Welcome to Living Your Intention!
 The transition to a New Year seduces me with its promise of a new beginning.It's like being given a second chance to accomplish what I didn't seem to accomplish in the year that just ended. THIS is the year I will finish old projects, start new ones, or re-invent myself!  When I was a child, however, my only awareness of New Year's Eve rituals was receiving the noisemakers and hats our parents brought my sister and me from a New Year's Eve party. August, not January, was when my New Year's Eve ritual began. It was the day my parents took me to get supplies for the new school year. The first day of school was the first day of my New Year and the tangible symbol for a fresh start and the opportunity to do better was a new notebook! It remained symbolic for me through school and into college and graduate school. I don't recall setting specific intentions or even thinking specifically about how my school year would go. I simply felt exhilaration at holding the promise of a clean slate, whatever that might mean.  When I started my first job, it took me awhile before I realized something was missing -- there would be no more new notebooks! To this day, the first day of the New Year never feels to me as significant a metaphor as did the blank pages in those new spiral notebooks.As an adult, I, of course, embraced the traditional New Year's Eve celebrations. And after studying Feng Shui, I have added the Chinese New Year to my celebratory traditions. I have replaced the notebooks of my youth with different opportunities to re-evaluate my goals and ambitions for a new beginning. Hinda
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Celebrating the New Year - Twice!
Tom and I prefer to celebrate New Year's Eve with familiar traditions: gathering at home with close friends, preparing favorite foods, having a toast, and watching the final countdown to midnight as the 1,070-pound, 6-foot Waterford crystal ball drops in Times Square .
However, I stopped making traditional New Year's resolutions when I learned about the power of intention principle in Feng Shui.
Setting an intention is about creating a course of action you will follow. Intentions guide action in order to change something in your life. Making a resolution tends to be a promise that you make to yourself to start doing something good or stop doing something that you feel is not benefiting you. The difference is subtle: intention is about "will do," and resolution is about "might do."
For example, if I resolve to work out 3 times a week, my inner voice challenges me with questions that seem to point toward unsuccessful outcomes: How are you going to fit that in to your schedule? Can you really prioritize this activity? Isn't it too much effort to get in the car and drive to the gym?
On the other hand, I can set an intention to improve my health. The overall intention gives me a reasonable framework within which to work toward the goal. When I set the intention, an inner voice questions: How are you going to achieve that? And I am compelled to provide specific answers and reasonable strategies.
So, I set intentions rather than resolutions. And the unique second step to support my intentions is to partner with the energy of my home and office. I place an item in my physical environment that will hold the energy of my intention; the function of that object is to help me hold my focus.
 As I learned about intentions, I also learned about the Chinese New Year, which plays an integral part in Feng Shui practice. There is so much meaning and preparation associated with the energy of each New Year in the Chinese culture.
The Chinese New Year is the longest and most important celebration in the Chinese calendar, rich in traditions, folklore and rituals. It is not exaggerating to say that its importance is equivalent to the Western Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year holidays combined. Preparations begin a month before when people start buying presents, decorations, food and clothing.
As we would before any party, a thorough house cleaning is an important aspect. What is different during this time, however, is the belief that all traces of bad luck are being swept away with the cleaning.
In the philosophy of Feng Shui, cleaning one's home is considered a ritual that honors our sacred space and its inhabitants. That ritual brings a certain reverence to what we usually consider a necessary chore. Another subtle shift!
Cleaning prior to Chinese New Year now takes on an additional meaning for me. I think of it as metaphorically clearing out any negative energy or bad luck that found its way in during the year and making way for incoming good luck. This is cleaning with intention!
 The Chinese New Year's Eve dinner incorporates foods that represent different good wishes including happiness, good luck, prosperity, and long life. This special dinner symbolizes family unity while honoring past and present generations. Departed relatives are remembered with great respect and their presence acknowledged at the dinner table.
On New Year's Day, Chinese families go visiting from door to door, greeting their relatives and neighbors. Any grudges or differences are cast aside. Another auspicious and harmonious way to begin a New Year!
 The grand finale, as with our Western New Year's eve, is to set off fireworks at midnight. The Chinese believe the sound of the explosions will scare away evil spirits.
Based on astronomical observations, the Chinese New Year is celebrated on the second New Moon after the winter solstice. It falls between January 21 and February 19 on the Gregorian calendar. This year, the Chinese New Year is February 3rd.
