A Weekday Retreat

Living in the city can be a chaotic place where everything seems to happen nonstop. Simultaneously, there are some pretty awesome perks. One of the great and mystifying things about a metropolis like Los Angeles is the tons of perfect getaway spots here. I’m a firm believer that L.A. natives should get the most out of the place they call home, so that’s what I did. A gem of the city and a perfect place to unwind is the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens spiritual center. It’s been called a “spiritual oasis in the city” and it really is. The space is overflowing with tranquility, serving as a reminder to pause the urban experience.

Photo: Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens

The center is a non-profit, free and open to the public, maintained by a spiritual group called Movement of Spiritual Awareness. Originally an Italian Renaissance Villa, the space is used for meditation, workshops and more. Although the mansion is stunning, the grounds are the most attractive feature to me. Outside holds multiple places for one to sit and be surrounded by the sound of water. There are cascading fountains, lovely greenery, a koi fish pond, walking paths, and an amazing intricate maze are readily available for visitors.

I recently went to the center as a commitment to self-care. After, setting up a quick and easy appointment through Eventbrite, I spent a pleasant three hours in the serene quiet of the center.  Soon after I arrived, I was invited to join a sound meditation led by an instructor named, Paul. It was a meditation session that I hadn’t quite experienced before. Paul guided our group into a peaceful state, leading us to chant in unison occasionally, and he also played a number of instruments to facilitate the session. I can’t quite say how long we meditated because it was so deep and relaxing.

Into the Maze

Photo: Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens

If anyone thought of the Maze Runner while reading this heading we can be great friends. The maze at the Peace Awareness center is unlike those seen in films with large walls made of foliage. Nonetheless, the labyrinth is quite special.

It can be a meditative process for letting go of tension and opening your mind to new ways of thinking. – Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens

I walked the maze and felt my mind wander. The more I walked the path, trusted the loops and curves, the more I felt present and in the moment. I felt this way also when I was sitting in my favorite spot, the koi pond. Watching the fish swim, and hearing the cacophony of water all me was a form of meditation as well.

I think if anyone is living in Los Angeles and craving a time to decompress, you should consider visiting Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens. I encourage anyone to check out their workshops and meditation sessions, especially if you are having issues figuring out what meditation practices work for you. Nearly every space inside and outside of the center is designed for people to take time and check in with themselves, whether it’s through sitting on a bench, listening to water fountains, or watching koi fish swim about in the pond. Make your appointment soon!

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Best,

Kai