forgiveness for someone who has wronged me is not my natural reaction. The journey from anger to forgiveness is a longer one for me, of course depending on the severity of the injustice. But what if…

…what if we offered complete and total forgiveness to someone…someone who wronged you in a huge way. What if?

I do not think we as humans have the capability of continually offering true forgiveness. Becoming forgivers is part of the spiritual journey God intends for us to take. And as we learn to forgive as He forgives us, then we will be forgiven as well. [For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14]

And so, as I dip my toe into 2012, my resolution is not my usual variety of live healthier, exercise more, laugh louder, or live better. Instead, I resolve to offer forgiveness more freely, even to the unapologetic wrongdoer.

In the words John MacArthur, “Forgiveness unleashes joy. It brings peace. It washes the slate clean. It sets all the highest values of love in motion. In a sense, forgiveness is Christianity at its highest level.”

May God give me the capacity to forgive.

Elizabeth Haynes Drewett

Elizabeth Haynes Drewett is a hormonal woman rumored to be somewhere between the ages of 30 and 50 and is the Managing Partner of SPRING Media USA, a boutique marketing firm in Ruston, LA that boasts clients such as Seasons, The Health Hut, and Portico. She received a BA in journalism degree from LSU and a BFA in piano performance from LA Tech. She’s the wife of C.P. Drewett, Jr. and mother to Langdon, age 13, and Reagan, age 7. As Miss Louisiana 1992, she devoted her year of service to breast cancer education. She’s a lover of music (choir director and piano teacher) and a lover of a good game (job experiences include PING Golf Equipment and the NBA’s Phoenix Suns). Her favorite things are an underdog who overachieves, a good laugh, a good book, a good word, and a good hair day. Follow her on Twitter @edrewett.

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching. Make her melt with a thoughtful gift from Seasons - The Spa!

OK guys…let’s flashback to Valentine’s Day 2011. It’s 5 p.m. and you are on your way home from work when you notice a vendor on the side of the road selling balloons and stuffed bears out of the back of his trunk. Shoot! She has been dropping hints all week but you have somehow forgotten to “do something special” for her. So you pull into the local Walgreen’s because surely they have something you could buy her for Valentine’s Day. Whew! You aren’t the only guy sifting through picked over cards and candy.

There aren’t many options but you think to yourself, “Hey, she will never know I bought this last minute plus she will LOVE this Sponge Bob card and tinfoil-covered chocolate rose.” You get home and present her with the drugstore treasures only to find out that she – in fact – could tell you put little thought into her gift and her face is getting that look right before she says “I’m fine” and starts vacuuming really fast. And, well…you remember how the rest of the night went!

Don’t be a stupid cupid! Give her a gift that we guarantee will knock her socks off (any other article of clothing is up to you)! Here are 10 Valentine’s Day gifts from Seasons – The Spa that will show her you are thinking outside of the box (of chocolates).

• The Dream Gift: Spa Membership. With the Spa Membership, she can pamper herself all year long with services like monthly massages, unlimited yoga classes, sauna sessions, and more! Starting at only $60 per month, we have 3 three unique membership plans to help her de-stress on a regular basis.
• The Romantic Gift: Couples Massage Class. Throw out the usual plans and join us on Valentine’s Day from 5-6:30 p.m. for a class in massage. Learn how to release tension in your partner’s arm, legs, hands and feet and use compression techniques on the torso. Only $35 per couple [$25 for Spa Members]. Class includes door prizes, hors d’oeuvres and wine from Portico Bar & Grill, and a goodie bag. Reservation required (We had to make your responsible for something).
• The Gift of Relaxation: Hot Stone Massage. Relax and enjoy a complete mind, body, and soul treatment with the benefits of a deep tissue massage without the deep pressure. This massage promotes healing and well-being on all levels by using hot stones. 60 minutes, $80.
• Gift For Him: Man’s Facial. This relaxing facial includes cleansing, exfoliation, aromatherapy, steam and extractions as well as special treatment for the beard area. 60 minutes, $65.
• The Beautiful Gift: Liftosome Facial. This firming, radiance-boosting treatment uses a thermal mask that shapes the facial features and diffuses energizing concentrates of Vitamin C and Ginseng. These active ingredients combine with a warming effect and fill the skin with new energy, restore its elasticity and regenerate new cells. 75 minutes, $95.
• The Perfect Gift: A Gift Card for Spa Services of her choice. She keeps saying she hates those crow’s feet around her eyes, but if you’re afraid a gift certificate for Botox might send you to the doghouse, then a gift card will be perfect! Available in any denomination and as always, wrapping is complimentary.
• The Favorite Gift: Clarisonic Pro, Mia, or Mia 2. Starting at only $119, Clarisonic’s innovative technology vibrates at 300 movements per second to clean, soften and smooth your skin. In just one minute, the micro-massage action brush head cleans better than traditional manual cleansing. Available in a variety of colors (Oh, No! Choices! Our friendly spa staff will help you pick the perfect Clarisonic!).
• The Gift of Peace and Quiet: Yoga Classes. Flexibility, strength, muscle tone, pain prevention, stress reduction, and improved breathing. Yoga provides all of these benefits and much more! 12 classes are only $100.
• The Hot Couples Gift: Sauna Sessions. Our Sunlighten infrared sauna has completely transformed the meaning of the word “sauna.” The state-of-the-art, no-steam sauna offers 7 times the effectiveness of a traditional sauna with added amenities including a DVD player. At no extra charge, book the sauna for you and your lovely lady. Starting at $15 per session.
• The Waterworks Gift: Prenatal Massage. This gift is guaranteed to make her cry the happy tears. Now, the hormones might have something to do with it, too, but we know she will love that you thought of her during this special time. The soothing essence of massage allows expectant mothers to feel serene, healthy, and comforted while helping to relieve common ailments of pregnancy. Packages start at $45 for 30 minutes.