These ancient traditions take the celebration of a New Year to a deeper level. They remind us to acknowledge our ancestors and relatives, to honor our homes, to mend any differences, and to be mindful of intention as we determine the energy we want to call in during the coming New Year.
 This Chinese New Year we will join friends around a fire pit. We will be invited to write down the behaviors, attitudes, and/or habits that didn't serve us well in 2010. Ceremoniously, each of us will toss the pieces of paper in the fire, in a symbolic release.
 We will walk the labyrinth our hosts created in the snow as we spend thoughtful time discerning what we want our life to be in 2011. After writing these new intentions, we will toss them into the fire, also, calling in the positive energy associated with our purpose.
Afterward, there will be fireworks!
When Tom and I return from the celebration, we will perform several Feng Shui rituals between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. These continue the ancient traditions of renewal and welcoming in good luck, good health and abundance. We'll conclude by honoring our home with a house blessing. All three of us - Tom, myself and our home - will be ready to welcome the energy of the New Year!
May your New Year bring new reasons to celebrate,
and new journeys to begin!
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Set Your Travel Intentions for 2011!
Membership Travel is an Affordable Way to Make Your Vacation Dreams Come True!
Click Here for Details!
Dana Point, California February 25- February 27
PRICING:
DreamTrip Price: $250.00
Savings Over $400.00 per Couple
DREAMTRIP INCLUDES:
- 3 Day & 2 Night stay at the 4 Diamond Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa
- Private Friday night cocktail reception (2 drink vouchers per person included)
- Seminar For Success on Saturday February 26th (includes lunch) from 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Free Internet ($12.50 per day value)
- 20% Discount for resort Spa services is included
- All taxes and fees are included
- Must book your own airfare into Orange County (SNA)
- Discounted green fees paid directly to golf course on Friday
HOTEL INFORMATION:
Perched atop the cliffs of Dana Point, along the beautiful Southern California coast, the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa is an unparalleled oceanside escape. Feel inspired by nature in a casually sophisticated, eclectic guest room set amid lush gardens and sweeping lawns. Enjoy exquisite dining, first-class accommodations, and a myriad of ocean activities at this exclusive AAA four-diamond resort.
SECRETS TO SUCCESS:
Join WorldVentures Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer Wayne Nugent on a special DreamTrip combined with a day of training featuring insight to the secrets for success related to any business and insight on the future economy and how to get prepared for securing your financial future.
Singapore March 3- March 6
 PRICING:
DreamTrip Price: $394.00:
Best Online Price: $499.00
Average Savings per Couple: $210.00
DREAMTRIP INCLUDES:
- 4 Day & 3 Night stay at the 5 Star Rasa Sentosa Resort
- Buffet breakfast
HOTEL INFORMATION:
Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort is the only resort in Singapore with a beachfront location on Sentosa Island overlooking the South China Sea. Situated on Siloso Beach, the resort enjoys proximity to mainland Singapore, which is conveniently linked by a causeway. Besides numerous island attractions and VivoCity - one of the largest shopping malls in Singapore - the resort is minutes away from Southeast Asia's first Universal Studios.
Cozumel, Mexico March 3- March 7
PRICING: special pricing available to DreamTrips members only
DREAMTRIP INCLUDES:
- 5 Day & 4 Night stay at the Cozumel Palace
- Junior Suite accommodations with choice of 1 king or 2 double beds
- Round trip airport transfers
- All Inclusive
- All meals
- Domestic and imported drinks
- 24-hour room service
- On-site entertainment
- Non-motorized water sports at Playa Mia Grand Beach Park
- Wireless internet access
- Taxes are included
- $750 Vacation Dollars per room, see details below
- Must book your own air into Cozumel
- Must have a valid passport
RESORT INFORMATION:
Cozumel Palace All Inclusive offers 174 guest suites in a five-story building with elevators. Views are of the Caribbean Sea and the lights of Riviera Maya across the sea after dark. All accommodations are equipped with sitting areas, ceiling fans, and air conditioning. Other amenities include minibars (sodas, bottled water, and domestic beer), liquor dispensers. Most guestrooms feature balconies with hammocks and chairs.
