This weather on the east coast is a drag – first snow, sleet, and ice, now thunderstorms and heavy rain. While I did many heart opening asanas in yoga class yesterday in honor of February American Heart Month, I closed my eyes during mindfulness meditation and let my mind wander.
I pretended my yoga mat was a magic carpet and let it whisk me away to South Beach Miami. My boyfriend L and I had such a lovely vacation in South Beach last November before the stormy winter arrived.
We stayed at The Savoy Hotel on Ocean Drive in South Beach Miami.
My mind wandered back to The Savoy Hotel on Ocean Drive. It was a quaint little hotel. Not too fancy, not too expensive. We had a small one bedroom suite with a kitchen and living room and a romantic balcony that overlooked the ocean. No need for a car as everything was within a convenient walking distance.
“Breathe in and breathe out,” said my yoga teacher. “When your mind wanders, come back to the breath.”
My mind wandered, but I didn’t bring it back. Instead I relished in the 80 degree temperatures and sunny days of South Beach. L and I walked each morning along the beach path, passed the art deco hotels and the skyscrapers. One day we peeked inside the luxurious Loews South Beach resort to view the fish in the massive aquarium and asked a fellow visitor to take our picture outdoors among the tall palm trees.
PAUL patisserie was a favorite breakfast spot on the outdoor mall on Lincoln Road.
I loved our walks to Lincoln Road with its outdoor mall – so many hip shops and hot restaurants. PAUL was our favorite breakfast spot where we sipped Lavazza iced coffee and shared French pastries and egg sandwich baguettes.
“Breathe in and breathe out,” said my yoga teacher. “When your mind wanders, come back to the breath.”
I let my mind continue to wander. I thought about my bike rides on the path along Miami’s blue water beaches. On a few afternoons I rented a bicycle from one of the many DecoBike stations and rode around town and along the bike path. What joy!
“Breathe in and breathe out,” said my yoga teacher. “When your mind wanders, come back to the breath.”
The Italian restaurant Dolce is located in the Gale Hotel on Collins Avenue.
I thought about all the delicious meals we enjoyed in South Beach – brunch at Front Porch Cafe, lunch at News Cafe, dinners at the new Italian restaurant Dolce at the Gale Hotel and tapas at Tapas y Tintos on Espanola Way. (Note Tapas y Tintos is temporarily closed as of November 2014.)
“Breathe in and breathe out,” said my yoga teacher. “Time to open your eyes.
Meditation was over. I opened my eyes. My yoga mat was back in New Jersey. Just a quick little mindful trip to Miami and I was so relaxed and happy.
As I walked to my car I jumped over the puddles in the parking lot – no blue ocean or sand crystals – just puddles.
The first day of spring is only a month away. The cherry blossoms will be in bloom soon too. Hallelujah!
Judi
You know I’m with you on this one, plus I know that area very well. I dream of moving to Palm Beach County, and this winter (more than ever) has solidified my resolve. I just need to find my husband a job!
Wonderful post. You helped me meditate!
Cathy, I’ll come visit you in Florida. Just let me know when.
I just got back from an almost 2 week biz trip that took me to Phoenix & San Francisco. So bummed to be back in dreary MA, and even more bummed to be flying to Indianapolis for the coming week! Thankfully, we turn the clocks ahead in 2 weeks!!
Allison, so glad you had time away in warmer climates. I was supposed to attend the Wisdom 2.0 Conference in San Francisco last week and my flight was canceled so never made it. I am so ready for spring.
We went to Miami Beach on a family vacation a few years ago and had the best time! I have many memories of childhood vacations in South Florida.
Sharon, so glad you enjoyed your time in Miami.