A couple under blue skies
The sweetness of the retreat lingers as I drink my morning coffee and surround myself with unopened emails and a newsletter to write. I remember this time a week ago, my thoughts were in savoring the sun against the patches of snow and deep blue skies as we hiked to the top of a mountain in Colorado. The couples retreat was full on.
At the Mountain Park Environmental Center, Helene and Dave Van Manen led us up the mountain on a two hour hike all the way up to the lookout point. He is known to many as Ranger Dave and she as Coach Helene. They work daily to educate children and anyone who listens about the conservation of this beautiful land. 
It’s a stunning place for a retreat, the HorseShoe Lodge, where rooms are comfortable and delightfully decorated. We stayed in the Canyon Echoes Room which was warm and welcoming. My second time here and I felt very much at home, surrounded by stillness and comfort.
Couples yoga in the afternoon. We did tree poses together symbolizing how we balance each other. I realized while in the middle of the pose, that I couldn’t balance on my own but that I needed to be mindful of my husband’s movements and then how he and I had to work together to stand tall in the tree pose. The blend when we got it right was reassuring, a strengthening metaphor of how a couple must adjust, giving and taking. I felt the true awareness of being in the moment and focusing on myself as well as my partner’s needs.
Couples Tree Pose
Food. So delicious. Bernie, the chef, at the Horseshoe Lodge was magnificent. Yummy, healthy salads, warm nurturing soups, and an eggplant entree to die for, Mary’s (his wife’s) oatmeal cookies. Such a treat. I felt pampered and nourished at each meal.
Saturday night. The ending of a spectacular day. I felt myself relax and lean into my husband’s arms as we all sat on the floor and listened to Helene and Dave sing. The blend of their voices together and Dave’s guitar was like a soothing elixir to our bodies and hearts. All couples sat on the floor wrapped around each other, listening, sometimes singing along. The music restored us further into ourselves and our relationships. The music of Dave & Helene.
We realized that snow was gently falling outside as we snuggled in more towards each other.
A sweet Sunday morning. The snow seemed to glisten in the sunlight between the pine trees surrounding the Lodge. Breakfast of yummy oatmeal, raisins, nuts, & bananas and then we were out on another hike up through the canyon. It was easy to be walking sometimes in silence, other times connecting with others. Some couples stayed back.
Couples in the Canyon
Sunday afternoon: I indulged myself in a massage by Carol and landed in never, never land somewhere in my head while completely relaxed. Others were napping or journaling or reading.
Goodbyes were said, some of us lingering, staying an extra day.
And then, we were off the next morning on a three hour drive to Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa, through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The wide open ranges with mighty mountains in the background covered with white pristine snow lay before us. The pastures were also covered with snow and the occasional cow fronted these ranges. The beauty was stunning.
The Sangre de Cristo Mountain range
After driving through stunning scenery, we were at long last at the hot springs and soaking in a choice of several hot tubs fed by hot springs. Relaxing once again. The spirit of the mountains called to me. As I looked out our window from our room, I noticed there were small sand dunes covered in snow! Very beautiful.
Coach Diane Mueller
Blue Skies & Snow
Driving back to Denver, I thought what restorative and magic powers await us when we take the time to give to ourselves. It doesn’t have to be a grand adventure like my husband and I experienced, just easier when you walk away from your house and all the to do lists and the busyness gets put on hold…..it’s just easier.
And now back at home, and seeing the young,bright yellow daffodils blooming in my yard, I drift back to that peaceful, unique feeling of balance. I am rested now and ready to begin again. I am very grateful for this special experience of being on retreat with my husband in such a beautiful land.
What I’m thinking is that it’s not where you go or how far you go, it’s important to take the time to just be. And a retreat helps to us to get away from all the endless lists and overwhelm that is so easy to fall into. I will remember the snow and the blue skies of Colorado and I am grateful to have had this unbelievable opportunity.
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