VACATION DOLLAR INFORMATION:
- $750 Vacation Dollars per room to use towards the following activities:
- $150 toward Spa treatment
- Golf on the Moon Spa & Golf Club, Riviera Cancun Golf & Resorts, and Playacar Spa & Golf Club. Total of $750 can be used toward golf with transportation to course at members expense
- Tours-activities: Chichen Itza, Tulum/Xpu-Ha, Isla Mujeres, Coba, Wet'n Wild, Extreme Kingdom Zip Line Tour, and Swim with the Dolphins (at Wet'n Wild). Transportation for this activity is not included) Tours and activities are provided by the Palace Vacation Planners.
- Romantic dinner
- Upgraded wine list
- Toward the wedding of your Dreams
New York March 7- March 12
PRICING:
Dream Trip Price: $399.00
Best Online Price: $675.53
Average Savings per Couple: $553.06
DREAMTRIP INCLUDES:
- 6 Day & 5 Night stay at the Holiday Inn Express Madison Square Garden New York City
- Luxuriously comfortable king bed Leisure Room accommodations
- Delicious breakfast is included
- All Loops New York City Tour
- Must book your own airfare into either LaGuardia Airport (LGA) (Time by taxi is 20 minutes, time by train is 40 minutes) Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) (Time by taxi is 40 minutes, time by train is 25 minutes) or John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) (Time by taxi is 35 minutes, time by train is 1 hour)
HOTEL INFORMATION:
The Holiday Inn Express® NYC Madison Square Garden hotel's location places you near major businesses and top attractions. Business Center that features computer access, copy and print services and a meeting room. Located one mile from the Jacob Javits Convention Center, and a short walk from Penn Plaza. Leisure travelers are also sure to enjoy our prime location. Two blocks from Madison Square Garden, a half-mile from the Empire State Building and a mile from Rockefeller Center. In addition, Chinatown, Central Park, Times Square, Penn Station, the Theatre District, the Fashion Institute of Technology and shopping along 5th Ave are nearby. High-speed Internet access, Fitness Center and a delicious, hot breakfast, featuring our signature cinnamon rolls.
Palm Springs, California March 17- March 20
PRICING:
DreamTrip Price: $260.00
Best Online Price: $505.85
Average Savings per Couple: $491.70
DREAMTRIP INCLUDES:
- 4 Day 3 Night stay at the 4 Star Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa
- Luxurious over sized, resort view accommodations with private balcony
- $100 resort credit per room
- Kids Club Discovery Room available for fee. Each child 4-12 years will receive a Discovery Pack filled with everything they need to explore that destination: a compass, membership bracelet, disposable camera, canteen, and a collectible travel passport
- 4 Dining choices ranging from the full service Restaurant Bella Vista to the poolside grills (fee not included)
- Kids 5 and under eat free - kids 6-12 receive 50% off at Resort restaurants
- Three complimentary weekly activities: Fireside Storytelling, Stargazing and Movie Night
- All hotel taxes and fees, including the $27 per day resort free
- Must book your own airfare into Palm Springs
HOTEL INFORMATION:
Golf Digest just named The Westin Mission Hills as one of the top 75 Resorts in North America. Two championship courses are available to guests: the Pete Dye course adjacent to the resort and the Gary Player Signature Course. Due to the popularity of our championship golf courses, we recommend that you reserve tee times prior to your stay.
Seattle, Washington April 4- April 8
 PRICING:
DreamTrip Price: $425.00
Best Online Price: $551.52
Average Savings per Couple: $253.04
DREAMTRIP INCLUDES:
- 5 Day & 4 Night stay at The Edgewater
- City view accommodations providing a twinkling view of the famous downtown skyline, many with a view of the Space Needle
- Each room features gas fireplaces, pine furnishings, plush comforters, turn down service
- 24-hr fitness center on site
- Seattle CityPASS (2 per room); for more information, see below
- Must book your own airfare into Seattle, Washington (SEA)
HOTEL INFORMATION:
Nestled on Seattle's waterfront at Pier 67, The Edgewater is surrounded by the beauty of the majestic Olympic Mountains, the sparkling waters of Elliott Bay and the velvety-pink sunsets of the Northwest sky. Dine on the outdoor, waterside patio at Six Seven. Located in the heart of downtown, within walking distance to the city's favorite sites.
