Favorite Vacation

       My favorite vacation was our trip to Miraval. Miraval is a health and wellness retreat located just south of Tucson, Arizona. We spent a week there and attended several retreat activities three of which are my favorites. First and foremost was the equestrian group therapy. In this, we met several other people from all over the world. Some were fairly famous and successful while others were not as fortunate. While discussing life's events and how to cope we worked with horses to aid in developing our intention. Horses have a very keen instinct of feeling a person's intention. If the person is confused, the horse also becomes confused and is more likely to not cooperate. Likewise, if a person's intent is clear the horse will be calm and will generally follow the person's lead. This exercise helps one to work towards clarifying what is going on inside the mind and learning how to develop the intention of allowing and coping with its issues. It was a very informative and entertaining adventure. Next on my list of favorite Miraval activities was the labyrinth just behind our room. The labyrinth was a very large maze of laid our rocks in which you can start on the outer path and slowly work your way towards the center and then return to the outer. The walk takes several minutes with the goal of paying attention or being mindful of the walking. You quiet the mind by focusing your awareness on your feet and concentrate on how each step feels and how unique one step is from any other giving each step a life of its own. It is a very calming activity. Last but not least of my favorite Miraval activities was eating the delicious food. When you pay for a Miraval experience the cost of food is included in the overall price. You are allowed to get whatever you want at any of the available dining areas as well as health bars. The food was outstanding and fit our whole-food, plant-based lifestyle. We ate so much that it was miserable at times but was well worth it. There are many more activities one can participate in while staying at the Miraval Retreat but there is not enough room for me to go into any explanation. I highly suggest one take advantage of the opportunity by booking a trip and enjoying a very relaxing experience.