In NY Times, Kate Zernkie writes “The Spa-fication of America.”
The International Spa Association reports the number of hotels or resorts offering spas have more than tripled: from 473 spas in 2000, to 1,662 spas in 2004. Spas are offering exotic treatments indigenous to their location, including “lava rock massages in Hawaii, papaya scrubs in the tropics, grape seed facials in Sonoma, and maple body wraps in the Northeast.”
In Arizona, “A Native American shaman guides clients through meditation, smudging their bodies with sage, sweetgrass, and cedar.” Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa offers an experience for the whole family. Girls as young as 4 can join their parents for “My First Manicure, My First Pedicure, and My First Facial.” The spa at Pennsylvania’s Hersheypark offers their signature “Chocolate Fondue Wrap.”
Anthropologist Robbie Blinkoff attributes the spa phenomenon to a desire to experience something of lasting value for money spent. Blinkoff says, “People feel ready for a transformation… which is exactly what a spa is offering.”
Besides exotic spas; botox, facelift, rhinoplasty, liposuction, tummy tuck, and other types of cosmetic surgery help change people’s physical appearance which make people feel good about themselves. More than ever this generation seems to focus on physical appearance. Nothing wrong to look healthy and attractive but I believe people are over looking the real transformation. Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” We are told to be transformed by renewing of our mind which means have renewed perspective in life, different thought pattern, embrace Biblical value and be mindful of Jesus Christ. Let’s pend time building ourselves in renewing our mind, and then we will be more pleasing to God and to people around you.
Have a wonderful week!