Corrales Grief Spa https://corralesgriefspa.com Stay. Heal. Grow. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 16:26:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 Ericksonian Clinical Hypnotherapy Near Albuquerque: Finding the Power Within for Grief, Emotion, and Sleep Near Albuquerque https://corralesgriefspa.com/ericksonian-clinical-hypnotherapy-near-albuquerque-finding-the-power-within-for-grief-emotion-and-sleep-near-albuquerque/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ericksonian-clinical-hypnotherapy-near-albuquerque-finding-the-power-within-for-grief-emotion-and-sleep-near-albuquerque Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:35:53 +0000 https://corralesgriefspa.com/?p=2272

Hypnotherapy at Corrales Grief Spa, near Albuquerque, is about returning to yourself.

Many people arrive at hypnotherapy with at least one misconception—for example, that they will be made to surrender their will or fall into a helpless sleep. Kristy sets all of that aside. What she offers instead is something far more profound, and far more personal: a doorway into the part of you that already knows how to heal.

As a certified Ericksonian Clinical Hypnotherapist practicing near Albuquerque at Corrales Grief Spa, Kristy uses guided imagery and carefully crafted suggestions to help clients manage difficult emotions, quiet the storms of grief, and restore the deep, restful sleep that loss and stress so often steal away.

“Our thoughts create our emotions,” she explains, “and our emotions are manifested in our bodies.” This is the foundational truth that guides every session. The mind and body are not separate territories. They are one continuous conversation, and hypnotherapy is one of the most elegant ways to change the nature of that conversation.

Going Beneath the Surface

A hypnotherapy session with Kristy will guide you into a state of focused relaxation in which the conscious mind gives way to your deeper, unconscious self.

She may invite you into a landscape of imagery: a safe place, a meadow, a light. She may offer suggestions that your body begin to soften, that your breath slow, that you release the weight you have been carrying, even slightly. For clients struggling with sleep, she works specifically with the language of the body at rest, helping the mind understand that it is safe to release the day, to settle, and to drift toward the deep healing that sleep provides.

For grief, the central current that runs through everything at Corrales Grief Spa, hypnotherapy offers something that talk therapy alone sometimes cannot reach. Grief lives in the body. It catches in the throat. It tightens across the chest. It arrives uninvited at 3 a.m. Hypnotherapy allows Kristy to speak directly to the nervous system, to the unconscious patterns that keep grief locked in place, and to gently invite new possibilities for the body to experience release and ease. 

Far from bypassing grief, this practice meets grief in the body with compassion, skilled presence, and with the gentle power of suggestion.

What Is Ericksonian Hypnotherapy?

The approach Kristy uses is rooted in the groundbreaking work of Milton H. Erickson, M.D., who is widely regarded as the most influential hypnotherapist of the twentieth century. Erickson, who lived with significant physical limitations himself, developed a radically different model of hypnosis built but on collaboration, not command.

Where traditional hypnosis relied on direct, authoritative suggestion, Ericksonian hypnotherapy works indirectly, through metaphor, storytelling, and language that is carefully shaped to meet the unique inner world of each individual client. The assumption is that the client’s own unconscious already holds the resources for healing, and that the therapist’s role is to create the conditions in which those resources can be accessed.

This philosophy resonated deeply with Kristy, whose entire practice is built on a similar premise: that every person who walks through the doors of Corrales Grief Spa already carries within them what they need to heal. Her work is not to fix, but to witness, and in the case of hypnotherapy, to guide.

What the Research Shows

The science behind hypnotherapy has grown substantially in recent years, and the findings are meaningful.

A 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated eight randomized controlled trials covering 676 participants across a range of conditions including acute pain, depression, grief, and anxiety. Ericksonian hypnotherapy interventions consistently produced significant symptom reductions compared to waitlist or standard care. Notably, some trials suggested that the indirect and personalized nature of Ericksonian hypnotherapy may confer particular advantages in areas that are central to Kristy’s work, like grief and hypervigilance.

These findings align with what Kristy’s clients experience: a quieting of the mind, a softening of the body’s vigilance, and a deepening of rest.

As with all complementary therapies, hypnotherapy works best alongside any medical or psychological care you are already receiving. Hypnotherapy opens a door and invites you to walk through it.

Hypnotherapy and Grief: Meeting the Body Where It Lives

Grief has a way of taking up residence in places words cannot reach. It is a physiological state as well as a feeling. The nervous system of a grieving person is often running on high alert, scanning for danger, braced against the next wave.

Hypnotherapy works at precisely this level. By guiding the nervous system toward a state of deep relaxation, it creates conditions that allow emotional processing to happen more gently, more organically, and sometimes more completely than it might in an ordinary waking state.

Kristy has worked with individuals navigating the loss of a spouse, a child, a parent, a marriage, and an identity. She has sat with caregivers exhausted by the weight of loving someone through their dying. 

In all of these cases, hypnotherapy offers the same essential gift: a moment of genuine rest. A breath of space within the grief. Not the end of the sorrow — but a reminder that the body is still capable of ease.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hypnotherapy Near Albuquerque

What does hypnotherapy actually feel like? Will I be unconscious?

No. Throughout the session, you will be aware of Kristy’s voice, the room, and  yourself. Hypnosis is not sleep or unconsciousness. It is a state of focused, relaxed attention in which the mind becomes more receptive to suggestion. Many people describe it as feeling similar to the moments just before sleep. Some describe a pleasant heaviness, a sense of warmth, or a floating quality. You will remember the session when it is over.

Can I be made to do or say something I don’t want to?

No. This is one of the most persistent myths about hypnotherapy. A clinician cannot make you act against your values, reveal information you want to keep private, or do anything that contradicts your own wishes. Hypnotherapy is collaborative. You remain in control throughout, and if at any moment you want to simply open your eyes and stop, you can.

What if I can’t be hypnotized?

Most people can experience a useful hypnotic state. What varies is the depth of the experience. Ericksonian hypnotherapy is specifically designed to work with each person’s unique responsiveness — it does not rely on deep trance states to be effective. What is most important is a genuine willingness to participate and a degree of trust in the process. Even people who consider themselves “analytical” or “skeptical” often find that they can access a useful state with a gentle, individualized approach.

Is hypnotherapy the same as meditation?

They share some qualities, both involve relaxed, focused attention, but they are distinct practices. Meditation typically involves the practitioner guiding their own attention, often toward awareness itself. Hypnotherapy involves a therapist guiding the client’s attention using specific suggestions tailored to therapeutic goals. The outcomes can overlap, particularly around stress reduction and emotional regulation, but the mechanisms and purposes differ.

What can hypnotherapy help with at Corrales Grief Spa?

Kristy uses hypnotherapy to support clients with emotional regulation, grief processing, sleep difficulties, anxiety, and the physical manifestations of stress and loss. She draws on her clinical training to tailor suggestions specifically to what each individual is carrying, so no two sessions are identical. Hypnotherapy is one thread in a rich tapestry of healing modalities available at Corrales Grief Spa, and it can be offered as a standalone session or woven into a broader course of care.

