As some of you may remember, I had a bit of a mental health crisis last year and found myself at Miraval Resorts in Arizona. I felt tremendous guilt - not just for breaking down, but for leaving! But I knew it was necessary. I needed to be away from everyone and everything and just... be.
When I arrived at Miraval, I was a mess. There was a menu of activities I could choose from to fill my time with health, wellness, learning and more. The choices were all too overwhelming for me so I was grateful that they have planners to help you with your schedule. In no coincidence, I was randomly assigned to a planner that had so much in common with me. We had both lost people very dear to us. After sharing some tears, she created a schedule and I followed it every day like a child. It was like she knew exactly what I needed and every class, every experience, every encounter felt like it was created just for me.
I went with a lot of baggage:
Grief - from loss of a daughter and a son and a father and a dog. One loss seemingly more devastating than the last.
Neglect - of myself and my nutrition and my emotional well being. As a Mom, I was always doing for them first. As a former flight attendant, I am reminded that it's not until I put my own oxygen on that I can then help others.
Rage - All I really aimed to do in the desert was find a remote place to scream from the deepest place inside of me.
Sadness - I needed to find joy after those Covid years and all that came with it.
Exhaustion - I wanted to rest.
I went alone. Traveling alone doesn't scare me - and being alone is what I love - but being alone and doing heavy, healing, important, life changing work can get lonely. People go there for all kinds of reasons - mine just happened to be heavy. At times it was tough being alone in my thoughts and watching groups that were there just for a fun getaway. I was so lucky in that I had an angel drop in to my life and invite me to dinner one night. I also bonded with the front desk crew... and the tour guide... the general manager... the restaurant crew... by the end I knew them all and I vowed to each of them that one day I would make my way back.
A few months ago I had an idea. I contacted my friends at Miraval and told them my intention...
I want to create Chasing Rainbow tribes.
Once a year we can meet in Arizona in the sunshine and create a very safe, private place where we can let go, be vulnerable, rest and heal. Miraval is a magical place where you are encouraged to focus on you and all aspects of your health. I am not the "draw" - I am merely facilitating the trip and would be there to support each of you on your journeys as you have supported me on mine through the years. And to continue my own healing journey as well. I hope to create "themed" trips down the road so each trip could be focused on something I've written about over the years: grief, loss, special needs respite, nutrition, recovery. The first trip is come as you are. You can come with the assurance that you will be fed three nutritious, gourmet meals each day... will sleep in probably the most comfortable beds ever... will feel cared for and nurtured... you will find yourself crying unexpectedly and smiling even more. Miraval is such a special place.
- This year's retreat will be November 9-12, 2023 at Miraval Resorts in Tuscon, Arizona
- November 10 is a federal holiday in the US (Veteran's Day) so it could be one less day off for many of you who would travel from the US!
- Miraval is all inclusive and a non tipping property. You are served three chef prepared meals a day. They also have a fabulous smoothie bar - all included.
- You will receive $175 per person, per night Resort Credit which you can use towards private sessions or special fee-based programs. I can speak to many of the private programs, including the equine experience that had me feeling connected to Gavin in an unexpected and beautiful way.
- You will receive a Miraval tote-bag and branded water bottle as a gift to you.
- Shared round-trip transportation to/from Arizona International Airport is included.
- Complimentary non-private programing from the pre-existing experience schedule including: Wellbeing programs, lectures on various subjects, fitness classes, hiking, Challenge Course activities, yoga and meditation. I discovered that I LOVED hiking while I was there and went nearly every morning up into the mountains.
- You will have access to Miraval Life in Balance Spa facilities and the Body Mindfulness Center. The spa is fee based and the Body Mindfulness Center is where you'll find the fitness classes and gym.
- Miraval is also offering a custom group experience as a gift to us that is sure to be powerful!
Single room: $3,128
Double room: $2,707
If you prefer bigger rooms with a fireplace and a view, the following are the "Solace Rooms"
Single room: $4,199
Double room: $3,779
Triple or quad room: $3, 569
If you prefer the biggest and best, we got you. The "Unity Suites" are 2 bedroom/2 bath and have a pool. Maybe you want to come with your best friends... your Mom and sisters... this would be perfect.
Single: $9,195
Double: $4,573
Triple: $3,875
Quad: $3,422
I hope you will consider meeting me this year at the base of the Catalina Mountains in Arizona. It's a big commitment, but a solid investment in you.
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