Online - April 23, 2008

Spirited Away

DailyCandy Goes Soul Searching

You’ve been to Nice and the Isles of Greece but have you ever been to you? Here are a few spiritual adventures for when you’re ready to journey inward and discover where you fit in the wonderful world.

Lost and Found
Mentored by the Q’ero Indians of Peru, shaman Jon Rasmussen helps guests at California’s Post Ranch Inn unload baggage on the mythic and energetic levels. Using stones, feathers, and herbs, the medicine man clears the chakras to make way for your destiny. Hallucinations are not uncommon. If two hours with him doesn’t bring you closer to God, Big Sur’s breathtaking views will.

Indian Giver
Study the ancient philosophy of Vedanta with a resident teacher at Ananda in India. Let your quest for self-knowledge lead you to a cleansing ayurvedic massage overlooking the sacred Ganges River in the foothills of the Himalayas. Wake early with in-room lemon, ginger, and mint tea before heading to the marble pavilion for morning yoga. True seekers should not miss the holy aarti fire ceremony in Rishikesh.

Hole-y Moly
Take a magical mystery ride to the energy vortexes of Sedona with Earth Wisdom Jeep Tours, where guides explain the science and mythology behind powerful geological centers. Break on through with meditation, dowsing, and jaw-dropping scenery. Advanced explorers venture further to private lands and finish with a Native American medicine wheel ceremony to discover their place in the big picture.

Hey, Pilgrim
Walk hard on the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James), a group of pilgrimage routes through Europe leading to cathedral Santiago de Compostela in Northwest Spain. Depart from the French border for the month-long trek or start in León for an equally spiritual and stunning two-week version. The entire path is clearly marked so you can even travel alone. Bunk down in refugios or nationally preserved monasteries and castles. Don’t expect 300-thread count sheets.

Don’t see the divine destination you were looking for? Check out Body Mind Spirit Journeys, an outfit specializing in spiritual travel.

Some things still are sacred.

  Help My Life Sucks, Outdoorsy, Quarter-Life Crisis