How many sessions will I need?

There is no single answer. Some people experience significant shifts in a single session. Others benefit from a series of sessions as part of ongoing support. Kristy will discuss your goals and intentions with you and help you find an approach that serves you well. Because hypnotherapy is cumulative, and each session builds on the last, many people choose to return regularly as part of their healing practice.

Is hypnotherapy safe alongside other medical or therapeutic care?

Yes. Hypnotherapy is a complementary practice, designed to work alongside other forms of care rather than replace them. It is not a substitute for medical treatment, psychiatric care, or psychotherapy. Kristy welcomes knowledge of any other care you are receiving and will honor the full picture of your healing. If you have questions about whether hypnotherapy is appropriate for your specific situation, she will always speak honestly with you about what she can and cannot offer.

Is Corrales Grief Spa near Albuquerque?

Yes, Corrales Grief Spa is nestled in the village of Corrales, New Mexico, directly north of Albuquerque along the Rio Grande. It is easily accessible from Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and the greater metropolitan area, and offers a sanctuary-like setting that is, in every sense, a world away from the pace of the city.

If something in this has spoken to a part of you that has been waiting to be heard, Kristy would be honored to sit with you in a hypnotherapy session at Corrales Grief Spa.

Come land. Come breathe Come home. 

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The post Ericksonian Clinical Hypnotherapy Near Albuquerque: Finding the Power Within for Grief, Emotion, and Sleep Near Albuquerque first appeared on Corrales Grief Spa.

]]> Corrales Grief Spa: Why Grief Healing Has to Be Physical https://corralesgriefspa.com/corrales-grief-spa-why-grief-healing-has-to-be-physical/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=corrales-grief-spa-why-grief-healing-has-to-be-physical Wed, 27 May 2026 21:39:48 +0000 https://corralesgriefspa.com/?p=2264

At Corrales Grief Spa, a wellness retreat in Corrales, New Mexico, Kristy has built an entire practice around the understanding that the body grieves on its own terms—and deserves healing on those terms, too.

When someone tells you grief lives in the body, they are not speaking metaphorically.

The tightness in the chest that arrives without warning—and the exhaustion you can’t seem to shake. The ache that moves through the joints. The sleep that will not come, or that arrives in fragments and leaves you feeling depleted.

None of this is imaginary. None of it is “just stress.” These are documented, measurable physiological changes, and research is increasingly clear that healing grief requires addressing the body as directly as it addresses the mind.

Every healing modality at Corrales Grief Spa speaks to the body as well as the spirit, because in Kristy’s three decades of experience, she has learned what the research now confirms: grief lives in the body, and healing has to go there too.

Grief Is a Full-Body Stress Event

The reason grief affects the body so profoundly is rooted in co-regulation. We co-regulate with our loved ones. Our nervous systems attune to theirs, our physiological rhythms synchronize with theirs over time. When that person is gone, the body experiences a kind of disruption at the cellular level. The nervous system searches for a signal that is no longer there.

Research from the University of Arizona and other institutions has confirmed that inflammation increases following the death of a loved one. A study published in Psychoneuroendocrinology found that people experiencing intense grief showed significantly higher levels of inflammation compared to those with less severe grief.

This systemic inflammation can affect the immune system and manifests differently depending on a person’s existing health conditions, such as worsening joint pain in someone with arthritis, increasing breathing difficulties in someone with asthma, or raising cardiovascular risk across the board.

A 2025 systematic review published in PMC found reliable scientific evidence that prolonged grief is associated with poorer physical health and a higher risk of somatization (the expression of psychological distress through physical symptoms).

What Grief Does to the Immune System

The immune system takes a blow during bereavement. While experiencing prolonged stress, the body releases excessive amounts of cortisol, which suppresses immune function by reducing the production of lymphocytes, the white blood cells that fight infection.

Grief, in the most literal biological sense, can make you sick. Understanding this changes the way we think about grief support. Addressing only the emotional experience of loss is not sufficient. The body needs care, too.

The Heart Under Grief

The cardiovascular system responds to grief with measurable physiological changes that go well beyond the metaphorical broken heart.

Blood pressure rises during waves of grief. Bereavement research has consistently documented increases in catecholamines, including epinephrine and norepinephrine, which elevate heart rate and increase blood clotting risk.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, often called “broken heart syndrome,”  is a condition caused by acute emotional stress that can be triggered by the death of a loved one. Its symptoms closely mimic those of a heart attack: chest pain, shortness of breath, and electrocardiographic changes. The coronary arteries remain clear, but the heart muscle itself is temporarily weakened. Most people recover, but the condition illustrates with clinical precision just how directly emotional loss registers as physical crisis.

Sleep, Appetite, and the Body’s Basic Functions

Grief disrupts the body’s most fundamental regulatory functions, sleep and appetite, and the disruption compounds over time.

Sleep problems are among the most common physical effects of grief. Grief’s activation of the sympathetic nervous system keeps the body in a state of hypervigilance. Racing thoughts, fragmented sleep, and early morning waking can result. Insomnia prevents the body from experiencing the restorative functions of sleep, including cellular repair, immune reconstitution, and emotional processing that happens during REM cycles.

Appetite changes are equally common and equally physiological. Cortisol and other stress hormones directly affect the hormones that regulate hunger. Some people cannot eat. Others eat without appetite or recognition of satiety. Digestive problems, headaches, physical tension, chronic pain, and a general heaviness throughout the body are all documented physical manifestations of grief.

Why Talk Alone Is Not Enough

None of the physical effects of grief respond primarily to verbal processing.

Modern somatic research has established clearly that trauma and grief are held in the body’s nervous system rather than solely in cognitive memory. The World Health Organization has increasingly emphasized the importance of integrated, body-based approaches to mental health and wellness, recognizing that cognitive interventions alone do not address the full spectrum of human experience.

How Corrales Grief Spa Meets the Body in Grief

Every offering at Corrales Grief Spa addresses the body as a primary site of healing, not an afterthought.

Shamanic Angelic Reiki with Color Infusion and Sound works at the level of the energy body and the nervous system simultaneously. The hands-on work, combined with color visualization, breath, and sound bath immersion, invites the nervous system toward deep relaxation and ease.

Sound Healing uses vibrational frequencies that the body registers directly, reducing cortisol, lowering heart rate, and inviting the nervous system toward ease. O’Waken Yoga, Meditation, and Breathwork address the body through movement and breath—two of the most direct pathways to nervous system regulation.

Guided Visual Imagery and Yoga Nidra guide the body through deep states of rest. Aroma Touch uses therapeutic-grade DoTerra essential oils combined with intentional touch, engaging the limbic system to support emotional release and nervous system regulation. Ericksonian Clinical Hypnotherapy reaches into the unconscious to address the patterns that keep the body locked in grief’s stress response.

Expressive Art and Mandalas give the body a way to externalize what it holds. Plant Based Nutrition nourishes the physical body directly, supporting the immune system, the gut microbiome, and the hormonal environment that grief so disrupts. 