Don't spend your lunch break in front of the computer!

For those of us who work, these hot summer months seem to drag on. If you need a lunch break get away from your busy schedule, visit Seasons – The Spa for these pick me up services:

1. Botox – You may have heard the expression “wearing your emotions on your sleeve,” but in reality you wear them on your face. Say goodbye to the evidence of age and watch your frownlines diminish and disappear with this simple and quick procedure. Results vary and usually last up to four months. Appointment time: about 30 minutes.

2. Photofacial – This non-ablative, non-invasive treatment can be performed on the face, chest, neck, arms, legs and back and is highly recommended for acne, rosacea, and skin rejuvenation. Utilizing Intense Pulsed Light, a specific wave length targets and destroys unwanted blood vessels and pigmented discolorations without harming skin and stimulates fibroblasts to produce collagen that replenishes what time and sun damage has taken away. Appointment time: about 30 minutes.

3. Microdermabrasion Facial – Suitable for most skin types, this non-surgical mechanical exfoliation removes the outer layer of dead, dry skin. Regular treatments stimulate cell regeneration and improve the appearance of brown spots, shallow acne scars, sun damage, enlarged pores, and fine lines. Appointment time: about 45 minutes.

4. Session in the Sauna – The infrared sauna has completely transformed the meaning of the word “sauna”. Our no-steam sauna offers 7 times the effectiveness of a traditional sauna because of its ability to penetrate human tissue. Weight loss isn’t the only advantage of a sauna. A sauna helps rejuvenate and heal the body as you simply relax. Additional benefits include: detoxification, pain relief, improved circulation, lowered blood pressure, wound healing, skin purification, immunity, cell health, muscle recovery, weight loss and more! Appointment time: between 15-45 minutes.

5. IPL hair removal – Hair removal with intense pulsed light is fast and very effective in eliminating large areas of unwanted hair. Light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair and converted to heat in the follicle. The heat damages the follicle and disables it from growing new hair. Excellent for areas such as the lip, under arms, or even the bikini area. IPL works best on darker hair, and is recommended in a series of four to six treatments. Consultation required. Appointment time: about 30 minutes.

6. 30 Minute Swedish Relaxation Massage - This is a soothing massage that relaxes and calms the body, improves circulation, and eases muscle aches, tension, and stress. Appointment time: about 30 minutes.

7. Cellulite Reduction with Smooth Shapes – This pain-free treatment uses dynamic laser and light energy with the ultimate result of tighter and smoother skin. Collagen is regenerated, circulation is improved and metabolic processes are restored. This treatment is recommended in a series of eight treatments. Consultation required. Appointment time: about 45 minutes (1 area).

8. Paraffin Hand and Foot Therapy – Experience this warm and relaxing therapy for hands or feet. Healing heat penetrates deeply and promotes relaxation. This therapy is ideal for achy muscles, arthritic joints, and rough, dry skin. Appointment time: about 20 minutes.

