Solo Travel and Beautiful Santa Fe
Hannah Green
Dear Community,
Wishing you a happy November. I love this time of year.
I am just back from a two week personal retreat in one of my favorite places, Santa Fe New Mexico. I am reminded of the power of personal retreat and am excited to share about it.
Have you ever taken a trip by yourself?
Where would you go?
What would you bring with you?
A journal? A book of poetry? Colored pencils? A deck of Tarot cards?
I love going on personal retreat and my recent trip illuminated how deeply I value this practice. I often observe women's eyes widen and their faces flush with excitement when I mention solo travel. Sometimes they have an exciting story to tell that I relish hearing.
I also sometimes hear...
"Oh wow that would be amazing"
"I have always wanted to do that"
"Interesting, that scares me!"
I don't believe many of us women are socialized for solo travel. Thinking in terms of solo travel was a huge shift for me. Honestly it was quite gut wrenching to think of having a special, sacred or delicious experience and not sharing it with my beloved. A whole bunch of feelings came up including excitement, fear and guilt.
Through reflection I realized this is also a common theme for those of us with more insecure or anxious attachment styles. Perhaps the question "Will Mommy still love me if I go out and explore?" or "Will she be here when I return, is it safe to venture out?" lurks deep in the unconscious.
My husband and I have worked hard to create a secure functioning relationship and one where this strong foundation acts as a springboard for personal development. We spend a lot of time together and even more since my practice became remote in 2020. We know that because of our attachment styles we tend to focus on the other rather than ourselves. This is wonderful in so many ways and we take excellent care of each other. It also means that periods of solitude and self focus are hugely enriching. I love that my solo travel puts this awareness into practice. We can better embrace time apart as the fruit of our now (mostly) secure attachment. Talking on the phone also takes us back to the beginning of our relationship when we spent a lot of time on the phone!
In short, solo travel has helped us grow.
When I am on personal retreat, my senses heighten. My spiritual practices deepen and take new, unexpected turns. My creativity sparks. I also get the opportunity to experience parts of myself that usually sit in the shadows. Sometimes I process deep emotions. Usually a personal retreat is resembles a heroine's journey. There are some challenges, some helpers and I return with new perspective.
A solo retreat is a kind of romantic getaway you take with yourself.
Some of us travel deep inside by taking an outer journey.
Personal retreat and solo travel is journey home to ourselves.
Here are some of the wonderful things I enjoyed in Santa Fe to inspire you. Perhaps you will consider this magical place as a possible destination.
Santa Fe is special. The stars are bright. The food is spicy. The energy sparkles. The history intrigues. The landscape sings. The sacred places beckon.
Wherever your heart guides you, I wish you bon voyage.
SANTA FE SOLO RETREAT RECCOMENDATIONS
SACRED PLACES
The Historic Eastside - for me if I am in town (and not staying out in the country) this is the only place to stay. Perfect for the solo traveler that wants to have peace and quiet, walk through leafy streets and still walk to the best coffee shop. Try this AIRBNB for a lovely personal retreat.
Abiquiu and Ghost Ranch - Better than the crowded Okeeffe museum. Go and see the landscapes she painted and walk in her footsteps. Take the little landscapes tour. The drive out there alone will heal your soul.
Santuario de Chimayo - This place has attracted pilgrims for centuries. Go in the fall to be serenaded by golden leaves.
Bandolier National Monument - Go for a beautiful drive and peer into history.
Go and see Our Lady of Conquering Love at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis Assisi (the patron saint of Santa Fe). She is the oldest likeness of the Virgin Mary in the US. I always go and sit with her while I am in Santa Fe. I just sit and Listen. Images - The Autumn leaves at Sanuario de Chimayo
FOOD
Kakawa Chocolate House - Medicinal strength chocolate truffles and elixirs. My favorites include the spicy rose almond elixir, the Marie Antoinette elixir, the pomegranate truffle and the cherry cilli truffle.
The Shed - The most heavenly red and green chili and charming Santa Fe ambiance. Make a reservation in advance and enjoy a warm plate of New Mexico medicine.
Geronimo - A lovely place for a romantic date with Self. Enjoy a fancy and delectable meal and then wander down Canyon road to see the art in the windows while it is quiet and dark.
HEALING
10,000 Waves - This is the place to indulge the senses and nurture the soul. Beautiful private soaking tubs and wonderful healing practitioners await.
Ojo Santa Fe - This is a watery wonderland. Soak in the healing mineral tubs and get a massage. You can also check out Ojo Caliente if you want to take a beautiful drive out of town.
Ark Bookstore - For all your spiritual bookstore needs...in case you want to a new tarot deck or book of Hafiz poetry for your retreat.
SHOPPING
Santa Fe Vintage - Go and see Jules for some beautifully curated vintage treasures. While I was there the whole design team from Pendleton came in and bought a few thousand dollars worth of inspiration.
Double Take - Amazing vintage clothing, art, housewares and more!
Ortegas Weave Shop - For the true and beautiful Chimayo woven jackets, bags, waistcoats and rugs. You can check with Jules to see if she has any vintage Chimayo coats as well, but be prepared to invest.
Grant Hayunga Gallery - Perhaps find a magical print to bring home. I brought home Raven and March Hare...
_____
A witch is not someone who gives herself over to the shadow nor is she someone who relies on social mores and pressures to suppress the shadow. A witch is someone who mothers the shadow, works with the shadow, paints with the shadow. She allows the shadow to infuse her with life through creativity and inner wisdom. She dances with shadow both literally and metaphorically. She has a deep respect for the fecund power of the shadow. Through LOVE she channels shadow energy toward creation rather than destruction.
~ A favorite passage from personal retreat journal musings.
Image - Cyote by Grant Hayunga
Grant Hayunga
Coyote Grant Hayunga
November is Scorpio season and is linked to the Death archetype in the Tarot.
This archetype is not to be feared as it is not about physical death as much as it is about the rebirth cycle and letting go. As my husband says "death to the deadwood and green to the growth." The death archetype inspires us to let go of what we no longer need to make space for something new. It is about relief, rest and a fresh perspective.
Questions for Reflection and Working With the Death Archetype :
What are you ready to let go of?
Could you rest a bit more?
What is most important to you?
NOVEMBER POEM
Self Portrait
It doesn’t interest me if there is one God
Or many gods.
I want to know if you belong — or feel abandoned;
If you know despair
Or can see it in others.
I want to know
If you are prepared to live in the world
With its harsh need to change you;
If you can look back with firm eyes
Saying “this is where I stand.”
I want to know if you know how to melt
Into that fierce heat of living
Falling toward the center of your longing.
I want to know if you are willing
To live day by day
With the consequence of love
And the bitter unwanted passion
Of your sure defeat.
I have been told
In that fierce embrace
Even the gods
Speak of God.
~ David Whyte ~
Images: The shed enchiladas, chimney rock Ghost Ranch, The rose garden at The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Autumn leaves at Bandolier National Monument, Gerald's Tree Ghost Ranch, Loretto Chanel, historic east side