Hi everyone!

I think we are going to move to Tumblr.
http://wilburhotsprings.tumblr.com/

Does anyone have any thoughts on that?

Wilbur Hot Springs: What people want; what people need.

This stuff is vital to think about, and we are thrilled to see the NY Times & Economist reporting on these oft overlooked impacts of modern living. What’s more, this is just beginning, and to all our fans who tire of the madness and pace of this modern world… it will subside. At least, the conversation that is being had will lead to more of us connecting, sharing, and living… without the drone of tiring tech.

This is relevant to you - to us - and to everyone else..... Please share this with your friends, family, people you love, and… especially... the people who need it. The problem is that the people who need it most will take the least amount of time to read and understand it. So the duality of human condition marches on.

Studying attention & memory as it is effected by the technology & pace of modern culture. Being off-grid & in nature repairs our tech-hysteria & dependence:

"But the trip’s organizer, David Strayer, a psychology professor at the University of Utah, says that studying what happens when we step away from our devices and rest our brains — in particular, how attention, memory and learning are affected — is important science.

'Attention is the holy grail,' Mr. Strayer says.

'Everything that you’re conscious of, everything you let in, everything you remember and you forget, depends on it.'”

Being over-attached to tech is harmful -- and we pay a price. It is changing the way we behave, interact, and exist within a moment.

“Scientists say juggling e-mail, phone calls and other incoming information can change how people think and behave. They say our ability to focus is being undermined by bursts of information.

These play to a primitive impulse to respond to immediate opportunities and threats. The stimulation provokes excitement — a dopamine squirt — that researchers say can be addictive. In its absence, people feel bored.

The resulting distractions can have deadly consequences, as when cellphone-wielding drivers and train engineers cause wrecks. And for millions of people like Mr. Campbell, these urges can inflict nicks and cuts on creativity and deep thought, interrupting work and family life.”

“Mr. Nass at Stanford thinks the ultimate risk of heavy technology use is that it diminishes empathy by limiting how much people engage with one another, even in the same room.

‘The way we become more human is by paying attention to each other,’ he said. ‘It shows how much you care.’

That empathy, Mr. Nass said, is essential to the human condition. ‘We are at an inflection point,’ he said. ‘A significant fraction of people’s experiences are now fragmented.’”

“Stuff” doesn’t make people happy, while experiences create a long lasting, woven tapestry of happiness– more and more people are asking the simple question, “But will it make me happy?” We often mindlessly do what the rest of the crowds are doing…. But is it fulfilling?

“S. STROBEL — our heroine who moved into the 400-square foot apartment — is now an advocate of simple living, writing in her spare time about her own life choices at Rowdykittens.com.

’My lifestyle now would not be possible if I still had a huge two-bedroom apartment filled to the gills with stuff, two cars, and 30 grand in debt,’ she says.

“’Give away some of your stuff,’” she advises. “’See how it feels.’”

The final thought, from the Economist, is going to hit everyone a little close to home.
Why Americans cannot enjoy their holidays - and how we don't *really* get away anymore. Not only do we give back nearly five hundred million vacation days back each year… when we are on vacation, we aren’t really on vacation.

“Even when Americans do take time off, they find it hard to relax. Having holidayed for many years with the family of a Wall Street lawyer, your columnist’s slumber has all too often been disturbed in the early hours by the murmur of writs, affidavits and threatening letters being dictated by phone to New York from Provence, Tuscany and other otherwise tranquil locations. It may be that without this unremitting industry the lawyer and his family could not have afforded quite so many hops across the Atlantic. But it seems pretty clear that something cultural—that famous Puritan fear of idle hands and easeful nights—is at work as well.”

These are profound thoughts, and shatter many a world view. This is a much more grounded, yet holistic, approach for understanding how we exist within our moments, our families, our communities, and more. Not unlike the subtle commentary of The Tao Te Ching (that link leads to the *ENTIRE* Stephen Mitchell Tao translation) to walk the centered path....

We need to re-center, and reconnect with what is truly important…

No, not our phones. Our – selves, our loves, our lives.

…. And maybe multi-tasking and constant professional vigilance isn’t proving anything to anyone, except that we silently suffer in unknown, embarrassed, agreement.

Admittedly, it's refreshing to know that our way of life hasn't been too far off... and while I just realized Burning Man has a cell phone signal available on the playa, Wilbur Hot Springs is still the same off-grid, unplugged, 100% solar, pure escape. Your phone wouldn’t work even if you wanted it to.

We are quickly becoming one of the only places you can truly reconnect with your hidden human without the external noise (be it yours, or someone else’s) that confounds the intimacy needed for self-actualization.

It's exciting to know that more people are going to look for the experience we have always provided... but it should also assure those of you concerned about our future that it provides every reason to stay precisely as we have for the last 30 years.

The future is what you know… to shed the complexities of earthly possessions, and flow like the springs into connecting with every corner of your mind, body, and soul!

