A trip to Rancho La Puerta is a trip for the soul, the mind, & the body. And in my case, it was also a trip for ME (plus two of my dear friends/work-sisters!). I had thought about, talked about, and read about this bucket list destination forever, and finally my dream became my reality!

My first reaction upon arrival was awe – truly a moment of wonder and respect. Wonder, because the 3000 acre campus is unquestionably, naturally, beautiful. And respect, for the employees, and previous Ranch guests, because they had all discovered a little slice of heaven on earth in this joy-filled place, and I was about to experience it for myself!

My first morning at the Ranch, I woke up with the anticipation and excitement of a child at Christmas. I was so excited, that breakfast on that first morning nearly brought me to tears. As I walked into the dining hall, the scents – of fresh tortillas and cafe de olla – were so welcoming, and enticing, like special gifts made just for me. After breakfast, I wanted to see and do everything. I took a tennis lesson, a Nia dance class (to Broadway tunes!), and a water fitness class.  In the afternoon, I went to an energizing cardio drumming class… then I wound down the day in a sound healing session. Talk about extremes – the transition from a loud, aerobic, drumming class to a meditative, healing, relaxation session was a little rocky.  Note to self, when “bringing the Ranch home” – build more transition time and space into everyday life.  I may have overdone it that first day. I went to bed fatigued, and some of my joints were strained, but with the help of a massage and overnight rest, I was feeling great again and ready to embrace all that the Ranch had to offer the very next day.

That next day, and everyday after that for the remainder of the week, are now blissfully blurred together in my memory. I took pickleball, zumba, Pilates, yoga, and cycling classes. I tried Feldenkrais, Gyrokinesis, posture therapy, and balance & coordination sessions. I joined a watercolor workshop, pieced together a necklace, and made a prayer arrow. I went on morning hikes, one starting before sunrise and ending in the garden of Cocina que Canta (the offsite sister-restaurant property) for breakfast and a tour.  I danced with abandon in classes led by choreographers, instructors, and performers. I rested in hammocks, relaxed in gazebos, laid in green grass fields, and I fell asleep in more than one “rest & relaxation” class. I was laying down and resting as often as I was vertical and active. Note to self – balance active time with rest time in everyday life.

During our stay, the majority of the other guests were female, and 50+ years old.  There was a mix of working professionals, retirees, creative types looking for inspiration, chief-home-officers, and mother & daughter duo’s. There were a few couples, and even a few men. I felt like somewhat of an odd-ball; as a young-ish, first-timer. But the aging return visitors welcomed me with curiosity, smiles, and conversation. I met women 30 years older than me, dealing with physical injury and emotional heartbreak. They cruised past me at a healthy clip on hiking trails and stationary bikes. There was even a women with a stress fracture in her foot, confined to a therapy boot, trying to make the most of her stay! If that is not motivation to get moving… I don’t know what is. These were not frail, aging women. Their energy and strength was inspiring. Note to self – age, injury, or heartbreak may slow me down but they may not stop me.

At every meal, there was organic, seasonal food created to satisfy the palate, nourish the body, and fuel the brain. There were options and choices at every turn, with garden fresh fruits and vegetables taking center stage, complemented by sides of protein for needed energy. It was always beautifully presented, and always shared in good company – sometimes with strangers who became new friends, often sprinkled with casual, easy conversation. I never felt hungry, deprived, or lacking of anything.  Granted… my companions and I had “smuggled” some snacks and treats into our rooms – but those were merely occasional indulgences. One evening was spent at a cooking class in the lovely Cocina que Canta. It boasts an incredible teaching kitchen, a beautiful dining room, inspiring patios, and a precious garden. Even more precious, is the garden caretaker, Salvador. He is generous with his knowledge, and passionate about the tender care of the plants they are raising. I was transfixed and instantly envious of the joy he seems to have for his work. Note to self – if something brings you joy, share that knowledge with others!

My last full day at the Ranch, I walked the labyrinth. It literally brought me to tears. I can’t say why, not because I don’t want to share, but because I’m not really sure why it affected me the way it did.  I wasn’t entirely surprised that it happened, and I wasn’t discomforted or upset that it did.  It was likely a release – a giving up of what wasn’t or couldn’t be, a joy of what is and will be.

I swear… when I returned home… I could hear native flutes as I showered, and I could see plants growing before my very eyes.  Strangers told me I seemed relaxed, and peaceful. I walk a little taller, and everything feels a little better. I am the same, but different.