Mindfulness - Page 3

In this section, we cover a variety of mindfulness practices, tips, and resources to encourage the importance of mental wellness.

3 Ways of Recognizing the Ultimate Power of Intuition

I’m sure many of us have heard the phrases “intuitive nudge” or “intuitive insight.” While those phrases refer to the same thing and are pretty common, many of us have yet to interpret their importance to understand the power of intuition fully. Some refer to it as the still, small voice, while others describe it as the sense of knowing what decision they should make in certain situations. But often, we disregard those feelings, sensations, and inner knowings to please ourselves — thank your ego — which ultimately leaves us reflecting on our choices with thoughts like, “something told me I should/should not have done..” Those reflections pinpoint that your intuition was indeed at work, but you chose to go against its advice. 

Repeating this type of behavior will eventually cause the inner voice to become quieter and quieter until you won’t recognize it if it is trying to get your attention. But the bright side is that intuition is always there, but we must be fully aware of its ability to guide us in the right direction to see its actual benefits. Until you can recognize and trust your intuition, your custom, built-in guidance system, you stop short of harnessing the potential it can have in your life. 

So, what are some ways you can recognize the power of your intuition? Below are three ways to pinpoint that your intuition is trying to give you information. When you receive this type of insight, you must use it to your advantage. 

1. Recurring thoughts. 

It’s more than a notion. When you’re going about your day and start receiving ideas – for the sake of this article, let’s say, for example, thoughts relating to a decision you need to make. Maybe you’ve been bouncing back and forth on what to do, but you continue receiving information about the decision. Most of the time, these thoughts you receive will be the same thought over and over, and it will indicate what you need to do. Whether you act on the decision right away or wait until a later time, the information will be the same.  

2. Strong feeling from within. 

It’s usually through our emotions that intuition can provide clues on things we may be unsure about. It’s a bit different from fear – even though fear is an emotion – because your intuition is not rooted in fear and doesn’t fearfully speak to you. What it does is speak to you with clarity and definiteness. The strong sensations you feel within the body alert you that something important is going on. That urge from within is powerful and temporarily disrupts you so that you can look at it and make an intuitive decision instead of the wrong one.

3. Knowing without explanation

Sometimes we can know things because we know. It doesn’t take a thorough explanation, but like the reference above relating to the intense feeling from within, sometimes insight comes to us so quickly we don’t need to question it; we know. And that type of certainty doesn’t need logic, especially when no doubts interfere with the insight you’ve received. You know from within that it’s something you can trust.

In Short

Intuitive guidance can be the determining factor between making a good decision and a bad one. When we listen to the logical mind, we can practically approach things based on what we or someone else has experienced in a similar situation. But when we rely on the guidance that our inner self is giving us, we can rest assured that we will reap the benefits of following in full faith.

Keetria is an entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and brand strategy coach for creatives & entrepreneurs with 16 years of public relations expertise working with some of the world’s leading brands, startups, media personalities, and entertainers. If you would like to work together, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Obstacles Refine Character

Thankfully, I’ve been fortunate enough to realize that obstacles, challenges, setbacks or whatever name you choose to categorize something in your way — it’s never permanent. Even if it seems that way obstacles can often be looked at as pivoting points in which we can gain knowledge, insight, and direction if we’re willing to stop long enough to analyze what’s happening. 

Over the course of my entrepreneurial journey and even as I continue I experienced my share of obstacles as I’m sure many others have but I’ve never let that stop me from moving forward. If anything, once I experienced enough of them (there’s no magic number!)  I learned to take a closer look at why things weren’t happening in the way that I’d expected. But I didn’t dwell on it. Eventually, I ended up learning that it didn’t benefit me to backtrack my steps in hopes of pinpointing exactly why the obstacle had come about but rather to realize that in the present moment I was faced with a challenge and my next steps were most important. I learned to be present.

