All Things Coming are Sacred
Peru: A Chaotic Adventure Turned Unforgettable
Cusco: The Heartbeat of the Andes
Plaza de Armas
Cusco, Peru
Cusco sits at a staggering 11,152 feet above sea level, and trust me, it took my breath away. Altitude sickness is no joke—I spent my first day chewing on coca leaves, sipping on cocoa tea, moving at a snail’s pace, and reminding myself that my breath is my anchor. Once I found my rhythm, Cusco completely stole my heart. The cobblestone streets, the energy of the Plaza de Armas, the Incan architecture—it was all so beautiful.
And the food? Next level. Every meal was an experience, a love letter to the land and its traditions. If there’s one thing Peru does exceptionally well (besides, you know, being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World), it’s food.
Machu Picchu: A Dream 30+ Years in the Making
Machu Picchu
For more than three decades, Machu Picchu had lived at the top of my bucket list. I had imagined it so many times, and yet, nothing could have prepared me for the moment I laid my eyes on the ancient stone walls, terraces, and the energy of something far greater than myself. It was surreal, almost out-of-body experience.
My partner and I spent two days there, soaking it all in. But the real challenge-the hike up Wayna Picchu Mountain.
On Day 2, we took on the beast of a hike that looms over Machu Picchu—an almost vertical ascent of 1,000 feet in under a mile. The stairs, narrow and steep, are literally called the “Stairs of Death”, and I get why. My calves are still cursing me. But when I reached the top, panting and dripping in sweat, looking down at the breathtaking sprawl of Machu Picchu, the feeling was indescribable. There are places in the world that hold a kind of ancient magic, and this is one of them.
Ollantaytambo: The Town That Stole My Heart
Ollantayambo, Peru
Ollantaytambo was hands-down my favorite town. Tucked into the Sacred Valley, this town felt like stepping back in time. It’s one of the only places where the original Incan city plan is still intact—with its narrow cobblestone alleys, water channels flowing through the streets, and towering terraces. The energy was different here—slower, softer, somehow both ancient and alive.
I spent my time wandering, eating ridiculously good food, and just letting myself be. There was a moment, sitting in a tiny café, sipping coca tea, watching life unfold around me, when I realized: this is why I travel- to feel both small and expansive at the same time. To witness, to savor, and to return home a little different than before.
Peru gave me all of that and more. Despite the chaos of getting there (seriously, never flying Copa Airlines again), it was everything I had hoped for and then some.
Peru reminded me why I travel, but it also reaffirmed why I always need a place to return to. The road calls, but so does the home.
And I am ready for what’s next.
What’s Next?
Now that I’m home, I’m shifting gears into teaching, cleansing, and building-meaning March and April are packed with offerings designed to nourish, strengthen, and align.
March: Time to Shed the Layers of Winter & Embrace the Renewal of Spring
As winter begins to loosen its grip, the warmth of March encourages a natural transition—both in nature and within our bodies. Just as the snow melts, so too does our internal “winter insulation,” the stored heaviness accumulated over the colder months. If this transition isn’t properly supported, it can lead to congestion, sluggish digestion, and an excess of Kapha, leaving us feeling stagnant, tired, and unmotivated.
Ayurveda teaches us that seasonal shifts are pivotal moments to realign and restore balance. As we move towards the Spring Equinox, now is the time to gently stoke our internal fire with warming foods, movement, and intentional daily practices that support lightness and flow.
Throughout the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing Ayurvedic tips, tools, and simple rituals via weekly emails to help you melt away what no longer serves you—preparing your body and mind for a fresh, vibrant season. These insights will build toward my Spring Equinox Ayurvedic Cleanse, a guided reset designed to clear excess Kapha, enhance digestion, and restore vitality.
Each equinox, I offer this cleanse in an intimate group setting, fostering support, accountability, and deep self-awareness. Through this process, we not only learn to listen to our bodies but also uncover profound wisdom about our own healing journey.
1. Ayurvedic Spring Cleanse
🌿 Join the cleanse and step into Spring with clarity and balance.
🔗 https://sacredjuniperayurvedicclinic.com/spring-equinox-ayurvedic-cleanse
Dates: March 17th - March 28th
Cost: $80 (includes recipes, grocery lists, daily schedule, zoom call, and continual support)
Why Cleanse? The transition from winter to spring is the perfect time to detoxify and reset. This cleanse helps to alkalize the body, reduce inflammation, and restore balance.
It includes:
Pre-cleanse (March 17th-20th)
Ghee cleanse (March 21st-24th)
Post-cleanse (March 25th-28th)
3 live Zoom calls for guidance and support.
All calls will be recorded
Sunday, March 9th: 3pm-4pm
Thursday, March 20th: 6pm-7pm
Sunday, March 23rd: 3pm-4pm
Email/Text Support
Healing Community
2. Elevate & Invert: The Art of Handstand
Date: Saturday, April 19th, 2025: 2pm-4pm @True Self Yoga
Cost: $40
Co-facilitator: Ellie Lucas
What to Expect:
Step by step guidance to safely enter a handstand.
Techniques to overcome fear & refine alignment.
Breath-work and mindfulness for deeper body awareness.
3. Nourish & Align Series: Spring Equinox Edition
Date: Saturday, April 26th, 2025
2:00 - 4:00 PM: Workshop: Revolutionizing Healing: Yoga, Polyvagal Theory, and Ayurveda (True Self Yoga)
4:30 - 6:00 PM: Optional: Join the Procession of the Species Parade
6:00 PM - TBD: Cultivate Community: Dinner at Octapas
This series is designed to connect body, mind, and belly, weaving Ayurveda, movement, and deep conversation into a nourishing experience.
The Evolution of Sacred Juniper
Sacred Juniper Ayurvedic Center is unfolding into something truly special.
What began as a vision is now becoming a sanctuary—a place where women can feel deeply seen, heard, and nourished. With bodywork sessions, expanded Ayurvedic offerings, and transformative workshops on the horizon, this space is dedicated to healing, connection, and renewal.
More to come—stay tuned.
