As traveling parents, one of our missions is reminding our fellow moms about the importance of taking care of themselves on the inside and outside. If you read us regularly you will see us occasionally talking up spas, pampering and finding time to rejuvenate – and for good reason. Being a mom is hard. Physically, the challenges start with pregnancy and continues as we pick up our infants (and chubby toddlers) from the crib, lifting them (and strollers) in and out of cars. Even when they get too big to be picked up we find ourselves swinging sports bags filled with bats and balls into the minivan or SUV. And don’t forget those sleep deprived nights when our children get sick. Emotionally, we worry constantly about their safety and well-being.
Parenthood is a full-time, and sometimes draining, job.
While a massage is absolutely heaven to a mother’s body, we moms need to remember to take care of ourselves mentally and emotionally, too. When I visit a spa resort I love to look at the week’s programs and see what workshops or presenters are being featured and always try to stop in for a little soul nourishing.
February is Authors Month at Miraval here in Tucson. The resort is only a few miles from my home, which made it easy for me to sit in on Author Janis Altman’s workshop about her “personal philosophy on healing and heartfelt insights” taken from her best-selling book Being Naked – A nine week journey towards self-awareness.
As Janis pulled stories from Being Naked about her past clients (Janis is a practicing psychotherapist) and entertaining personal experiences, the attendees (all women) drew from her stories and related them to their own lives. The ladies then shared their personal challenges and I saw how women have a need to share, relate and ultimately grow. Miraval just happens to be the perfect place to have such an experience (many of the ladies where at Miraval with their girlfriends and sisters for an entire week). By the end of the program, Janis (who is one of the warmest people I have ever met) had convinced each woman they are worthy and deserving of living a happy life – and she’s right.
Next time you’re at Miraval be sure to check the schedule – you may end up leaving with a lot more than you brought.