What this meant for me was that I could now decide on the plan of action going forward. What adjustments do I need to make on my end? Which action steps do I take to overcome this obstacle? Questions like these helped me to realize that in the experience of the obstacle my lightbulb alerted me that I need to put some thought into what I was doing as far as the work was concerned; This helped me cultivate mindfulness. Did I miss a few steps? Could this have been better? Another flip side of encountering a challenge is you’re forced to slow down, you’re forced to take a closer look; This teaches you patience. In addition to mindfulness and patience, there’s a great amount of value in every obstacle if you make an honest effort to pull the positive aspects from it. 


Obstacles help refine your character because you’re alerted to be mindful and patient. If you treat obstacles as an opportunity to learn, you will gain something from it. Even if it was an unpleasurable experience. What did you learn? How can you improve or make adjustments going forward? Also, if you have the power to choose your thoughts, why not choose a positive thought from the experience? So in a way, you’re reinforcing positivity no matter the situation.  

Culturally, we’ve been in a place of blame and fault when it comes to obstacles or challenges with thoughts like “why is this happening to me,” or “it’s not my fault that..blah, blah, blah.” I know things happen that are beyond our control but I’m learning aside from the things that happen on the surface, we always have the ability to learn from the experience. Any opportunity to learn and grow is always beneficial, it’s for your greater good but how are you to learn when things are always going your way? This question I always try to keep in mind when I’m working on a project and for whatever reason, an obstacle pops up. 

Taking that break to tend to whatever challenge is happening allows you to pause and reset. It may be an instance where you catch a crucial mistake in your work or you find that you have more creativity to add to a project making it better or maybe the obstacle is just there so you’re forced to slow down — teaching you mindfulness and patience. Either way, it’s all for your benefit, your greater good.

Courage Is A Muscle – Ch 2: “Protect Your Dreams”

When things don’t go as planned – and it happens all the time – I think about the countless attempts I made to start writing a book. I had the general idea and the basic concept of what I wanted to convey, but as I started to draft up the first chapter, I would find myself backspacing my first round of sentences until the cursor was the only thing on the page.

Self-doubt often creeps in when you allow other people to have a say in the things you do. Familiar voices of those with whom I’d (reluctantly) shared my book idea danced around in my head, smirking and snickering at my ambition. I remember being asked questions like “Why do you want to do that?” and “Don’t you think you’re wasting your time?” as if to imply that I should be content not utilizing my creativity.

When I finally got the nerve to complete a paragraph or two, I’d move on to the next block of writing until I was satisfied with what I’d written, and eventually I finished it. That very first manuscript is still tucked away in a filing box in my attic (a suspense-filled drama about a narcissistic undercover assassin who tries to balance her miserable personal life with the twisted demands of the mysterious agency she works for). I don’t know if it’ll ever be one of my published works, but the point is that I continued to write until I reached my goal and only because I forced myself to listen to myself and not others.

As I look back on my personal accomplishments, I can’t help but imagine what my life would be like if I’d listened to the criticism of friends and detractors alike, if I had let them talk me out of my creative ideas. When it comes to seeing your visions through, sometimes it requires being on guard and being careful with whom you share your plans.

I don’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t share your dream with others, since it can be in your interest to lean on others for help and encouragement (as well as to inspire others on their journeys with your passion and determination), but it’s wise to keep your cards close to your chest. Don’t give away too much. People have strange motivations, usually selfish ones, when it comes to anything related to money and success, and as such they’ll often belittle your attempts or provide their own perspective on what you should or shouldn’t be doing and how.

Don’t let it get that far. Protect your dream. It’s your baby, after all. You gave birth to it and are nurturing it toward maturity and independence. Allowing someone else to dictate how we should or should not tend to our “child” when we’re being guided by faith and intuition robs us of our creative power and decreases any chance we have of living out our dreams.

A friend one told me about his idea of starting a program providing entertainment and activities for assisted-living communities. He often volunteered at several of these facilities and talked about how much joy he gets his time with the residents.

