I was so busy on Day 3 (www.miravalresort.com) that I didn’t write to tell you more about my amazing journey.  In fact, there was more I wanted to do so I decided to give myself one more night and I stayed totally engaged on Friday.  As I mentioned, it takes about 36 hours to get to a point of relaxation and some of you may get there sooner, however many of us take a little longer.

Friday was a day that I’ll remember for quite some time and my goal, as always when I’m at Miraval, is to apply what I learned when I return home.  What’s even more important is to focus on staying in the moment and when you go to Miraval and do one of the services that engages you to focus on breath and to really feel, well I can’t tell you how important that is because it can really stay with you.  For instance, the Samadi Healing Ceremony that I mentioned in my last post is a good example (http://www.miravalresort.com/S……vityID=486).   First of all, it’s in one of the new outdoor treatment rooms and the rooms are beautiful.  We kept the door open for awhile to connect with nature and get some air.  It was a little warmer than it had been, so it was so relaxing in this outdoor setting and then to have a breeze and the sounds of nature - well, just perfect.   The Samadi Healing encompasses acupuncture, Native Shamanic drumming, reiki and reflexology.  The service is reviewed before you get started so the idea with most sessions like this is to set your intention and think about what you want to let go of or bring into your life.  Again, I don’t want to get overly personal, so once I made the decision I carried that intention with me during the ceremony.  The acupuncture was done at five points on each ear and the third eye (if you’re familiar with the chakras, you’ll know what this refers to), this is said to open your heart.  I was so relaxed after this was done, the drumming and the chanting brought me a sense of peace and deep relaxation.  It was a feeling of letting go.  Dr. Tim performs this service and I was interested because of the session I had with him in May 2006 - Holographic Memory Resolution.  To this day, that service has stayed with me.  It has to do with assisting one to change their reaction to a memory.  It doesn’t change the memory, just the reaction.  If you’d like to know more about it and what I mean by it staying with me, please call or e-mail me (www.spa-vacation-experts.com).  Back to Samadi Healing…for some people they may feel a loved one present or perhaps have a vision of someone or strong thought or memory.  It’s transformational, and sometimes you don’t realize the benefits of a service right away, it could take a couple of days as it did for me.  I was in such a relaxed state when it was over and as always I wanted it to go on just a little longer hoping and wanting to discover a little more and get to another level of total relaxation.  I have a better sense of self, and I do feel different and change did happen.   I don’t want to share everything because it is so different for everyone, we each have our own experience and it may be different for you. 

After this session I chose to ‘just be’ for about 45 minutes because again, I wanted to do so many things on my last day.  So after some journaling (reflecting on the Samadi Healing) I went to a cooking demo.  If you’re a ‘foodie’ you’ll want to go to as many as you can.  Friday’s demo was on butternut squash soup (a favorite) and it was fun watching chef demonstrating Miraval’s version while enjoying a healthy lunch. 

Another session that I’d like to encourage you to do is the Changing your Metabolism lecture.  Even if you know about metabolism, it really is a good refresher - so much information and vital to healthy living.  Another highlight of my day was getting to meet Maggie Garbarini, a reknowned psychic and amazing woman.  In her lecture, she discussed the meaning of psychic power and intuition, numerology, and about her life as a psychic and what her readings are and how they can help people.  Part of her lecture was to give us an overview of our lives using numerology.  Time was limited, however it was time spent wisely.  Many guests of Miraval return just to see Maggie.

There was still one more activity left for me before returning home on Saturday.   I didn’t want to leave without doing the Metabolic testing and body composition.  It’s such an important test as it measures your metabolic resting rate, your lean body mass (pretty good), percentage of body fat (working on it) and cellular water levels (dehydrated, working on increasing water intake).  All of this information is vital in achieving your personal weight and nutrition goals.  I also found out that I do have a slow metabolism.  I cook healthy meals, I thought I was eating enough (need to increase calories) and yet I returned with homework and I’m so glad I did this before I ventured home.   At first, I didn’t want to know, the old ‘bury your head in the sand’ syndrome.  As we all know, knowledge is power and now I have an important tool to continue on my path to total wellness.  Since returning home, I’ve increased my water intake, increased my fruits and vegetables and am working at adding more exercise and rest.  So, until next time, treat yourself well.  Eat to nourish, exercise to feel good and rest - you deserve to be good to yourself.  Miraval can help.  (www.miravalresort.com) 

Take a look:

Ageless Radiance  (http://www.miravalresort.com/S……sting+rate)

Greetings from Miraval.  Today was my second full day here…and it takes about 24 -36 hours to unwind and today I found myself in a more relaxed state - a state of letting go and just letting myself be.   I felt more energized today, as if something had been lifted and a knowing that I may actually be on the right path.  When you’re here, it’s all about you.  It’s about nurturing and nourishing yourself and about doing what makes you feel good.  

