![\"\"](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vacayou\/images\/w_1600,h_2135,c_scale\/c_fill,g_auto,w_1258\/f_webp,q_auto\/v1623598675\/magazine\/Dr_Nina_Smiley_Mohonk_Yoga_Program_Leader-e1489615203237\/Dr_Nina_Smiley_Mohonk_Yoga_Program_Leader-e1489615203237.jpeg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAs Director of Mindfulness Programming at Mohonk Mountain House and co-author of\u00a0The Three Minute Meditator<\/em>\u00a0(now in its fifth edition and translated into seven languages), Nina delights in sharing simple and effective mindfulness meditation techniques that can be used by\u00a0real<\/em>\u00a0people in\u00a0real<\/em>\u00a0lives (when they\u00a0really<\/em>\u00a0need it)\u2014one moment at a time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nina leads programs and offers private classes in mindfulness at The Spa at Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, NY, and on webinars worldwide. Her presentations are defined by simplicity and practicality, warmth and compassion, with a focus on building skills to use mindfulness in support of wellbeing and resilience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Leading forest bathing<\/a> walks on the spectacular trails surrounding Mohonk Mountain House, Nina uses mindfulness in nature to explore and deepen the ability to be fully present in the moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nina received a Ph.D. in psychology from Princeton University, taught at the University of Maryland, worked in Washington, D.C., and then embraced life as Director of Marketing at Mohonk Mountain House. She has used mindfulness IRL \/ IRT (In Real Life \/ In Real Time) throughout!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nina: I discovered mindfulness meditation in the 1980s. Developing a practice that has become integrated within my life, rather than \u201ccarved out from it,\u201d was life-changing. I delight in sharing insights that make mindfulness available for real people in real lives when they really need it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nina: The resort property itself is 1,200 acres of woodland, surrounded by 40,000 acres of pristine forest, offering 85 miles of connected trail hiking in a setting that inspired the Hudson River School artists to paint some of their finest works. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Mohonk Mountain House is now in its fourth and fifth generation of family leadership. From the earliest days of Mohonk Mountain House, Smiley family members led guests on hikes to enjoy the spectacular natural setting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Over 150 years later, this family tradition continues as I invite guests to join me outdoors to share Mindfulness in Nature, a gentle immersion in the moment, bringing awareness to each of the senses. This is also known as \u201cforest bathing.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n The United Nations traces its roots back to conferences convened at Mohonk Mountain House from 1895 \u2013 1916 by Mohonk\u2019s founder Albert Smiley to discuss international arbitration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These early Mohonk conferences informed the Hague Conferences and the League of Nations prior to the founding of the United Nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nina: My late husband Bert continues to inspire me by how he lived his life\u2014with kindness for all, focusing on what matters, and with a deep sense of curiosity about the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Each morning, Bert and I would set our intention for the day by saying together, \u201cMay we live with compassion, with grace, with insight, with integrity, with love.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nina: When guests arrive, their entry experience begins with a \u201csense of discovery\u201d as a gentle drive through the woods for two miles culminates in a magnificent view of our Victorian castle resort. <\/p>\n\n\n\n From an award-winning spa to extensive outdoor activities, from farm-to-table culinary choices to local libations, a stay at Mohonk Mountain House is all about discovery and all about options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n At Mohonk, we understand that it\u2019s your wellness journey, and you can be as active or relaxed as you want to be! Our guests tell us that being surrounded by nature and breathing fresh mountain air brings a sense of spaciousness that enhances the quality of their relaxation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nina: People sometimes avoid trying meditation because they believe it has to take a lot of time. The Three Minute Meditator is based on the science of \u201cneuroplasticity\u201d\u2014understanding that any action done repeatedly, any new habit formed, will change the connections of neurons in your brain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Everyone has three minutes, or two minutes, or thirty seconds\u2014and it\u2019s the repetition of the meditation practice that leads to the benefits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I describe mindfulness meditation as learning to \u201cclear the mind and calm the body, again and again.