Meditation Retreats

Meditation Destinations | PASSPORT Magazine

I’m a fast-paced, impulsive New Yorker with a stressful magnet. I’m more in my head than I am right now, and my tendency to overanalysis doesn’t help. I get bored easily, the silence scares me and I am constantly on the move (both physically and mentally). In theory, meditation makes sense to me, but it’s the only thing on my daily to-do list that kicks off until tomorrow. I know meditation is not as simple as closing your eyes, but it is one of the most important factors in health and wellbeing. I postpone it a lot, but I want zen in my daily life and I knew I had to make time for it. So I checked into a meditation retreat far away.

Studies show that meditation, a practice that has existed since 5,000 B.C. Used by hundreds of religions, philosophies, and organizations to improve mood and self-esteem, and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Meditation can also help regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, and it can physically reduce the aging of the brain. Studies also show that 15 minutes of meditation can result in greater wellbeing and lower levels of negativity.

I learned how to meditate when I checked in in 2017 Ananda Spa in Rishikesh, India. Known for meditation, yoga, and healing, the all-inclusive spa resort sits at the foot of the Himalayas with programs that Oprah Winfrey endorses (Oprah visited Ananda in 2014 and said it was “the most authentic spa experience I’ve ever had.” ever had “). Ananda offers a high level of luxury, modern comfort (heated outdoor pool, terrace restaurant, spa), passionate meditation and wellness gurus as well as comprehensive nutritional advice. You can get as much to do with lectures and group activities as you want , or find a holistic orientation (and some pampering) at your own pace. Best value: I was completely removed from my busy New York life, in the middle of nature and “good energy” in a resort that aims to improve me, surrounded by similar people who all wanted the same results, this is where I would take meditation seriously and develop mindfulness habits.

Ananda in the Himalayas - meditation goals

Ananda in the Himalayas

Confidence and clarity didn’t come gradually; it happened on the first day. I followed a personalized nutrition plan based on my diagnosed poor digestion, which affected my sleep, mental health, back pain, and general well-being. Diet helped a lot, and healthy, vitamin and antioxidant-rich, mostly plant-based meals really affected my mood. I felt more energetic and more confident, but it was meditation that allowed me to change the direction of my stressful life.

I thought meditation is about putting your mind in a good place and thinking about how you can achieve personal goals, but it’s just the opposite. Meditation is breathing, focusing and relaxing without thinking about anything, as I learned from Sandeep, the gentle, wise and thoughtful meditation master with whom I worked for two daily private sessions. Sandeep was patient. He gave me time to relax into meditation. I spent the first two sessions asking questions about stress and happiness, as well as the terrible things in the world and why we exist, and he always had the right answers. I didn’t know until later that this was part of the process. Talking to him was like talking to a therapist, only he had answers that made me feel better. Speaking helped clear my mind and reduce my stress levels. I left each session with inspiration pads and useful aphorisms that I wrote in my journal and reread them every day. They became my mantras like, “If you cannot create love for yourself, how do you expect others to love you? Accept yourself; The universe will support you. “Or” You have to live in the moment and connect with yourself. If you check your phone and use it all the time, it doesn’t live in the moment. It lives for everyone else. “

Meditation goals was last changed: November 28th, 2020 by Jimmy Im

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