Please share if you think these values are vital… or if you know people who simply need to step back once in awhile. I sure do.

Thanks for listening. =) Be healthy, at peace, and well!

Summertime Sharing from Wilbur Hot Springs!

(It's either a bridge to nowhere, or a bridge to everywhere. Depends on the viewer.)

Another slight romp through the recesses of the internet.... and the curiosity of how a little historic hotel with ancient hot springs - 100% solar, 100% off grid, and 100% no cell signals - can be nestled in the middle of nowhere but still reach millions around the world through an amazing new technology. It is always special to see how people flock to us to be cradled, nestled, in our little valley and reconnect with themselves.... and how being away and less overwhelmed with modern technology can spark incredible art, words, meaning.

So, as always, our guests have been inspired, created, and shared.... don't hesitate to share your own in the comments section, on our Facebook page, or on Twitter.

The River of images (from Flickr) that flows from our springs and our nature preserve are always special....

In fact, sometimes the flow of our guests leads us from one place to another... like words which lead to photos. It means a lot to us when people share, especially across multiple networks, or multiple posts. It isn't easy getting the word out there about Wilbur: our ethos, our purpose.... but all of you help us do it, in a multitude of ways, and a multitude of websites!

Simone Blanc started with a teaser post, which led to a wonderful mention of us in this blog post, with stunning photos. In fact... she adds a couple more photos in this post as well, and we cannot begin to thank her for all the INCREDIBLE sharing ... a lot of her friends have been introduced to us now! =)

A nice mention in this very professional, cool looking blog.... Remote Hot Springs in California!

In fact, more and more off grid and eco / ethical tourism companies are finding us, which is thrilling. I have worked with a gent on a off grid article about to be published, Travel Good (responsible, ethical travel and tourism) just wrote us up in a piece about a "Global Search for Tranquility". Now those are incredibly kind words!

If you are going to find those hot springs... you are going to need a map. Here is a new mapping tool... and it shows an incredible orientation of our topography and location. Very cool!

Of course.. you may have remembered the blog post about our green weddings (how could you not... listing hundreds of photos and the do it yourself ethic behind a creative and STUNNING wedding). Since then we added a page about them *here* - but this is a fantastic blog post that talks about Green Weddings at Wilbur!

Guest stories & images, Sarana Yoga, Chef Weekend & more!

Howdy all you Wilbur-ites!

Another installment of information, pictures, and more!

First of all, I want to make sure you are aware of the 25th and 26th of June, we have our incredible Yoga Workshop and Chef's weekend - incredible food to satiate you after an incredible and fulfilling day's worth of Yoga. More information about Sarana here - *CLICK ME!*, and a tantalizing, tempting, incredible menu from Angela Karegeannes. You can see what she has in store for every meal, just *CLICK HERE!*. It's actually quite incredible.... it's going to be so yummy! =)

If you have ever mused on taking a weekend and making it a retreat for the mind, body, and tummy.... it is something you should consider!

If you missed the June Newsletter, *CLICK HERE* for Meg's beautiful images, all our information, notes from the staff... and MORE!

Dr. Miller says hello to all of you! I wanted to be sure to mention his radio show, "Mind Body Health Politics" that plays bi-weekly... You can find all the information on Dr. Miller's Website for the show - **HERE**.

Now... let's delve into the words of our family. This week we find musings, prose, and thoughts about our existence in relation to the healing waters. They work in many ways, but *these words* - they spark me. It reminds us that every experience, and every trip, to Wilbur is different... and each one can affect the heart & mind and effect the body in ways that are constantly evolving. We didn't completely solve the author's concerns, but we helped in the healing. That is something very special.

It's also interesting to see how Wilbur has affected people so deeply, it alters their expectations and experiences at other hot springs. We don't like that we can be an forces that moves you from your center in other experiences... but we are all aware of what Wilbur is, and it isn't surprising that you can carry it with you beyond your visit. It's sort of beautiful, actually... and reading words like the link above helps us to continue doing what we do!

Now to images, pictures... stories standing in time!

I love the pots hanging, so I start with his last pic. Just click here and then work backwards through his stream!

Todd Petrik is a regular contributor and photographer at Wilbur... and his work always finds a new nook, or interesting cranny, as it were. It's exciting to see his take on our Wilbur... and these few shots are a joy. THANKS TODD!

Another moment captured in the photo stream - I love seeing young love share their story!

Finally... Flicker River. It's an amazing site that let's you search terms and find the most beautiful of photos in a way that is almost lyrical and storied. It's a treat to see the culmination of all our Wilbur photos, and the ways that people experience, and remember, our little hot springs hotel! Here is the main Wilbur FLICKER RIVER, but here are more photos based off of another search - "interesting!".

It's always a pleasure to share, commune, communicate... with all of you! If you ever have any questions, you can always reach me at wilburhotsprings@gmail.com

You can find out more about us here: Wilbur Hot Springs. You know you can find us on Twitter @WilburHotSpring, as well as on Facebook. We want to listen, learn and grow.... so let us know what you think, how you are doing, or about an experience you had with us! If the story is something we can share, we'd be happy to offer a thank you rate for your next stay!

