We spend so much of our lives leaving our spaces to find ourselves in others. But how far must one really go in order to really find who we are? We move through our spaces mindlessly, always thinking about what the next thing on our checklist is. So focused on what’s in front of us, we forget to look around. Sometimes those spaces that are sacred to us are the ones we create, the ones we breathe life into.
The Urge to Escape
Encinitas, Chichén Itzá, Ojai, al-Ula — why do these places draw us?
It’s as though something was pulling us there. Perhaps what’s most attractive about these places is the anticipation of promise. They promise to guide you down a path to find peace or to simply connect with yourself. They invite you to disconnect from that which saps your energy (but hopefully not your wallet— more on that later). And, ultimately, they invite you home.
The wellness retreat has its roots in the sanatoriums of the 19th century, which later evolved into holistic retreats in the latter part of the 20th century. This happened when the sole medical focus on treating illnesses and promoting wellness began to shift towards alternative modalities. The Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, situated itself at the forefront of this new approach to wellness. Quickly, the wellness retreat became a way to not only promote physical wellness but to also promote emotional and psychological well-being through spirituality.
Al-Ula sits enigmatically in a northwestern expanse of desert in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In the past few years, this destination has garnered significant attention from the tourism industry. Relatively recently opened for tourism, al-Ula is one of the Kingdom’s best-kept secrets. Replete with archeological wonders and ancient histories under its layers, al-Ula is now home to several luxury resorts. But, it is also a place where one could go to be in complete and absolute solitude. Detached from the hustle and bustle of life, it’s just you and the desert under a seemingly endless blanket of stars. It’s almost like stepping back in time. It connects with the ancient histories that still haunt the rocks of this place and the sands that hold thousands upon thousands of years of secrets.
Halfway across the world, Encinitas in California sits on the edge of the West, on the ancestral home of the indigenous Kumeyaay nation. Even long before the arrival of yogi Swami Paramahansa Yogananda, the Kumeyaay regarded this coastal expanse of land as sacred ground. Centuries later, the land retains its pull. Encinitas remains a popular destination for spiritual seekers. The constant but refreshing lull of the sea calms the mind. The outlook onto the miles and miles of Pacific waters teases at some hidden potential just waiting to be unveiled.
Finding Your Space
Our urge to escape the quotidian pushes us out of our familiar spaces. There’s no doubt that places like Chichén Itzá or Ojai — however different — hum incessantly with a shared energy. These places are so sought after because of their spiritual essence and significance. But must one really travel far to connect with the self? As you move through your spaces, notice: what’s missing? Where do you feel most at peace, most like yourself? Those spaces which are sacred to us are the ones we create.
“Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again.”
Joseph Campbell
Not only do our sacred spaces connect us directly to the land, they help elevate our state of mind. In finding comfort in these places, you feel like you can be yourself. And, perhaps most importantly, they can help you realize your full potential. You don’t need to book an expensive luxury retreat; you can find and create your own space too, if you focus on surrounding yourself with the people and the things that make you feel good. Create a space that exudes positive energy.
But, don’t get too caught up in the essence of the material. It is true that your physical surroundings influence your mental state but your journey starts first in the mind.
Let us know what your sacred space looks like by tweeting us at @VALLEYmag!
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