I read a terrific article in Outside magazine about “The Best Meditation Retreats in the U.S.,” and it reminded me that sometimes it’s important to take time for ourselves and get out of our day-to-day routines to really rewire. I was fortunate enough to visit two of the places on Outside’s list, and each of them contributed to my rewiring in a different way.

Miraval changed my mind. A special place located in a gorgeous spot in the desert near Tucson, Arizona, it had an impact on my life in many ways. The first time I went to Miraval I didn’t quite know what I was getting into, but I took a very important step on my rewiring journey. I connected to a self I hadn’t known existed and learned to trust and let go when I climbed a 25-foot pole in the middle of the desert and bungee-jumped off it. I’ve been back on several occasions, getting in touch with my fear and self-doubt through Miraval’s equine experience with Wyatt Webb, studying Holographic Memory Resolution with Brent Baum, and even trying my hand at Samadhi healing and Native American meditation drumming!

Canyon Ranch changed my body. Also located in Arizona, it provided a healing experience that was quite different from the one I had at Miraval. It was more focused on the physical than the mental and spiritual. While I was there I was able to get in touch with my body through diet, nutrition education and guidance, exercise, and acupuncture. It felt like more of a vacation than a retreat, but I got a lot out of it.

Another place I love that’s not on Outside’s list is Mii Amo, nestled in the famous (and gorgeous) red rocks in Sedona, Arizona. In many ways it’s a combination of Miraval and Canyon Ranch, with treatments that involve the spirit, body, and mind. I enjoyed the aroma and aura color therapy, as well as the Reiki treatments. My visit there really helped bring my being back into balance at a time when I needed it.

These were big trips, but getting away and getting rewired doesn’t have to involve a weeklong vacation. It might be taking a day off work and spending it at the beach…or going to a spiritual center…or enjoying a weekend in the country with friends. What’s your favorite location? How has it rewired you?

Rose Caiola
Inspired. Rewired.