Thank you all, hope this finds you well...

Cheers & Happy Springing!!

Michael at Wilbur!

Every day I am bereft of words to thank all of you, our family - These stories and pictures are just epic!

I think top billing goes to Meg Solaegui, our bunny.... she has been at Wilbur for some time, and by the look of it has had a chance to hone her photography skills. I am to understand that she has 5-8K of wildflowers, wild animals, and Wild Wilbur to share with the world. She is just getting started on flickr, but her pictures assure that there is a lot of amazing artistry to come!

Social Workout helps to remind us of one of our most exciting events of the year... Sarana Miller Yoga workshop in Late June! More info here!

And onward to personal stories of escape, relaxation, healing, private adventure, and MORE!

In Hot Water!

A wonderful post helping new Wilburites understand a bit more about our culture, our pace, and, especially, our fantastic kitchen. Taking that long to cut fruit is interesting, and using a "Q" on a Sunday is remarkable. =)

A Woman in the Sun

This is a beautiful, lyrical bit of prose poetry. It dwells on the nature of being a woman, understanding it, and unlocking the part of your womanhood that gives you strength. Also, be sure to check out my comment. I got a bit nostalgic, and prose prone myself! =)

Powerhouse retreats chats about her retreat class from past weekend (there will be more)! =)

It's such a pleasure seeing people find us as a viable, worthwhile green wedding venue! It's so exciting to see comments like this!

In fact, we are still getting lots of interest from Eunice and Daniel's Hello Lucky / Martha Steward Wedding Mag wedding! Polyvore just picked up some of their ideas here and here.

It's also quite nice to see community developing around the power of hot springs, uniting friends and family in ways that were not previously possible! Being listed on sites like Find A Spring, and Cali Hot Springs helps get the word out! Don't hesitate to share what you know about us with your friends! Every little bit helps - whether it's a retweet from our twitter account, or sharing our page on Facebook!

Cheers to all of you artists and thinkers! Thank you for being part of our family, and hope you enjoyed this list of fun links and info! I hope this finds you well, and we hope this finds you at Wilbur soon enough!

Sincerely,

Michael at Wilbur!

Northern California Yoga Retreat with Sarana Miller!

Upcoming Yoga Workshop with Sarana the 25th and 26th of June!

It's likely to excite many of you, as Sarana is well known, deeply respected, and profoundly experienced with Yoga. But for those unaware, Sarana is an amazing part of the culture and experience at Wilbur, and we cherish what she brings to the collective experience, our property, and hopefully your lives.

The next major "expo" is coming up... and if you have been looking for a personal retreat, couples escape, or yoga adventure... come to Wilbur Hot Springs to reconnect!


Please join us for a weekend of breath, chanting, asana and soaking in the healing mineral waters of Wilbur. Come strengthen your practice while relaxing and rejuvenating your body and mind. We'll step back from our daily routines and retreat to this sacred land, home to healing waters that have been used for renewal for centuries.

Students will practice yoga on Wilbur's beautiful yoga deck, cradled in nature with the sounds of nature and the Wilbur creek. We will begin each day with chanting and pranayama, followed by breakfast and then an active morning session. In the afternoon there will be time for bathing, hiking, massage and personal time. We will gather in the late afternoon for a restorative session followed by a delicious dinner.

Yoga Weekend Vacation Includes:
• 5 organic meals (Chef to be announced)
• 5 yoga sessions
• 2 nights accommodations - including use of baths, sauna and grounds

Cost: Private room, shared $515
Bunk: $475
Camping: $415


To Sign Up!

Enrollment is limited-please sign up as soon as possible to reserve your space.

Send check to: Sarana Miller, 3017 Wheeler, Berkeley, CA 94705

Phone: (510) 502-9642

Email: sarana@mac.com

Website: http://www.saranayoga.com/

Wilbur is?

It's funny... I was replying to a yelp review, and this popped out of my noggin'. I wouldn't share it but I sort of think it's right on! =) That being said, it's not just about what I or Wilbur thinks... it's also how you define it! So beyond the below words -- which are simply my interpretation as to what Wilbur is for everyone else -- what is Wilbur to you (if it isn't too personal to share?)

Here's what I said that made me think of asking all of you!

"Wilbur exists for the individual experience, the reconnection with self & rediscovery of the human we lose touch with. It's an exceptional way to find that center again, it can even be a path to reconnect with the people & reorient the responsibilities in your life, as well. One aspect of Wilbur that has changed *MY* life, as well as many of our guests, is that it is something that you can carry with you & experience inside yourself even after you have left. Wilbur truly is a state of mind, & it's wonderful that you could explore that state!"

I hope this finds you well... and whatever Wilbur is to all of you, thank you and enjoy!

Michael