In my quest for wellness, I decided to take my favorite girl, Isabelle, for a long overdue vacation to Miraval Resort in Austin, Texas over the holiday break. One area where we are in total alignment is spa-ING and relaxation and so we were all in to spend some time together and refresh for 2024. Nothing helps you more than when you are in a self-contained area promoting healthy eating, exercise, learning and of course endless time getting decadent services such as sound-bowl massage or hot oil treatments – slather me up and bring it on – woo hoo!! Miraval really encourages guests to unplug and set an intention for the time spent on the property. Isabelle claimed relaxation as her goal, while I wanted to manifest 2024 and my next steps in this wellness journey.
The weather was sunny and maybe 60 degrees, I decided this would be a perfect time to write the blog in front of the serenity pool … sounds so peaceful right? Of course, as I began to get into the zone, there was a lady talking way too loud for a very long time – I mean come on??? 🤨 I contemplated giving a dirty look or yelling something her way … then realized that would be very anti chill so I put in my ear buds and continued on…. Anyways, back to our planned week, we were able to arrange a schedule ahead of time and I wanted to mix it up with a bunch of unique experiences that we would not have typically done at home. We found ourselves running from class to class (ok… maybe walking to each session including a pit stop to the café to get a funky tea, turmeric shot or yummy date/coconut ball snack – a real pick me up). ⚡️Throughout the week, Isabelle and I went to Pilates, yoga, ran hills and drills, cardio drumming, belly dancing, samba, crystal meditation, stretch and seminars around living a balanced life, spirituality, tarot cards and yada yada yada. The days would cap off with treatments like facials, massages, reflexology, ayurveda wraps, hot tub, and saunas… pure heaven ( a girl could get used to this type of life really quick😊)
As fun as all these classes were, the most meaningful experience included Isabelle and I taking a nighttime reconnection hike with Sunshine from the Karankawa Kadla Clan. Her people are indigenous to this land and she weaved the strong relationship between all living beings within nature. They believe that trees, plants, rocks, birds and even the moon are people. We all have connections to the land and that there is no death as we conventionally think of it, but transitions. A tree goes through different stages as do people and then our bodies return to earth and serve a purpose for the greater good– such as providing nutrients to other life forms. The earth is sacred and there is an ecosystem that sends support and sustenance to these beings to ensure the collective thrives. We are all energy and connect through touch and words which includes nature. It was fascinating as she shared that everything has an intention such as coral rocks serving as a water filtration system or how when her people feel a little sick, they will bury their feet in the earth and that the ecosystem will send healing through the network of moss, fauna, roots, and limbs. Her clan believes if you take something from nature, you must give something in return. They donate their hair as it is helpful for animals and birds to make nests. Generally, the theme was greater community and balance – everything is linked. It was a beautiful revelation on how important our understanding and respect for the earth should be and integrating it into our daily lives to sustain wellness.
We took a spiritual class where the emphasis was once again that we are energy and part of a bigger whole. The sun is our collective spirit, each soul is a ray of light (a small unique portion or thumbprint in the universe). The teacher spoke about evolving from our small self – which is “ego” that directs us to micro and tactical thinking (such as daily activities and issues) to… expanding to the higher self and consciousness or bigger picture focus. The cliff note version of this message is … What really brings us joy and contentment lean more towards elevated attention on humanity and the universe and not that irresistible Gucci purse or polarizing politics. So true – I must say!!! 🪐
Walking away from this retreat brought me clarity on my 2024 path of wellness and the themes I needed to pursue which came through loud and clear. I would say if I was to put it into a word… it would be TRANSITION (not the death one as Sunshine described as that ends my mission and this blog… ha-ha) rather a continued pursuit of awakening and growth. Although I have transformed my shell (body), it is time to follow the path of expansion of my soul (the inside) and how I contribute to the broader realm and frequency to find healing, comfort, and learning… What a great “aha” to realize amidst a bonding moment with Isabelle in a beautiful place. 2024 is looking good already…. 🥳
Seeking Wellness 