By practicing mindfulness you grant yourself grace, the ability to find forgiveness for yourself and others, the ability to act instead of react, to breathe instead of becoming overwhelmed.  Mindfulness is the act of being present, aware and grounded.  As people seek to find connection within themselves and the world around them mindfulness is becoming a valued exercise and is on the rise.  In a world where we find ourselves more and more disconnected, practicing mindfulness helps us to become centered on what is important in our lives and to have patience during times of difficulties and struggles.

There are many ways to cultivate mindfulness.  You may find yourself cultivating mindfulness and not even be aware of it if you

These are all meditative practices as they promote relaxation and awareness of the present moment.  When you engage yourself in any type of meditative practice you experience mindfulness.

Meditation is the most beneficial way to practice mindfulness but it is not the only way.  While most people think of meditation as sitting cross-legged with your hands on your knees, eyes closed saying “ohm” there are many ways to meditate that will fit your needs!  Just going for a run or a walk in the woods can clear your mind and reduce stress.  Meditation helps us to let go of circular thinking.  While it is preferred to find just 20 minutes every day to receive the greatest benefit, any amount of meditation you can commit to will positively impact your life!

When we take the time to “get away from it all” we are really seeking to connect with ourselves, our families and loved ones and to step away from the fast pace of routine existence where we find ourselves disconnected from being heart-centered.  Set in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, The Vail Valley is the perfect place to re-connect with yourself at any time of the year!  Communing with nature has been proven to reduce stress and blood pressure, improve mood and focus while increasing an overall sense of happiness (see links below).  In short communing with nature grants you the gift of connection. The Vail Valley offers an abundance of wonderful options to unplug and create inner-connection by immersing yourself in nature including great hiking and snowshoeing trails, skiing or snowboarding on Vail Mountain or in the expanse of the Colorado backcountry.  Vail is the ideal gateway to re-connect with yourself, wherever you may find yourself wondering in the woods.

At Vail Spa you can re-connect with yourself and your loved ones as you relax and rejuvenate in our semi-private steam and sauna rooms, or enjoy the quietude of Vail and the mountains at our indoor and outdoors pools and hot tubs, better yet, you can do both.  In addition, you have exclusive access to a knowledgeable, local staff who can provide recommendations to enhance your visit to Vail and to reconnect with nature and yourself.

Mindfulness practice is on the rise and you will find several outlets here in Vail where you can cultivate your practice, whether you are a beginner or a well-practiced veteran.  Of course, there are many great places to practice yoga in The Vail Valley.  Here is a list of offerings mindfulness offerings.

The Vail Public Library offers Community Meditation every Sunday from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM free of charge!   Vail Public Library Calendar

Natalie Nguyen offers mindfulness on Tuesdays 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM and Thursdays 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM at The Lodge at Vail through the end of September.  $10 drop-in fee.

The Town of Vail in collaboration with the Vail Athletic Club offers complimentary yoga through the end of August at Solaris Plaza every Saturday from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM.  Solaris Vail Summertime Yoga

The Vail Public Library offers Gentle Yoga every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM free of charge.  Vail Public Library Calendar

The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens offers yoga in the most ZEN location in Vail in the Alpine Gardens “Alpine Plaza” below their waterfall feature every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through September 9^th from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM for only $15/class.  Betty Ford Alpine Gardens

GOGA! (Goat Yoga) Set in the White River National Forest on Spraddle Creek Road, the scenic beauty is rivaled by the sounds of nature: aspens quaking, horses neighing and Nigerian dwarf goats bleating.  These gentle creatures jump on the participants’ backs, settle on laps when yogis meditate and nibble on grass, hair or items of clothing.  The goat behavior elicits free full belly laughter and reminds us of the curiosity and whimsy that the world around us holds.  Based on availability, every day at 9:00 AM and 10:15 AM. $40/class.  Vail Goat Yoga Schedule

Mountain-top yoga, overlooking the beautiful Gore and Holy Cross Mountain Range!  There is no better place to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of a meditative yoga class.  Offered every Friday and Saturday morning class begins at 10:00 AM promptly through the end of August.  $40 will allow access into the class with a Scenic Gondola Ride ticket if you have a 2019 – 2020 Epic Pass or already have a Scenic Gondola Ride ticket then the fee is only $10.

The Vail Athletic Club offers the best of both worlds offering a slow yoga class followed by a 20 minute guided meditation class, a great start to building a meditation practice.  The schedule is year-round but varies day to day so be sure to check the class schedule before going.  A $35 day pass will grant you full access to all of the spa amenities as well as all of the classes offered for the full day.  When you stay at Vail Spa Condominiums you will enjoy the benefit of enhanced savings with our exclusive guest discount to the VAC bringing your day pass to $20.  Vail Athletic Club Schedule