9. Eyebrow shaping – At Seasons, we use waxing and tweezing as a method of semi-permanent hair removal. Our brow experts will de-fuzz those bushy brows and leave you with beautifully sculpted eyebrows. Appointment time: about 30 minutes.

10. Ion Foot Bath – This safe, effective, and natural foot bath rids your body of impurities and toxins. The ion spa uses water as a conductive medium to detoxify and cleanse your body. Benefits include heavy metal removal, increased energy, pain relief, improved oxygen delivery, and much more. Appointment time: about 45 minutes.

Can’t get enough of our spa services and products? Become a Spa Member at Seasons – The Spa and enjoy our services all year long! For more information about the Spa Membership Program, visit our website or contact the Spa Concierge at 318.255.1155.

Bethany Cox, LMT & Certified Facial Reflexologist

Where did you receive your massage therapy training?

I received my massage therapy training at Natural Health Institute at the downtown Nashville location. It was such a rewarding experience, and my instructors were so supportive and encouraging. We were taught massage as more of an art than simply a technique.

What are the benefits of massage/bodywork? And how often should I get a massage?

Health benefits range from helping lower blood pressure and easing muscle tension to simply relaxing the mind and body. Muscle manipulation within a massage loosens sore, over-worked and tight muscles that can cause nerve impingements. It also helps move toxins such as cellular debris out of the muscle as well as moving important nutrients into the muscles and throughout the body. Sometimes the best medicine is a nice, relaxing Swedish Massage to unwind from a busy day!

What should I expect from my first massage visit? And do I have to be completely undressed during the massage?

Upon arriving at Seasons, you will be welcomed by our spa concierge and invited to lounge in our wonderful waiting area. I bring clients back to the massage area where I explain a little about the massage. I always want my clients to feel safe, relaxed and comfortable during their session and encourage my clients to disrobe to their comfort.

How early should I arrive for my massage therapy session?

I prefer for my clients to arrive between 10 and 15 minutes early for their session. Our lobby is very soothing and tranquil, which creates a wonderful pre-massage experience. It helps calm the spirit and any anxiety about a massage session.

What type of massage oils do you use and do they have any therapeutic benefits?

I use Young Living essential oils and lotions. These essential oils are 100% pure and have many therapeutic benefits. The essential oils help calm and soothe muscle tension with blends of peppermint, coconut oil, lemongrass, oregano and sweet almond oil. I have had advanced training in Young Living essential oils and techniques using the oils and would be happy to answer any questions you may have at your appointment.

Massage has to hurt to do any good, right?

Even a deep tissue massage should never be uncomfortable to the point of pain. There is a difference between “productive pain” and “ouch” pain. At the start of a deep tissue massage, lighter pressure is applied in order to warm-up the muscles. When those muscles are warm, they are easier to manipulate, and therefore, do not hurt when deeper pressure is applied.

Bethany Cox, LMT and client during a Hot Stone Massage at Seasons - The Spa.

How much does a session of massage therapy usually cost?

Our massage sessions range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes and the cost starts at $35. For a full list of massages and prices, please visit our Spa Menu page.

Can I talk during a massage? Is it appropriate to ask my therapist not to talk?

Conversation is common during a massage session, but that is not everyone’s preference. This is a time for relaxation and I respect the client’s time for a peaceful session. Clients are especially encouraged to verbalize if the pressure is uncomfortable.

There are so many types of massage, how will I choose the massage that is right for me?

Specific massage modality is decided by the client. If you have specific muscle pain, a nerve impingement, or are simply achy, then deep tissue would be a great massage! Remember, pressure should never be more than you can handle. Hot Stone massage is also beneficial for achy muscles. Instead of penetrating the muscle through pressure, heat from the stones penetrate in a more relaxing session. Swedish massage is a wonderful massage for relaxing and lowering blood pressure and high stress levels. The newest massage on our spa menu is the Raindrop massage. The Raindrop technique is wonderful for detoxing the body as well as easing back pain and specific tension around the spinal area. No matter what massage you choose, remember to drink plenty of water afterwards to rehydrate the body and flush out toxins from the muscles!

To experience any of our relaxing and therapeutic massages, please contact the Spa Concierge at Seasons – The Spa. 318.255.1155.

Dr. Nathan Goodyear

I am amazed at the number of clients that I see who are prescribed anti-depressants these days. I have only been in practice for 6 years, but I have seen these drugs used excessively to treat everything from PMS to stress.

The major problem with these medications is there are no long-term studies on the impact these drugs have on the body. Don’t forget that these medications have side effect profiles that rival the novel “War and Peace.