\u201d You learn to use the breath as the object of meditation to practice being present in the moment in a gentle, nonjudgmental way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As you continue to practice, you become more and more able to understand that the calm and clarity that comes with meditation truly are only a breath away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nina: Nature nurtures! Research has shown that being outdoors, gently\/nonjudgmentally present in the moment while you open to experiencing your senses, can reduce stress and boost immunity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Step outdoors in a place where you feel safe, near trees or plants, if possible, and close your eyes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Find your breath and inhale\/exhale gently and fully as you bring awareness to your sense of touch (is there a breeze on the skin?), of smell (is there a scent on the air?), of sound (is there a tapestry of near\/far sound that surrounds you?), of sight (notice the colors, shapes and textures that become visible as you gently open your eyes) and see if you feel any different in body and\/or mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Being near trees and plants allows you to breathe in the natural volatile oils that they produce, enhancing the immune system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you can\u2019t step outdoors, having a plant indoors invites you to create a similar experience. Even a screensaver with a calm, beautiful image of nature can give you a sense of renewal as you take a few moments to gaze at it softly and take three mindful breaths. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nina: Our ability to communicate as a family and the fact that we share a deep understanding of the \u201cessence\u201d of Mohonk Mountain House has been vital to our longevity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We use the concept of \u201cstewardship\u201d to evaluate our actions, understanding that our challenge is to change the details as needed while protecting the essence of Mohonk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A Quaker heritage has sustained our commitment to listening respectfully to each other and seeking consensus across individuals and generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At Vacayou [pronounced VACAY – YOU], we believe that travel has the power to change lives. The power to revive, rejuvenate and redirect your inner wellness warrior<\/strong>. And that\u2019s why we\u2019re here. Vacayou brings the world of wellness travel to you! There are certain people you meet in life who you know you\u2019ll keep in your life no matter what\u2014Nina Smiley is one of those people for me. She exudes calm…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":2910,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no","loftocean_post_format_gallery":"","loftocean_post_format_gallery_ids":"","loftocean_post_format_gallery_urls":"","loftocean_post_format_video_id":"","loftocean_post_format_video_url":"","loftocean_post_format_video_type":"","loftocean_post_format_video":"","loftocean_post_format_audio_type":"","loftocean_post_format_audio_url":"","loftocean_post_format_audio_id":"","loftocean_post_format_audio":"","fallsky_single_post_hide_thumbnail":"","fallsky_single_post_template":"","fallsky_single_post_sidebar":"","loftocean-featured-post":"","loftocean-like-count":0,"loftocean-view-count":6228,"loftocean_post_co_authors":"","loftocean_single_post_author_order":"","fallsky_page_header_layout":"","fallsky_hide_before_page_content_ad":"","fallsky_hide_after_page_content_ad":"","_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-6485","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-well-qa"},"yoast_head":"\nSallie: What motivates you to do what you do? What is your \u201cWhy?\u201d <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Sallie: Tell us three things most people do not know about Mohonk Mountain House.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"mohonk](\"https:\/\/vacayou.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Outdoor-Spa-Sitting-Mohonk.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSallie: Who has had a deep, lasting influence on your life?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Sallie: What can the wellness traveler expect to experience at Mohonk Mountain House?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"mohonk](\"https:\/\/vacayou.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Archery-DanaGallagher-Mohonk.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSallie: You\u2019ve written a book called \u201cThe Three-Minute Meditator<\/em>.\u201d Is it genuinely possible to get a benefit from such a short meditation? How?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Sallie: So many of us are looking for tips to reduce our stress and boost our immunity. What are some of the most effective \u201cstress reducers\u201d you\u2019ve learned?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"mohonk](\"https:\/\/vacayou.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Mohonk-Outdoor-Spa-1200px-wide.jpg\")
Sallie: Finally, as a very successful family business, what is the key to your longevity and sustainability?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vacayou\/images\/c_fill,g_auto,w_1258\/f_webp,q_auto\/v1623598850\/magazine\/Mohonk-Mountain-House-Header-Image\/Mohonk-Mountain-House-Header-Image.jpg?_i=AA)
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAbout Vacayou<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
No matter how far or how adventurous, our team scours the globe to curate the best in wellness travel. But the booking process can often be time-consuming and complicated. We\u2019ve made it much easier for you to search, discover, and book wellness and active vacations<\/strong>. With Vacayou\u2019s Instant Book, your dream wellness getaway is now just one click away<\/strong>.
Start the trip of your lifetime today, with Vacayou<\/a>. We are here to help create a healthier global community through wellness and active travel.
To keep up with the latest wellness trends and experiences, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter<\/a>. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"