I have a friend, who tried yoga—once. He didn’t like it. With terms that have been simplified from the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit and linked to English animal words like downward-facing dog or cat-cow, to sessions of prolonged controlled breathing through alternating nostrils or bending like Elastigirl, it’s easy to poke fun. Yoga is a very complex subject and its practice goes several degrees beyond a mere 24-fitness class.

Take it Full Circle 

Little Yogi Playtime

Full Circle Yoga, 1719 Main St., SLC, 385-528-2950.

“Your friendly, affordable neighborhood studio” co-owners, Steve Jones and Jennifer Rohn of Full Circle Yoga get it too. Gaining insights from other studio spaces and listening to what people were looking for, Steve explains, “We have no interest in getting rid of the spirituality but there are aspects of yoga culture that can be off-putting to certain populations. Our intent is to consider those sensitivities and then work within the remaining framework of yoga to help people access their benefits.”

As a studio space, they go to great lengths to ensure a safe space. What does that mean? Full Circle Yoga is set up with a student’s bill of rights, to fully disclose their intention that all should feel supported, safe and yes, loved. From Nidra to Vinyasa, Full Circle offers a variety of yoga classes including a once a month Sound Immersion class, and being curious, I recently joined one.

Prior to class, our instructor, Jenn Roney lit several candles around the large and dimly lit room. Once everyone was settled, she went on to explain that during class we were welcome to make a cup of tea, get water or take a bathroom break. She also called out that all doors were secure to inhibit disruptions and windows were also safe from incoming eyes. And, from a newbie’s perspective, her words put my mind at ease.

Take a Sound Bath 

“When we give ourselves the chance to let go of all our tension, the body’s natural capacity to heal itself can begin to work.” -Nhat Hanh

West Wind Sound Sessions: Tarek Weber, 262-496-9659

In the back of the room, Tarek Weber of West Wind Sound Sessions set up on the floor a plethora of different sound-immersion instruments, such as the didgeridoo, hand pan, crystal bowls, rain sticks, drums, tablas, gong and more. Tarek is a musician but views his work as therapeutic, sighting several scientific studies on his website.

The class went as follows: Jenn led us through a series of simple and slow yoga postures and stretches for sixty-minutes, giving permission to participate or opt-out as needed all while Tarek performed. The last 30-minutes were spent in savasana or “corpse pose” while Tarek continued his sound “play” (as he explains how it feels like to him). The combination of both yoga and music brought together something truly wonderful, and without question, I can’t do justice. The surround sound bath experience was mind-blowingly beautiful.

When it comes to things like this, many may question its worth and wonder, “Who in the world does this type of thing?” And while talking to Tarek and asking questions about the various instruments and more about his work, he shared a simple but meaningful response, “Sometimes you can’t explain why something works, but you’re happy, so that says it best.”

And after my sound immersion experience, I can’t explain it either, but things just went really well for me. Running into old friends, great day at work, overall just felt super positive. So I agree with Tarek, even with sound therapy being backed by science, the explanation doesn’t really have to matter, the happiness factor does.

To read more of our first-person experiences around SLC, go here.

Your flight attendant doesn’t say, “Place the oxygen mask on the stranger next to you first,” for a very life-sustaining reason. And, honestly being the season of mid-December, with the shortest, darkest and coldest days, it’s easy to feel bummed out. To preempt the conditions associated with “SAD” or seasonal affective disorder, I’ve attempted a few things to keep my chin up with self-care. For instance, with the shorter days, I started taking vitamin D capsules (you know, the sunshine happy vitamin), and, that’s been helping some. At home, I unwind by watching episodes of the holiday episodes of Nailed It! and Bob’s Burgers, frequently cuddle my cat and eat dark chocolate. Also helpful.

But I also need to share a secret. A trip to a local spa for a facial or full body massage is probably my favorite feel-better indulgence. And, with some experience, I can state that not all spa experiences are created equal. My recent trip to spaDAY 9th + 9th was a winner on all counts, with a great facial treatment that left my skin glowing (and got the compliments to prove it).

