Peaceful Places


18
May 11

Relax in the sands of Hanauma Bay

Sometimes the best way to achieve inner peace is to simply travel to a scenic place and absorb the naturally beautiful surroundings, such as Hanauma Bay in Hawaii. Not only is there a pristine, white-sand beach for tourists to enjoy, but there are remote spots in the area that are perfect for waterfront yoga meditation.

Located in the island of Oahu, the bay offers visitors a panoramic view of turquoise waves sparkling in the sun's reflection while green palm trees move freely in the gentle wind. While that is a gorgeous sight in itself, there is plenty beneath the water's surface that travelers must discover.

The bay is both a Nature Preserve and Marine Life Conservation District, making it an ideal destination for scuba diving. An aquatic adventure affords visitors the chance to see vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, parrotfish and many other species that inhabit the water. They may even get to spot the elusive reef triggerfish, which is known to the locals as the humuhumunukunukuapua'a.

To learn more about Hanauma Bay and its marine life, travelers may want to take a trip to the Marine Education Center.


18
May 11

Explore the sacred temple of Wat Arun

Those who are on a spiritual journey to achieve personal peace can do so through attending yoga classes, and a great way to complement this practice is to travel, visiting sacred sites all over the world to gain an appreciation for healing through different kinds of prayer. Vacationers planning to visit Thailand have the opportunity to see the Wat Arun, which is an iconic Buddhist temple located in the capital city of Bangkok.

The Wat Arun, which received its name from Aruna, god of the dawn, sits along the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Thonburi. It is well known in the architectural world for its Khmer-style prang, whose surface has an iridescent glow in the morning sun that may have given the temple its name. The tower features two terraces that overlook the river and temple grounds.

Travelers can also tour the monastery, built hundreds of hears ago, as well as the ordination hall, which features an image of Buddha that King Rama II is believed to have designed.

While the temple is centuries old, it is still used today for events like the Royal Tod Kathin Festival – an event in which the king provides monks with celebratory robes after they have completed a religious fast.


18
May 11

Peruse the exhibit halls of the Centre Pompidou

Happiness requires one to learn how to balance life – there are many aspects to our days and weeks, and we must find a way to juggle our personal and professional worlds. Work can get quite stressful and travel is a great way to relieve this tension. When taking some time off, a vacation in Paris is a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the beauty of life.

A peaceful venue to check out is the Centre Georges Pompidou, where art enthusiasts quietly peruse the exhibit halls as they observe and analyze the fascinating work on display. Tourists should take some time to see the extensive collection of paintings that the institution holds and appreciate the creative gifts that the artists have offered through their work.

One of the most important items to see in the museum's permanent collection is "Fountain" by Marcel Duchamp, which was voted as the most influential work of art in the 20th century in 2004 by a panel of 500 British art professionals, according to BBC News.

The Centre Pompidou is also an architectural marvel in itself, with its colorful structural elements creating an intriguing sight.


2
May 11

A peaceful getaway is found in Thailand

Practicing Dahn Yoga exercises helps participants unblock their energy channels with different breathing techniques, allowing for the ultimate relaxation. What better place to use these lessons than on a beach, where travelers can absorb the serene atmosphere? The island of Phuket in Thailand is an ideal location for a peaceful getaway.

The Southeast Asian destination is a beautiful vacation hot spot, particularly on Hat Patong Beach. The white sands stretch for about two miles and feature a number of tourist attractions, giving visitors plenty to do in between calming yoga or tai chi sessions. Those who find enlightenment via adrenaline rush should try out some of the many water sports available in the area, including jet-skiing and much more.

Hat Karon Beach is also a popular spot for a holiday in the sun. There are plenty of places to visit along the shoreline, however the beach itself is not developed and thus is remote and isolated from the crowds. Hat Karon is also home to a colorful coral reef, giving those who enjoy a snorkeling excursion some unforgettable memories.


29
Apr 11

Abu Simbel is a peaceful and sacred attraction

Being in the presence of some of the most famous historical sights in the world is sure to help one's personal development, as witnessing things many people have only read about can be a life-changing experience. As such, a trip to Abu Simbel in Egypt can provide unforgettable memories for visitors of all ages.

The temple is known as one of the most impressive structures of the ancient world, having been built between 1274 and 1244 BC. It was not until 1813 that it was discovered by Swiss explorer Jean Louis Burkhart that it became a popular tourist destination.

The Great Temple of Ramses II was named after the legendary pharaoh, as well as three Egyptian gods – Ra, Amun and Ptah – whose statues stand in the main sanctuary. Ptah is known as the god of the underworld, so while the other two are draped in daylight, his statue is out of the sun's rays.

While the Abu Simbel is a popular spot for visitors, it is also a sacred destination and it is important to remain peaceful and respectful while present in the area. This makes a great atmosphere for practicing tai chi or yoga.


28
Apr 11

Find enlightenment in India

Those who are looking to go down the road of self healing on vacation should consider heading to India, the birthplace of yoga. Journeying to the city of Rishikesh gives travelers the opportunity to find enlightenment in one of the best destinations for meditation.

Known as the yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh is situated at the foot of the Himalayan Mountains. There are a number of religious and meditative facilities where tourists can work on their asanas, and they can rest assured that their practice will not be disturbed, as the local government has established several laws that preserve the town's spiritual clarity. For example, the Indian city enforces vegetarianism and also bans alcohol.

Because it is often visited for religious reasons, Rishikesh is a prime location to work on meditation techniques. Indians believed that doing so in this area could help them to achieve "moksha," which is freedom from reincarnation. Visitors looking for an educational experience can head to the Kailas Ashram Brahmavidya Peetham, which is a Vedantic institution that has existed for 120 years.