A Space For Girlz

John Porter, an ad executive from San Francisco, had been around the globe to exotic locations and often stayed in posh resorts. Yet, while he was gearing up for his 2005 trip, he felt a strong desire to experience something different — something more meaningful. His deeper journey led him on a week-long sojourn to a meditation retreat on Scotland’s Holy Isle. There, John took courses to help him learn meditation practice, which he still uses almost five years later.

Travel and Leisure Magazine recently listed their top 10 worldwidemeditation retreats. Number one on their list was the Himalayan Ananda, a stunning 100-acre estate in Uttaranchal, India, which provides sweeping views of the foothills of the Himalayan mountains, the temple villages of Hardiwar and Rishikesh, and the Ganges River. Amenities 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, folks will get one-on-one guided meditation tailored to their individual needs. Stretching, Buddhist meditation teachings, yoga and breathing techniques are taught in hour long sessions throughout the day. This center draws in all types of individuals, including many 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 Osho Meditation Resort is situated amid man-made, black, futuristic pyramid structures just outside Mumbai, India. This 40-acre campus offers many unique features in addition to its traditional zen gardens, such as an enormous meditation auditorium and seminar center, tennis courts, a mini-mall and even a nightclub! You’ll find the traditional silent meditation methods here, but you’ll also be treated with a number of meditative dancing, whirling, power-breathing and mantra chants as well. Guests stay in one of 60 minimalist double rooms, which appear hotel-like… save for the absence of televisions. While you learn meditation, you’ll wear a deep red robe to “add to the collective meditative energy.”

In today’s stress filled society, meditation for beginners might be just what you need to manage your life more effectively. Learning some easy meditation exercises can calm and focus your mind, and help you gain awareness of yourself and your surroundings.