I was terrified… but intrigued. The terror made me book the appointment.

On the quest to live this life in the most feel-good, spread joy, enjoy more moments type of way, I’m open to trying to all the things. I haven’t floated yet… but that’s on the list.

Last Sunday, sitting at this very desk, my phone dinged. The ding was a text from a local wellness spa that I’d yet to visit, sharing a special for halotherapy, also known as a salt cave. Feeling brave in that moment, I said, “Let’s go!” in my head and called for an appointment.

Now, let’s be clear—there’s nothing to fear about a salt cave. It doesn’t shake or flip upside-down. There aren’t costumed characters waiting to jump out at you during the session. In fact, I’m sitting next to a Himalayan salt lamp as I type this and it’s not trying to harm me in any kind of way.

In fact, there are many reputed benefits of this fancy salt, whether you get it from a lamp or spend time in a cave. Halotherapy is said to have positive effects on those dealing with respiratory conditions, allergies, and dermatological problems. Halotherapy has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also immune-boosting (Disclaimer: I haven’t done any actual research—I’m just reporting from the pamphlet I was given).

I booked the appointment for relaxation… but if those other benefits are legit, I’ll take those, too.

Back to the terrifying part… the daunting thought of sitting still for 45 minutes. If you’ve seen me teach, you know I move around a lot. I’m someone who struggles to sit still through breakfast. My mind kicks right in as soon as I wake up in the morning, with all of the things to do, to accomplish, to go-go-go… it’s no wonder I can sleep 12-14 hours uninterrupted on the regular! My brain has a lot of restoring to do in shut-down time.

Despite this inclination to move at the speed of light, I know darn well that slowing down is necessary, beneficial, and even produces better results. Both of my coaches teach just that, in different wording. And I know it’s true… but I continue to emotionalize, to connect with the constant doing and going. Hence, the necessity for me to try things like the salt cave. The “better” me I become, I better I can serve you. Sat nam.

Friday afternoon, I drove east to Opulence Spa in Babylon (you had me at the name Opulence!). I was greeted by Natalie, who answered my many questions and got me settled in the cave with a blanket and some spa music. I got comfy in a zero-gravity chair… and I did it! I sat down, without my phone, without a book, without a thing to clean, grade, do… I did it.

Trust, my mind was all over the place. There was little Zen in my head… but there was no terror, as I anticipated. When I caught my mind racing, I gently escorted it back to the present moment, the softly-lit cave, the serenity. My goal was to make it through the session and I did it. I’m sure the Zen will come with practice, just like in meditation, yoga, and the other modalities I practice or teach.

I know it seems silly to some that this is what was terrifying me… so I thank you for allowing me to share honestly. Hey, I’m getting up on stage at a freakin’ convention center next weekend to speak and I’m not terrified of that! But this was rocking me… and I’m proud of myself for going for it, for carving out the time to just be. Those moments, as they happen more often and with more intention, will help me be the best version of myself… and I’m smiling as that sentence appears on the screen… because, dear readers, I’m so ready to soar with you.

And salt cave… I’ll be back. Much love.