Out on a Limb at Miraval

Dora is back to her adventures! I have shared with some of you and the video/photo footage on Facebook about my incredible experience at Miraval. My lovely-generous Adoption Attorney spoils her staff yearly with a “ day spa experience” at this magical property. I have written about it in past entry’s. I signed up for a unique offering this time, besides our group class and one dreamy massage treatment. 

Out on a LIMB, CLICK the link…..(.  https://www.miravalarizona.com/experiences/activities/outdoor-adventures/challenge-course/  Walking across a log suspended 30 feet in the air in the middle of the desert. This is a part of the challenge course, which offers many other thrill seeking adventures. If you know me, I have jumped out of planes, gone hang-gliding, zip-lined, taken flying lessons, hot-air-balloon rides, and the trapeze attempt most recently at CM. I was not afraid when I signed up a few weeks ago.

Upon my arrival, the exhilaration had disappeared, and converted- my nerves got the best of me….a bit apprehensive and scared. Perhaps my age is changing my invincible personality. I met my group, 2  guides(a girl and a guy), and 2 other dare-devil participants(2 grown men). We all made introductions, shared where we are from, names, and what will our intention be for this experience. Mine is simple in my mind easily repeated, yet a constant practice to live authentically. I want to be ‘comfortable in the uncomfortable’ & ‘fully trust the unknown’. These sound basic and easy, but are a constant challenge in my over chatty head upstairs. Especially the latter…..the ability to live truly in the ‘present moment’….I strive to conquer this in my lifetime.

Both men share their deep, yet simple intentions. It was like a therapy session in the desert that got more profound after we all completed this challenge. I chose to go in the middle, the first guy was SO fearful! His intention was all about facing his fears, being afraid and still doing it. Mission accomplished!! He rated it a 12 on a scale of 1-10 in fear factor. He went across the log super slow. He was extra careful and cautious. My guide instructed me after I inquired- “ Laurie….you don’t need to know anyone else’s experience because yours is unique for you! So true!!

Okay, its my turn…..I’m in my harness, fully protected, cant die- I will survive!! I climb up the pole of steps, 30 feet straight up. This brought back memories of the ladder at Turks Club Med trapeze. I can do this…..although fear is creeping in, the mind is a powerful machine. My new friends are cheering me on, super supportive! I balance on the log, holding onto the pole behind me to get my bearings high in the sky, or so it seemed. I take a step while still holding on to the pole behind me. Finally I go……I start moving, one foot in front of the other,  my balance is a little unsteady and I recover. I go super fast and cruise along to the other side. They all scream for me. Once completed, they make you go back to the middle before you can repel down. This is where the profound experience happened for me. I start asking all sorts of questions about how to go back and down. If you watch the video you will hear his voice say very calmly, “ Laurie- that is in the future, you don’t need to know!” And….”we already  talked about it, you know you cant be reckless you already know you can do it!” Deep sigh…..hmmmm yes he is 100% correct! Fyi- video keeps deleting…..if you want to view it I can text you- blog issues…….

The best part for me was, that is in the future- you don’t need to know!!! Enjoy the present moment its all we have. This is that simple quote we all strive to live by…..all we have is NOW!! Right NOW!! Gone soooooo fast. Now….see again Now- so fast that moment disappears and we get another chance. After this exercise was complete we sat in the desert discussing each of our internal dialogues and the psychological components within this challenge. This was better than therapy!! I could not understand why this class was 2 hours when it started……holy wow!! Well worth the time. Life is about enjoying the journey and not rushing to the destination. Another simple, yet profound lesson to focus my energy.

I am now writing this from Natick, MA. I am in the Boston area for 5 weeks for a work gig/mitzvah helping a dear family-friend with some alternative medical treatments. Right up my alley. Life’s opportunities keep presenting themselves. The more I learn to truly surrender and trust the unknown- the more life delivers. I love the saying, “ What g-d intended for you goes far beyond anything you can imagine”. This is the longest I will be away from home, a growing/learning experience beyond measure for sure. The timing of my Out on a Limb experience could not have been planned more strategically for me on so many levels. Everything ALWAYS works out when we trust!! Thank you Terri Sue for my purple new journal to write while on this trip. I love it!

I am planning to catch up on my writing while away. I did my own East coast tour a month ago for 11 days and completed Reiki 1 & 2 certification before leaving AZ. I may play catch up for the blog. If you want to be removed from the email chain, no hard feelings. Just reply and let me know and I wont include you. As always I LOVE any replies. The communications add a smile to my face. You can reply to me directly or through the blog. My blog master(Marc) wants me to switch the blog to a new service so It may change format again, ugh! You know me and change- baby steps(although I am learning to let go better) ha ha- GROWING constantly. 

Lot’s of transformations in my world these days. These hands of mine with long painted nails were the first sign 6 months ago. Lol 😂 But for reals….. this cocoon is turning into a butterfly! Patience is a virtue! 

Wishing you all a happy 4th of July! May the summer be filled with family time, lots of love, sunshine, and relaxation time! 🇺🇸💫🤗💥

All my love always!

Laurie Sue. AKA- Dora 😇xo