Life is stressful, and now more than ever, as we sow into and support others, our families, and our professional work family, it is crucial for self-care. From focused breathing meditation, walking meditation, or simple prayer meditation, mindfulness is a supportive strategy to manage many health issues. Put your worries aside and find the best way to balance your mind, body, and spirit.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health's percentage of adults and teens who practice meditation, mindfulness, or spiritual meditation has tripled. Seventy-three percent reported that they meditated for general health wellness, while 93 percent of others meditated in some form to reduce stress and relax. Mindful meditation is a form of brain exercise, just as physical exercise keeps your body healthy. The benefits of mindfulness meditation, anywhere from five to 15 minutes a day, are all you need to begin experiencing benefits that can decrease multiple symptoms ranging from anxiety, burnout, insomnia, and anger.
Sometimes, kicking off a new regiment means getting away to rewire your mindset and returning refreshed and focused. West of Wimberly, Texas, is the Lotus Ranch, which touts itself as among the best spiritual retreats. At Lotus Ranch, part of the International Dark Sky Community, you can connect with nature – and your inner self – on 40 rolling acres. Are you taking a corporate retreat? Up to 25 guests can stay in the Lotus Ranch Lodge, which boasts nine spacious rooms and a commercial kitchen; an additional six guests may stay in the peaceful and quiet Lotus Suite
Lotus Ranch is a family-owned and operated wellness retreat center and permaculture farm in Wimberley. It provides an ideal setting for wellness retreats hosted by yoga and meditation practitioners
from around the world. Visitors enjoy the relief of being out of the city, with over two miles of hiking
through forest trails and a clean, wifi-free lodge for true rest.
"Through meditation and yoga we hope guests can reset their nervous systems, reset bad
habits, and go forward in life knowing the positive effects humans can have for the ecology
around them," says Mark Turner of Lotus Ranch. "Our farm is a working example of organic gardening and rotational grazing in the Texas Hill Country. We capture rainwater for our gardens, and use swales and contour brush berms to recharge the aquifer."
"Our facilities are cleaned with non-toxic, essential oil-based cleaners. We do not use fragrances
and chemicals because everything goes back into our land and aquifer," says Ashley Stephens of Lotus Ranch.
Retreat in the Pines is another nearby locale targeting retreats and respite for women out of Mineola, Texas. Some of their programs are: Self-Love Retreat, Deepen Your Yoga Retreat, and Mindfulness and Healing Retreats.
Retreat is the Pines is for women, founded by women. Take time to find your community, make lasting friendships, rediscover you, and—most importantly—no matter what’s going on in your life, discover you’re not alone. As women, we have many shared experiences in common. From struggles with mental health issues, toxic relationships, job loss, grief, and more. Retreat in the Pines is ready to embrace you as you perhaps start new habits being intentional about taking care of yourself.
Upcoming retreats for late April found on their website include: Grounding and Growth, and Spring Detox and Yoga. In May, reconnect to joy and escape your busy reality through their Nature retreat and retreat and feel relief to focus on what matters most to you.
A celebrity favorite outpost is Miraval Resort, set in the Texas Hill Country and just minutes from the Austin airport. A global leader in wellness destinations, Miraval Resorts offers innovative experiences and intentional journeys for guests to consciously explore the connection of body, mind, and spirit. For guests looking to indulge for the day, Miraval Austin offers full access to the entire property, including their main restaurant, pools, the Life in Balance Spa (with steam rooms, saunas, and quiet lounges), the Body Mindfulness Fitness Center, walking trails, specialist-led programs and more. Their extensive menu of options tucked away in the rolling hills of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve offers a complete retreat perfect for unplugging and reflecting.
Their luxurious well-being destinations are designed to help you create a life in balance through mindfulness. With pioneering programs, exclusive spa treatments, nourishing cuisine, and world-class wellness specialists, Miraval Resorts wants you to live your best life—whatever that means to you.
"Another differentiator is our Cypress Creek Farm – the biggest farm of the Miraval locations – that gives guests an opportunity to connect on a deeper level with where our nutrients come from," says Sheri Morgan Muskin, General Manager. "Whether it’s experiencing a session with the property’s equine therapist, mastering microgreens or indulging in a facial with locally sourced honey, the on-property farm plays a large role in your experience at Miraval."
At Cypress Creek, diverse ecosystems converge, and cultivate plants and produce that is beyond organic. Their Farm & Bee experiences connect you to our unusual terrain and its beautiful bounty—from bees to chickens to salad greens. Guests are invited to meet the hens who lay Miraval’s farm-fresh eggs and the farmers who cultivate our organic produce during our farm experiences, including our mastering microgreens and chicken keeping classes, or join their beekeeper for a journey into the magic of Miraval’s marvelous bees and gain a new appreciation for bees and their vital role in our every ecosystem. Additionally, our Honey Tasting experience is the perfect way to end on a sweet note.
Leverage technology to your advantage with a few noteworthy digital apps to reduce anxiety, calm your headspace, and aid in sleep and meditation are Calm and Breathe. Both apps are high quality audio for sleep tracks whether that is calming music or white noise to help concentrate or wind down at the end of your day.
Whether you seek out mindfulness at a rustic retreat setting in Texas, or seek a peaceful meditation retreat with spa services. Get ready to rejuvenate and energize your soul before we head into summer to be your best self.
"Through meditation and yoga, we hope guests can reset their nervous systems..." Mark Turner, Lotus Ranch
"Through meditation and yoga we hope guests can reset their nervous systems, reset bad
habits, and go forward in life knowing the positive effects humans can have for the ecology
around them,"