Funchal Portugal April 4 -April 11
PRICING:
DreamTrip Price: $963.79
Best Online Price: $1,137.97
Average Savings per Couple: $348.36
DREAMTRIP INCLUDES:
- 8 Day & 7 Night stay at the 5 Star Pestana Carlton Madeira
- Half Board (breakfast & an evening meal)
- Sea View room accommodations
- Flights from London Gatwick to Funchal and returning to London Gatwick
- Round trip transfers from the airport to the hotel (approximately 20 minutes)
- 20 KG per person baggage allowance and 5 KG carry on
- Must have a valid passport
HOTEL INFORMATION:
Pestana Carlton Madeira Hotel is one of the most sophisticated 5 Star Madeira hotels. Its unique location on the cliff tops provides magnificent views over the town of Funchal. The Pestana Carlton Madeira Hotel is situated within 10 minutes walk from the city.
Phoenix, Arizona April 14 - April 17
PRICING: DreamTrip Price: $519.00 Best Online Price: $723.45 Average Savings per Couple: $408.90
DREAMTRIP INCLUDES:
- 4 Day & 3 Night stay at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
- Elegant standard guest room accommodations
- Resort credit of $30 per room per night (valid on resort operated outlets - food & beverage, spa, golf & gift shops)
- Hotel taxes included
- Must book your own airfare into Phoenix (PHX)
HOTEL INFORMATION:
Ultimate luxury, unparalleled service and endless activities abound at this breathtaking resort, set in the beautiful Sonoran Desert with sparkling waterways and palm-lined pathways. Guests can enjoy four pools, a relaxing lazy river and serpentine slide. The resort offers ten different dining options and the Kokopelli Kid's children's program.
Revive Spa's 41 elegantly appointed treatment rooms offer a diverse menu of spa experiences and signature treatments. Water, being the main inspiration of the spa, will strengthen, heal and relax you.
Oslo, Norway April 14 - April 18
PRICING:
DreamTrip Price: $277.00
Best Online Price: $412.00
Average Savings per Couple: $270.00
DREAMTRIP INCLUDES:
- 5 Day & 4 Night stay at the 4 Star Clarion Hotel Royal Christiania
- Daily buffet breakfast is included
- Large twin standard room accommodations decorated in cool, crisp, Feng Shui inspired style
- Enjoy the plunge pool, sauna and mini gym
- Must have a valid passport
- Must book your own airfare into Oslo (OSL)
HOTEL INFORMATION:
Originally built for the Winter Olympics in 1952, this hotel is one of the largest in Norway. Numerous refurbishments throughout the years have ensured the hotel retains a modern style. Bedrooms decorated in neutral shades are contemporary in design and adhere to the principals of Feng Shui.
Tenerife, Spain May 21st - May 28th
 PRICING: special pricing available to DreamTrips members only
DREAMTRIP INCLUDES:
- 8 Day & 7 Night stay at the Costa Adeje Gran hotel
- Double room with a balcony overlooking the luxurious pool area
- Scrumptious full buffet breakfast
HOTEL INFORMATION:
Costa Adeje Gran Hotel is located in the South of Tenerife, an area with elite shopping centers and restaurants. This 5-star hotel is 500 meters from the golden sands of Duque Beach and Fanabe Beach, where you can participate in a variety of water sports, sunbathe and enjoy the best views of Gomera Island.
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Thank you so much for your interest in Living Your Intention!
I welcome your feedback, and look forward to hearing from you! Please know that I am grateful for your presence.
Many blessings,
Hinda Abrahamson
"A mind that is stretched to a new idea never returns to its original dimensions."- Oliver Wendell Holmes
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Intention
The purpose of this newsletter is two-fold: to share ways to incorporate the art of Feng Shui in daily life and to share travel experiences. Each of these, in its own way, can support mindfulness and intentionality as we navigate our life's journey.
I hope that you might encounter a new idea, a new resource or a new viewpoint. Perhaps some small insight will answer an unspoken question, provide a helpful tip, motivate or inspire you or simply give you a moment to escape from the demands of your day.
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2011 Year of the Metal Rabbit
It is predicted that the year of the Metal Rabbit will have similar qualities as 2010 but will lack the harsh and sometimes surprising circumstances that last year brought. There will still be many conflicts, but they will be less obvious and less public. It will be a productive year with new ideas, inventions, and discoveries.
