When you think of Southern California, what comes to mind? Constant sunshine, miles of beaches and cheap "New Age" spiritualism.
Let me add to the list: Development.
One city runs into the next, squeezing out the spaces that once promised, if not ensured, some sort of demarcation and differentiation. Which is why, amidst all this, one does not expect to find nature-based retreat centers that provide a respite from the energetic buzz of the highly sought after life in this temperate land.
There are two centers in San Diego's north county that I return to each time I go back to Southern California. Both were established in the early part of the last century (before the new age movement of western spirituality was fully established), are grounded in religious traditions, but offer brief or long-term retreat for both the secular as well as non-secular. They are oases of tranquility, where one can find solitude, practice meditation and contemplation, walk trails or simply sit surrounded by the sights, smells and sounds of non-human existences.
Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens
I admit that I have not stayed at the center, strikingly surrounded by three towers of lotus blossoms and poised on the edge of bluffs overlooking Swami's beach. I do, however, visit the gardens regularly and am always hushed by the sensation of stepping into a foreign land. Perhaps it was designed to be a replica of the tropical forests of Yogananda's native India. Walking the main path, one is shaded by a canopy of rubber trees. Lush ferns and swathes of green foliage, including Korean and Mondo grasses, carpet the ground. Impatients, Begonias, and Cyclamens are a few of the many flower varieties and the diversity of tree species includes Coral, Ming and Palms. Coming upon the Koi pond feels somehow magical and intimate, as contrasted to the vast expanse of the upper exposed gardens which frame the blue brilliance of the ocean horizon.
To me, the garden is a gem for anyone looking for a quick twenty minute splash of beauty and peacefulness or seeking benches perfectly situated for hour long meditations. It is open year round, Tuesday - Sunday, and is free to the public though donations are appreciated. For information on retreat activities, accommodations and directions to the gardens, click here.
Questhaven Retreat
Up until about 15 years ago, the five or so miles to get to QH, once turning off the major road of Rancho Santa Fe in San Marcos, was abit like suddenly entering another time, stepping into the countryside, meandering on a narrow road that wound around the hill's natural curves while letting the senses feast on a landscape without buildings. This has now changed, with communities established nearly up to QH's boundary, making the suddenness of the open space all the more alluring. Driving through the large pink gates that announce ones arrival, the scent of the evergreen trees and the sense of stillness hit one almost immediately. The first building to be seen is the office, where trail maps, books by the founder, and retreat information is available. If walking the trails, it is important to be aware of the presence of both rattlesnakes and poison oak (especially in the summer).
For directions and contact information, click here.
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