Frequently Asked Questions: Grief, the Body, and Physical Healing Near Albuquerque

Why does grief cause physical symptoms?

Grief activates the body’s full stress response, flooding it with cortisol and adrenaline, suppressing the immune system, elevating cardiovascular risk, and disrupting sleep and appetite regulation. These are documented physiological changes, not psychological ones, and they require physical care alongside emotional support.

Can grief actually make you sick?

Yes. Research has shown that grieving people have suppressed immune function, lower natural killer cell activity, higher inflammatory markers, and reduced antibody response to vaccines. The body under grief is genuinely more vulnerable to illness and infection.

Why isn’t talk therapy always enough for grief?

Because grief is held in the body’s nervous system, not only in cognitive memory. The immune system, the cardiovascular system, and the nervous system do not only regulate through verbal processing. They respond to sensation, breath, movement, sound, touch, and feeling safe, all of which body-based healing addresses directly.

What is Reiki, and how does it help the grieving body?

Reiki is a hands-on energy healing practice that works with the nervous system and the energy body to promote deep relaxation and restore balance. At Corrales Grief Spa, near Albuquerque, New Mexico, Kristy offers Shamanic Angelic Reiki with Color Infusion and Sound—a uniquely immersive, multisensory experience designed to address the body’s grief response on multiple levels.

What does a wellness retreat offer that an individual therapy session doesn’t?

A wellness retreat offers time, immersion, and a holistic environment designed to support the body’s healing. At Corrales Grief Spa, a wellness retreat near Albuquerque, guests have access to the full range of Kristy’s healing modalities, beautifully appointed lodgings, and the restorative environment of the Rio Grande Bosque. Stays range from a single session to up to a year, allowing the body the time it actually needs to heal.

How do I know which modalities are right for my body?

You don’t need to know. Kristy will listen to where you are physically, emotionally, and energetically, and help you find the right footing. Tell her what your body has been carrying, and she will help you decide what to offer it.

How do I get in touch?

Reach out in whatever way feels most comfortable:

At Corrales Grief Spa, the body is not an afterthought. It is where we begin.

Corrales, NM  |  corralesgriefspa.com  | (505) 991-9129  |  ✉️ info@corralesgriefspa.com

The post Corrales Grief Spa: Why Grief Healing Has to Be Physical first appeared on Corrales Grief Spa.

]]> Healing Reiki with Color & Sound: A One-of-a-Kind Experience Near Albuquerque https://corralesgriefspa.com/healing-reiki-with-color-sound-a-one-of-a-kind-experience-near-albuquerque/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=healing-reiki-with-color-sound-a-one-of-a-kind-experience-near-albuquerque Wed, 20 May 2026 18:18:24 +0000 https://corralesgriefspa.com/?p=2243

At Corrales Grief Spa near Albuquerque, New Mexico, Reiki is a living, layered ceremony of energy, color, sound, and spirit.

When most people think of Reiki, they picture a quiet room and gentle hands. What Kristy offers at Corrales Grief Spa, near Albuquerque, goes far deeper than that. She creates a multisensory healing journey woven from decades of study, an open heart, and a sincere belief in the body’s capacity to find its way back to balance.

Kristy has been practicing Reiki since the early 1990s, tracing her lineage through both Shamanic and Angelic traditions. Over time, her sessions have evolved into something she calls Shamanic Angelic Reiki with Color Infusion and Sound, a distinctive, immersive approach that is difficult to find anywhere else in the Albuquerque area.

Here is what that actually looks and feels like.

She begins with the foundational practice of hands-on energy work, using the ancient art of directing universal life energy through the hands to areas of the body that feel out of balance or in need of attention. Each session weaves in practices drawn from a lifetime of study.

Kristy brings the healing language of color from her background in Art Psychotherapy. She may invite you to imagine your breath as a specific color that feels instinctively healing to you in this moment, and to guide that breath consciously into the parts of your body in need of care. This technique tends to anchor people in their own bodies in a way that words alone rarely can.

She also works with the angelic realm, calling in what she describes as angelic forces, guides of compassion and light, that she believes move through the healing space alongside her. And from her years of studying with shamans in New York and New Mexico, she draws on the medicine of the animal kingdom and the elements. These are active, intentional parts of the session.

Finally, Kristy often includes a sound bath of immersive vibrational tones that move through the room and through the body, completing the full, immersive healing experience.

Whether you are navigating grief, sitting with the weight of a life transition, or simply feeling depleted and disconnected from yourself, this kind of session offers the chance to feel held.

What Is Reiki — and Where Did It Come From?

Reiki as practiced in the United States today traces back to the teachings of Mikao Usui in Japan in the early 1920s. Usui was a lifelong spiritual seeker whose intense practice culminated in a profound revelation on Mount Kurama, a sacred mountain near Kyoto, where he is said to have fasted and meditated for 21 days.

One of his master students, Chujiro Hayashi, worked with Usui to develop and disseminate the healing practices more widely, opening a Reiki clinic in Tokyo. From there, a Japanese-American woman named Hawayo Takata brought Reiki to Hawaii in 1937 and eventually to the US mainland, where it has continued to grow.

The word Reiki itself combines two Japanese characters: rei, meaning universal, and ki, meaning life energy — the same vital force known as chi or prana in other traditions. It is administered through laying on of hands and is based on the idea that an unseen life force energy flows through us and is what causes us to be alive.

Today, Reiki has moved well beyond the realm of alternative wellness. Major institutions including the Mayo Clinic and UCLA now incorporate Reiki, and researchers at Harvard and Yale have begun creating studies to further understand what makes it work.

What Does the Research Say?

As of 2024, there are more than 110 Reiki research papers published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Stronger studies point to Reiki’s effectiveness in reducing anxiety, pain, and fatigue, and in supporting emotional wellbeing and recovery from burnout.

A 2025 meta-analysis published in BMC Palliative Care analyzed data from 661 participants aged 14 and older, finding that Reiki therapy had a significant positive effect on quality of life. 

A separate study published in 2025 offered Reiki to 91 outpatients at a community behavioral health clinic, many of whom were living with major depressive disorder, PTSD, or generalized anxiety disorder. Participants reported their ratings of pain, anxiety, fatigue, and emotional state before and after sessions. The results showed meaningful improvements across all measures.

Reiki is a complementary therapy that does not diagnose conditions or replace medical care.

Reiki and Grief: A Natural Partnership

Grief and Reiki have an intuitive kinship. Both ask us to slow down and feel rather than think our way through. And both recognize that healing is not linear.

Reiki’s calming influence on the nervous system supports emotional processing. Many clients describe a lightening of emotional heaviness, greater acceptance, and a profound sense of peace during transitions like divorce, loss, and grief.

At Corrales Grief Spa, Kristy offers Reiki sessions within a sanctuary that understands grief as a whole-body, whole-soul experience that holds space for every dimension of it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reiki Near Albuquerque

What does Albuquerque Reiki feel like?

