In the hustle and bustle of a busy city like Los Angeles, it can seem impossible to find quiet places to meditate, but there’s actually a peaceful oasis right off Adams Boulevard, just minutes away from Downtown L.A.
"Water is such an important symbol or spirituality and consciousness," said Paul Kaye, who's the Director of Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens.
"The idea is to walk into the gardens, walk around, and actually emerge as a somewhat different person," Kaye said.
Their nearly two-acre property is home to an Italian mansion built in 1910 and is a registered historic building.
"A person doesn’t have to go to Mt. Shasta to take a retreat. We have what we call urban retreats here and people accept that the sounds of the city are actually part of the soundscape," Kaye said.
During those retreats, visitors give up their electronic devices for up to three days to focus on meditating and quieting their minds.
"My saying is, 'In an age of anxiety, calm is a super power,'" Kaye said.
Another highlight on the premises is a labyrinth, often used as a sort of walking meditation for visitors.
"I’m always just astounded how much more peaceful I become after walking these 11 concentric circles," said Kim Watkinson, a docent and reception manager for the organization.
The labyrinth is modeled after another labyrinth built in the 12th century at the Chartres Cathedral in France.
Most of us are living in an urban environment, and it’s important that we come into harmony with it," Kaye said.
Tours of the property are free and available on select days.
For those looking for something a little more mainstream, Unplug offers all kinds of daily meditation classes starting at $24 along with various subscriptions packages and discounts. It has locations in Santa Monica and West Hollywood and offers everything from gratitude meditation, to self-love meditation, to crystals, aromatherapy, and sound baths.
Instructor Shayna Hiller says classes are as short as 45 minutes, which makes it more accessible to the average person.
"You can just come in right before work, on your lunch break, right after work and it feels doable. It doesn’t have to be this big thing that you dedicate your life to," Hiller said.
The company also has its own app featuring some of its own instructors, so you can even meditate from home or on-the-go.
Not far from the water in Pacific Palisades lies the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine.
"There’s kind of a mantra here that if you’re having a problem in life, walk twice around the lake and you’ll feel better," said Brother Satyananda.
He says the religious non-profit gets about a quarter million visitors a year. It offers meditation classes and silent retreats. There is also a temple on the hill with regular services.
Visitors can also meditate inside a windmill chapel or check out a memorial for beloved Indian leader Mahatma Ghandi. It contains some of his ashes—the only location outside of India. The grounds are free and open to the public.
"We have people coming here to meditate. We have people coming here to grieve with loss. We have people coming here to kind of introspect and look at their life in a new, fresh way," Satyananda said.
Just a few ways to seek some calm in fast-paced world.
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