Got a big event? This is a must-do.

With the lift and glow that immediately follows, a facial from spaDAY would be a pretty great boost before a big event, wedding or photoshoot.

spaDAY 9th & 9th (and) spaDAY downtown: spaDAYretreat.com

Before we got started, esthetician Kassi explained that spaDAY’s “Glow & Go Instant Lift Facial” is perfect for all skin types (and, mine is a bit on the sensitive side). At their spa, they use Dermalogica and Phytomer, both reputable active professional skincare lines, along with a deep oil cleansing, exfoliation and ultrasonic extraction. Expect some extras, like getting zapped by their microcurrent device (to firm and tone) and LED light therapy to soothe and reduce any inflammation.

While I absolutely loved the facial, my favorite part was somewhat unexpected but equally fabulous. Instead of lying on a spa bed, I was placed in a zero-gravity “massage pod” which finely tunes to your exact body proportions, aiding in releasing tense spots all over, even the soles of your feet. It was like your typical massaging recliner from RC Willey only a whole lot better.

As the spaDAY’s owner Paulina Greaves warned me before my treatment, “Be careful, this facial is addictive.” And I agree. After leaving, with an added bounce to my step and a glowing smile on my face, I couldn’t help but think how this self-care added to my positive vibe. And like in an emergency, by choosing to place the oxygen mask on me first, I became more able to send those good vibes to all the faces I encountered (which were many) that day, and even possibly it rippled it’s way to you.

Wanna find out our top 4 steps to great skin in Utah? Go here.

Still don’t know what to get your loved ones this holiday season? Luckily for you, we put together an awesome local gift guide to make things a bit easier. Here are our top local picks for the 2019 holiday. Your friends and family are bound to love these thoughtful gifts!

1. Utah Camping Company: Give the gift of camping with a stylish trailer or cozy canvas tent stocked with everything you need for a perfect trip. Delivered to campsites across Utah.
2. sharpewerks: Handmade jewelry designed for everyday, while 14K gold and gemstones elevate the pieces for more formal wear. The juxtaposition of concrete with these precious materials challenges to question their traditional ideas about the medium.3. Stio: Cold weather doesn’t discriminate between town and country, and neither does Stio’s best-selling Hometown Down Hooded Jacket. You can pick one of these up at Park City Mountain Studio.
   4. Red Butte Garden Gift Shop: For the nature lover! Botanically-inspired gifts including fine jewelry, wind chimes, books, home decor and more. This holiday season make a resolution to treat yourself or your loved ones to the healing powers of forest medicine.5. The Children’s Hour: Old MacDonald had a farm and so can your family! We love this adorable barn filled with handmade horses and other farm animals from Tibet. This gift is guaranteed to provide hours of creative play. 6. Level Nine Sports: For the sporty one! Level Nine Sports is a leading online and local retailer of ski and bike gear determined to make skiing and biking accessible to everyone. They focus on the price so you can focus on the fun.7. New West Knife Works: For the self acclaimed chef! Knife art for the kitchen and field, Rocky Mountain made with a lifetime guarantee. “The Ultra-Giftable Knife… performs with power and grace whatever the task.” -Bon Appetit Magazine8. Every Blooming Thing: Give the gift of natural beauty. Every Blooming Thing has something for everyone, flowers, gifts and a gallery. Fun to give, fun to get. 9. Minky Couture: For someone who likes to get cozy by the fire. Minky Couture, founded in Utah, designs and manufactures luxury blankets for the entire family. 10. Glass House: For the modern one. Glass House is a happy modern design gallery and gift store with unique items, sourced locally and from around the globe.
   11. RubySnap: For the one with a sweet-tooth! RubySnap is an exceptional cookie bakery famous for using fresh ingredients and innovative flavor combinations. Available for delivery and shipping!
   12. Les Madeleines: A taste of Italy made locally using traditional methods. Panettone is available throughout December and makes a delicious gift for your loved ones!