The most common experience is an almost immediate release of stress and a feeling of deep relaxation. Reiki is cumulative, and even people who don’t notice much the first time usually have progressively deeper experiences if they continue. Common sensations include warmth or tingling where the practitioner places her hands, a floating or dreamlike quality, and occasionally an emotional release such as tears or a deep sigh. Some people simply fall asleep, and that is perfectly fine.

Do I have to believe in Reiki for it to work?

What is needed is a willingness to experience the practice. Many people come to a Reiki session simply to explore how it feels, without expectations. Understanding and belief often develop after personal experience rather than before.

What should I wear or bring?

Kristy recommends loose, comfortable clothing. Arrive with an open mind and, if it helps, an intention for what you are hoping to release or receive.

How is Kristy’s approach different from standard Reiki?

Kristy’s sessions integrate hands-on energy work with color healing drawn from her Art Psychotherapy training, breath-based visualization, Shamanic practices including animal medicine and elemental awareness, Angelic attunement, and live sound bath immersion. It is a full-spectrum experience, and one she has built slowly, over thirty years of devoted practice.

Is Reiki safe if I am also in therapy or receiving medical treatment?

Yes. Reiki is designed to work alongside other forms of care, not in place of them. Reiki is officially recognized as a complementary therapy. If you are working with a therapist or physician, you are welcome to share that with Kristy, and she will honor whatever care team surrounds you.

How many sessions will I need?

There is no single answer. Some guests come for a single session as an act of self-care. Others choose to return weekly or monthly as part of an ongoing healing practice. Kristy will help you find the rhythm that serves you best.

Can Reiki help with grief specifically?

Grief tends to live in the body, and Reiki works at precisely that level. Studies consistently show its effectiveness in supporting anxiety, depression, and the emotional exhaustion that often accompanies loss. At Corrales Grief Spa, Reiki is one thread in a larger tapestry of grief support, and it is woven with intention.

Nestled along the Rio Grande in Corrales, New Mexico, Corrales Grief Spa is a short drive from Albuquerque and a world away from the noise.

If you are ready to land, to breathe, and to begin again, Kristy is here.

Book Now

The post Healing Reiki with Color & Sound: A One-of-a-Kind Experience Near Albuquerque first appeared on Corrales Grief Spa.

]]> Stay Awhile: The Oasis Luxury Wellness Retreat in Corrales, New Mexico https://corralesgriefspa.com/stay-awhile-the-oasis-luxury-wellness-retreat-in-corrales-new-mexico/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=stay-awhile-the-oasis-luxury-wellness-retreat-in-corrales-new-mexico Thu, 14 May 2026 01:32:03 +0000 https://corralesgriefspa.com/?p=2169

Some places let you visit. This one lets you stay. Most wellness retreats hand you a schedule and a checkout time. The Oasis in Corrales, New Mexico does something almost unheard of in the world of healing travel: it lets you stay as long as you need.

Situated within a large, gated estate in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Corrales, the Oasis is just steps from the Rio Grande Bosque, a lush cottonwood forest that runs along the river’s edge. This one-of-a-kind property is home to Corrales Grief Spa and two extraordinary lodging options that, together, offer true sanctuary, on your own timeline.

Whether you are arriving for a weekend of restoration, an extended healing stay, or something in between, the Oasis gives you a place to land that is unlike anything else in the Albuquerque area.

The O’Waken Oasis

The Lodgings

The O’Waken Oasis—1,350 Square Feet of Cinematic Luxury

Rated 5.0 on Airbnb | Guest Favorite | Top 10% of Homes

The larger of the two accommodations, this oversized suite spans 1,350 square feet and delivers extravagant decor designed to delight the senses and relax the soul.

What awaits you inside:

  • A 9-foot by 5-foot cinematic projection screen for a true movie theater experience
  • A cozy fireplace for evenings that deserve to slow down
  • A queen-size four-post Indian bed and a full-size four-post Chinese bed
  • Sofa seating for eight
  • A full kitchenette with dishwasher, full-size refrigerator, and washer/dryer
  • A dedicated home office workspace
  • A pool table and a massage chair
  • A disco ball—because healing includes joy
  • A modern bathroom with plush, oversized towels
  • Outdoor dining for six and indoor dining for four, plus two barstools
  • A 108-inch TV
  • Private, gated parking with a gate clicker provided
  • Private entry, with a large buffer room separating your space from the main house

Guests wake up to southwestern sunshine and may walk directly to the Rio Grande for morning meditations. This suite accommodates up to three guests and holds a perfect 5.0 rating across all categories.

Book the O’Waken Oasis on airbnb

The Bosque Oasis—600 Square Feet of Warm, Private Refuge

The Bosque Oasis

Rated 5.0 on Airbnb across all categories

The Bosque Oasis is a lavish 600-square-foot guest suite that looks directly out onto the Rio Grande Bosque. Warm decor and carefully chosen furnishings invite guests to get cozy, deeply relax, and restore body, mind, and soul.

What awaits you inside:

  • A sumptuously appointed king-size bed
  • A kitchenette with 2-burner hot plate, combination microwave/air fryer/convection oven, and a full-size refrigerator and freezer
  • Dedicated workspace for remote work
  • WiFi and TV
  • Private, fully gated parking
  • Direct views of the Rio Grande Bosque

The Bosque Oasis accommodates up to two guests and holds a perfect 5.0 rating across every category.

Book the Bosque Oasis on airbnb

What Makes the Oasis Truly Unique

Beautiful accommodations exist throughout New Mexico. What separates the Oasis from every other option in the region is their unique blend of welcoming comfort and luxuriously distinctive decor, their proximity to the Rio Grande, and the opportunities for healing and wellness care that come with them.

Guests staying at the Oasis have access to the full range of healing services offered through Corrales Grief Spa, led by Kristy—a five-year Airbnb Superhost with a 100% response rate, and a healer with more than thirty years of training in the healing arts.

Those offerings include:

  • Shamanic Angelic Reiki with Color Infusion and Sound—an immersive, multisensory energy healing experience
  • Expressive Art and Mandalas—intuitive creative work drawn from Kristy’s Art Psychotherapy training
  • Guided Visual Imagery and Yoga Nidra—healing journeys through guided story and stillness
  • O’Waken Yoga, Meditation, and O’Yama Breathing—restorative movement and mind-body practices
  • Ericksonian Clinical Hypnotherapy—working with the unconscious to shift patterns of grief, anxiety, and sleeplessness
  • Sound Healing—blissfully immersive vibrational tones for deep relaxation
  • Aroma Touch—therapeutic touch with DoTerra essential oils
  • Care for the Caregiver—specialized support for those who have given themselves to caring for others
  • The Reflections Room—a contemplative space inspired by the work of Dr. Raymond Moody, the pioneer of near-death studies
  • Nourishing, Restorative Meals—plant-based nutrition and custom options, including eggs, cheese, fish, poultry, and meat
  • Tea and Tarot, Mandalas and Margaritas—because healing and delight belong together

Far from the common model of a hotel with a spa attached, this is a healing sanctuary where the lodgings and the healing work are inseparable parts of the same experience.