Miraval (www.miravalresort.com) is so many things to so many people.  If you’re looking for an upscale resort setting with healthy and gourmet meals, it’s here.  If you’re looking to challenge yourself to new heights, it’s here.  If you’re looking to rekindle your relationship with your mate, it’s here. If you’re celebrating a milestone, you can do it here.  If you’re going through a challenging time in your life and need to change your surroundings so you can clear your mind and find clarity, you’ll find opportunities here. 

Today I experienced Chi Nei Tsang and the idea of going through this energy work intrigued me, however it required that I go a little outside my comfort zone.  It is an abdominal massage and for many it’s an uncomfortable area to work on, however so much is stored in our abdominal area such as emotional and physical blockages and the idea of clearing them was enough to give it a try.  http://www.miravalresort.com/P……+nei+tsang

Chi Nei Tsang works with enhanced breathing to tap into vital energy, release emotional and physical blockages and rejuvenate the metabolism.  Another benefit of this service was to ‘rejuvenate the metabolism’ and I’m looking forward to changes so that I can measure the results.  Sometimes you realize the benefits of a service a day or so after you have it.  Sometimes it takes a couple of days to work through the blockages, however what I can say from my experience is that I felt movement within my physical body - I felt the energy and at one point I felt like it was ready to move through and move out.  For those of you who have had body work, you know what I’m referring to.

I didn’t mention that I also had a relaxation massage last night and Dorothy was amazing.  I’m so wound up to begin with and to feel muscles just melt and the benefit of a restful night’s sleep - well, that speaks for itself.

Tomorrow is my last day here and I plan on experiencing Samadi Healing Ceremony - it’s an outdoor service and I’ll update you tomorrow about this service. 

www.miravalresort.com

Life is a teacher in so many ways.  Challenges come our way.  Changes are inevitable.  And, yet, in the midst of chaos there’s a place where you can go to regroup, rejuvenate, relax and renew.  That place is Miraval (www.miravalresort.com).  There is something about being here that helps you get to the source, to your soul and to your truth.  I’ve been here a few times, and inevitably something comes up during my stay. Something that I needed to happen and yet totally unexpected.  The key is that what we need to grow and what we need to move forward can take place when you do some difficult work; sort of like peeling away our outer layers. 

For me personally, today was a day of renewal and in some ways regression.  I choose not to go into it here, however it was an experience that needed to happen and although it emotionally exhausted me, it also brought a gift to me - a gift of healing and a lesson in perseverence and trust.  Trust is huge for so many and I’m no exception.   Trust, in this case, is about trusting ourselves and going within.  We know the answer to many questions and yet we tend to seek out other options and other opinions because we don’t trust ourselves enough to make the right decision.  The right decision is what is right for us, what we believe and what we have faith in. 

This experience was necessary and one that I’ll continue to work on.  I met with Shelly Eagle and went through her Intuitive Synergy session.  It combines hands-on energy work with intuitive counseling to balance chakras and clear present and past life issues.   (www.miravalresort.com)

Shelly is a warm individual and one that you’re immediately comfortable with upon your first meeting.  Our experiences are different, we are all different, however sometimes a session like this one is helpful in getting ‘unstuck’ as it gives us an opportunity to heal and move forward. 

This is just one example of how we can get to our truth, how we can uncover our authentic selves.  Whether you opt to take a session like I did or focus on journaling, or maybe a professional fitness coach or perhaps a nutritional consultation is what you need to have your aha! moment.  Whatever it is, there are choices and taking the first step may be what you need to have the journey of your life.  A life of joy, a life of passion, a life of truth and healing. 

More tomorrow as I report directly from Miraval. 

Cal-a-vie is  located on 200 private acres in Vista, CA and about 40 miles north of San Diego.  Readers of Conde Nast Traveler voted it the Number One Destination Spa for Programs and Settings and readers of Luxury Spa Finder voted it Best Boutique Spa, and Best for Cooking Classes, Cuisine, Fitness Program, Hiking, Weight Loss and Best for Going Solo. 

