Miraval Resorts & Spas, a global leader for wellness destinations, is continuing its alliance with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), the largest grassroots organisation committed to supporting those affected by mental illness in the United States. Together, the two organisations, Miraval Resorts and NAMI are set to develop information and programmes to promote the wellbeing of both Miraval colleagues and guests.
This signals the second year of the Miraval and NAMI collaboration, following the 2021 launch of guest and colleague events between the two organisations, including a multi-part video series of soundscapes and meditations on NAMI's Hearts+Minds website, which was created to raise awareness of physical health's impact on our mental health – and vice versa. The programme provides various resources accessible to NAMI's worldwide audience, highlighting the importance of holistic well-being, both mental and physical. This alliance made specialists and tools supplied by Miraval even more accessible while enabling Miraval to care for individuals even more as they move through their wellness journeys.
"We've always taught our guests that balance is not something you find, it is something you create, and through our renewed collaboration with NAMI, we are giving our colleagues the tools they need to create a life in balance," said Susan Santiago, head of Miraval Resorts & Spas. "Together, we plan to develop resources that guide Miraval colleagues as they elevate their mental wellbeing and support them as they make wellness a way of life."
In a recently launched virtual event series titled Inspiring Workplace Wellness, Miraval and NAMI ensured Miraval colleagues are equipped with the necessary tools to mindfully navigate the workplace and foster self-care in their work and personal lives. Miraval colleagues filled out a survey to share topics they would like to address, from beating burnout and navigating stressful events to prioritising self-care and breaking the stigma of mental illness. The virtual one-hour sessions began in May 2022 and are available for colleagues to reference. In celebration of World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2022, NAMI Chief Development Officer Jessica Edwards will join two virtual panels to discuss the topic with a broader global audience.
"The pandemic and a resulting mental health crisis have put the importance of work/life balance and self-care front and centre," said Edwards. "We are proud to work with Miraval Resorts & Spas to support their colleagues as we promote mental health in this new reality."
Miraval Austin is also planning to host NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison Jr., alongside NAMI Chief Medical Officer Dr Ken Duckworth and the NAMI HelpLine team, for a training session and retreat in early 2023. The NAMI HelpLine is a peer-to-peer resource that offers guidance to people with mental health conditions, their family members and caregivers. This complimentary experience will give the members of the NAMI HelpLine an opportunity to receive essential training and education for their mission-critical work while also allowing them to recharge and practice self-care.