Who Stays at The Oasis

The Oasis welcomes guests navigating grief, burnout, life transitions, and the particular exhaustion of caring for everyone but themselves. It also welcomes anyone who recognizes joy and beauty as part of healing—and who wants a stay that goes well beyond the ordinary into an immersive experience of sensory delight.

Guests come for a night, a week, a month, or longer. The estate sits at the end of a cul-de-sac in a high-end Corrales neighborhood, along the peaceful bosque, far from the noise of the city while remaining minutes from everything Albuquerque and the surrounding area has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Staying at the Oasis Wellness Retreat

What are the two lodging options at the O’Waken Oasis?

The Oasis offers two distinct accommodations: the O’Waken Oasis, a 1,350-square-foot luxury space with two beds, a fireplace, a cinematic projection screen, a pool table, and private entry; and the Bosque Oasis, a 600-square-foot guest suite with a king bed and direct views of the Rio Grande Bosque. Both hold a perfect 5.0 rating on Airbnb.

Do lodging guests have access to Corrales Grief Spa’s healing modalities?

Yes. Guests staying at the Oasis can access the full range of modalities offered through Corrales Grief Spa, including Reiki, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Expressive Art, Sound Healing, Yoga, Meditation, Guided Visual Imagery, Aroma Touch, Plant Based Nutrition, and more. Everything can be customized for individuals, couples, or small groups.

How long can guests stay?

Stays range from a single night to a full year. Contact Kristy directly to discuss options for extended visits.

Is the property private and secure?

Yes. Both accommodations sit within a fully gated estate. The Oasis has a private entry with a large buffer room separating it from the main house. The Bosque Oasis is completely private and fully gated. Both include private, gated parking.

Where is the Oasis located?

The Oasis sits at the end of a cul-de-sac in a high-end neighborhood in Corrales, New Mexico, directly on the Rio Grande Bosque and approximately 2.5 miles from Balloon Fiesta Park. It is minutes from shops, galleries, restaurants, breweries, and wineries, and a short drive from Albuquerque and Rio Rancho.

Who is the host?

Kristy is a five-year Airbnb Superhost with a 100% response rate and a 5.0 overall rating. She is also the founder of Corrales Grief Spa and a healer with over thirty years of experience—a Reiki Master, certified Ericksonian Clinical Hypnotherapist, yoga and meditation teacher, and ordained interfaith minister and spiritual guide who conducts weddings and memorial services.

How do I book a stay or inquire about healing services?

Both properties can be booked directly through Airbnb. To inquire about healing modalities, customized retreat packages, or extended stay options, contact Kristy at Corrales Grief Spa:

  • Email: info@corralesgriefspa.com
  • Call or text: (505) 991-9129

The riverbank is just outside the door. The healing is just inside. All that’s left is to arrive.

Book your stay and begin. 🌿

The post Stay Awhile: The Oasis Luxury Wellness Retreat in Corrales, New Mexico first appeared on Corrales Grief Spa.

]]> A Grief Retreat Designed Around You https://corralesgriefspa.com/a-grief-retreat-designed-around-you/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-grief-retreat-designed-around-you Wed, 06 May 2026 15:40:24 +0000 https://corralesgriefspa.com/?p=2145

Every person grieves differently. Each grief retreat at Corrales Grief Spa reflects that.

Many people arrive at a grief retreat after trying to push through. They have kept moving, kept functioning, kept showing up for everyone around them, and somewhere along the way, their own healing fell to the bottom of the list.

Corrales Grief Spa exists for that moment when you finally decide to make your healing a priority.

Nestled along the Rio Grande in Corrales, New Mexico, just a short, peaceful drive from Albuquerque, Corrales Grief Spa offers grief retreats centered entirely around you. Kristy has spent more than thirty years studying, practicing, and weaving together a wide range of healing practices. She draws from all of them to build each retreat from scratch, tailored to the person in front of her.

What is a Personalized Grief Retreat? 

Every grief retreat at Corrales Grief Spa begins with a conversation with Kristy to find out where you are, what brought you here, and what kind of experience would serve you best right now. 

Some retreats open with Sage Support, compassionate one-on-one emotional care that holds the full complexity of grief without rushing toward resolution. Others begin in the Reflections Room, a contemplative space rooted in ancient grief traditions that Kristy built from her years of study with Dr. Raymond Moody, the pioneer of near-death studies who personally mentored her. Sitting in that room, many guests find a quality of stillness they have not been able to access anywhere else.

Expressive Art and Mandalas draw on Kristy’s training in Art Psychotherapy, inviting guests to explore their inner world through intuitive, symbolic creation. Guided Visual Imagery and Yoga Nidra move through healing landscapes of guided imagery, opening pathways that conversation alone sometimes cannot reach.

Guests whose grief has settled into the body, as most grief does, often experience relief through Shamanic Angelic Reiki with Color Infusion and Sound, an immersive experience that speaks directly to the nervous system. Sound Healing and Aroma Touch layer in additional vibrational and sensory restoration, each one quieting a different register of tension.

O’Waken Yoga, Meditation, and Breathwork offer accessible, restorative practices that help the mind settle and the body remember how to rest. Clinical Hypnotherapy goes deeper and works with the unconscious to shift patterns of grief, anxiety, and sleeplessness.

Caregivers who have poured themselves into supporting someone else through illness, dying, or loss can receive specialized support: Care for the Caregiver. Kristy built this because she knows that caregivers rarely give themselves permission to grieve, and she wants to change that.

Plant Based Nutrition rounds out the experience, offering nourishing meals that support the body’s own capacity for restoration. Healing asks a lot of the body. Good food honors that.

Who a Grief Retreat at Corrales Grief Spa Is For

Corrales Grief Spa welcomes individuals, couples, families, and caregivers. Here, grief encompasses more than the death of a person. Kristy holds space for the end of a marriage, a diagnosis, a career, or an identity—any loss that has left you feeling disconnected from yourself.

Kristy brings over thirty years of clinical training, spiritual practice, and genuine human presence to every grief retreat she leads. She meets people where they are and helps them feel seen.

How to Begin Your Grief Retreat

Reaching out takes less than a minute. Connect in whatever way feels right:

  • Website: Simply fill out the contact form at corralesgriefspa.com
  • Email: info@corralesgriefspa.com
  • Call or text: (505) 991-9129

No commitment required. Kristy will respond to your first message with the same care she brings to every grief retreat she leads.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grief Retreats at Corrales Grief Spa

What is a grief retreat?

A grief retreat at Corrales Grief Spa centers on immersive, holistic healing. Kristy draws on her extensive training in Art Psychotherapy, Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, Reiki, yoga, and more to build a personalized experience for your specific needs. Kristy will always speak honestly about what she can and cannot offer.

What does a personalized grief retreat include?

