I woke to the sound of muffled voices in the wind. Outside our patio were hikers at 7AM entering the woods. It was our last day and we had one more activity planned, The Quantum Leap from a 35ft pole. Sounded ominous. We dressed and walked to grab coffee and our favorite smoothies. The green detox is delicious and I followed it with some overnight oats. The coconut milk, cacao nibs, and dates added a decadence to it. My husband opted for one of the ham and cheese sandwiches. We sat and enjoyed the view, taking in the last morning. I was lighter. There was a feeling of euphoria and I can’t help but laugh that this place really did the work it claims to. The staff is overly welcoming because they are, actually, genuinely happy people. I see I would be too coming here daily. This picture is of me in real time after my coffee and before we headed back to pack up our belongings.
After we left our luggage outside for the staff to load in our car at valet, we walked over to the ropes course. A boy named Dylan sat peacefully and waited for us to quiet down. I asked the group if we were all the crazy ones. They laughed. It appeared to be case as we all waited to jump off a pole.
Dylan saw my nerves and asked for us to warm up by naming our favorite song. I told the group mine was Rufus du Sol – New Sky. It was one of the last songs I played driving to Austin, so it was fresh on my mind. My underarms were drenched in sweat. I always sweat more when I am nervous. We walked as a group to the pole site and harnessed up. My adrenaline was coursing through my veins.
There were 7 of us and I opted to go 4th. The first woman, a renown gym owner, went first. She would not stop talking. She was in her 60s, so I am impressed with that. She climbed to the top but could not get herself to stand up. She was nervous and said she wanted to stop as she hugged the pole like a koala. Dylan brought her down. She told the group it is the courage of trying and finishing does not matter. The second man climbed to the top and could not stand fully but jumped from the top spoke. The third man, my husband, climbed quickly to the top and jumped from the swaying pole. We all cheered. I was surprised Dylan handled my husband’s large stature so well. My turn came. Dylan asked why I was so nervous. I told him I could strangle my neck around the cord. He assured me that would not happen. I am still weighing if he was telling me the truth. I began to climb with my sweaty palms. My body shook and my breath was rapid. I got to the top and before I stood on the tiny pole tip, I looked out over the resort and took in the Texan hill country view. I was high up with the birds. I slowed my breath down and my legs calmed. I took a deep breath and recalled all the years of yoga and meditation I have harnessed along the way. I stood slowly and I raised my arms to a tee. I was free like the birds. I yelled down to Dylan that my life was in his hands and I had small children. Then, I jumped with true elation and Dylan lowered me down carefully. He was steady with me the entire time. The rest of the group went but no one else jumped. I do wonder what causes the person to go for it and trust. Dylan was patient and I did trust him implicitly.
To say we left the resort on a high note is inadequate. This place is magic. I felt closer to my husband, I felt at peace. Though I must admit, as we drove away, I felt pain. I was not ready to leave. I missed my new home already. It reminded me of the days of summer camp and leaving as a child. The two weeks at camp became my identity and I would often cry on the drive home. I would hide my tears from my dad who was tired and focused on the road. I would lay on the pillow against my trunk and tell myself to stop crying and let it go. It was that feeling again of yearning. I wanted to turn around, go back, and surround myself with these people again. My heart was breaking as we continued the miles, furthering ourselves away from the grounds of Miraval.
It has been 7 months since we went. I sit and only write this experience now. But everything is so fresh, so raw. I miss it. This is a testament to Miraval. You have done a fantastic job at leaving a lasting impression. This trip is now engraved in me, alongside my months in Thailand and years of travel abroad. Only one weekend caused me to change this much. Imagine what longer could do.
I encourage you to look into a destination that pushes you as Miraval did.
The Cute Epicure 