As the story unfolded, he talked about how he shared the idea with friends who tried to dissuade him from pursuing the idea. While his passion lied prominently between helping youth and the elderly communities, instead of encouraging him, those friends were more interested in enjoying his company as a drinking buddy during Thursday Happy Hour than to hear him rattle on about his desire to help the elderly. It’s not that they were being jerks; they were just serving their own interests, or were jealous, or reacting out of envy and frustration with their own lack of initiation.

After thinking things through, my friend decided to ignore them and walk in the direction he wanted to be heading: he began volunteering at local assisted-living and retirement centers. He truly enjoys the work that he does, providing weekly enrichment through music and art. Had he been too caught up with what his friends thought about his decision to launch entertainment-based programs for the elderly, he’d likely have bypassed his own desires and be at the bar right now, throwing back shots of tequila.

Give someone an opening and that little seed of doubt gets planted in your head. It might can even take root and block out the sunlight. It’s enough that you must work to maintain positive thinking habits for yourself – that alone takes discipline, time, and effort. Now factor in someone else’s notions, chatter, dilemmas, problems, or daily highlights, and you may not get the validation you were hoping for.

Follow Your Map

As I’ll explain later, you’ll want to create a map for yourself and your vision. As long as you have that to remind you to stay on the path you’ve laid out for yourself and your ventures, you won’t have to rely on anyone to give you the green light, to propel you into acting, or even to approve of your efforts. Yes, there are advantages to working with others, taking advantage of services, or outsourcing to experts, but as we begin to put things in perspective and set goals in our own lives, cheerleaders are not required.

A lot of people will simply try to scare you out of reaching your potential because they themselves are not equipped for the job. Consider whom you’re sharing your vision with so you’re not discouraged when talking about your plans. You simply don’t need permission to reach for the stars.

We have choices, just as our neighbor has choices. Choose to live your dream by putting aside whatever criticism or backlash you’ve endured if it’s in your heart to truly press forward. I can’t imagine where I’d be if I took every piece of criticism personally or became discouraged to the point that I felt the urge to throw in the towel on my dream. Everyone has their own opinions, but it’s their opinion to have. Don’t be distracted by those who are not on board with your vision. At the end of the day, it’s your lil red wagon to push or pull.

Start by writing down your goals, post them where you will see them every day, and use deadlines: “within six months,” “by January 1, 2020,” “five-year anniversary,” etc. Use specific categories as well: personal, professional, development and training, financial, etc.

Use that courage muscle: think big and think different. There should be some risk inherent to your business, otherwise there’s no element of differentiation for your brand. What are you offering that others aren’t? What part of you are you offering that no one else has? What’s the one stand-out quality of your brand’s offering? What

Always have another goal, a loftier dream. What happens when you reach your first goal? Will you sit back and ride it out (and hope that the success lasts), or will you continue to strive?

Realize that life is complicated and messy. Things don’t always go as planned. You don’t have to tell anyone – just correct course and keep moving forward. Be sure to mentally note this lesson and plan for future problematic scenarios like this.

Check in on the timeline regularly and see if you’re on track. The timeline is fluid, but your evolution should be constant. If you’re not making progress, figure out why. What obstacles are in your way, and how can you use them to your advantage? (See the chapter on obstacles for more advice in that regard.)

Epi 62: The Power of your Ideas with Flash Delivery’s Tatiana Grant

Summary:

This week we chat with Tatiana Grant of Detroit-based businesses Infused PR and Flash Delivery. Tatiana describes the work and energy necessary to become an entrepreneur in both the PR and delivery application worlds. She also gives us key strategies for keeping our bodies and minds healthy and focused, and points out the power of organization in making management manageable.

Show Notes:

Tatiana Grant’s start-up of Flash Delivery

  • Started out doing PR for professional sports
  • Looking for taco delivery on cold rainy night in Detroit
  • Asked to talk to 50-75 people involved in Flash Delivery type industries
  • Met someone working on a similar idea who became a business partner

How was Infused PR different from Flash Delivery?

