Meditation retreats in Washington DC are a great way to find some time for self-care and relaxation. You can choose from several different centers in the area, including the Sacred Groves, Trout Lake Abbey, Holman Health Connections, and the Shambhala Mountain Center. Each one offers a unique experience.
Sacred Groves is a ten acre forest sanctuary located on Bainbridge Island. The retreat center focuses on connecting visitors with the Great Mystery and mother earth. This place of quiet is open to all cultures. Guests can choose from several different retreat options, including meditation, yoga, and healing. It also hosts 150 events annually.
Sacred Groves was founded by Richard and Mary Groves, who are co-founders of the Sacred Art of Living Center in Bend, Oregon. They both hold graduate degrees in law, ethics, and world religions. Their work focuses on end-of-life issues and the spiritual art of living.
Sacred groves are protected by traditional societies. However, the growth of tourism and encroaching urbanization have threatened the integrity of these sacred sites. Therefore, stringent legislation is needed to protect these sites.
A vacation at Trout Lake Abbey meditation and wellness center is a great way to unwind. The site boasts an award-winning organic farm, a meditation center and a slew of other amenities. It's also an ideal location for families and groups looking to take in the sights. As the name suggests, the abbey is located at the foot of the Mt. Adams volcano.
In addition to the usual suspects, the site hosts a Zen Buddhist temple and offers a full service bed and breakfast, making it a perfect location for a family reunion or couples retreat. Guests can take advantage of the numerous hiking trails, or simply take a break and enjoy the natural splendor of the surrounding area.
Casa Palopo is a boutique hotel with an illustrious pedigree. Owner Billy Bickford repurposed his family's former residence into an upscale getaway for the discerning traveler. In addition to the modern era amenities, the property boasts a private villa, a spa and fitness center, and an excellent pool with views of the lake.
In addition to the resort's many onsite amenities, visitors can take advantage of the surrounding village of Chichicastenango, where they can shop for local artifacts, take part in a weekly market, and experience the gastronomic delights of a traditional Guatemalan eatery. The town is also the gateway to the ancient volcanic crater ring known as Lake Atitlan, which is a sprawling, awe-inspiring expanse of emerald green water with a myriad of villages and awe-inspiring Mayan ruins.
Esalen Institute is a popular West Coast mecca for meditation retreats and yoga. It is located in Big Sur, California, five hours north of Los Angeles.
Esalen has hosted many celebrities, including Ray Bradbury, Bob Dylan, Ravi Shankar, Ansel Adams, and Joan Baez. The Center offers more than 500 workshops each year.
Esalen has a credo promoting full potential in the body, mind, and spirit. In order to achieve this, Esalen has incorporated innovations into its programming. These innovations focus on cultivating the mind, body, and spirit in an embodied manner.
Although Esalen has had a significant impact on the world of alternative spirituality, it has also faced some crises. One of its main challenges is generational succession. Many of the Institute's original founders are now in their fifties, and the leadership needs to refocus its programming to attract baby boomers.
If you want to immerse yourself in meditation, you should look for retreats at Shambhala Mountain Center. This mountain valley retreat offers hundreds of programs and courses, including classes in meditation, yoga, and mindfulness. The center is surrounded by mountains, meadows, and forests. Located in Colorado, it's a serene place to get away from the daily grind.
Founded by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche in 1971, Shambhala Mountain Center is a non-sectarian facility. It offers a range of accommodations, from lodge rooms to dormitories.
Programs at the center are designed to explore the mind's individual wisdom. In addition to classes, the center hosts guided activities. Some of these activities include music healing exercises, writing workshops, and personal growth workshops.
Holman Health Connections offers a variety of meditation retreats. They are designed to help you get out of your head and start living more mindfully.
The main focus is meditation, but the organization also provides yoga and hiking retreats. There are also guided eco-tours and massages.
Holman Health Connections is led by a husband and wife team, who are committed to helping people live better. The company focuses on community and personal growth, and they have a reputation for bringing together a fun and active crowd.
Their offerings include a silent meditation walk, a sauna, and a yoga class. All of the facilities are made with organic materials, and the meals are served buffet style.