One of the reasons I like Cal-a-Vie (www.calavie.com) is that it is a smaller health spa retreat (25 rooms/30-35 guests) and offers wonderful healthy meals, cooking classes and nutrition.  One of my goals when visiting a destination spa is to arm myself with more ideas on eating healthy and finding fitness classes that I enjoy - a destination spa is a great opportunity to try something new with the intention of continuing it upon returning home.  I often travel solo to destination spas and a smaller one offers the option of really getting to know the staff and with a 5 to 1 staff to guest ratio, it doesn’t get much better than that.   

One of the other reasons I like Cal-a-Vie (www.calavie.com) is their Pilates program and the Pilates Apparatus Essentials that features Peak Pilates Equipment, including Reformers, Cadillacs, Chair and Barrel. One complimentary semi-private session is offered to full-week guests; all other guests may request a session for an additional charge.  And, the Fitness Pavillion is also unique in that it is decorated with 18th century European antiques.  Okay, more about that in another review (they also earned Best Interior Design from Luxury Spa Finder readers).  Two Pilates weeks are coming up and one is by renowned Pilates instructor and expert, Mary Winsor, set for April 13 - 20 and the other is with Kim Kilway, former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and professional dancer/choreographer, set for June 22 - 29.

Cal-a-Vie offers 3, 4 and 7-night spa vacation packages (http://www.spa-vacation-expert……lAVie.html) that include luxurius accommodations, fitness classes, hiking, spa treatments, classes & lectures on healthy and nutririont, gourmet (healthy) spa cuisine and they include workout clothes to use during your stay. 

I will be including more information in an upcoming review about the nutrition program offered at Cal-a-Vie, however in the meantime I thought I’d give you a sneak preview of one of their recipes.  Enjoy!

Green & White Asparagus Soup

Ingredients:

1 bunch green asparagus

1 bunch white asparagus

1 yellow onion - chopped

2 tablespoons pomace olive oil

1/4 cup unbleached flour

1/4 cup light coconut milk

3 cups chicken stock

Salt & white pepper to taste

1. Cut off the tips of the green asparagus and cut the stems into small pieces. Sauté half of the onion in the olive oil in a saucepan for 5 minutes or until tender. Add the green asparagus and stir to coat evenly. Stir in half of the flour and cook for several minutes, stirring constantly. 

2. Add half of the coconut milk and half of the chicken stock, or just enough stock to cover the asparagus. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat, stirring constantly. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. 

3. Process the mixture in a blender at high speed for 1 minute. Strain through a strainer or large china cap. Season with salt and white pepper. 

4. Repeat the entire process in a separate saucepan using the white asparagus and the remaining ingredients. Pour each soup into separate measuring cups. Pour carefully into opposite sides of soup bowls in a curvilinear pattern, taking care not to mix. 

Yields 12 servings 

Special Time-sensitive announcement:

Are you looking to go to Rancho la Puerta and notice that it’s sold out in March?  Are you available to travel the week of March 22 and would you like a Ranchera room type?  If so, please call me as soon as possible as I have one room available and it won’t last long. 

Weekly presentations: http://www.rancholapuerta.com/……vents.html 

Rancho la Puerta (www.rancholapuerta.com) is approximately two hours from San Diego airport and is a 3,000 acre property offering amazing gardens, including an organic farm (do the organic breakfast hike - it’s a great way to start the day) and is set at the foot of Mt. Kuchumaa for great hiking and walking trails.  A new cooking school could be your focus or perhaps you’re looking to jumpstart a healthier lifestyle by enjoying vegetarian meals and daily fitness opportunities.

Maybe you need to find yourself in the midst of the responsbilities of your daily life?  This could be the answer to your dreams - a place where you can focus on you - your body, your mind and your spirit. 

Space is sold out for most weeks through May 24th and the ranchera room type (least expensive) is sold out until the week of May 24th. 

This is an opportunity to go in late March - it’s Easter Week and the beginning of spring - what a great time for renewal!

Call me directly at 1-800-532-5590 or e-mail me at donna@spa-vacation-experts.com.

Rancho la Puerta - your door to a healthier future.

www.rancholapuerta.com

http://www.spa-vacation-expert……uerta.html