That depends on you. Kristy builds each grief retreat from a conversation about where you are and what you need. She draws from a full range of modalities, including Sage Support, the Reflections Room, Expressive Art, Guided Visual Imagery, Reiki, Sound Healing, Aroma Touch, Yoga, Meditation, Hypnotherapy, Care for the Caregiver, and Plant Based Nutrition, selecting the ones that fit your specific situation. No two retreats are precisely the same.

How do I choose which modalities belong in my grief retreat?

Kristy guides that process. You do not need to arrive with a plan or a preference. Tell her where you are, and she will help you find the right footing. Some people know immediately that they want something body-centered. Others feel drawn to creative expression or quiet contemplation. Most people are surprised by what ends up serving them best.

Do I need to have lost someone to attend a grief retreat?

No. Grief arrives through many doors: the end of a relationship, a health crisis, a major transition, the quiet erosion of an identity you once counted on. If you are carrying loss of any kind, this grief retreat has room for you.

Can couples or families attend a grief retreat together?

Yes. Kristy welcomes individuals, couples, and families. Shared grief carries its own complexity, and she has the training and experience to hold space for the fullness of it. She will shape the retreat around the specific dynamics of your relationship or family.

How long does a grief retreat last?

Grief retreats range from a single session to multiple days or even an extended stay. During your initial conversation, Kristy will help you think through the duration and pace that make the most sense for where you are right now.

What should I bring?

Yourself. Comfortable clothing if movement or bodywork is part of your retreat. An open mind. Kristy will walk you through anything else you need to know before you arrive. The space itself does a great deal of welcoming on its own.

Where does this grief retreat take place? How far is it from Albuquerque?

Corrales Grief Spa sits in the village of Corrales, New Mexico, directly north of Albuquerque along the Rio Grande. Guests drive in from Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and across the United States. The setting feels completely removed from the pace of the city, and the drive takes about twenty minutes.

How do I book a grief retreat?

Reach out through any channel that feels comfortable: call or text (505) 991-9129 or fill out the contact form. Kristy responds personally and will begin the conversation from there.

The post A Grief Retreat Designed Around You first appeared on Corrales Grief Spa.

]]> The Art of Grieving https://corralesgriefspa.com/the-art-of-grieving/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-art-of-grieving https://corralesgriefspa.com/the-art-of-grieving/#respond Thu, 03 Jul 2025 15:06:08 +0000 https://corralesgriefspa.com/?p=1986

We often hear about the art of living, the art of loving, the art of food, even the art of dying. But rarely do we speak about the art of grieving—as if grief is something to endure rather than something we can engage with consciously, creatively, and with care.

Grief is one of the most human experiences we have. It reveals the depth of our love, our attachments, and the meaning we find in connection. Yet, in our fast-paced culture, we’re often urged to move on, to “be strong,” to get back to life as if grief isn’t part of living.

But it is.

The art of grieving invites us to relate to our loss with presence and intention. It means allowing the ache of separation while also remembering the beauty of what was shared. It asks us to be in the moment with our thoughts—because our feelings arise from those thoughts—and to notice how those feelings shape our experience of grief.

To grieve with artistry is to feel the pain without becoming it. It’s learning to breathe through sorrow, to make space for it, to honor it as sacred—not as a mistake or a detour, but as part of the soul’s path.

At Corrales Grief Spa, we offer gentle, creative ways to support this process. We believe grief is not just emotional—it’s physical, spiritual, and energetic. That’s why we offer a range of expressive and healing arts to help people move through grief, not around it.

You’ll find tools like the finger labyrinth, which engages quiet contemplation through mindful tracing. Our sandtray therapy lets the unconscious speak in symbols. Through expressive arts, individuals can paint, write, sculpt, or move their emotions into form—giving grief a place to land outside the body.

Guided visual imagery helps soothe the nervous system and bring clarity to tangled emotions. Reiki, yoga, breathwork, and meditation allow for somatic release, calm, and reconnection. Even our plant-based nourishment is part of the healing process, reminding the body that it is still worthy of care, even in sorrow.

The art of grieving is about embracing both the darkness and the light. It doesn’t mean bypassing pain—it means making space for healing. It is the act of living through grief, not despite it.

There is no one way to grieve. But when we engage it intentionally—with creativity, ritual, and compassion—it becomes less of a burden and more of a process. One that can, over time, bring transformation.

If you are grieving—whether the loss of a person, a pet, a role, or a part of yourself—you are not alone. At Corrales Grief Spa, we are here to walk with you. Not to fix, not to rush, but to help you discover your way through the sacred, complex, and very human art of grieving.

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Take some time. Take care of yourself. You deserve it.

Because healing begins with honoring you—gently, fully, and without apology.

Take some time. Take care of yourself. You deserve it.

Because healing begins with honoring you—gently, fully, and without apology.

Schedule A Retreat
Schedule A Retreat

The post The Art of Grieving first appeared on Corrales Grief Spa.

]]> https://corralesgriefspa.com/the-art-of-grieving/feed/ 0 Hippie Moms Podcast https://corralesgriefspa.com/hippie-moms-podcast/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hippie-moms-podcast https://corralesgriefspa.com/hippie-moms-podcast/#respond Tue, 15 Apr 2025 16:05:12 +0000 https://corralesgriefspa.com/?p=1945

Connecting to the Sacredness of Life, with Kristy LaMariana & Becky Wells of the Hippie Moms Podcast (by Becky & Kristy)

What would life be like if we lived more in the present moment—with more authenticity and the constant awareness that each kiss, hug, and word with our loved ones could be our last? How would our priorities shift? How would our relationships transform? These are the kinds of questions that stir the soul, and in a recent episode of The Hippie Moms Podcast, we dove deep into them with the incredible Kristy LaMariana.

Kristy is one of those rare individuals who carries a peaceful wisdom the moment she enters a space. We connected immediately, and it was clear that our meeting was no coincidence—it felt like fate. Her presence is both grounding and expansive, a reflection of the deep inner work she’s done throughout her life and career. With over 30 years of experience in the healing arts, Kristy brings a wealth of knowledge and a powerful, intuitive energy to her work.

She holds a Master of Science in Art Psychotherapy and is a Reiki Master in both Shamanic and Angelic lineages. In addition, she is a certified Ericksonian Clinical Hypnotherapist, a long time yoga teacher and a trained Past Life Regressionist. Her journey has been guided and enriched by some of the leading minds in spiritual and metaphysical studies—most notably, Dr. Raymond Moody, the pioneer of near-death experience research, who mentored Kristy privately. His influence is apparent in the way she speaks about death—not as something to be feared, but as a doorway into greater understanding and presence.

In our conversation, Kristy shared her insights on how we, especially as mothers and caregivers, can live with deeper intention and a stronger connection to the sacredness of life. She emphasizes the importance of slowing down and cultivating awareness—becoming more present not only with others, but within ourselves. Her words are a gentle reminder that our time here is finite, and that embracing our impermanence can actually enrich our lives, making each moment more meaningful.

