The Season of Gratitude

GRATITUDE MEDITATION This Buddhist practice cultivates feelings of gratitude, loving-kindness, happiness, and compassion. Learn a powerful technique to create positive emotions that can be healing and helpful to yourself and others.

SLOW FLOW YOGA Flow from one posture to the next while moving slowly and intentionally. By slowing down, we can focus on detailed alignment and fluid breath movement.

GRANDMOTHER MAPLE Honor the Grandmother Maple with this meditative, arboreal ceremony. Named for its age and wisdom, it transmits the forest’s knowledge to newly sprouted saplings and vibrates with the essences that bind our ecosystem. Dayla Robinson’s fireside experience explores the loving and peaceful connections between people and trees. Recline to Dayla’s music with a mug of maple syrup-infused tea and make intentions and prayer ties to grace the branches of this maternal, magnificent maple. $

Greylock Photography Excursion Join our Miraval photography specialist, Greg Cherin, for a scenic drive to the highest elevation in Massachusetts: the peak of Mt. Greylock. From the summit, sweeping panoramic views that extend into New York, Vermont, and the eastern part of Massachusetts presents limitless photo opportunities. Slow down, take in the sights and let Greg offer tips and tricks for capturing beautiful photos.

THE WISDOM OF OWLS Ancient symbols of stillness, focus, and inner knowing, owls have much to teach us. In October, days are shorter and colder. Nature goes within, to the quiet internal time of the year. Owls are with us through this time. They do not migrate; they adapt to the season, hunting alone in the stillness of the night. Owl teaches us that if we are willing to look inside and brave our “flight” through the darkness, we will emerge with rewards from our deepest selves.

FORGE A FIRE Learn how to light a fire without matches as we reach back to our roots and honor the role that fire has played in sustaining life and sparking joy. This centuries-old skill reconnects us to nature and the land around us. Work together to prepare and ignite a fire using traditional methods. From the flicker of kindling to a crackling fire, you can enjoy the results of your collective effort with a fireside beverage from The Roost. Create a circle of camaraderie and cooperation as we practice this ancient act of creation. $

SNOWSHOE HIKE Strap on a pair of snowshoes and raise your heart rate with a one-to-three-mile, gentle hike that gains 300-500 ft elevation across the snowy Berkshires hills. $

Ashuwillticook Foliage Bike Ride Don a helmet and venture through a section of this lovely 20-mile trail. This flat gentle ride takes you through the heart of the Berkshires, running alongside Cheshire Lake, where the foliage blooms brilliantly at the base of Mt. Greylock.

TRI-STATE FOLIAGE HIKE A staff favorite, this trek features steep climbs and spectacular 360-degree views of the most stunning foliage in the world. Traverse through three states and summit three peaks: Round Mountain in Massachusetts and Connecticut, Mount Frissell in Massachusetts, and Brace Mountain in New York. Stand in all three simultaneously at the tri-state marker and enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch.

RACE BROOK FOLIAGE HIKE Elevate your heart rate with steep climbs, rocky scrambles, and multiple river crossings along this trail that parallels the river with views of a local three-tiered waterfall. Reward yourself with breathtaking views of the Berkshire foliage and a gourmet picnic lunch. $ Seasonally offered

CREATE YOUR OWN SEASONAL APOTHECARY Transport your senses through a symphony of seasonal aromas to delight your sensibilities and spirit by making a custom aromatherapy rollerball. By using certified pure therapeutic grade oils, you can discover nature’s remedies for body, mind, and spirit. Sample a selection of various essential oils and learn about their healing properties while formulating your personal aromatherapy blend to take home in a handy, portable applicator. $

SEASONAL ELIXIRS For centuries, Asian, Indian, European, and Middle Eastern countries have harnessed the health properties of roots, herbs, and spices in tinctures and elixirs. Celebrate the sprouts of summer with fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables to concoct creative and hydrating beverages. $

MINDFUL HOLIDAY EATING Along with holiday cheer comes the inevitable holiday stress. Sometimes, we use food as a coping mechanism. Instead, we can look to mindfulness as a type of meditation that can serve as a strategy for changing habits. Mindful eating is a practice that, over time, can improve your emotional relationship with food. Learn this transformative practice to shift your holiday experience from worry to joy.

TURKEY TROT (THANKSGIVING DAY) Come in costume and enjoy a three-to-five-mile morning run with Program Manager Emilie. Explore the rolling hills of the Berkshires and soak in the energy of the surrounding lakes and mountains.