Thursday, January 7, 2016

Exploring A Sacred Retreat Northern California

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By Raymond Brooks


The first step to locating a retreat is to determine the need of body, mind and soul. If an individual is looking for a place to quieten the mind and purify the soul, then a sacred retreat northern California is most likely best for current needs. If looking to soothe sore muscles, then looking for a hot springs oriented resort or retreat is most likely a better option.

While some retreats are based in religion, others are secular. Due to the number of Utopians, Zen masters, Swamis and Monks whom have purchased land over the last several decades, most have some spiritual aspect or element. In cases of religion or spiritual centers, most often these are in more secluded areas providing solace to those looking to escape the modern world.

When visiting a sacred retreat, one of the first things people notice is the silent stillness. Depending on location, there may also be sounds of nature which create a natural backdrop to the silence. At times, featuring the sounds of small mammals and other creatures, especially at dawn and late at night.

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.

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, visiting one of these religious or spiritual centers can often help revive body, mind and spirit. For others, simply taking a hike in the community forest, or camping out along the Pacific can provide the same sense of calm. Whatever the case, taking a break from the stress of everyday life can often help individuals find a new sense of peace, if only in the moment.

Most residents in the area, including a co-founder of a local religious sect whom owns property in the area agree that the retreat is a good idea. Otherwise, the acreage and land would have most likely been sold off and subdivided years ago during the real estate boom. Still, there are others who believe the land would have made a better state or national park. Whatever the case, retreat or park, it remains some of the most beautiful and pristine acreage in the state.




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