A person born in the year of the Rabbit is considered very fortunate. The Rabbit in Chinese mythology serves as a symbol of longevity and is said to derive his/her essence from the moon. Rabbit characteristics include graciousness, good manners, sound counsel, kindness, refinement and wisdom. They can also be moody, cunning, and self-indulgent. For detailed information on how to find your Chinese Animal, its characteristics and the influence of the Year of the Metal Rabbit, see The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes Seventh Edition by Theodora Lau
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Bringing in Good Fortune for the Chinese New Year
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Completely clean your home from top to bottom before New Year's Day for good luck in the coming year.
Changing things such as blankets, clothes, mattress covers etc. is also a well respected tradition of cleaning the house in preparation for the New Year.
Make sure all your lights are working and replace any that aren't.
Polish your mirrors.
Liven up your home with fresh flowers and plants.
Open all windows and doors for a few minutes New Year's Eve to allow the good luck of the New Year to enter. Yes, even in frigid Minnesota!
Switch on the lights for the night to 'scare away' any misfortune that might compromise the luck and fortune of the New Year.
If you plan a New Year's dinner, make enough to have leftovers, to symbolize that you'll have money rolling into the next year.
Sweets are eaten to ensure a "sweet" year.
Surround yourself with colorful fruit so that you will have a fruitful 2011; Oranges and tangerines represent money and wealth for the coming year.
If anything breaks, like a cup or plate during the first two weeks of the Chinese New Year say, "Fall to the floor and burst into bloom!"
Some believe that what happens on the first day of the new year reflects the rest of the year to come. Make it a sweet and happy one!
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"And to make an end is to make a beginning."
- T.S. Eliot
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| About Hinda
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Hinda Abrahamson is passionate about Feng Shui and travel. A certified Feng Shui Consultant, Hinda is a founding member of and has just been named President of the Feng Shui Institute.
Intentional
Spaces
Intentional Spaces provides clients with consulting advice on how to apply the ancient principles of Feng Shui to office, home and landscape. Hinda assists in creating balanced and harmonious environments that reflect individual personality and life style.
This powerful art of placement provides valuable guidance and insight.
Whether you are selling, purchasing or building a home or an office, planning a major remodeling, redecorating or simply re-organizing, Feng Shui brings a deeper perspective.As a Fashion Feng Shui Facilitator, Hinda assists with wardrobe choices for you to better reflect your authentic self, eliminate closet clutter, and support your personal energies.For consultations, speaking engagements, or customizing a workshop for your group, contact Hinda at (952) 938-0894 or email:Hinda AbrahamsonIntentional
Travel Believing that travel expands our thinking and provides respite from busy lives, Hinda offers you the opportunity to plan your next travel experience.
Intentional Travel's Preferred Customers automatically get the following benefits:
Free Insurance
Free Concierge
No Service Fees
Custom Specials
Exclusive Deals
Travel Alerts
Better PricesClick here to register!
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Fun Facts About Baby Boomers and Travel
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The first wave of baby boomers turned 65 on January 1, 2011
Boomers constitute almost one-half (47%) of active American leisure travelers.
Two-thirds (66%) have taken a leisure trip to celebrate a life event like an anniversary or birthday.
More than two-thirds (68%) have a valid passport.
Boomers want it all - former luxuries are now considered necessities, including travel and fine dining.
Family legacy is key - Concerned about legacy, boomers will amp up their pursuit of multi-generational trips. Four in 10 of all boomers are now grandparents. Spending time with loved ones matters.
Online rules - This is a group that researches everything in-depth on the Internet and makes buying decisions online - including booking travel.
Savvy at social media - Yes, they have a Facebook page and a Twitter account. And they use them.
They want to take their travel experiences to the next level - Collectively, baby boomers are already world travelers. They backpacked through Europe as teens and have trotted the globe since. They now want more.
The types of travel that appeal to Boomers are aspirational, experiential, sustainable, interactive, and thematic. They are seeking self-fulfillment, a connection to nature, authentic world cultures and active involvement with every travel experience.
They are all foodies - whether they are eating as locavores in Thailand or harvesting grapes in France, culinary tourism scores off the charts.
Comfort meets adventure - Boomers want both. Zip lining over a forest canopy and trekking by day; fine dining and a comfortable bed by nightis the formula that works for them.
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