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Going GreenA Visit to The Crossings in Austin, TexasBy Autumn Rhea Carpenter
The Crossings is a progressive learning center and meeting place that is situated on 210 acres of the Balcones Canyonland Preserve. The facility offers not only escapism from the city life, it also incorporates a spa, premiere lodging accommodations, healthy food choices and a range of workshops, ranging from yoga seminars to evoking the spirits of the deceased to even introductory Spanish courses. If self-help isn’t your thing, The Crossings also offers business programs that focus on issues related to their Business Institute. Some hot topics include social responsibility, ethics and integrity, leadership and corporate culture. Many companies have utilized the facility’s offerings, including Apple, Dell, Samsung and Whole Foods Market. The human experience is the heart of The Crossings and that fundamental belief is the basis of the facility. When design began, a variety of elements were employed, including a variety of indigenous materials, building shapes, architectural elements, colors, plants and landscape features. The catch phrase, green building, was often used and played an important role in developing The Crossings. Since the site is home to the endangered Golden-Cheeked Warbler, the center has an agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which limits construction on the site to 34 acres, leaving the balance of the site protected and undisturbed.
During a visit to The Crossings, I attended a workshop entitled “The Magic of Animal Communication.” Encouraged by a friend, we enrolled and were soon learning to meditate and silently practice our animal communication abilities with critters ranging from a decidedly shy turtle named Poppleton to a camera-happy pig (his latest brush with stardom included a role in the movie “Secondhand Lions”) Norton. Animal Communicator, Amelia Kinkade, led the workshop, with style, enthusiasm and grace. Naturally, you must be open-minded in order to learn from an animal communication seminar. It’s not normal American practice (at least not in public) to converse openly with a pet Chihuahua. (Although, my grandmother would argue the concept. She and her dog, Princess Charro, conduct regular discussions.) More than anything else, the weekend seminar taught me to be quiet and listen – an idea that is often forgotten in our non-stop chattering world.
Outside the room, we enjoyed music, a hot tub, spa treatments, gourmet-style meals and invigorating trail walks. The center is designed so that upon arrival, your car is not again required until your departure. Walking is highly encouraged and before you know it, you’re getting exercise – almost accidentally. The Crossings is a hidden gem, co-existing among the animals, trees and nature that is the Texas Hill Country. A visit to the center will rejuvenate your spirit and lend you the necessary tools to survive in that big, chattering world called “The City.” For further information:The Crossings: 13500 FM 2769, Austin, TX 78726 Amelia Kinkade, Animal Communicator: Photography: Courtesy of The Crossings |
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Retreating
from the rush that is our lives seems to be a re-occurring theme that flows
throughout many travel articles. This one is no different. People are
seeking sanctuary and are finding it in unique places. This time, serenity
was discovered at Omega at The Crossings, located just outside of Austin,
Texas.
Green
building means minimizing the impact a project makes on the natural
environment, while maximizing the human health and well-being aspect.
Important elements that were researched include avoiding light pollution,
minimizing energy, air pollution and its impact on global climate change.
Others included reducing paving impacts, conserving water and recycling
materials. In a country where consumption is king, this facility strives to
maintain a healthy relationship with nature and has succeeded remarkably
well.
I
enjoyed a spectacular view of the Texas Hill Country, filled with acres of
green trees and endless blue skies. In addition, the room afforded creature
comforts, such as an inviting bed, wonderful bathrobes and a luxurious bath
experience.