Aside from the litany of side effects, anti-depressants typically don’t treat the actual problem. And what I’m finding is that it’s not depression…it’s stress.

Sure, there are people out there that undeniably suffer from depression. But most are struggling with overwhelming stress. It is well accepted that 90% of doctor visits today are due to stress or some stress-related condition.

Let’s look at physiology to see how stress affects the body.

Our stress response is a protective mechanism. It is our body’s way to help us run from that tiger or turn and fight that tiger. It is our fight or flight response. Therein lies part of the problem.

We aren’t running from any tigers, at least not on this continent. But our stress level is constant and higher than ever…bills, economy, family. From the time we wake up to the time we go to sleep, we are under stress. The body doesn’t know the differences between types of stress — whether tiger chase or financial pressure — it just responds to the stress.

We cannot discount the impact of stress on the body. The stress response comes from our adrenal glands. Epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol, and DHEA are the main components of the stress response. Under intense stress, our body releases norepinephrine and epinephrine. These neurotransmitters stimulate cortisol and DHEA release from the adrenal glands. This results in dilated pupils, fast heart rate, edginess…all physical manifestations of the fight or flight response.

It doesn’t stop there. That same long-term elevated cortisol will cause a depletion of the stimulators norepinephrine and an inverse drop in the serotonin levels. And THAT is the cause of depression.

The extended exposure to stress is the problem. And the band-aid solution of treating with anti-depressants is not a good solution.

The alternative? As a metabolic specialist, my approach is to support the the body’s stress response with a customized prescription of vitamins, minerals, bioidentical hormones, amino acids first. Then, we develop a healthy living plan that will help reduce stress and restore the body to normal function so that it is no longer non-functional from extended periods of stress overload.

While exercise and proper nutrition go a long way, the long-term affects of a stress-filled life require customized medical care to reverse their effects. And that’s what we do here at Seasons Wellness Clinic – customized wellness.

Cheers to the pursuit of wellness!

Related articles

• Cortisol and Stress: How Cortisol Affects Your Body, and How To Stay Healthy in the Face of Stress (stress.about.com)
• Stress (room4truth.com)
• Describing the Function of Adrenal Glands: A Study Guide (brighthub.com)

You know, the hardest part about Christmas shopping is focus. Five little letters. F – O – C – U – S.

Why are five little letters so difficult?

5. It’s the sights. I find myself with a headache at the end of a day of Christmas shopping. Never fails. I’m so busy looking at things and reading signs my eyes hurt. I’m trying so hard to find the good deal, the perfect gift, something they’ll love and wouldn’t buy for themselves. By the end of a 5-hour spree on a Saturday afternoon, I’m at maximum exhaustion.

4. It’s the sounds. I find myself overwhelmed with the noise of indoor shopping. Fourteen years of living in sunny Phoenix spoiled me to beautiful outdoor malls, brisk air, and no roar of the mall in my ears. But alas, in lovely Louisiana, the reality of outdoor shopping is difficult with all of our rainy days. And my ears pay the price of hydration. I love being home. I love a rainy day. But I am not a fan of a noisy mall at Christmas!

3. It’s the smells. You know, shoppers beware. At Christmas time, stores know how to get us…they cook and offer samples. Or they light the Christmas candles…all of them. You are surrounded by clouds of pine, cinnamon, and fudge. If you weren’t hungry when you started shopping, you are now! Stomach growls. Churns. Grumbles. You are going to have to feed it sooner or later.

2. It’s the list. Agony. The list. I definitely do better when shopping with the list. I carefully list possible options for each person on my list. But the problem with that scenario is that you are faced with choices under pressure. You could get little Heather some American Girl furniture and clothes to go with her doll. But what if she’d rather have a hula-hoop. Both are on my list. But how will I decide with the pressure of a pressing crowd around me?

1. But the number one difficulty in maintaining focus during Christmas shopping. It’s me! For every one gift I see for a person on my list (that I can no longer see because my eyes are crossed, my nose is burning, and my ears are plugged), I find 10 things that I’d like to buy for myself. Ugh. Isn’t that just the worst part of human nature? I don’t want to think about shopping for myself. But I just can’t help it. That adorable jacket would be so cute for the staff Christmas party. Oh, those earrings would look divine with the jacket. And the shoes…I haven’t bought shoes for myself in…well, I can’t remember. And even better, IT’S ALL ON SALE.

