I love traveling to spas and sometimes I think telling others about them is even more exciting for me.  Sharing, educating and informing you about healthy travel options and places where you can be good to yourself and focus on you and implement ways to enjoy your life are as big a part of me as the air I breathe.  I know, that sounds pretty dramatic, however it’s true.  I thrive when I can share my experiences and knowledge of destination spas, spa trends and the industry.  Whether you have one day to focus on you or a week or more, a spa is so much more than getting pretty toes and nails.  It’s truly about paying attention to your body, mind, spirit and the environment.  When one aspect of you is out of balance the rest of you is out of balance.  You know the signs including how your body doesn’t want to cooperate if you’re feeling blue or how your spirit is silenced when your thoughts are less than positive or how when your body aches you just don’t feel like doing much. This may sound so negative and dismal, however it’s a gentle reminder to be mindful. 

It’s that time of year when we consider resolutions for 2008.  We create a list of things we want to accomplish….lose those pesky 20 pounds……join a gym……be a nicer person……..work more efficiently and the list goes on.  What if you just resolve that you’ll reflect on the past, anticipate the future and focus on today.  Focus on today, that’s it, the only item on your list is to put all of your intentions into today.

So, the above brings me to one of my favorite things……a visit to Miraval (www.miravalresort.com) where learning about mindfulness is as important as taking that morning walk.    The definition of mindfulness: awareness, inclination to be mindful or aware, a meditative state of enhanced awareness (Source: wiktionary.com)

Since Miraval is based on mindful living and living in balance, there are many opportunities to practice mindfulness and many classes to assist with the how and why of being mindful.  One in particular is the The Heartbeat of Miraval: A Journey of Life in Balance.

This is a summary of the program (http://www.miravalresort.com/S……ntID=1606)

Using various mindfulness practices and perspectives you will learn how to:
•relax and experience deep states of ease and well-being
•increase your focus and concentration
•understand and regulate your stress responses
•expand your communication skills
•integrate mindfulness into the reality of daily life

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One of my other favorite things at Miraval is the Equine Experience (http://www.miravalresort.com/S……entID=1614).  It is included in the schedule each day and usually offered in the morning and afternoon.  This program offers you an opportunity to go within and learn more about your relationship with yourself and others and insight into what may be holding you back from enjoying your best life.  Horses pick up on our energy quickly and this hands-on experience is one you’ll think about often and as they say “It’s not about the horse” and I encourage you to step outside your self-imposed boundaries and realize the possibilities. 

There are so many experiences to consider during your stay at Miraval – you can create, relax, nourish, connect and so much more.  Dare to be the you that only you instictively know how to be. 

For more information, visit: http://www.miravalresort.com/E……epage.aspx and for more information on spa living, contact me at donna@spa-vacation-experts.com.   I’d love to hear from you!