  • Became freelance PR during downturn; companies losing full-time PR and looking for contract work so Tatiana did well
  • Did work for future mayor of Detroit; work picked up from there
  • Picked up Michigan McDonald’s account
  • 95% of business from referral and word of mouth

Tools and strategies

  • Project management tool to manage group work
  • Organization
  • Prayer, meditation, inner strength
  • Keep finances in order

Key Points:

1.  Word of mouth can be your most powerful asset in public relations.

2.  Being open to new people and meetings, even with potential competitors, lead Tatiana to finding a business partner for Flash Delivery.

3. Project management is key to organizing groups of people to efficiently accomplish a project.

4. Credit can take a long time to be rebuilt; be careful about taking on too much debt too young.

Tweetable Quotes:

–    I think I enjoy the madness of being in it, and then when it’s done looking back and having the fulfillment of ‘Oh my Gosh I can’t believe I made this happen.”– Tatiana Grant

–       “Really get people’s opinions: what do they think of it, how much would they be willing to pay for it, how frequently would they use it, don’t just keep your layers of positivity on there.” – Tatiana Grant.

–       “Keep going, keep yourself motivated, keep yourself intact, whatever it takes to let you be the best you, make sure that that happens.” – Tatiana Grant.

Resources Mentioned:

Dream Big, The Universe is Listening with Ilona Selke

Summary:

In episode 56 we hear from guest, Ilona Selke, the CEO of Living from Vision and Author of Dream Big the Universe is Listening. Keetria and Ilona talk about how we have to ability to consciously manifest what we want out of our life. Ilona shares tips and techniques on how to channel and manifest our dreams.

Show Notes:

 

  • Introduction of guest Ilona Selke, CEO and creator of Living from Vision and Author of Dream Big the Universe is Listening.
  • How we can work from the inside out
  • How do you create the environment to meet people is not the first step of communicating with the universe
  • Why creating an internal image and knowing is the important first step
  • Why you need to feel what it would feel like if you already had your fulfillment of your dreams
  • Why goal setting is important
  • Why your mind and feelings are just important in manifesting dreams
  • How the app guides people through thankfulness and other manifestation exercises
  • How to start positive thinking in your life
  • Why you need to start getting your intuitions to work for you
  • How your choice and thoughts creates what is real
  • Why it is important to reflect on what you are grateful for
  • Why it is important to ask for help
  • How we shift time and space in a very dramatic way
  • Why our consciousness really matters in how our lives unfold

 

3 Key Points:

  1.     We all have the ability to manifest what we want out of the world and our lives.
  2.     To manifest our dreams in our life, we need to visualize (every morning) the consequences of our desires and how it would feel.
  3.      Through this visualization, we start to manifest the life of our dreams.

 

Tweetable Quotes:

    “Work smarter not harder.” – Ilona.

      “Working from the inside out.” – Ilona.

      “Start exploring your mind and your inner emotions.” – Ilona.

 

Resources Mentioned:

NEW! SOB Episode: BodyLogos Interview with Founder Tammy Wise

BodyLogos is a technique that turns Western fitness into active meditation. BodyLogos is based in aligning your posture with gravity, and balancing your body movement with centrifugal forces.

Summary:

During this 41st episode of Style of Business (SOB), Keetria interviews Tammy Wise, Workplace wellness educator, corporate wellness consultant, speaker, personal trainer, and posture/ergonomics expert—and founder of BodyLogos based in New York City. BodyLogos is a technique that turns Western fitness into active meditation. Their interview covers how and why she created BodyLogos, and how fitness and the union of mind and body can improve your lifestyle.

Show Notes:

  • Tammy Wise used to be a Broadway dancer and became a Taoist Minister.
  • Tammy has a book and video learning system coming out soon called “The Art of Strength.”
  • Strength and tension are both energy-based, but strength is fluid and tension is static.
  • If you can learn how energy moves, then you can use it in your posture and walking, to practice fitness all of the time.
  • In Tammy’s mid-30s she made the transition out of Broadway dancing and into Taoist ministry.
  • Emotions are stored in the body.
  • It’s important to work with a variety of resistance tools—not just one.
  • Tammy offers “computer crunch” services to assist with bad posture from sitting in front of computers for long periods of time.
  • You need your body to open up your ability to have empathy for others.
  • Implement one new fitness or dietary change and track it to see what is working, it takes 24 hours to feel the difference.