We explored what might exist beyond the veil of death and how this awareness can transform how we show up in the world. When we live with the knowing that our time is limited, we become more aligned with our true values. We let go of what doesn’t serve us, and we begin to prioritize love, connection, and truth. This shift in perspective can be profoundly healing—not just for ourselves, but for our families and communities.

This episode is an invitation to reconnect—to your soul, your purpose, and the people you hold dear. It’s a call to live more fully, more presently, and more consciously. Kristy’s wisdom is a guiding light for anyone ready to step into a deeper, more soulful way of being.

Listen in, and allow yourself to be inspired to live each day as the sacred gift that it truly is.

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Take some time. Take care of yourself. You deserve it.

Because healing begins with honoring you—gently, fully, and without apology.

Take some time. Take care of yourself. You deserve it.

Because healing begins with honoring you—gently, fully, and without apology.

Schedule A Retreat
Schedule A Retreat

The post Hippie Moms Podcast first appeared on Corrales Grief Spa.

]]> https://corralesgriefspa.com/hippie-moms-podcast/feed/ 0 MARI Card Test https://corralesgriefspa.com/mari-card-test/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mari-card-test https://corralesgriefspa.com/mari-card-test/#respond Mon, 24 Mar 2025 20:00:04 +0000 https://vps35980.inmotionhosting.com/~corralesgriefspa/?p=1602

The MARI Card Test, developed by the Mandala Assessment Research Institute, is a unique psychological tool designed to offer insight into a person’s personality, emotional state, and psychological well-being. The test is based on the use of symbolic imagery, focusing on mandalas — circular patterns that represent the self and are often used in various cultural traditions to signify wholeness. The test is a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth, providing a deeper understanding of an individual’s inner world through their responses to the mandala images presented.

Origins and Background

The MARI Card Test was developed by Dr. Susanne M. C. Reich, a German psychologist and art therapist. Drawing from the idea that the mandala is a universal symbol for the psyche, Reich designed the test to help individuals explore their unconscious mind. The Mandala Assessment Research Institute, founded to further the research and application of the MARI Card Test, aims to provide psychological and therapeutic professionals with a comprehensive tool for diagnosis and self-discovery.

The core concept behind the MARI Card Test lies in the mandala’s representation of balance, harmony, and unity. In Jungian psychology, mandalas are believed to symbolize the integration of the conscious and unconscious mind. When individuals are asked to choose and interpret a mandala image, they are essentially projecting aspects of their inner self, which can reveal hidden emotions, desires, and conflicts.

How the MARI Card Test Works

The test consists of 81 cards featuring mandala images that are structured into various colors, shapes, and forms. These cards are divided into nine categories, each representing a different aspect of the individual’s psyche. The categories include emotions, self-concept, interpersonal relationships, and others. The test-taker is asked to select cards that resonate with them at a particular moment in time.

Through a structured process, individuals are then invited to analyze their chosen images, interpreting what they see and how they feel about them. This process helps to unlock unconscious thoughts and feelings, offering a window into the person’s mental and emotional landscape. The MARI Card Test does not require artistic skill; instead, it’s the subjective interpretation and emotional response that reveal meaningful insights.

Benefits and Applications

The MARI Card Test is versatile and can be used in various settings, such as psychotherapy, counseling, and personal development. One of the test’s key benefits is its ability to tap into the unconscious mind, allowing individuals to access parts of themselves that may not be readily accessible through traditional verbal therapy alone.

For therapists, the MARI Card Test offers a valuable diagnostic tool. It can help in assessing the emotional state of clients, detecting psychological imbalances, and identifying areas in need of attention or healing. Additionally, the test is often used to enhance self-awareness, as it encourages individuals to engage with their emotional and psychological states in a non-threatening and creative manner.

Furthermore, the MARI Card Test is known for its therapeutic qualities. By providing a non-verbal form of expression, the test allows clients to communicate complex feelings or difficult experiences without the constraints of language. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle to articulate their emotions or who may have experienced trauma.

In sum, the MARI Card Test is a unique and valuable tool for exploring the psyche, offering deep insights into a person’s inner world through the use of mandala imagery. It is particularly effective for individuals seeking personal growth or for therapists looking to assess and understand their clients more holistically. By incorporating this creative and reflective tool into therapy or self-exploration, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their emotions, thoughts, and unconscious desires, ultimately aiding in their journey toward balance and wholeness.

I studied and became certified to use the MARI card test in 1994.

Be Illuminated…

Your Muse~

Kristy

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Take some time. Take care of yourself. You deserve it.

Because healing begins with honoring you—gently, fully, and without apology.

Take some time. Take care of yourself. You deserve it.

Because healing begins with honoring you—gently, fully, and without apology.

Schedule A Retreat
Schedule A Retreat

The post MARI Card Test first appeared on Corrales Grief Spa.

]]> https://corralesgriefspa.com/mari-card-test/feed/ 0 The Art of Fire Walking https://corralesgriefspa.com/the-art-of-fire-walking/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-art-of-fire-walking https://corralesgriefspa.com/the-art-of-fire-walking/#respond Mon, 24 Mar 2025 19:46:24 +0000 https://vps35980.inmotionhosting.com/~corralesgriefspa/?p=1595

History, Significance, and Modern-Day Use

Firewalking, the ancient practice of walking barefoot across hot coals, has fascinated and inspired people for centuries. Whether used as a rite of passage, a spiritual experience, or as part of personal growth seminars, firewalking continues to capture the imagination of individuals seeking to challenge themselves, conquer fear, and tap into their inner strength. Despite its ancient origins, the practice of firewalking has evolved, finding new life in contemporary personal development workshops and spiritual rituals.

The History of Firewalking

Firewalking has roots in ancient cultures across the globe, from Asia and Europe to the Pacific Islands and Africa. The practice can be traced back over 2,000 years, with some of the earliest recorded instances occurring in ancient India and Greece. In these cultures, firewalking was often a ritual associated with religious or spiritual rites, particularly as a demonstration of faith, purification, or courage.

In India, firewalking was used as a form of devotion during Hindu ceremonies, such as the Thaipusam festival, where devotees walk barefoot across a bed of hot coals to honor the deity Murugan. Similarly, ancient Greek and Roman cultures viewed firewalking as a test of physical and spiritual endurance, often associated with healing, protection, and divine favor.

In the Pacific Islands, firewalking had symbolic importance in various Polynesian and Melanesian cultures. It was seen as an act of strength and bravery, with some societies using firewalking to mark important milestones, like coming-of-age ceremonies or as rites of passage for young warriors.

The Science Behind Firewalking

At its core, firewalking is a demonstration of the body’s ability to withstand heat and pain under certain conditions. The science behind firewalking involves the principles of heat transfer and the ability of materials like wood or coal to conduct heat. The coals used in firewalking are typically low in temperature but have high thermal insulation, meaning they do not transfer heat rapidly enough to burn the skin if walked on quickly.

