The most basic setting for mediation is a room in complete silence. However, there are times when you need to meditate at a different place temporarily. One good location would be the meditation sanctuaries or more commonly known as retreat centers. These centers were created for people who seek for a perfect meditation setting —a place of serenity and relaxation. This place allows people to deeply meditate, which is not always achieved within the standard four-wall room.

In California, some retreat centers can be found.

1. Institute for Internal Transformation

• This center is located in San Francisco, California. One’s transformation to better health is their primary objective.
• Activities in this center include meditation exercises along with proper breathing techniques, body movements, and relaxation. All of these activities are done for mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual improvement.
• Besides the fact that it’s a place for meditation, the center also functions as a place to treat certain illnesses. It’s also considered to help people to reflect deeply on their worries in life and the purpose of existence. People can also learn the “Qigong” education in this center.

2. Esalen Institute

• It was established in the ’70s in Big Sur, California. Anyone who visits this place will experience peacefulness, compassion, and self-awareness.
• A unique center can be found here that is accessible at any time of the day. This center offers:
• Wide range of various workshops for personal growth
• Yoga as a form of meditation
• A serene and calm atmosphere

3. Circles of Air and Stones

• Located in Vermont, California, this center allows an individual to search inner peace through nature.
• The center’s primary program is called the “Vision Quests” where participants take a four-day long quest individually. The orientation of the quest is announced before the program starts. However, there are some other meditation activities in some centers as well, one of which is called the “Adventures if the Spirit”. This serves to create a channel to impact one’s life positively.

4. Ananda Meditation Retreat

• This retreat center is located in Nevada City, California.
• You can choose any of the two programs they offer:

1. Kriya Yoga Meditation – a process of deep contemplation to recognize God’s importance.
2. Ashram Program – an exercise to feel the pure spiritual experience through a realization of life’s correct purpose.

For a more personal retreat, they offer (1) Personal Meditation Instruction, (2) Directed Seclusion, (3) Massage, and (4) Other alternative healing procedures.

5. Saratoga Springs

• Found in Upper Lake, California, this center pursues to clear out people’s confusion in life for them to be able to choose a path to follow correctly.
• Men and women are separated during private mediation.

Finding a new meditation setting apart from your default four-wall room is always good for you to improve your personal growth. This allows you to explore and move forward with understanding yourself in a better position.