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NEW MEXICO INSPIRATION | Mind, Body, and Spirit
New Mexico has long been known as a place for healing—both mentally and physically. In the early twentieth century, doctors thought high altitude and dry air helped to cure tuberculosis. There were several large sanitariums for tuberculosis patients in Santa Fe and other New Mexico towns. Many of those who recovered made the state their new home and made important contributions in the arts and in business.
The inspiring scenery, open spaces, and unhurried pace of life continue to draw teachers, leaders, and practitioners from the world's spiritual and healing communities. There is a respected acupuncture college in Santa Fe, a mosque and educational center near Abiquiu, and a Benedictine monastery also near Abiquiu. Visitors to New Mexico will find many ways to rejuvenate.
Ideas of Places to Visit: Past
• Mineral Springs. Ojo Caliente and Jemez Springs, both in northern New Mexico, have natural mineral springs and spas. They have been used by Native people for hundreds of years.
• Rituals and Ceremonies. Many healing ceremonies incorporate ancient rituals. There are Native American inspired sweat lodge ceremonies and shamanistic rituals. In northern New Mexico, numerous moradas, chapels for secretive Roman Catholic lay brotherhoods called penitentes, can still be seen.
Ideas of Places to Visit: Present
• Spas. From elegant, full-service retreats to luxurious, in-town day spas, New Mexico offers a huge variety of spas and spa services. Many hotels have their own spa centers. Massage can be exotic—Balinese, four-handed, immersed in water, or with hot stones—or it can be a basic, deep-tissue treatment designed to ease stress and eliminate muscle aches. There are also many choices for facial and full-body treatments. In Santa Fe, there is Ten Thousand Waves, a Japanese style bath house with outdoor hot tubs in a mountain setting.
• Labyrinth walks. Walking slowly through a labyrinth is a meditative experience. The city of Santa Fe has three labyrinths, at St. Francis Cathedral, Museum Hill, and Frenchy's Field park.
Kiva Ladder• Healers. Healers in New Mexico draw from many traditions. There are acupuncturists, herbalists, alternative medicine practitioners, and spiritual leaders of many types—from those who lead Native American cleansing ceremonies to large institutes which offer retreats and workshops. Treatments or retreats can be arranged.
• Yoga. The practice of yoga is extremely popular. It strengthens muscles and joints and promotes relaxation. There are many types of yoga instruction. Private sessions or classes can be arranged.
• Meditation. There are numerous meditative retreats in New Mexico. Christ in the Desert Monastery, for example, is a Benedictine monastery near Abiquiu where one can go for a short visit or a longer retreat. There is a Buddhist temple in Santa Fe which offers instruction in meditation. Besides religious retreats, there are private accommodations with meditation spaces and instruction.
• Tai-chi. Tai-chi and other martial arts are particularly invigorating when performed in the beautiful open air settings of New Mexico.
• Food. Experiencing wonderful food and new flavors is one of the joys of any vacation. New Mexico's restaurants range from tiny village cafés to elegant spaces with their own art collections. There are many patios, gardens, and courtyards for outdoor dining. New Mexico has its own regional cuisine based around the chile peppers the state is famous for growing. Many international chefs live and work in New Mexico and offer stylish, creative dishes inspired by the world's cuisines.
• Shopping. Indulge your shopping fantasies in New Mexico. Santa Fe and Taos have charming historic districts filled with shops and galleries. Albuquerque's Old Town is a similar setting. Route 66-style Nob Hill, also in Albuquerque has lots of unusual shops. Shop for art of all kinds, antique and contemporary furniture, Southwestern decorative items, cookbooks, photography books about New Mexico, furniture, fine jewelry, Southwestern and ethnic fashion and much more.
