Do you ever get that feeling that life is like a runaway train we need to catch? That all of these tips and tricks and important tools we read about online would be easier to implement if we could just push that big red button to stop the train for a second, find a comfortable seat in first class, and just breathe? It may not seem so, but we are allowed to pound that red button… and in fact, doing so is an integral part of leading a mindful, successful life.
Fed up with sprinting after my runaway train, I stumbled upon the exquisite resort Golden Door, a transformative destination designed around the importance of repositioning ourselves at the center of our own lives by tending to our bodies, mind and spirits. Their staff is dedicated to helping guests escape the outside world – to relax, renew, and rejoice in life. (Ah, I’ve found first class on that train I mentioned.)
Golden Door’s COO Kathy Van Ness is an expert on the psychological and physical health benefits women derive from inner reflection, proper nutrition and healthy exercise habits. Her philosophy on empowering women to take time for themselves perfectly reflects the mission of Golden Door: “By giving guests the incomparably simple freedom to ask oneself what one wants from life, we help them regain their center. And from there, anything is possible.”
One of Kathy’s shocking insights, part of the foundation of her self-empowerment mindset, was that she has never encountered a man who thought it would be impossible for him to get away for 7 days (the length of your stay at the Golden Door), but every single woman’s first reaction is, “No way, I can’t get away for that long.” As a successful working mother of two, Kathy attributes much of her success to practicing mindfulness, and wants to empower women to take time for themselves (and to not feel guilty for doing so). We sat down with Kathy to hear more about how her holistic approach to health and wellness has contributed to her success:
Emily: Could you share some of your favorite tips for leading a more mindful life?
Kathy:
Emily: What is inner reflection? What are the benefits we can reap from it?
Kathy: Inner reflection means taking the time to realize your place in the universe and world and understanding the value of your time and life. The effects are tremendous for a healthier physical look and feel. A few of those effects include better relationships and improving positive outlook. Most importantly, improving overall health and wellness happens when inner mindfulness takes effect.
Emily: What major lessons did you learn from being the president of two huge companies, like Diane Von Furstenberg and Speedo?
Kathy: Innovation, uniqueness, building barriers of entry from the competition, along with consumer insight are the keys to a successful business.
Emily: What is the importance of putting yourself first?
Kathy: We cannot be successful if we are not fit both emotionally and physically - for our families, work, communities and most importantly, for ourselves.
Emily: Why are places like Golden Door Spa important in helping one to rejuvenate their mind and body?
Kathy: Golden Door is important in rejuvenating a person’s mind and body because we often times need to be told it is okay to stop, recharge, reflect and focus without guilt and distractions. Golden Door allows you to take the time you need for yourself and leave with a renewed sense of your self and your goals.
Emily: What do you love most about your career?
Kathy: I love the diversity of the people I meet and surprising them with ideas and new avenues of opportunities they may have never considered before. The best part is seeing them enjoy their transformative results.
ABOUT KATHY VAN NESS
Golden Door Resort General Manager Kathy Van Ness brings three decades of experience in brand development and management in luxury and fashion to her role, and with that depth of experience, a passion for a better world. She is a member of the World Affairs Council, the Sustainable Business Council and a member of the Advisory Board for 5Gyres, which dedicates itself to the elimination of plastic pollution in the seas. She is an advocate for women in her role as a "Lean In" Champion Circle Mentor with WIN/WPO and a member of the Women International Network.
Want to visit Golden Door? I know I do! Book your stay here.
©Emily Hudson, WorldLifestyle
Fed up with sprinting after my runaway train, I stumbled upon the exquisite resort Golden Door, a transformative destination designed around the importance of repositioning ourselves at the center of our own lives by tending to our bodies, mind and spirits. Their staff is dedicated to helping guests escape the outside world – to relax, renew, and rejoice in life. (Ah, I’ve found first class on that train I mentioned.)
Golden Door’s COO Kathy Van Ness is an expert on the psychological and physical health benefits women derive from inner reflection, proper nutrition and healthy exercise habits. Her philosophy on empowering women to take time for themselves perfectly reflects the mission of Golden Door: “By giving guests the incomparably simple freedom to ask oneself what one wants from life, we help them regain their center. And from there, anything is possible.”
One of Kathy’s shocking insights, part of the foundation of her self-empowerment mindset, was that she has never encountered a man who thought it would be impossible for him to get away for 7 days (the length of your stay at the Golden Door), but every single woman’s first reaction is, “No way, I can’t get away for that long.” As a successful working mother of two, Kathy attributes much of her success to practicing mindfulness, and wants to empower women to take time for themselves (and to not feel guilty for doing so). We sat down with Kathy to hear more about how her holistic approach to health and wellness has contributed to her success:
Emily: Could you share some of your favorite tips for leading a more mindful life?
Kathy:
- Before you leap out of bed and reach for your smart phone, try taking 10 minutes to just sit still with yourself. It helps to center your mind before a hectic day.
- Incorporate some sort of physical exercise into your routine, even if it’s just a walk around the block.
- Commit to buying locally grown food at least once a week at a farmers market or through a co-op.
- Make a commitment to lessening the time you spend connected through technology (perhaps turning off phones during dinner or not checking email after 9pm),
- Give back either with your time or your money (the Golden Door has committed to giving away 100% of the resort proceeds to charity!)
Emily: What is inner reflection? What are the benefits we can reap from it?
Kathy: Inner reflection means taking the time to realize your place in the universe and world and understanding the value of your time and life. The effects are tremendous for a healthier physical look and feel. A few of those effects include better relationships and improving positive outlook. Most importantly, improving overall health and wellness happens when inner mindfulness takes effect.
Emily: What major lessons did you learn from being the president of two huge companies, like Diane Von Furstenberg and Speedo?
Kathy: Innovation, uniqueness, building barriers of entry from the competition, along with consumer insight are the keys to a successful business.
Emily: What is the importance of putting yourself first?
Kathy: We cannot be successful if we are not fit both emotionally and physically - for our families, work, communities and most importantly, for ourselves.
Emily: Why are places like Golden Door Spa important in helping one to rejuvenate their mind and body?
Kathy: Golden Door is important in rejuvenating a person’s mind and body because we often times need to be told it is okay to stop, recharge, reflect and focus without guilt and distractions. Golden Door allows you to take the time you need for yourself and leave with a renewed sense of your self and your goals.
Emily: What do you love most about your career?
Kathy: I love the diversity of the people I meet and surprising them with ideas and new avenues of opportunities they may have never considered before. The best part is seeing them enjoy their transformative results.
ABOUT KATHY VAN NESS
Golden Door Resort General Manager Kathy Van Ness brings three decades of experience in brand development and management in luxury and fashion to her role, and with that depth of experience, a passion for a better world. She is a member of the World Affairs Council, the Sustainable Business Council and a member of the Advisory Board for 5Gyres, which dedicates itself to the elimination of plastic pollution in the seas. She is an advocate for women in her role as a "Lean In" Champion Circle Mentor with WIN/WPO and a member of the Women International Network.
Want to visit Golden Door? I know I do! Book your stay here.
©Emily Hudson, WorldLifestyle
