Dr. Nina Miles Everett (no relation), a daring and self-assured physician from Maryland, recently completed her sixth annual pilgrimage to Canyon Ranch, a renowned health and wellness spa nestled in the heart of Tucson’s serene Southwest landscape. As she looks back on this year’s excursion, Dr. Nina, fondly known as “Countdown Diva,” reflects on her transformative journey and the invaluable life lessons she’s gained through her experiences with the Divas in the desert.

The story of the Divas’ annual retreat began when a group of Black women physicians, united through an investment club, enjoyed a successful year and sought a place to enjoy their well-deserved earnings. What they found at Canyon Ranch extended beyond relaxation; it offered a unique blend of individual health and wellness programs, physician continuing medical education lectures, and an oasis of tranquility.

The typical clientele at Canyon Ranch doesn’t look like them. Through the years, the Divas’ arrival is met with great anticipation by the staff, who appreciate the vibrant energy they bring. The group has evolved to include friends, mothers, daughters, and professionals from various disciplines. However, one golden rule persists: only those with positive energy are invited, for the company is as crucial as the beautiful surroundings in their quest to relax and unwind.

Canyon Ranch’s sprawling campus encourages wellness through movement, with attendees easily achieving 10,000 steps each day as they transition from spa to classroom, dining to meditation sanctuary, and pool to various fountains. Notably, Canyon Ranch maintains a nearly cell-free zone, allowing the Divas to disconnect from the outside world and fully immerse themselves in the rejuvenating experience.

A highlight of their retreat is the nutritious and abundant cuisine, which encourages exploration of new flavors while educating on portion control. Recipes are readily available, and cooking demos frequently grace the daily schedule.

When the Divas assemble, group activities come to life, including invigorating hikes, line dancing classes, and game nights. They also partake in Canyon Ranch’s Bingo and line dancing events. Each Diva adopts a unique name reflecting her personality, like “Creative Diva,” “Cooking Diva,” “Diva Quiet Storm,” and “Football Diva.” Dr. Nina, “Countdown Diva,” explains that she earned her moniker for her role in eagerly counting down the days to their annual journey.

Dr. Nina’s first hiking experience at Canyon Ranch was an eye-opener. Initially unprepared for the adventure, she soon realized that this was no ordinary walk in the park. Hiking boots were a necessity, and the hike encompassed uneven and uphill terrain. Armed with hiking poles for added support, Dr. Nina, not considering herself particularly adventurous, had to muster the courage to embark on this challenging journey.

The hike up Mount Lemon was rated a 2/5 in difficulty, suggesting it was manageable for those who exercised regularly. While not overly strenuous, it presented its fair share of challenges. The group was guided by three experts, one leading, one trailing, and one in the middle, ensuring everyone’s comfort and safety. As they navigated the rocky terrain, the experience became an analogy for life itself.

Dr. Nina discovered profound lessons during her hikes. She learned to follow the leader while setting her own pace, recognizing that each venture beyond her comfort zone expanded her boundaries. 

While crucial, Dr. Nina realized the hiking poles didn’t require constant dependence, much like life’s need for unnecessary support when you’re perfectly capable. She felt she over-relied on something that wasn’t needed, and it drained her energy. Countdown Diva reflected, “I had to learn to trust in my abilities.

Ascending a hill, she realized that reaching the summit brought the reward of an easier descent. Confronted with treacherous sections of the trail, she couldn’t let fear consume her but instead focused on the next step. The breathtaking vistas from the mountaintop provided a perspective shift, emphasizing the insignificance of personal problems in the grand mix of the universe.

In the midst of nature’s grandeur, Dr. Nina found solace and strength, whispering her hopes and dreams to the universe, which embraced and lifted her higher. The experience of conquering challenging hikes bolstered her confidence, creating a positive feedback loop of self-assuredness. As she concluded, she emphasized the power of camaraderie, reinforcing the idea that everything is better with friends.

Dr. Nina Miles Everett’s insight encapsulates the spirit of the Divas in the desert. Their annual pilgrimage to Canyon Ranch is more than a getaway; it’s a transformative experience that nurtures the mind, body, and soul while fostering lifelong friendships. As Countdown Diva reflects on her recent adventure, she carries with her the wisdom gained from these hikes and the empowerment that comes from embracing life’s challenges.

These life lessons can vitalize and inspire us all to embrace each day with renewed vigor, celebrate the beauty of positive energy, and find empowerment in the uncharted territories of our own lives.

Valarie B Everett

Please join Dr. Nina Miles Everett on her Facebook page ‘A Sistah Muses’ where she offers a haven for Black women to pause, reflect, and share musings on life, self-care, and spirituality, providing a space where their voices and experiences can resonate with others in the midst of life’s constant demands.

Information on Canyon Ranch can be found at canyonranch.com

This post is dedicated to the late Darrell S. Miles, brother of Dr. Nina Miles Everett.

Originally published September 17, 2023