2 places to go often

I have come to realize that the older I get the more I need routine and reminders about the important things in life. So, when I saw this little phrase I thought, I need to think about this. What are my places of healing and inspiration? I am easily inspired, but I have come to realize I don't embrace a place of healing in the same way. I asked myself, where do people go and what do they do when they need to heal and be inspired. 

1. The place that heals you.

A place of healing is somewhere that promotes physical, emotional or spiritual well-being. Places such as natural healing sites or retreats designed for healing.

Saskatchewan has one of the most unique healing lakes in the western hemisphere. Lake Manitou has a mineral density three-times saltier than the ocean. No one can drown in the lake because you can't sink. It is believed to have healing powers for many ailments. Arthritis and skin conditions are some of the most popular.   

I visited Manitou Lake many years ago now. It was full of seaweed which people wrapped around them. You could literally sit and not sink because of the huge salt content. The one story that sticks out in my mind was about the family of 7 that traveled in a van from Fort St. John, B.C. They came to  Manitou Lake in the hopes of getting relief for the dad. He was so arthritic he could hardly walk. He started out with a short distant swim and within a week, he and some of his sons, swam across the lake. When he got back to the beach, he simply walked out free of pain. I am not sure how long he would have relief, but in that moment he felt amazing.  

There are so many alternative therapies available to aid in healing. One of the most effective parts of alternative therapies is the fact that you are allowed to touch another person. The world is missing touch and the powerful healing from it. To actually put your hands on another person and heal is an amazing feeling. 

2. The place that inspires you:

A place of inspiration is often in nature. Sunsets, sunrises, water or any beauty that is meaningful to you. Many people use travel as a way to be inspired. It was a long time ago when I watched the movie, "Eat, Pray, Love". It is a true story of a divorced woman who traveled to Italy, India and Bali seeking self-discovery. The movie is a fun movie with a deep message. It was my first introduction to the idea of going to places like in the movie to "find yourself" and be inspired to change your life. 

There are many places all over the world that are known for transforming lives. One that comes to my mind is the Camino de Santigo. The Camino is a very long pilgrimage walk that takes many days to complete. Walking is a time of solitude and deep thought. For many it is their time of inspiration and healing.    

It is a natural for people to want to be around others that drive them to do better and be better. Inspiration is what gives us power to change our lives for the better. A person who inspires others is described as encouraging, has a positive attitude and maintains high energy even when things aren't going well.   

My communities inspire me to do better. The trainers and other gym buddies are just that, inspirational. When I look at the 80-year-old guy just doing his thing I am inspired. He has a process, he listens to the instructions, goes to his wife for her to repeat them because he can't hear, and then away he goes and does what they want. Everyone supports each other so much. There are times I focus intently on what the coaches are saying and demonstrating. Then off I go to my little area, and I have nothing, it's gone. So, I do one of two things, I either do it wrong which gets immediate attention, or I ask my partner to walk me through it one more time.  

My paddling community is the same. The long-time paddlers are incredible. They just know how to put the paddle in the water the correct way and it comes out in perfect rhythm. I am inspired to paddle like them. My paddle has a short attention span. There are times it goes rouge and manages to get a few members wet. Once again, no complaining because it is a water sport, and if you are anywhere near me, you are well aware of that. 

For me a place of inspiration is a place I am excited to go to. I look forward to being around like people with a common goal. They inspire me to do better and in return I hope to be an inspiration to others. Just watching others face adversity in their lives inspires me. The grace and dignity some have as they face their struggles is a reminder to me to be grateful for the life I have.  

People don't get up and think, "I'm going to inspire others today". It just naturally happens. I believe every person is an inspiration to someone in some way. Often these people are unaware of the impact they have on others. I feel a part of healing is to tell that person what an inspiration they are. Where there is inspiration there is healing, what a nice place to go often.