Movement and the Mind:
In search of zen — sacred water spaces
Untouched nature has the most incredible way of resting our minds and healing our bodies. Water in particular holds a special invitation to us, whether it’s to bathe in or sip, thousands of people make their pilgrimage to spiritual sites each year on a path of their own discovery and need for peace.
For centuries, many cultures have identified certain water sites and mineral springs around the globe to have miraculous healing and transformational properties.
With a planet as big as ours I’m sure this will be the first blog of many, however, here’s four places to inspire you …
’Not every form of ailment can be treated with modern medicine. Sometimes, all the body needs is a conducive atmosphere where it can heal itself. Whether one seeks healing from heartbreak, mental limitation, grief, frustration, overwhelming worry, stress, and other forms of physical and mental ailment, these destinations around the world come with the right scenery and the right atmosphere to administer healing in many ways’.
Ojo Caliente, New Mexico
The Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs are known as one of the oldest natural health resorts in the US. Located near Santa Fe, New Mexico, they are deemed sacred by eight Northern Pueblo tribal communities, with the healing powers of the spring’s water being traced back to the earliest human migrations in the region.
The spa hotel serving the pools, has created both communal and private soaking pools to get the most out of each experience. Well versed in their healing properties, you discuss any ailments with the team before you soak, to know which pool is right for you. Each thermal pool is typically between approximately 98 and 105 degrees fahrenheit and there are nine public mineral soaking pools in total. Iron, Soda, Lithia, Upper & Lower Cliffsides, Arsenic, Big Pool, Terrace and Mud Pool.
Every pool flows with pure mineral water straight from our their springs and is naturally rich in iron, lithia, arsenic, and soda. It’s a truly reformative experience being in Ojo Caliente, we would recommend at least three days in residence to explore the facilities and treatments in order to rebalance the mind and body in completion.
’ Float your way to health with the many minerals contained within each grain of salt and millilitre of water’
Pamukkale, Turkey
If you’re on instagram, I’m sure that you’ll have seen pictures of Pamukkale shared all across the app, legend has it that these beautiful white formations are solid cotton that giants left out to dry. Absolutely stunning to look at from every angle, the springs that feed these natural rock pool formations, foam and drip slowly down the vast mountainside, flowing over stalactites into pools. Rich in minerals, their blue waters have been known to have healing powers for centuries.
Above the natural phenomenon, is a 12,000 seat ampitheatre, so get in touch if you’re planning your trip and we can work out dates that tie in to both schedules. On the flip side, if you’re searching for a retreat, it’s well worth planning in advance to avoid the many crowds that can turn up here for events, to enable you to soak up the natural beauty and calm.
The Dead Sea, Israel
It’s the sheer concentration of salt, ten times as much as in regular sea water, that makes the Dead Sea renowned for its medicinal magic. Having healed many skin ailments and left travellers well rested and at peace, the whole area is considered by many to be quite spiritual. As the lowest point on Earth by thousands of feet, the air here has a higher level of oxygen, so you can breathe deeply and relax as the impurities in your skin are healed. Float your way to health with the many minerals contained within each grain of salt and millilitre of water.
Make sure you try to ignore the smell of sulphur in the air, it’s needed to bathe in post-salt bath. Instead, focus on smoothing the rich Dead Sea mud over your entire body and feel thoroughly cleansed from the experience. Even sunbathing is better here as the higher oxygen causes no sunburn.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, France
Untouched nature has the most incredible way of resting our minds and healing our bodies. Water in particular holds a special invitation to us, whether it’s to bathe in or sip, thousands of people make their pilgrimage to spiritual sites each year on a path of their own discovery and need for peace.
Astonishing recoveries from severe illnesses have been made by visitors to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. It is said that Bernadette Soubirous, a Saint in the Catholic Church, was led to the source of the spring by a vision of Our Lady of Lourdes in 1858 and told to ‘drink at the spring and bathe in it.’ Today, millions of people make their pilgrimage to the original spring, whispering prayers and meditations and collecting water from springs around the base.
Deemed to be miracles by the Catholic Church, on February 12, 2018, the 70th miracle healing was recorded as having occurred at the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. Not only has the spring brought healing powers to people, it’s also brought people together. Searching online has found hundreds of stories of people coming together and finding friends through common interests and stories of healing. Look over their website and you’ll see how much good work the Sanctuary guardians have created over the years to spread a message of hope and healing.