Meet Tamara Magiera-O’Gilvie

“My dear friend, Julia Brown, had been a frequent guest at OHI, and raved about it,” said Tamara. “She looked so vibrant, fresh, and young when I saw her after a stay at OHI, that I knew I just had to experience that renewal for myself!”

Tamara Magiera-O’Gilvie was born and raised in Northern Manitoba Canada, and moved to Florida in 1998 with her husband, Eric, and their three children. They started a watersports company, and later expanded the company to three locations on Fort Myers Beach. They also opened two restaurants. In 2018, they sold the watersports company and in 2020 they sold one restaurant.

“I first came to OHI because I was burned out,” said Tamara. “I was working 14 hour days, feeling stressed and frustrated at not spending enough time with loved ones. For Christmas one year, my husband offered me a trip anywhere I wanted to go, and I said I wanted to go to OHI. My entire family thought I was crazy, but I knew it was the right choice for me.”

Tamara’s resolve to get the most out of her Christmas gift paid dramatic dividends. “My first visit was both challenging and rewarding,” said Tamara. “In spite of constant fatigue, I attended every class, booked multiple massages and colonics, drank my wheatgrass and my Rejuvalac, and lost 11 pounds in a week. My skin was glowing, and my clothes fit better. I made lasting friendships, and felt energized and ready to focus on my body, mind, and spirit.”

Tamara felt so rejuvenated by her first visit to OHI that she has become a frequent guest. She has visited the San Diego campus three times, and the Austin campus once. So what keeps her coming back? “The main thing that appeals to me is that OHI is a judgment-free community,” said Tamara. “It’s a place to connect with like-minded individuals working on health, spirituality, and awareness. I find it fulfilling and supportive. Every time I am a guest at OHI, I learn something new about myself.”

Tamara makes it a priority to attend every class she can during her visits. “The Focus class has had a big impact on me,” Tamara said. “And what I have gotten out of it has changed each time I take it. The first time I took it I was stunned at how much time I was spending on social media, television, and texting. I curbed that, and was happy to have more time to spend doing things I loved. The last time I took it I realized the importance of being protective of my time, and scheduling what is important to me. I bought a planner, and scheduled my preferred activities, yoga, and time with friends and family. It is helpful for me to see it in a time slot in my planner.”

Tamara has noticed changes, both big and small, in herself since she started coming to OHI. “I have become more present,” said Tamara, “living in the now instead of constantly living in the past or the future. I am more aware of what I put in my body, as well as who I spend my time with. The health of my body and the use of my time are both precious to me, and I want to make the most of them. I listen to my body now, and respect how I feel about things.”

Tamara’s biggest breakthrough was very personal. “I chose to let go of criticizing myself, and trying to have everything ‘perfect.’ I always had this mental chatter that was unhealthy, and when I let that go (it’s a work in progress), I replaced it with living in the moment. This helped me to stay in the present. I put energy into being happy in the present rather than ashamed of the past or worried about the future. It’s a breakthrough that has brought me peace.”

Tamara has also made a breakthrough where food and spirituality intersect in her life. “I like to eat a high-quality organic diet. The cleaner and closer to the earth that my diet is, the more open I am to powerful meditations. These meditations allow for clarity, patience, kindness, and compassion. I find that my yoga practice becomes meditative. It all becomes a circle of health beginning with the food then connecting to the spirit/mind, and coming full circle with the body. It flows freely and easily, and I am grateful to OHI for all of the tools to experience this connection.”

Tamara has found that her healing journey often takes her outside. “I love to be out in nature, hiking and kayaking. And spending time with my dog is also healing for me. She is pure joy.”

We hope you’ll come stay with us again soon, Tamara!

In these uncertain times, look to OHI as your safe haven.  As we celebrate 44 years of holistic healing, we can teach you how achieve your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual goals for optimal health.  Stay safe, and be well.  Above all, embrace positivity!
During your visit, our caring team can help you achieve your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual goals for optimal health. Visit our website at www.optimumhealth.org, and call us at (800) 588-0809 to make your reservation.