Pilgrimages and Sacred Journeys

Travel to Cyprus

2006-07-21T13:24:00.000-07:00

North Cyprus Sites - A Living Time Tunnel

Author: Ron Spinner

We open the book of North Cypriot history at Guzelyurt in the west, go northeast to the Girne region, and then south to the Salamis area.

North Cyprus Sites near Guzelyurt

St. Mamas is the patron saint of tax evaders. A 12th century hermit, he refused to pay taxes. As soldiers took him to the authorities, the party saw a lion attack a lamb. St. Mamas saved the lamb and rode into town on the lion. His taxes were waived. The monastery named for him was built in the 18th century, partly on Byzantine ruins, and using the doors and columns of an earlier Gothic church. When you visit, notice the elaborately carved iconostasis.

The Archeology and Nature Museum at Guzelyurt has artifacts from the Neolithic Age through the Ottoman era of North Cyprus. Don't miss the 2nd century A.D. statue of Artemis that was found near Salamis.

The foundations of Soli date to about 1100 B.C. Soli had a good water supply and rich soil. It was close to copper mines and timber for smelting, and it had a protected harbor, ensuring that the city prospered through Roman times. You will see the Roman-era theater, built around 300 A.D. The low limestone wall separated the orchestra from the 4000 spectators. A paved, column-lined Hellenistic street leads to the agora. West of the theater were temples of Isis and Aphrodite, and above the theater stood a royal palace. The Basilica at Soli was built between 350 and 400 A.D. Its mosaics are one of the glories of North Cyprus.

Vouni is a palace built by the pro-Persian king of Marion to keep watch on pro-Greek Soli. Within its 137 rooms were garrison quarters, apartments for the ruler, storerooms, and baths. The entrance was on the southwest. An inner hall had connected rooms on either side. Seven wide steps led to a courtyard. On the north side was one of the earliest hot baths -- you can see the cisterns for water storage that were cut into the mountain. South of the palace, you'll find a temple of Athena built about 425 B.C.

Between Guzelyurt and Kyrenia is the Late Bronze Age sanctuary at Pigadhes. The double-horned altar is 12 feet high. A low wall surrounded the altar precinct.

North Cyprus Sites near Girne

Bellapais Abbey was founded about 1200 by monks who fled Jerusalem when Saladin captured it. The dining hall and cloisters you see were built between 1324 and 1359 and may be the best Gothic architecture in the Near East.

Girne (Kyrenia) was founded in the 10th Century B.C. by Phoenicians, but was not very important until first Romans, then Byzantines fortified it. You can visit the Byzantine castle with its additions by Lusignans and Venetians. In the castle museum, you can step back to the days of Alexander the Great at the Shipwreck Museum. The ship carried wine, almonds and olives.

The Ptolemaic cemetery at Girne was used into Roman times. Some of the rock-cut tombs adjoin modern hotels. Also visible are the remains of the Roman wall.

Vounous is the site of an Early Bronze Age cemetery. The dead were buried with copper or bronze tools and red polished pottery.

St. Hilarion Castle was named for a hermit who fled Palestine and lived in a cave here in North Cyprus. The Byzantines had a church and monastery in the 10th century. After 1232, the crusading Lusignans expanded the castle. You'll see three building levels. The oldest is Byzantine; it housed soldiers and horses. The middle complex included the church and the royal residence. The courtyard of the upper castle had royal rooms, cisterns, kitchens, and waiting rooms.

Seven thousand years ago, the farmers of Cape Apostolos Andreas (Kastros) shaped bowls from stone and tools from flint. They cultivated wheat, barley, lentils, and peas and gathered wild pistachios, figs, and olives. They herded cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs and hunted deer in the dense forests. Their round houses were about nine feet across with a hearth, grinding stones, and storage bins.

North Cyprus near Famagusta

Enkomi was founded in the Middle Bronze Age (1900-1600 B.C.) as a copper-smelting and trading city. Around 1200 B.C., the city was destroyed and rebuilt. Even tombs were covered. The new Enkomi was larger with a definite plan, with streets meeting at right angles. The massive wall enclosed an area of 400 x 350 yards. Houses and tombs were in the south, workshops and storehouses in the north.

