We’ve all been in a funk before. Whether we’ve experienced a tragedy, or just have been struggling with day-to-day life, it can be hard to feel at peace with ourselves all of the time.

Trying to refocus can be difficult when we’re living the same way we have been for some time, and maybe all we need is to just shake things up.

If we’re really trying to wake up and feel fresh once more, the best thing we can do for our souls is to visit a location that’s known for its spiritual energy. Regardless of your religion or faith, there’s a place out there that will bring you the strength that you need.

Find revitalization when you visit one (or more) of these five incredible travel destinations:

 

1. Easter Island

One of numerous World Heritage Sites, this Chilean destination is known for the mystery surrounding its early Polynesian inhabitants. Scholars have long speculated how they lived, what lead to their destruction, and how they arrived on the island in the first place. The locale is best known for its many stone figures, known as moai statues, which are thought to hold the spiritual presence of those they are molded after. Many come here to observe the intricate work of the ancient society, and to observe the mystique of this island.

2. Sedona, Arizona

Known for the spiritual convergences of energy known as vortexes, Sedona was, like much of Arizona, originally a Native American settlement. Likely only surpassed in popularity by The Grand Canyon itself, many were drawn to Sedona as a power center during the Harmonic Convergence of 1987. Today, visitors come to take spiritual tours of the vortexes, as well as hike the red rock trails. The breathtaking temples are not to be missed, and neither are the sunsets.

3. Western Wall

Those who have grown up in a Judeo-Christian society will likely have heard of the Western Wall in Israel.

Jerusalem, the holy city for the Jewish religion, plays host to this landmark, which is all that remains of The Second Temple. Sometimes referred to as the Wailing Wall due to the cries of worshipers at the loss of their temple, the site is visited daily by those wishing to pray by the wall or write down their prayers and stick them into the cracks between stones.

Those who come here hope to feel connected to their ancestors and understand the historical significance, so even if one isn’t a part of a particular religion, the experience will likely bring him or her a feeling of oneness with the universe.

4. Bodh Gaya

One could say that spiritual awakening truly began in India, and the center of it all is Bodh Gaya, where Guatama Siddhartha (better known as the original Buddha) is said to have reached enlightenment. Both the commemorative Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi Tree, which Buddha is said to have sat under during his meditation, are ancient symbols of Buddhism. Just one of four spiritual pilgrimage destinations of India, Bodh Gaya will awaken your spirit with its beauty and history.

5. Newgrange

Ireland may not be frequently thought of as a spiritual hub, but Newgrange, an ancient tomb on the east coast of the country, could very well be the focal point of Enlightenment in Great Britain.

Although no one knows exactly why the Neolithic monument was built, it’s likely not a coincidence that it was constructed so that light shines directly into it on the shortest day of the year, though there are many theories about the structure’s original use and purpose. It has become a part of Celtic mythology.

Even if you are not able to visit on the winter solstice, the incredible history and possible spiritual connotations of this landmark are enough reason to travel here for a refreshing and eye-opening journey.

 

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Editorial Assistant: Brandie Smith/Editor: Jenna Penielle Lyons

Photo: marada/flickr