In many ways , Celebration of the Arts is a natural extension of the Creative Expression workshops that have long afforded Miraval guests the chance to practice mindfulness and presence through a variety of experiential art offerings . Miraval invited three artists — Lucinda Hinojos , Sadé Lawson and Jesse Tobin McCauley — each of whom is local to one of Miraval ’ s three locations , to learn about Miraval and its ethos . The artists then created mural designs tied to the practice of mindfulness . Says Fenili ,“ Each [ mural ] had a different and special meaning , inviting guests to think about the intersection of art , nature , mindfulness and the community each resort is in .” Each artist crafted their mural in an area of the resorts ’ properties where they could both beautify the space and “ ultimately spark joy in our visiting guests ,” Fenili says .
Guests were invited to observe each of the artists ’ processes as they painted the murals , and additional art-centric programming gave them the opportunity to explore their own creativity . At Miraval Berkshires , guests got intentional about their goals in the resort ’ s Manifest Your Desires : A Vision Board Creation Workshop , while others connected to their bodies through a clay creation course called The Way of the Wheel . In addition , guests are invited to reflect upon four questions written on chalkboards opposite Jesse Tobin McCauley ’ s colorful mural : What is your intention ? What brings you joy ? What are you grateful for ? Who do you share your gratitude with ? The mural and questions enliven the tunnel — now known as “ The Mindful Passage ”— that connects the main grounds with Meadowview Farm & Barn .
For McCauley , the unique opportunity to help guests connect with art and themselves is a natural extension of art ’ s key role in her life .“ I come from a very creative family who put an emphasis on the importance of having an art practice ,” McCauley says . Inspired by buildings , nature and fashion , McCauley ’ s art is filled with vibrant color , abstract shapes and bold graphics , and her mural at Miraval Berkshires is no exception . She hopes that her work will do for guests what art has often done for her .“ Art offers a chance to reconnect with the childlike wonder of the world , to experience calmness and fun through shape and color . I want guests to be surprised and automatically smile when they happen upon my mural in the tunnel — to not think , to suspend worry about wondering what it is and to just enjoy the colors and shapes and how they make [ them ] feel ,” she explains .
Each of Miraval ’ s properties have been enlivened by the murals that now decorate their Arizona , Austin and Berkshires locations , and the guest response has been fantastic , according to Dina Fenili .“ The feedback from our guests has been wonderful so far ! We are so happy to share that guests who experienced Miraval Arizona ’ s Celebration of the Arts in July felt that Miraval provided a safe space where they could open up , connect and share their thoughtful reflections ….”
Though most spas may not have the space available to dedicate to the creation of a large mural , Miraval ’ s Celebration of the Arts illustrates the ways in which programming focused on mindfulness and self-care can inspire guests and reinforce the importance of creativity and reflection for their guests . Spas seeking to expand class offerings or simply put a new twist on traditional mindfulness and meditation practices may find ways to incorporate the artistic process into guests ’ experiences . �
Miraval Arizona ' s Artist-in-Residence , Lucinda Hinojos , advocates for women ' s and immigrants ' rights through her work . Lucinda Hinojos with her mural at Miraval Arizona .
OCTOBER 2021 � PULSE 31