Cellarka is a large cemetery a few miles west of Salamis. A museum shows finds from the Iron Age to the Hellenistic era in North Cyprus. The Iron Age "royal tombs" held gold and silver jewelry, Egyptian jewelry, and pottery from the Greek isles and Syria-Palestine.

Wear good walking shoes to tour Salamis, founded during the 11th century B.C. The Temple of Zeus is late Hellenistic; most of the remaining ruins are Roman. Visit the "heart" of the city at its northernmost part where the amphitheater and gymnasium were restored. You will see baths, a 44-seat public latrine, and mosaics. Part of the harbor wall survives, as does the agora.

Just outside Salamis are the Basilica and Monastery of St. Barnabas. Don't miss the icon museum, which also includes archeological artifacts.

Famagusta became famous as a Crusader city. The Church of Sts. Peter and Paul attests its wealth. A Syrian trader, Simone Nostrano, built it in 1360 from the profits of a single venture. But in 1373 the Genoese sacked the city. In the 16th century, the Venetians built guardhouses, storerooms, gun emplacements, and Othello's tower. Christoforo Moro, who was governor in 1508, inspired Shakespeare. He is said to have murdered his faithless wife, Desdemona, in this very castle.

Jan Korfanty writes about Northern Cyprus and helps people find appropriate North Cyprus properties at http://www.cyprus-seaterra.com./For a longer, more comprehensive version of this article please visit the web site.

About the author:Jan Korfanty writes about Northern Cyprus and helps people find appropriate North Cyprus properties at http://www.cyprus-seaterra.com./For a longer, more comprehensive version of this article please visit the web site.

Spiritual Journey to the Caribbean

2006-07-21T11:57:00.000-07:00

Couldn't resist telling you all about this lovely retreat:

Spiritual Retreats, Caribbean Style

Author: Karen Joslin

The hectic pace of modern life is enough to make anyone crave a little relaxation every now and then. Add a touch of divine inspiration, a dash of introspection, and an ample dose of healthy living and you've got a spiritual retreat. While spiritual retreats can be found all over the world, the tranquil beauty of the Caribbean provides an ideal backdrop for those in search of rest and rejuvenation.

Yoga retreats take place throughout the Caribbean. Most retreats last about a week and typically include numerous yoga sessions, meditation, vegetarian and other healthy cuisine, and time to relax. Massage may be offered as well, and there's always time for excursions to nearby attractions. For instance, Maya Tulum in the Yucatan peninsula offers a number of side trips, such as snorkeling in the reefs, a tour of the Tulum ruins, and a full day exploring the Sian Kaan biosphere preserve. Some retreats may include in-depth discussions on the spiritual basis of yoga, while others may offer guidance on resolving troublesome issues. In any case, yoga retreats focus on enhancing the well-being of both body and spirit.

Maho Bay Camps in the U.S. Virgin Islands host several retreats annually, each led by different groups. One of these is the Omega Institute, with design-it-yourself retreats available through the winter months. A number of teachers in various subjects can be found at each retreat, and guests pursue the discipline in which they're most interested. Recent workshops include QiGong, watercolor painting, remote viewing (the ability to psychically see other places), world dance, and mindfulness.

If communing with nature brings you bliss, you may enjoy Swimming with Dolphins in Bimini (the Bahamas). In addition to swimming with wild dolphins in the ocean, this retreat includes other interesting activities. Travelers visit sacred sites, including the ruins of a reputed Atlantean temple. A dip in The Healing Hole's renowned waters imbued with lithium soothes bathers.

Those who find more inspiration on the sea may wish to try a sailing retreat or spiritual cruise. A few companies offer sailing retreats meant to target specific spiritual priorities. For instance, the Mind, Body, and Spirit sailing retreat in the Grenadine islands offers guidance and coaching to listen to your inner needs. Participants can help sail the boat from island to island, or just relax and let the crew handle it. An on-board chef prepares all meals, making use of fresh, local ingredients.

Zen and the Art of Sailing introduces attendees to Hinduism and Buddhism. The retreat discusses differences between Eastern and Western religions and teaches newcomers how to meditate. They then apply Zen principles to sailing, making it an ideal excursion for people who are more hands-on.

