This post is dedicated to an aspect of self-care that, for many, may not seem
like self-care, yet indeed is so nourishing for the body, mind, and soul. Yes, I am speaking of vacation travel. Whether it be two hours North, or to another continent, taking a much needed break from the 'every day' will help you to relax and re-energize. In my view, this is an essential part of self-care, and i highly recommend you incorporate it into your life in one way or another.
A couple weeks ago, I ventured Southwest to Sedona, Arizona for one week. For those who don't know, Sedona is known as the mystical town North of Phoenix, abound with mountainous red rocks, psychics, crystals, bodyworkers, and energy vortexes.
I had had a calling to go there since 2006, and now the timing felt right. I wasn't sure exactly what I was going to do there, but I was sure I would figure it out. I opted to stay in an ashram, as this felt like the most conducive environment for my contemplative journey.
I will say that if you are interested in doing self-reflection and introspection, Sedona is definitely a place to put on your list!
Upon arriving in Sedona, I was immediately taken by the beauty of the town. Just glance at my photos to understand what I am referring to here.
Now most reviews of this lovely town talk of 'touristy' things like the pink jeep tour, taking the trolley around town, walking the strip of shops filled with items such as 'wild west' cowboy hats, and getting a tour of Bell Rock. I chose to create my own adventure, leaving the touristy attractions behind.
I created self-tours. Every morning I drove to the same area just outside of town, pulled off to the side of the road, parked, and hiked for 10 minutes up the mountain to a secluded spot where i would sit and ponder. Sometimes i would be there for 20 minutes, sometimes longer. Sometimes i would write, sometimes i would listen. The final day, I took all my crystals there to get some much needed sun energy rejuvenation.
I visited five different vortexes, some with masculine energy, some female, some with both, and i would walk, sitting when i got tired, pondering, reflecting, listening. I was amazed by the strength of the energy in certain spots. The energy was so powerful it twisted the juniper tree branches like spirals of a staircase! I noticed my thoughts were very action oriented when i was at the masculine energy vortex, and more flowly while at the feminine energy vortex. I tried not to think too much about it, instead i opted to observe.
I spent time with a psychic which was an experience i will remember forever. I am not quite sure what happened in those two hours; however, I think i am forever changed!
I stumbled upon a lovely raw organic cafe, Raw Bliss , which is also a place I will remember forever. The energy there was pure bliss, and the food simply divine.
I went to a massage therapy school in town (how could i not?!), and got a treatment by one of the instructors. That was the relaxation part to counter all the hiking I did in the mountains. I am a firm believer in balance!
I had thought provoking conversations with people that really got me questioning my beliefs, my vision, my goals, and I think this is an important ongoing process that is a necessary part of life for each and every one of us.
The last few days of my trip were filled with utter joy. A joy that is difficult to express in words, but a feeling i feel deep inside. This trip opened my heart. I think most of us live primarily in our heads, and for me, my journey to Sedona was about finding my heart. And I am happy to report that I did just that!
So back to my original thought: I cannot stress enough the importance of a getaway from the 'every day'. Not only is it a great way to relax, release, and recharge, but an essential part of maintaining a healthy balanced life!
