Mindfulness in the embrace of nature
How to calm your mind and take a break from internal struggles
The fast pace of life does not allow us to calm down, relax and focus on our own needs. Does this statement sound familiar to you? However, this is not really the case, because it is us ourselves that are unable to take a moment for ourselves and give our minds and bodies a rest.
Text: Manja in Jana Kovačič
What is mindfulness?
It is the ability to focus on the moment, to pay attention to thoughts, feelings, internal and external stimuli, good and bad, without trying to change, circumvent or judge them. Instead, you just observe them with curiosity and welcome them openly, with compassion and kindness. Through mindfulness exercises, you can learn to better control stress and anxiety. You can learn to observe thoughts and feelings, stimuli, without embodying them and reacting to them immediately.
This leads to a more peaceful life, less burdened by distracting thoughts and fruitless inner struggles and worries. Regular exercise leads to better sleep, less stress, more efficient work and even more harmonious relationships. All of this results in a more vital, healthy and fulfilled life.
For many a break at Terme Dolenjske Toplice means a new start
Mindfulness can be practised on your own, at every step, it just needs to be learnt with the help of a trained therapist. You can learn a variety of methods (several types of exercise, including forest therapy and meditation...) for free during your holiday in Terme Dolenjske Toplice, where you can also book individual counselling sessions and special treatments for relaxation and vitality.
Starting in a new, better way
In the surroundings of Dolenjske Toplice, in a landscape of mighty forests, meadows, vineyards, thermal springs and clear rivers, there are plenty of activities to choose from. With a sense of awareness of yourself and your surroundings, you can follow the path through the spa park to the nearby forest and the Sušica stream. Awaken your senses and experience how happy nature is.
Mindfulness in companies
Research shows that regular mindfulness exercises improve cognitive abilities, the ability to concentrate, self-confidence, and the ability to make constructive decisions and work well together in a group. It also reduces the negative effects of stress, leading to better mental and physical health. All of this leads to a more positive climate in the company or organisation and, as a result, to better achievement of the objectives and shared vision. It is therefore no coincidence that companies and organisations also offer mindfulness training to their employees.
Go on a relaxing getaway and learn about mindfulness at Terme Dolenjske Toplice
Meditation and exercises to increase mindfulness, relax and calm the mind at Terme Dolenjske Toplice are led by qualified therapists. Group exercise classes are free for hotel guests.
For those guests who want to try to resolve a specific issue and bring more harmony into their daily lives, there are specially-designed Zen and Anti-Stress programmes available. In addition to regular mindfulness exercises, these include a consultation and conversation with a motivational therapist, who helps you cope with everyday challenges and fears, and to plan the lifestyle changes you want to make. The therapist introduces you to several types of exercise and meditation, which are tailored to your individual needs. Visiting the sauna with the addition of a sound bath is also relaxing, as it has been shown to release tension and reduce the effects of stress. You can also enjoy an energetic hot volcanic stone massage, an energetic chakra massage and an Indian anti-stress head massage, all of which soothe and restore inner balance.
Zen programi po meri
For those guests who want to try to resolve a specific issue and bring more harmony into their daily lives, there are specially-designed Zen and Anti-Stress programmes available. In addition to regular mindfulness exercises, these include a consultation and conversation with a motivational therapist, who helps you cope with everyday challenges and fears, and to plan the lifestyle changes you want to make. The therapist introduces you to several types of exercise and meditation, which are tailored to your individual needs. Visiting the sauna with the addition of a sound bath is also relaxing, as it has been shown to release tension and reduce the effects of stress. You can also enjoy an energetic hot volcanic stone massage, an energetic chakra massage and an Indian anti-stress head massage, all of which soothe and restore inner balance.
The programme also includes a consultation with a nutrition consultant on the Zen diet based on traditional Chinese medicine and the importance of the five colours, five flavours and five fragrances in it. The Chinese associate colours with organs of the body – with the heart, spleen, liver, lungs and nerves, and they also associate them with the five main elements of nature – fire, earth, wood, water and metal. By consuming a varied diet full of colours, you will receive the right amounts of nutrients and ensure that your body has all the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants it needs.
A very important approach that enhances mindfulness, relaxes and helps to experience nature and the present moment in a deeper way, and is also part of the Zen programme, is the forest relaxation or forest bath.
This programme helps you relax and achieve spiritual and physical harmony.
81800 EUR
(per person)
Indulge in a revitalising getaway, where comfortable rooms, exceptional butler service, artistic experiences, and an inspiring natural setting await to refresh your spirit.
10800 EUR
(per person, per night)
Make time for you.
56400 EUR
(per person)
Mindful forest bath
Shinrin-yoku, or forest bath therapy, originated in Japan. It involves taking a walk in the forest in a slightly different way – it's a mindful observation of the forest here and now, without distractions. Experience the forest with all your senses – sight, hearing, smell and touch – and allow your world to slow down. A forest bath has many beneficial effects – relaxing, clearing and re-energising us. The forest is also healing because of its so-called phytoncides, organic compounds produced by trees to protect themselves against fungi, bacteria and mould, which are also excellent for boosting our immune system.
Terme Dolenjske Toplice offers something else for the body and soul – the designer Balnea Hotel**** Superior and Wellness, characterised by natural materials, a warm, homely ambience and, above all, art. The artistic team of architects Dušan Končar and Alenka Dešman, graphic and visual artist Zora Stančič and sculptor Primož Pugelj created a very special ambience, which evolved into a concert venue – a pleasant musical experience in an intimate atmosphere, by the fireplace.
Starting in a new, better way
In the surroundings of Dolenjske Toplice, in a landscape of mighty forests, meadows, vineyards, thermal springs and clear rivers, there are plenty of activities to choose from. With a sense of awareness of yourself and your surroundings, you can follow the path through the spa park to the nearby forest and the Sušica stream. Awaken your senses and experience how happy nature is.
Hotel Balnea***** Superior
Nature, the artistic ambience of the Balnea Hotel, the water and the soothing treatments provide impulses that naturally release the hormones serotonin, dopamine, endorphin and oxytocin. Because they evoke a good mood and a feeling of happiness, many people feel that a break at the Terme Dolenjske Toplice is a turning point or the start of something new and better.
Try a simple mindfulness exercise
Try to remember what the tea you drank this morning tasted like. Was it too hot or had it cooled down? What about the smell? Can you remember? Many of us are already on autopilot in the morning, when we get out of bed, already brewing tea or coffee in our minds, and when we drink it, we think about what's waiting for us at work. As the days and weeks go by, the moments that truly make a difference are rare.
To practise this, when you open your eyes in the morning, pause for a moment, stay in a lying position and consciously breathe in and out a few times. Focus your attention on your body. Then observe the sensations from your feet to your head and back again with curiosity, observe your body, there is no right or wrong sensation; do not judge, let your attention hover over them and just perceive them, and finally take a deep breath and start your daywith more awareness and a feeling of yourself.
You can do mindfulness exercises at any time. They help you to stop in the moment and reconnect with yourself, your environment and others. When we are mindful, we are even more aware of where and when our bodies are comfortable, and all this is then stronger more strongly imprinted in our memory, even of the physical.