Greater Palm Springs is filled with places and opportunity to cultivate peace and stillness. Whether it be on your yoga mat or on a hike, you can find your own piece of zen in this beautiful oasis.
“Mindfulness means moment-to-moment, non-judgmental awareness. It is cultivated by refining our capacity to pay attention, intentionally, in the present moment, and then sustaining that attention over time as best we can. In the process, we become more in touch with our life as it is unfolding.”
~John Kabat-Zinn
Our three-day mindfulness pilgrimage starts in the eastern part the valley and finishes up in the west with an opportunity for a side trip to the north. The goal? To inspire you to create an intentional life of healthy and balanced living while focused on the present moment.
Day One: La Quinta
Start the day in Old Town La Quinta. Head to Old Town Coffee Company for an iced Americano topped with almond milk OR a yummy cappuccino (depending on the time of year) and a Glorious Morning Muffin. Sit out on the patio with a view of the beautiful San Jacinto Mountains. It is truly a majestic view.
Next head over to Gather Movement & Wellness for a Yin or Gentle class to mindfully connect back to you. Gather is a cozy space not only for group classes but also custom and private sessions to address both physical and emotional wellness.
If you are around on a Sunday, drop in for their monthly sound bath healing with the talented Billy Cordell from Bliss Chakra Spa.
After an afternoon of lounging at the pool, take a walk up to the top of the cove to the labyrinth that was created with local stones and rocks. Leave your headphones and cell phones behind. Discovering this treasure is just as important as the time that you walk within it. Take your time, walk slowly. There is no where to be other than where you are right now.
Take your time walking back to your car or back down the hill. There will be plenty of time for conversation.
Finish your mindful pilgrimage today at Heirloom Craft Kitchen. The “Craft” in their name stands for quality, sustainability and above all, flavor. You will not be disappointed, and more than likely you'll be back to taste their brunch menu.
Day Two: Palm Desert
Start your day with a hike up to the cross. The view of the valley, at the top, is exquisite. Don’t forget water and leave the phones and other distractions at home. You will want to be fully present as you traverse the trail to its completion.
Before you head home, stop by Fresh Juice for a protein shake, pitaya bowl or a handcrafted juice. Regardless of the time of year, or how I am feeling, I don’t pass up their Immunity Rocket.
After showering, you have an appointment at Bliss Chakra Spa for their signature Heaven & Earth Chakra Raindrop Massage. You may not want to drive home after this amazing experience, so consider an Uber or Lyft.
The thoughtful combination of essential oils, massage and Tibetan sound bowls is a harmonious experience for the mind, body and soul and will more than likely extend past the time of your appointment.
Thankfully, Luscious Lorraine’s is super close. You can remain in your blissful state as you eat in their tranquil space, or take a few things home. Their menu includes wraps, salads, sandwiches, smoothies, soups and juices. Don’t leave without grabbing a Molly Bar, or four. Lorraine has been serving our valley since 1999 and takes pride in her organic and local ingredients. Your body and tranquil mind will appreciate the entire menu.
Day Three: Palm Springs
Begin your day at Yoga Bliss with Jenn Lucene Smith. Jenn is a talented instructor with detailed focus on alignment and mindfulness. If you can, attend one of her floating meditations, guided meditation and or deep relaxation…Yes, please.
After class, it is a short drive to Native Foods. Not only is their menu delish, but they are community conscious, giving back to many organizations that are in need of support. It is a win, not only for gastronomy, but also for your soul.
You’re ready for a stroll downtown Palm Springs, so be sure to make your way to Ernest Coffee and Crystal Fantasy. The pastries and hand-crafted coffees at Ernesto will make you say “OM.” You can’t leave the valley without picking up something to cleanse your personal space, whether it be a rose quartz or sage bundle, Crystal Fantasy has it all.
For a truly one-of-a-kind experience, consider a trip to Landers to experience the Integratron, a sound experience like no other on a geomagnetic vortex in the mystical Mojave Desert. It’s about an hour away from Palm Springs, and while there you can’t miss a meal at La Copine Kitchen considered by many to be the best food in the Hi-Desert.