For a more metaphysical experience, try the annual Sea Angel Cruise and Inner Wellness Conference. This week-long cruise through the Caribbean offers workshops on a myriad of topics such as Reiki, communicating with animals, astrology, healing with crystals and gemstones, working with angels, communicating with the dead, and Shamanic journeying.

Because spiritual retreats in the Caribbean are often special events limited to specific dates, people interested in signing up should do their research early. With a little advance planning, your next trip could be truly heavenly.

About the author:
Karen Joslin writes for Bahamas-Guide.info, Grenada-Guide.info, and other Segisys travel Web sites.

© 2006, Interactive Internet Websites, Inc. Article may only be reprinted if it is not modified in any way, and if all links remain live.

Bhutan Spiritual Journey

2006-07-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

Back again with another exciting spiritual journey - this time to Bhutan. Not familiar with Bhutan? Read on!

Bhutan: A Magical Kingdom

Author: Dr. Sheri Rosenthal

Many people have never heard of Bhutan, the country that values
Gross National Happiness over Gross National Product! Bhutan is
a landlocked little country roughly the size of Switzerland. It
is bounded on the north and northwest by Tibet, with India
touching its remaining borders and Nepal a bit to the west.
Virtually the entire country is mountainous, peaking at
24,777ft. North to south it features three geographic regions;
the high Himalaya of the north, the hills and valleys of the
centre, and the foothills and plains of the south.

For centuries Bhutan has remained isolated from the rest of the
world. Since its doors were opened in 1974, visitors have been
mesmerized by the beautiful and pristine country and the
hospitable and charming people. The best time to visit is
October and November and during major festivals. The climate is
best in autumn, from late September to late November, when skies
are clear and the high mountain peaks are visible. It's not
unusual to experience rain no matter what the season, but I
recommend avoiding the monsoon season, June-August, when buckets
of rain come down.

Buddhism was probably introduced in Bhutan around the 2nd
century although, traditionally, its introduction is credited to
the first visit of Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. Before that
the people followed a shamanistic tradition called Bon that
still exists today, merged with their Buddhist traditions.

Guru Rinpoche is the most important figure in Bhutan's history,
regarded as the second Buddha. His miraculous powers included
the ability to subdue demons and evil spirits, and he preserved
his teachings and wisdom by concealing them in the form of terma
(hidden treasures) to be found later by enlightened treasure
discoverers known as tertons. One of the best known of these
tertons was Pema Lingpa; the texts and artifacts he found, the
religious dances he composed, and the art he produced, are vital
parts of Bhutan's living heritage.

The largest and most colorful festivals (tsechus) take place at
Bhutan's dzongs and monasteries once a year, in honor of Guru
Rinpoche. Tsechus consist of up to five days of spectacular
pageantry, masked dances and religious allegorical plays. These
festivals play a large part in the Buddhist teachings and are
also social gatherings. The Bhutanese revel and rejoice
together, dressed in their finest clothes and jewelry, in an
infectiously convivial atmosphere where humor and devotion go
hand in hand. These festivals provide an ideal opportunity to
appreciate the essence of the Bhutanese character. The temple of
Jampa Lhakhang hosts one of the kingdom's most spectacular
festivals, the Jampa Lhakhang Drup!

Because Bhutan has no domestic air service, possesses no
helicopters, and does not include an inch of railway track, the
only way to see the place is by foot or by road. This country is
stunning, magnificent, and pictures do not do it justice. A
spiritual journey to Bhutan will change your life. Please
consider joining us in Bhutan!

About the author:
Dr. Sheri Rosenthal is the owner and director of Journeys of the
Spirit. Our intent is for your spiritual transformation &
personal growth with the opportunity to visit incredible sacred
sites, and experience distinctive and extraordinary itineraries!
You can reach us at journeys@journeysofthespirit.com or
http://www.journeysofthespirit.com.

Spiritualy Journeys: Mayan Riviera

2006-06-15T13:23:00.000-07:00

Tulum, Coba, Cenotes, White Sand & Blue Seas!

