Pages

How To Visit A Retreat Northern California

By Raymond Brooks


One way in which Californians find rest and relaxation is at a local hot springs or resort. For others, a sacred or secular retreat northern California takes a more spiritual approach. As such, there are now a number of meditative and spiritual centers in the area. The most important aspect of any retreat being that one finds the experience enjoyable and enlightening.

Some retreats are based in religion, others in spirituality and others, nothing at all. When it comes to California, most are either secular or spiritual in nature. Though, there are also some which host a more traditional religious view with regards to a specific belief system. When visiting any center, it is advised that individuals call for information on dress code, conduct, religious association or other issues of concern.

When visiting, whether clothed or sky-clad, the silent stillness is often the first thing a visitor notices. In areas prone to wildlife, visitors can often hear a variety of natural sounds including animal cries and sounds as well as the roar of raging waterfalls, rivers and streams. With this area being home the well known California Redwoods national and state parks, trees often tower overhead whether walking or driving through the area.

One spiritual center located between Marin and San Francisco, offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the area. The retreat owned by a spiritual leader has been operation for decades. As such, the area is quite well established with a small community forest on-site.

At this retreat, visitors will find over two thousand acres of pristine land and trails. Natural resources are also abundant with rivers and streams flowing through the area. Park Reyes National Seashore and the infamous Golden Gate Bridge are only a short drive from the center which also offers overnight lodging.

The area, home to some of the most stunning countryside, views and active wildlife is often considered one of the most beautiful areas in the world. Surrounding the acreage are the Point Reyes National Seashore to the west, and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area which almost serves as a moat to the retreat center.

Sacred or secular, camping, lodging or day visit, most centers work towards the same goal. The goal, to provide a sense of quiet and calm to those overcome by a rather noisy world. While some of these centers are expensive, others charge nothing at all. It should be noted that those that do not charge entry fees often still accept donations, most often on a recommended sliding scale basis.

While early residents took issue with the community forest and retreat, many have come to accept its presence. Most likely a good thing as the owners have shown no interest in selling over the years. Besides, all tend to agree that in this age of development and redevelopment, if not for the center, the land would now be a subdivision.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment