Taking the dive in 2023

Post by João

A slip of the foot and boom, water up to my knees. In my mischievousness I tend to throw our dogs Moo and Biscoito into the stream, waterfall or lake whenever we go hiking. This time the trick was on me.

More than a photo op, however, the fairly chilly dip placed me squarely in the present; feeling alive! Hence the raised fists. 

Living in the Azores, a place of natural wonder, trying to live with the seasons, choosing simplicity over excess, reconnecting with the land and attaining self sufficiency as much as possible has become our lifestyle.

Our lifestyle may sound like something of an anomaly. After all, in this fast-paced world of ours, many of us no longer know how to cook a meal, start a fire or balance ourselves in the face of constant perceived aggression.

Now, you ask, what does your coming here on vacation have to do with it?

The time has come to reclaim our humanity.

Travel can therefore be a jolt of joy, a celebration of life. It can be a luxurious experience in REALFOOD, an immersion in our TRUENATURE. Wouldn't you always want to be HERENOW?

---

What am I talking about?

The stream on the recent November hike jolted me into awareness. Yes, feeling alive isn't numbing or disconnecting, but connecting: the elements, the food, our bodies, our minds and our spirits. And by the way we proceeded to walk part of the hike barefoot, feeling the moist moss under our feet and the occasional sharp edged stone. It's all part of it, not to be feared.

Travel can therefore be a jolt of joy, a celebration of life. It can be a luxurious experience in REALFOOD, an immersion in our TRUENATURE. Wouldn't you always want to be HERENOW?

The struggles of existence become second nature when we are in the present and aware -- feeling but not screaming at that sharp pebble underfoot or the crispness of that spring water. In our daily lives sometimes it becomes difficult to be fully in the present -- a force that enables us to observe rather than react, to attain equanimity and remember we are human BEINGS, not human DOINGS. 

Quinta Minuvida lodge + learning center is more than a place to stay and in 2023 we are placing increased emphasis on our immersive learning programs. We’re making travel more relevant, rather than just “luxury” “disconnecting” “entertainment” “sun” and so on.

---

How are you doing this?

During our immersive programs we will gather to experience breathwork and morning movement practices that keep us healthy and connected. We will gather for afternoon hikes and philosophical discussions by sunset and starlight. We will harvest and then enjoy the fruits of our labors (sometimes literally). We’ll be walking barefoot and getting dirt under our fingernails while picking taro. And we will walk in silence, stretch our limbs and rejoice in the moment by the firepit.

​Our immersive program lineup for 2023 includes:

• Feb 17 - 20, Rimi’s February Cultivating Compassion weekend leadership retreat
• November: MYMINVIDA program focusing on food experiences that feed the soul

If you can’t make these dates and/or prefer to come as an Independent Traveler, you can check our availability online . While the group experiences such as hiking and yoga may not be on offer, you will still get our locally sourced and in-season organic breakfasts along with expert advice from our guest manager, Armindo.

So, as a sustainable, conscious travel business, we are uniting the joy of travel with the joy of learning. Let the true Journey of Discovery begin.