We travel for a variety of reasons. There are endless things to do, places to see, and people to meet in the world. However, sometimes we travel not to go somewhere, but to get away from the place or state of mind in which we find ourselves. We all need to get away from time to time to seek healing. People go to a variety of places outside of Western medicine to find the healing, rest, and rejuvenation they require. Here are the 5 picks for you where you can go to reconnect with yourself.
Vedanta Mahotsav
The Prashant Advait Foundation organizes Vedanta Mahotsav where Acharya Prashant answers questions and shares wisdom from Vedanta. Vedant Mahotsav is an opportunity to spend blissful days in the elevating company of Acharya Prashant. Besides the daily discourses, the days are bejeweled with soulful music, and self-reflection activities aimed at the expansion and sublimation of one’s consciousness. Hundreds of retreats have been organized in the last ten years, in places ranging from bustling metropolis to Himalayan hamlets, and thousands of seekers from India and abroad have experienced their magical effect.
Art of Living Ashram
The Art of Living is renowned world-wide for its stress-elimination and self-development programs based mainly on breathing techniques, meditation and yoga. The Art of Living as a voluntary organization also undertakes various initiatives aimed at uplifting humanity and enhancing the quality of life. The foundation course at the ashram is the three day Art of Living Part I residential workshop. You’ll learn revitalizing breathing techniques to restore the natural rhythms of body and mind.
Osho International Meditation Resort
The Osho ashram no longer holds workshops calling for undressing, and free love isn’t encouraged. Yet, unlike many ashrams, there’s no gender segregation anywhere at the Osho ashram. The ashram, which is more like a resort, aims to provide a luxurious environment where people can be at ease with themselves. Despite the compulsory wearing of maroon robes, it’s commercial and far removed from Indian culture. Courses are mostly directed at healing from traumatic experiences, rather than personal development.
Isha Foundation Ashram
The Isha Foundation is a non-profit organization, founded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. Its purpose is to foster people’s spiritual and physical wellbeing through yoga and outreach programs, such as environmental rejuvenation. The core of the Foundation’s activities is a customized system of yoga called Isha Yoga. The 3-7 day introductory program, known as Inner Engineering, introduces guided meditations and a powerful inner energy process for deep inner transformation.
Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram
Fondly known as the “Hugging Mother” or “Amma, the Mother of All”, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi envelopes devotees with her love. She focuses her attention on trying to overcome the lack of love and compassion in the world, and devotees are particularly attracted to her for her comforting embraces. Free public darshans (audiences) are held with Amma at around 10 a.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.