In 2008, I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. I spent most of the year undergoing surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
As I completed my treatment, I looked towards my future. I asked myself: what’s next?
My daughter, Lydia, was was nine years old at the time. She too experienced the distress of my illness. Our relationship yearned for joy and rejuvenation. Though my doctors’ aftercare instructions included intensive bed rest, my intuition disagreed with them. I knew Lydia and I needed a great adventure -- together -- to restore our spirits and enrich our bond.
I found Rancho Las Cascadas, a guest ranch in Mexico, while searching on the internet. The ranch accommodated all ages and levels of riders. I contacted the owner, Uschi, and told her about our challenging year and how vulnerable we were.
“Come,” she replied, “we will take care of you.”
We arrived at the ranch the first day after my last radiation treatment. As Uschi’s driver pulled to a stop in front of the lobby, we marveled at the blooming pink bougainvillea and a massive terra cotta waterfall. Uschi emerged from the lobby’s entrance and greeted us with open arms. Her embrace was generous and full-hearted.
"Hola!” She said,“I'm Uschi. Welcome to Mexico!"
Later that afternoon, Uschi invited Lydia to visit a local farmer. I needed to rest, but Lydia was delighted to go.
I awakened to the sound of a truck outside. I walked to the door and opened it. I watched Uschi driving her pickup truck with Lydia by her side, wearing a Mexican sombrero and beaming from ear to ear. I waved and Lydia leaned out of her window: "Look mom, we bought this horse! Uschi said I can name him!"
I followed them to the stables, breathing in the fresh mountain air. I hadn’t seen Lydia that happy in a long time. I knew we were exactly where we were meant to be.
During our week at Rancho Las Cascadas, the hospitality was stellar, the care for every detail of our experience, impeccable. We embarked on horseback riding adventures in the Mexican countryside, bathed in cleansing waterfalls, had a mystical, healing experience with a local shaman, and explored ranch-hosted excursions into the local villages. Our restorative week of healing and adventure surpassed my greatest expectations.
I was inspired! Upon departure, I told Uschi I planned to return with many more guests. Professionally I spent years facilitating intensive therapy focused on trauma reprocessing work with individuals and couples in some kind of life crisis. I now wanted to offer a more holistic experience of embodied wellness that included the best practices in emotional and mental health as well as the art of hospitality.
In 2015, I held the first Epona Retreat at the rancho. Lydia worked on staff as Communications Coordinator, and has worked as staff for every Epona Retreats in Mexico since. We've held over 10 retreats at the rancho, and have expanded to other locations around the world including Morocco; Sicily; Puglia, Italy; Costa Rica; and Spain.
I invite you to join us for a majestic adventure and inner journey! Check out our upcoming retreats…
