Stacey Westbrook is an esthetician, massage therapist, intuitive and healer. She is also a beloved member of our Lemongrass family and practitioner here. As part of her spiritual and healing path Stacey will be embarking on the journey of a lifetime walking the Camino De Santiago in Spain a month-long trek. Read our interview with Stacey below and get to know a little about her journey.
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Can you tell us in your words what the Camino De Santiago is?
The Camino is a known by many names. The Camino De Santiago means the way of St. James. It is a pilgrimage that takes you to Santiago De Compestela where the remains of the apostle St James are believed to be interred. However, after doing research on “The Way”, it seems highly unlikely his remains are there. But the history and the people making the trek are what most interests me. The oldest route is the Primitivo out of Oviedo and people have been walking it since the 9th century. It’s really a walk of faith I think when you strip it all away. Over 250,000 people a year now walk The Camino and there are many routes. I will be walking the most popular route, The French Way which starts in France at the base of the Pyrenees mountains and walk across Spain to Santiago. The route is roughly 500 miles and takes about a month. I am excited and also pretty scared to do it. But it feels like a calling of sorts.
What are your primary motivations for this journey?
This is such an interesting question. Why does anyone do anything? I saw this movie many years ago called “The Way” which is about this journey. I was riveted. I had a visceral reaction to the film. It made the hair stand up on my neck. It seemed familiar and totally foreign all at the same time. I knew it was something I really wanted to do. I understood that it would change me and the direction of my life. I suppose I am doing it to get inspired to live my best life. Even if it scares the crap out of me.
What do you need to accomplish before you leave?
This part is kinda great. I had planned to do the Camino this year but some of my family members ended up getting sick. VERY sick and I could not imagine myself in another country for so long not knowing what was happening with them. So I made the very difficult decision to go next year instead. I have my list of everything I need, backpack, sleeping bag, shoes etc., so now it’s just about pulling everything together. I have begun my walking training including, walking with my nordic poles. Over time, I need to make sure I walk longer and longer routes. By the time I leave, next year I will need to have walked 12 mile days with some pretty substantial hills. Walking through the Pyrenees that first day from France will be a 7 to 9 hour uphill trek. I also need to fund raise! And will be using money from my sessions, Tarot readings, dog sitting and a couple of raffles to help raise that money. I am also working on finding a Camino Charity to give back to. Part of the money I raise will be donated to this group. I will share more about that when I find the cause that speaks to me.
What are you plans after the CDS?
I honestly feel it will change me in some way. I don’t think it can be defined until it’s been experienced. This journey will allow me to test my abilities on so many levels. It is said you leave what no longer serves and take what you never knew you needed on and from The Camino. Sometimes I fantasize about giving talks about it, or assisting others in doing their own personal Camino. Many pilgrims, (the folks who walk) end up writing books about their experiences. I am so excited about it I just want to see how it unfolds!
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To help fund her journey Stacey is offering a new package, Sessions For The Sacred Self, an incredible healing package that incorporates all the modalities Stacey practices from energy work, to body work and tarot. Each journey is customized to the guest. To book and get more information click here.