 

3 Key Points:

  1. Tammy Wise has a book and video learning system coming out soon called “The Art of Strength.”
  2. The fitness industry often promotes chasing strength on the outside and not within— unfortunately with quantity over quality.
  3. BodyLogos is based in aligning your posture with gravity, and balancing your body movement with centrifugal forces.

 

Tweetable Quotes:

–   “I specialize in mind/body strength, and I’ve created a technique I call BodyLogos, which means the body’s divine wisdom.” – Tammy Wise.

–   “The outer shield of the heart and lungs expresses no other emotions that lies between joy and sadness, and I called this your “smile of truth.” – Tammy Wise.

–   “I don’t think strength is defined by how much you can pick up. I think it’s much more about how deeply you connect to what you pick up.” – Tammy Wise.

 

Resources Mentioned:

5 Helpful Books to Start Your Mindfulness Journey

Do you ever feel like you’re just operating on cruise control, completely oblivious to what you’re actually doing? It sounds like a strange out-of-body experience, but even losing focus for just a second while you work could become frustrating. Your mind might drift into procrastination, or you could have a hard time controlling your thoughts.


These are experiences that everyone has at some point in their lives. The feeling that we’re not entirely aware of our situation, that we’re overwhelmed with what’s around us. It’s enough to make us feel anxious or, in some cases, physically sick and unstable.
This is where mindfulness comes in handy. It’s a basic human ability to allow us to be more aware of not just our surroundings, but also our mental state. It’s the ability to keep your thoughts in check, to be able to react to situations properly without exaggerating the situation in our minds.


Mindfulness isn’t something special. It’s not an ability for gifted and talented people, and it’s certainly something that everyone can possess. However, unlocking that potential to become more mindful can be tricky, so here are five helpful books that can get you started on this wonderful journey of becoming more aware of yourself and your surroundings.

1. 10% Happier

Dan Harris

10% Happier is a fantastic introduction to the world of mindfulness, hence why it’s right at the top of this list. Other books in this list (bar the last one) will sound spiritual and philosophical, which is why they can be difficult to digest. 10% Happier, on the other hand, is a book written for people that want a serious, yet enjoyable read to help them tame the voices inside of their heads.

2. The Untethered Soul

Michael Singe

The Untethered Soul is a journey into a timeless question with many interpretations: who are you? In this book, Michael Singer explores the question of identity and how it can be found in our consciousness and our ability to observe the world around us.

3. The Art of Happiness

Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler

A unique take on mindfulness, written with the aid of one of the world’s great spiritual leaders. This highly accessible book dives into many key areas of human experience while also touching on important principles in Tibetan Buddhism and applying them to everyday scenarios.

4. The Miracle of Mindfulness

Thich Nhat Hanh

Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh offers a wonderfully rich and lucid guide to practicing mindfulness in this book. It’s full of practical advice and skills that can help you become more aware of your surroundings. From simple tasks like peeling fruit and washing your dishes, this book reminds us that every moment is unique and holds an opportunity that is waiting to be explored.

5. The Mindfulness Colouring Book

Emma Farrarons

And lastly, an accessible book that isn’t just about reading. Working with your own hands is a fantastic way to soothe your anxiety and defeat stress. This small book of beautiful illustrations gives you a practical way to explore your inner creativity and draw out your mindfulness while providing you with something to focus on.

These five books all offer a unique and different take on mindfulness, but they can all be used to kickstart your mindfulness journey.

NEW! SOB Podcast: The Creative Business of Fine Artist Carole J. McCoy

Fine Artist Carole J. McCoy drops in to speak about her journey into art, what has inspired her work and creativity, and what upcoming goals and accomplishments she is gearing her career towards.

