www.GuidedMeditationAudio.com

‘Meditation Retreats’ Category

An excellent way to learn meditation is to attend a retreat. “Meditation retreats are like full-immersion courses, where we can develop — or deepen — our capacity to find stillness of mind and greater awareness,” explains Sharon Salzberg, a Buddhist teacher from the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts. “These are skills that, if we keep practicing them, can affect every aspect of our lives.” There are a number of wonderful meditation centers, retreats and immersive experiences around the country if you’re looking for more than just a tourist’s vacation — but a vacation that truly stirs the soul.

Travel and Leisure Magazine recently rated their top 10 worldwidemeditation retreats. Topping their list was the Himalayan Ananda, a stunning 100-acre property in Uttaranchal, India, which has sweeping views of the foothills of the Himalayan mountains, the temple villages of Hardiwar and Rishikesh, and the Ganges River. Facilities incorporate a yoga and meditation pavilions, a 21,000 square foot spa, an antique billiards room, a maharajah’s palace, and a tea lounge.

Here, people will receive one-on-one guided meditation custom-made to their individual needs. Buddhist meditation teachings, yoga, stretching and breathing techniques are taught in hour long classes throughout the day. This retreat attracts all types of people, including a large number of luxury travelers who have never visited a spiritual retreat till now.

Another place to learn meditation is the White Cloud Sanctuary in Santa Ana, Costa Rica. Just west of the San José capital, you’ll stay in a one-person tile-roofed casita with its own kitchen, bathroom and living area, while enjoying breathtaking mountain views. This quaint 13-acre property amid the jungle mountainside can only take one person at a time, so you’ll be completely alone in your rigorous study of Tai Chi and QiGong meditation. When you’re not meditating, you can take a walk through organic vegetable gardens, horse farms and groves of mango, banana and papaya trees. Meals aren’t included with this program, but you can purchase healthy food at the lodge.

The Holy Isle on the Isle of Arran, Scotland is situated on a private two-mile island. At the north end, you’ll find the Centre for World Peace and Health, which takes you along rugged paths to the green interior, where you’ll learn meditation in the Tibetan Kagyu tradition. Long-term residents can be found living in isolation on the south end of the island, where they’re furthering their studies. The rooms are very minimal, with shared baths. The grounds hold rare wildlife, such as Eriskay ponies and Saanen goats, as well as many indigenous plants.

With the unprecedented levels of stress that are part of normal life these days, learning meditation exercises should be made compulsory! Learn more about the many health benefits of the ancient practice of meditation by visiting Meditation Techniques: Relax Your Mind, Reduce Your Stress.

Technorati Tags: learn to meditate, learning meditation, meditation, meditation retreat