Relax your Mind; Rejuvenate your Spirit with Milagro Retreats

By Amy Waeschle

With my whole body I reach for the sky in a long, slow stretch. My mind begins to awaken. As I move through a series of deliberate poses, focusing on breathing, I feel a powerful center opening inside my chest. The morning breeze drifting from the desert cools my skin. Later, in savasana, ocean sounds lull me into a deep and peaceful relaxation.

Eagerly, I signed up for Milagro Retreat’s Yoga/Surf camp in Todos Santos, Baja, Mexico. In Spanish, Milagro means miracle and I was ready for one. With tight schedules and the world moving by at breakneck speed, my eyes glazed over with dreamy vacation anticipation when I discovered what Milagro had in store for me: gourmet meals, energy-boosting yoga, blissful massage, and professional surf lessons. Baja’s warm sun pulled at me like a magnet.

Our first breakfast was a wholesome feast of muesli, tangy yogurt, and fresh organic papaya, bananas, and mangoes. Chatting between mouthfuls, my fellow guests and I share stories of our yoga interests, our travels, our home lives. Ours was an eclectic group that melded together beautifully, from regions as far –flung as Chicago and Vancouver Island.

After breakfast I take a stroll on the beach, only a few tiptoes away from our casa. I savor the warm sand’s delightful texture between my toes. Breathing deeply, I watch the waves fold gently and advance towards my feet. Hearing their lovely swish as the waves slip back to the sea, I smile broadly. I’m in heaven.

Shani Cranston, owner and chef of Milagro Retreats, explains her vision to me as I help her prepare a light lunch of sushi rolls and jicama-pineapple salad. "I strive to create an environment where people feel free to express themselves." She explains with a bright smile. "I created Milagro because we live in a busy world. People need to be nourished, from the inside out. I design my retreats to restore balance to the body, mind and spirit." With her crown of wild, blonde curls, Shani bustles knowingly around the kitchen. With over 10 years of experience in the Healing Arts, Shani’s eclectic cooking style (yam patties with almond pesto, chilled hibiscus tea, tofu chocolate mousse), besides being healthy, tastes incredible.

After lunch, we gather excitedly at the beach for our first surf lesson. Our instructor Louise corrals us at the water’s edge to teach us about wave behavior and water safety. She also explains the gear. Next, Lou demonstrates a "pop-up" then has us try it. A "pop-up" is the move a surfer makes to spring from belly-down on the board to upright. The "springing" part is harder than it looks, but with a little practice and Lou’s expert coaching, we are ready to take on the waves. We wade to about waist-deep and wait for Lou to give us the sign that means "start paddling!" It was a hoot! By the end of the session, my arms ached from paddling and "popping-up", but I was bubbling with enthusiasm. I stood up a few times and even managed to ride one wave all the way to the beach. I felt like Evil Knievel in Warrior II.

Later that evening, as the sun dipped low over our beach, we gathered on the patio for our Lunar practice with Marne. We were giddy with energy from our surfing experiences, but Marne reeled us in, using soft music, candles and deep, lingering stretches to relax us and focus our energy. At the end, under a sky packed with bright stars, Marne placed us in an extended meditation. Time drifted, floated. I could feel a hush settle over our group, a sign that our adventure-addled minds were approaching a peaceful calm. That night I dreamed powerful, glorious dreams.

Now that I’m home, I miss the people, the food, the hushed stillness of the desert. I miss the way Marne’s yoga made my body feel: alive and vibrant. Given the fast-paced world we live in, it won’t be long before I’ll need another dose of Milagro. I emerged from the retreat feeling wholly rejuvenated and calm, like a tree with a new set of deep, sturdy roots. I think my next Milagro retreat will be the Bellydancing workshop on Vancouver Island this summer. Now that I’m grounded and full of spark, a little shaking and grooving would feel just right.

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For more information about Milagro’s Yoga/Surf, Pilates, Belly Dancing, and Vegetarian Cooking retreats, visit www.milagroretreats.com.

Surf Sister teaches surfers of all levels and even offers women-only surf camps in Tofino, Vancouver Island. www.surfsister.com.

Marne Semick is a yoga instructor and surfer from Venice, California. www.marnesemick.com.