Summary:
In this 35th episode of SOB: Style of Business podcast, Keetria interviews the Los Angeles-based fine artist, sculptor, painter, and arts advocate Carole J McCoy. She shares her journey into art, what has inspired her work and creativity, and what upcoming goals and accomplishments she is gearing her career towards.

Show Notes:

  • Carole is inspired by Los Angeles, which she was drawn to through modeling and acting.
  • She is an arts advocate, she paints, sculpts, draws, writes, and restructures found objects.
  • Tracing images on television as a child was a start, along with being scouted to model and traveled the world with modeling.
  • Carole’s creative process is that she allows herself to be an observer of life, acknowledging that everything was already here, and she needs to co-create with the ultimate creator: God.
  • Creativity = Observation. Appreciation. Curiosity. Intuition. Desire. Creation.
  • An artist’s responsibility is to tell our stories for future generations to learn from.
  • “Bliss on a Arrival” is a piece she created after a Greek Goddess exhibit, and has been intrigued by the body and form. Klimt is an artist was an inspiration also.
  • “Infinito” is defined by Carol as sculpture on canvas due to the multiple layers of paint involved. The spiritual book called: “Infinite in All Directions” provided some of the inspiration.
  • Nature is Carole’s biggest form of inspiration.
  • She did an “inspirational tour” of NY, where she lived previously in the past but had not been to since 1998.
  • Embracing African American ancestors’ endurance and contributions to society.
  • Romance your mind, body, and soul creatively by traveling, observing, exploring, and allowing yourself to be inspired. Figure out what you want to contribute to the world.
  • “Queen Ancestors” concept came to Carole in her dreams. Pulling from the legacy and energy of strong women.
  • Women of color have experienced a harder climb up the mountain of success in the art world.
  • Carole has experienced people not taking her art seriously as being looked at as attractive.
  • Art is Carole’s “high” never drugs. She feels uplifted from creating and expressing herself.
  • Keeping a journal physically everyday with a pen and paper unlocks ideas and refocuses her. “The Artist’s Way” is a book that she appreciates to understand her purpose and avoid the pitfalls.
  • Carole submits for things at least 10 times a week, even if she doesn’t fit what they are looking for in case her work might fit for what they do in the future.
  • Create from a place from your soul being fulfilled, not for money or for competition.
  • Carole supports other artists she enjoys by giving it exposure through social media.
  • “Art Stories” is a book of illustrations and short stories that Carole is working on allow with new projects, shows, and commissions.
  • “Follow your heART.”

3 Key Points:

  1. Carole’s Recipe for Creation: Observation. Appreciation of beauty she witnesses. Curiosity about that beautiful thing. Intuition and instinct. Desire to create. Implementing creation.
  2. Nature is Carole’s biggest form of inspiration.
  3. Romance your mind, body, and soul creatively by traveling, observing, exploring, and allowing yourself to be inspired. Figure out what you want to contribute to the world

Tweetable Quotes:

–   “L.A. is like a geographical muse of mine for the moment.” – Carole J McCoy.

–   “I have like this recipe for creativity. One is observation. Two: appreciation of what is beautiful that you see. Three is curiosity…Four is intuition…Five is desire…Six is creation.” – Carole J McCoy.

–   “My biggest form of inspiration I would say is nature…Anything you want as an artist is in nature.” – Carole J McCoy.

Resources Mentioned:

  • Website – Keetria’s website for the podcast.
  • LinkedIn – Keetria’s LinkedIn page.
  • Instagram – Carol J McCoy’s Instagram.
  • Facebook – Carol J McCoy’s Facebook.
  • Twitter – Carol J McCoy’s Twitter.

NEW! SOB Podcast: The Importance of Hitting the “Reset Button”


In this 34nd episode of SOB: Style of Business podcast, instead of conducting an interview, Keetria has a short and sweet discussion about the many benefits that can be achieved when we hit the reset button and include moments of relaxation, self-expression, and socializing into our daily grind. Whether you are feeling overworked trying to balance a business and a side job, or starting a company and taking care of your family – Keetria offers easy options to unwind and re-focus.

