When contemplating how to honor a friend’s birthday, I craved a departure from the fun, but somewhat predictable dinner and drinks evening. I wanted to bring balance to our time together by doing something decidedly different - something meaningful, active, and perhaps a little decadent. So, I booked a private salt cave yoga session, which included a lovely post-workout soiree, replete with Champagne, cupcakes, and other tasty treats.

If you still think that smudging refers to makeup blending and Himalayan pink salt is just a flavour enhancer, think again. We’re suddenly living in an alternative universe where healing with crystals and other New Age modalities is commonplace and even the Kardashians go deep.

Nestled below the quaint steps of historic State Street, the Salt Cave in Santa Barbara are forged from 200 million-year-old Himalayan pink salt that seem to rise from the surrounding salt beds like some mythical village.

Chava, the manager of Salt, meets me with a warm greeting, and we head to the entrance of the largest Himalayan salt cave in North America. "The largest? In all of North America?" I repeat back to her as if I've misheard.

Wednesday morning, and the bottom dropped out. Heartbreaking news came over the wire and the only way to emote is out if my eyeballs. Through silent tears, a reminder on my phone brought hope. Tonight, I would partake in "Sound Healing" with instructor Shane Chunephisal.