If you haven’t yet read The Spleen Center, it tells a bit about how I got to this place, this stunning energetic vortex that is Cathedral Rock. Despite the fact that I barely made it, and I tweaked my knee hauling Harold up on my back, it remains one of my favorite hikes, and experiences on this journey so far. It is not to be missed if you’re in the area and I was lucky to make friends with someone at the top. As I lay there sprawled out on my back cooling down, he handed me granola (from my favorite juice bar below) and informed me that even through we were at the “summit” we weren’t at the energetic vortex yet. When you make it to the top of Cathedral Rock and you’re looking out over the expansive view, you want to make your way up and around to the left. We hung out in the energy for over an hour and that’s where the above photos were snapped.

I can’t really speak to how challenging the hike would normally be without 20 lbs on your back in the mid-day heat, but I will say there is very little shade for a reprieve until you get to the top and the trail includes quite a lot of bouldering, which I typically love. It’s a fun one! Hat, water, snacks recommended.

Here are just a few of the other places that inspired and nourished me.

Sedona

This is a very special place to stay (and one of my favorites) if you like being off the beaten path. I also did a Pranic Healing session with Meaghan and attended her Sound Bath one evening. The space and her ability to hold it, the landscape and the horses are all incredibly nourishing. Just bring your bug spray if the mosquitos tend to like you too. 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️
I went to this spot every day for a smoothie, juice and/or a salad. Everything is quality and I made some sweet connections with fellow travelers there as well.
Magical + nourishing space.
This place is known for its gluten free pizzas and it did not disappoint.
The drive between Flagstaff and Sedona is full of Ponderosa Pines bringing balance to the Heart Chakra.
There are also some great swimming holes.
For the essentials.

Round two

This time I visited during monsoon season and I actually really recommend it. It’s super green and lush and it typically just rained for a bit in the afternoon everyday which was kind of magical.
Highly recommend visiting this petting ranch if you love the animals like I do.
Picked up a special necklace from this designer.
The scallops at this place.
Hiking Bell Rock.
Check out this unique designer.
Paula is all the things you want from a healer. She also happens to be a Shaman living on her Pluto line, which could not be more aligned.
Stop off after your session with Paula for surprisingly authentic sushi in the desert here.

Moab

On my way to Moab I checked out Capitol Reef which was a beautiful drive.
I also drove through the changing Aspens to quaint Boulder, UT and had a little lunch in the park from this sweet local food bus.
Not to be missed in Moab, though I wish I had camped. It’s dark skies are actually regulated and protected!
This spot for a green juice and a veggie burger.
I feel like finding an actual book shop is a bit like finding a unicorn these days. ❤️
To grab a coffee.

Finding Balance

I’ll be sharing some of the ways I find balance on the road in each Travel Guide. If you haven’t read Chapter One yet, you can find it here.

What my sensitive skin needs has definitely changed as I move into a much drier climate and intentionally taking care of our containers can help us find stillness. Here are some of my desert self care staples:

If you’ve taken my Root Chakra workshop you know our skin is really our first boundary to the world. If healthy boundaries is something you’re working on, then keeping your skin moisturized (ie; not dry, cracked, lacking vital structure) is a great first action step. This is magic for the body and beats out all the expensive brands I’ve tried.
Abhyanga can be a powerful practice for grounding while on the road and you get moisturized as a bonus. I tend to be super Vata so Sesame oil is usually my choice unless it’s summer and my Pitta is imbalanced in which case I opt for Sunflower oil.
This serum from the sea.
This for daily exfoliation.
Dry brushing to keep the lymph moving + my favorite brand for all things Gua Sha. And while we’re on the topic, this is my favorite follow for Face Yoga. Mirror work is such a powerful practice for anti-aging but also for loving up on ourselves.
I’m not gonna lie, I’m usually a bit of a snob about serums, oils and moisturizers for the face but I needed something in a pinch and picked this up at a Whole Fools. It’s been a really pleasant surprise.
Rose water for life.
I’m also loving this oil which I found at a random health store.
This lip saver.
And this enzyme rich mask.

Some of my favorite tools for traveling:

Having a hard copy of a map for those times when you’re out of cell service, and because it feels kinda nice + nostalgic (for some of us) to find your own way.
This for navigating the stars.
The application that makes it easy to find the best hikes nearby.
Headphones for when the noise is out of your control.
Moon Lists for keeping track of your present interests + feels.

Ways to stay sustainable on the road:

My favorite travel mug.
My favorite water bottle.
Always have at least a couple mason jars on me for infusions and storage.
To Go Ware. I keep a stainless steel straw in mine as well.
Stackable tins + Bees Wrap for to go food and road snacks.
Cloth napkins.
If I do buy something in a plastic container, I wash it and use it for future storage.

Until next time!

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Travel Guide | Chapter Two | The Southwest