It is absolutely maddening to me. My goal every year is to complete my Christmas shopping before Thanksgiving. That way I avoid the hustle and bustle and I save my eyes, ears, and nose from jumping off my face during a 5-hour mall adventure. But most importantly, it keeps me away from the great deals and temptation to come home with extra bags full of goodies for myself.

While I have great hopes of being done early, the truth of the matter is that my children have birthdays in November and December, further complicating Drewett life at end-of-year. While working THE LIST and buying gifts for friends and family, I must also space out the my kiddos’ gifts so that they are not so spoiled by January that I’m convinced they are from another planet. And, sometimes, the birthday planning foils my Christmas shopping just as I get geared up to complete it. Ugh.

Good news, though. I’m almost done with THE LIST. And as I write this, it’s not yet Thanksgiving. I think that’s a breakthrough. I do it this way to save my sanity…and my eyes, ears, and nose.

But, there’s one more reason I shop early.

More than anything, I want to truly soak up and enjoy the Christmas season. Advent is a wonderful time of the year as we celebrate and anticipate the coming of the Christ child. I want to enjoy the Christmas Cantata at church (mom-in-law and dad-in-law both sing in the choir). I want to enjoy the Christmas program my adorable kindergartener will be presenting at school (she’s singing “All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth” and her top two teeth are wiggly). I want to feel festive (and not exhausted) for all the gala celebrations here and there.

Elizabeth Haynes Drewett

And, I want to give myself and my family the gift of peace on earth. Yes. Peace on earth. I can’t give the kind of Peace on Earth that only a Saviour can bring. But I CAN give a little peace on earth to my family. Because when momma is stressed out about Christmas shopping, there is no peace.

To all my fellow shoppers, if you’re not done with your shopping yet, take heart. There’s always next year. And you can start shopping for next year on January 1, 2011. There will be lots of sales. And you’ll need even more focus! Good luck. Merry Christmas. And Happy New Year.

Dr. Nathan Goodyear

Seasons has hosted, on several occasions, Dr. Eldred Taylor, an international expert in bioidentical hormones. During his speaking engagements here in Ruston, he talked with men and women about lots of exciting ways to help manage their health. Dr. Taylor is a talented teacher, and I want to share the way he taught our patients about stress and hormones.

Stress elicits a hormonal response, he explained. In fact, 75%-90% of all primary care doctor related visits can be directly attributed to stress according to the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. It makes sense. When you are stressed, you are more prone to illness. That’s one effect of hormones, specifically cortisol.

Stress is a doorway to disease if it’s not treated and corrected.

Here’s what I mean by that. In nature, a zebra or horse running from a predator has acute stress response. Does the stress have a negative effect on the animal’s body? Sure. But the animal is running for its life. Either one of two things happen. The animal will get away, and the stress will end. Or the animal will die… and the stress will end. Either way, the animal is not going to suffer from constant stress.

But in contemporary society, many of us suffer from constant stress. When we experience stress, we too have a surge of hormones to help us fight or run away. You’ve heard of fight or flight. When we are running from a predator, everything works fine. The hormones activated by stress pump us full of energy, and we escape the predator. Or kill it.

But in contemporary society, sometimes we can’t kill our predators or run away from them. Sometimes our predators are coworkers or bosses. We don’t get along with these people, or perhaps we are intensely competitive, and it causes stress. Only we can’t escape these predators in the same way that a zebra can escape a lion. We have to fight with that coworker or boss every day. We experience the stress every day. Our bodies weren’t designed to handle this kind of chronic stress.

That’s why it’s so important to relax. Learn to control what you can. Learn to let go of the rest. I highly recommend things like aroma therapy and massages for relaxation. That’s why Seasons has developed a medical spa—because we want to do more than just help people who are not well. We want to help prevent people from getting sick in the first place.

Stress management is a good place to start.

That’s right. We do massage therapy for relaxation and internal healing. It’s one of the many ways we seek to help our patients’ through total wellness.

So how does massage therapy contribute to internal healing and total wellness?

It relieves stress. And stress kills, you know?

But more than that, we believe there’s healing in touch. That’s a lot of why massage therapy is so powerful. I believe human touch helps to heal us.

That’s why Seasons offers different types of massages. Traditional Swedish massages for relaxation. Hot stone massages. Essential oil massages. Athletic or deep tissue massages to help repair damaged tissues and muscles from athletic injuries and other kinds of injuries.

We cover the gamut—from helping people who come to us with strained muscles to relaxing people who are just stressed out and need a relaxing Swedish massage.