When practiced properly, firewalking can be safe due to the brief contact between the foot and the coals. If an individual walks briskly and maintains focus, they can avoid burns, as the heat does not have enough time to transfer deeply into the skin. However, firewalking is still dangerous and should only be done under expert supervision.

Firewalking in Modern-Day Use

In recent years, fire walking has become a popular feature in personal development workshops, leadership seminars, and motivational events. Modern-day fire walking is typically used as a tool for self-discovery and empowerment. The challenge of walking across hot coals forces participants to confront fear, doubt, and limiting beliefs, offering a profound sense of accomplishment and personal growth.

One of the most well-known proponents of fire walking is Tony Robbins, a motivational speaker and life coach, who incorporates firewalking into his seminars. Robbins uses the firewalk as a metaphor for overcoming obstacles, encouraging participants to embrace their inner strength and push through mental and emotional barriers. Tony Robbins was trained by Peggy Dylan, who brought fire walking to the western world. For many, the act of firewalking is not just a physical challenge, but a spiritual or psychological breakthrough that provides new perspectives on resilience, focus, and confidence.

In addition to personal development, firewalking is also used in therapeutic settings. Some practitioners use fire walking in combination with other techniques such as meditation, breathwork, or mindfulness, helping individuals release fear, trauma, or negative energy. The physical challenge of walking on fire can serve as a powerful catalyst for transformation, offering participants a tangible way to break through emotional barriers.

Fire walking is a practice that has transcended its ancient spiritual and cultural roots to become a modern tool for personal growth and empowerment. Whether viewed as a rite of passage, a way to build courage, or a symbolic representation of overcoming fear, firewalking continues to be a powerful and transformative experience. From its origins in ancient civilizations to its modern-day use in motivational workshops, fire walking serves as a reminder of our inherent strength and capacity for overcoming obstacles. With the right guidance and mindset, fire walking can ignite personal transformation, helping individuals step into their power and embrace challenges with confidence.

I studied Fire walking with Peggy Dylan in 1999. I have led corporate and private Fire walks.

Walk Outside of the Box!

Your Muse~

Kristy

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Take some time. Take care of yourself. You deserve it.

Because healing begins with honoring you—gently, fully, and without apology.

Take some time. Take care of yourself. You deserve it.

Because healing begins with honoring you—gently, fully, and without apology.

Schedule A Retreat
Schedule A Retreat

The post The Art of Fire Walking first appeared on Corrales Grief Spa.

]]> https://corralesgriefspa.com/the-art-of-fire-walking/feed/ 0 Understanding the Five Stages of Grief https://corralesgriefspa.com/understanding-the-five-stages-of-grief/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=understanding-the-five-stages-of-grief https://corralesgriefspa.com/understanding-the-five-stages-of-grief/#respond Mon, 24 Mar 2025 19:35:17 +0000 https://vps35980.inmotionhosting.com/~corralesgriefspa/?p=1588

The Five Stages of Grief – (Plus the Sixth Stage)

Grief is a natural and emotional response to loss. Whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or another significant life change, grief is a deeply personal experience that affects each individual differently. The most widely known model of grief was developed by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in 1969, which outlines five stages of grief. These stages provide a framework for understanding the emotions people typically experience during the grieving process. Over time, a sixth stage has been added to the model, offering further insight into the complexities of grief.


1. Denial
The first stage of grief is denial. In this stage, individuals may have difficulty accepting the reality of their loss. Denial serves as a defense mechanism, allowing the person to process the overwhelming emotions associated with the loss gradually. People in this stage may experience disbelief or numbness, as if the event didn’t truly happen. They may have thoughts like, “This can’t be real” or “It’s all a mistake.” Denial can last for a few hours or extend for weeks, depending on the individual and the situation.


2. Anger
As the reality of the loss sets in, anger is a natural reaction. This stage can involve intense frustration, resentment, and feelings of injustice. Individuals may direct their anger at themselves, others, or even the person they’ve lost. They might feel betrayed by life or angry at their loved ones for leaving them. It’s important to understand that the anger in this stage is not always rational but stems from the deep emotional pain and confusion of the situation. People may have thoughts like, “Why did this happen to me?” or “It’s not fair.”

3. Bargaining
In the bargaining stage, people try to make deals or promises in an attempt to reverse or prevent the loss. This stage is often marked by “what if” or “if only” thinking. Individuals may pray, make personal pledges, or fantasize about ways they could have prevented the situation. For example, a person might think, “If only I had done this differently, maybe they’d still be here.” Bargaining is often an attempt to regain control or postpone the inevitable, offering a sense of hope during the overwhelming emotional experience of grief.

4. Depression
As the individual comes to terms with the reality of their loss, feelings of sadness, despair, and helplessness can emerge. The depression stage is characterized by deep sorrow, loneliness, and a sense of emptiness. People may isolate themselves, feel overwhelmed by the weight of their emotions, or have trouble finding joy in life. This stage is often the most prolonged and difficult, as the full impact of the loss becomes undeniable. Individuals might feel like nothing will ever be the same again, and they may struggle with questions like, “How can I go on without them?”

5. Acceptance

The acceptance stage represents a sense of peace with the loss. It doesn’t mean that the person is “over” the loss, but rather that they have come to terms with it and can begin to move forward. In this stage, individuals may experience a sense of calm and understanding. They recognize the reality of the loss but are no longer consumed by the emotional turmoil. Acceptance can involve adjusting to life without the loved one and finding new ways to live meaningfully without their presence. This stage can be empowering, offering the possibility of healing and a renewed sense of purpose.

6. Meaning

In recent years, the sixth stage of grief has been introduced by some experts: the stage of meaning-making or finding meaning. This stage is about making sense of the loss and integrating it into one’s life. While the five original stages of grief focus on processing raw emotions, the sixth stage emphasizes the personal growth that can come from loss. This could involve finding a new purpose in life, honoring the memory of the deceased through actions, or gaining new insights into one’s own resilience. Meaning-making helps individuals find a way to continue living after their loss with a sense of hope and understanding.

Grief is a deeply personal journey, and the five stages (along with the newly recognized sixth stage) offer a way to understand the emotional upheaval that often accompanies loss. It’s important to remember that these stages are not linear, and individuals may experience them in any order or revisit stages over time. Everyone’s grief process is unique, and there is no “right” way to grieve. Whether you’re experiencing grief personally or supporting someone who is, it’s essential to approach it with patience, compassion, and understanding. Grief may never fully go away, but with time, support, and self-compassion, healing and meaning can emerge.

May You Dwell in Peace as You Integrate Grief Into the Tapestry of Yourself~

Your Muse~

Kristy

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Take some time. Take care of yourself. You deserve it.

Because healing begins with honoring you—gently, fully, and without apology.

Take some time. Take care of yourself. You deserve it.

Because healing begins with honoring you—gently, fully, and without apology.

Schedule A Retreat
Schedule A Retreat

The post Understanding the Five Stages of Grief first appeared on Corrales Grief Spa.

]]> https://corralesgriefspa.com/understanding-the-five-stages-of-grief/feed/ 0