Show Notes:

  • Hitting the reset button is important when you feel exhausted or burnt out.
  • Most people probably work more than 40 hours a week.
  • Keetria recently hit her own reset button to unwind from her multiple projects.
  • What is important to me?
  • The reset buttons keeps our lives moving smoothly.
  • Working out, wine, happy hour, reading, painting, yoga, art, and meditation are all reset buttons.
  • There is great value in resetting yourself often – even daily.
  • Maybe pushing to get 150% is too much.

3 Key Points:

  1. If you aren’t satisfied with what you are doing, you can’t be any help to anyone else.
  2. Reset buttons include: meditation, yoga, exercise, wine, happy hour, reading, painting, and art.
  3. Are we trying too hard to push beyond our limits?

Tweetable Quotes:

–   “There comes a time to where you feel like you’ve hit a brick wall, or you just get exhausted…or sometimes it’s just complete burn out.” – Keetria.

–   “40-hour work week is at minimum…probably the minimum for the majority of folks.” – Keetria.

–   “What is important to me?” – Keetria.

Resources Mentioned:

  • Website – Keetria’s website for the podcast.
  • LinkedIn– Keetria’s LinkedIn page.

Top 5 Vacation Spots for a Meditation Retreat

For vacations to be truly rejuvenating, it doesn’t always need to be about going off to an exotic island for an adventure. Sometimes, the best vacation you can have is the most laidback—the one that will help you rejuvenate from within. Vacations that are packed with activities can be stressful. Such vacations can ruin the purpose of a holiday, which is to rest and relax.

To truly relax, you can take a different kind of a vacation—one that can quiet your mind and open your heart. I’m talking about going to a meditation retreat. We’ve picked some of the best ones you can consider for your next vacation. Here are our top choices:

Rolling Meadows Retreat, Brooks, Maine

Rolling Meadows offers city slickers that chance to unplug from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Silent retreats are held year-round and are designed to quiet the mind and increase awareness. Guests can join a series of meditation and yoga sessions and free time can be spent for reflection, solitude and in exploring the breathtaking beauty of the land.

Stillpoint Lodge, Halibut Cove, Alaska

With short boat ride or plane trip through the magnificent Kachemak Bay, you’ll find the secluded Stillpoint Lodge located in enchanting village of Halibut Cove. The lodge offers guided meditations, yoga and rejuvenating walking meditations in Alaskan wilderness. The lodge also features a poustinia, a silent meditation space that’s open 24 hours a day. Guests also get to see local wildlife as well as dine on organic meals using local ingredients.

Ala Kukui, Maui, Hawaii

Literally translated as “Path of Enlightenment”, Ala Kukui is ideal for those in search of spiritual renewal and creative awakening. Located in the beautiful land of Hana, Ala Kukui offers stunning views of Haleakala as well as the Pacific Ocean. The center offers different types of retreats including wellness retreats, corporate retreats, family retreats, and even retreats for veterans struggling with PTSD.

Esalen Institute, Big Sur, California

Surrounded by majestic mountains and blue ocean, the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California offers an amazing location for meditation, yoga, wellness, spiritual renewal and relaxation. The lodge sits on 120 acres of lush property where guests can bathe in hot springs overlooking the ocean, meditate, practice yoga, go hiking, and volunteer in its organic farm.

Feathered Pipe Ranch, Montana

Situated in the heart of the Montana Rockies, the Feather Pipe Ranch is an oasis of peace. Here, guests can go on a personal retreat, reflect, and connect with nature. Accommodation choices include tepees, yurts, and tents as well as deluxe rooms. Guests can join in meditation, yoga and chakra sessions, as well hike in the forest, canoe, and swim in the lake.

A meditation retreat can provide you with an entirely new perspective on life. It can help you de-stress by removing the pressures of daily life. It can also help you rediscover joy and peace and will teach how to sustain it in your life.