Author: Dr. Sheri Rosenthal

I adore the Mayan Riviera as it is sometime called, because of
its simple beauty and wonderful energy, the perfect place for a
spiritual journey! Tulum's white limestone beaches and sapphire
blue Caribbean waters are also perfect for sunbathing, swimming,
and snorkeling.

I would like to share a little of the history of the place, at
least from the point of view of the archeologists. Most people's
experience of this area is often limited to a visit to Cancun,
and although it is a beautiful area, it cannot compare to the
rest of the coast that is largely undeveloped. Especially the
more southern area comprising the Sian Kaan Biosphere which is a
protected reserve.

"Sian Kaan" means "where the sky is born" and is a habitat for
thousands of birds as well as all the terrestrial and aquatic
animals to be found in the coastal area. The Yucatan is also
famous for its cenotes; Mother Nature's own crystalline fresh
water pools which are immersed in history and Mayan ritual.
These cenotes are actually windows to the vast underground
rivers that flow beneath the ground through submerged caves. The
cenotes have provided freshwater to the land inhabitants for
millennia. In the Tulum area the best cenotes are located south
of the Tulum Pueblo and along the road to the Mayan ruins of
Coba.

When the Spaniards arrived at the walled fortress of Tulum in
1518, they considered it as large and beautiful as their beloved
Seville. They may have been struck by its location, or the
beautiful painted facades of its buildings. Tulum's name is more
recent than its oldest structures, and translates, not
surprisingly to "wall" from the Mayan language. The city's
original name is believed to have been Zama or "place of the
dawn," in reference to its position by the sea looking eastward.

The approximate date of the city's construction is unclear.
While it is believed to have been built around 300 BC, the
majority of the buildings appear to date from between 1200 to
1500 AD, when the city was inhabited by the Mayans and gained
its greatest importance. With its strategic position at the top
of a cliff, Tulum made an excellent fortress. The city is
surrounded by walls on three sides with the fourth side well
protected by the sea. When the Spaniards arrived within 70 years
of their conquest, Tulum was completely abandoned, although some
Mayan pilgrims continued to visit the city.

Also fascinating is the ancient city of Coba. Although Coba,
located 45 km (28 miles) northwest of Tulum, is less well-known
than either Tulum or Chichen Itza, it is one of the oldest Mayan
cities and predates other better known cities in the area. Coba
is located near five of the largest lakes in the Yucatan
Peninsula. It covers an area of about 70 square km (28 square
miles). Most of the buildings in Coba are un-restored, which
isn't surprising, given that there are approximately 15,000
structures throughout the city.

The five lakes of Coba are without a doubt the main reason why
the Mayans settled here. Coba reached its peak around 600 AD,
yet it was mysteriously abandoned three hundred years later.
Some archaeological evidence suggests that around the 8th
century, when the population of the city was at its peak, it may
have had as many as 55,000 residents!

All in all this is a wonderful location to spend time looking at
yourself and what you have created in your life. When visiting
on a spiritual journey, allow lots of time for self reflection,
ceremony and ritual, swimming and dancing, and a sunset
catamaran ride.

About the author:
Dr. Sheri Rosenthal is the owner and director of Journeys of the
Spirit. Our intent is for your spiritual transformation &
personal growth with the opportunity to visit incredible sacred
sites, and experience distinctive and extraordinary itineraries!
You can reach us at journeys@journeysofthespirit.com or
www.journeysofthespirit.com

Spiritual Journey in Guatemala

2006-06-12T14:12:00.000-07:00

I think you're going to like the following information about a spiritual retreat in Guatemala.

Artful Living in the Present - Intensive Retreat in Guatemala
2006

Author: Samuel Kirschner

For the past two years we have been spending the end of our NYC
summer on retreat at lake Atitlan in Guatemala, which Aldo
Huxley termed the most beautiful lake in the world.

In June of 2004, we were looking for an exotic, not too popular
and remote place overseas for a summer meditation / yoga retreat
and vacation. My partner Stan who teaches a form of yoga and
qi-gong which he developed called qi-yoga and myself, a teacher
of Living in the Present / dynamic mindfulness meditation, found
Villa Sumaya (heaven on earth in Arabic) - a retreat center at
lake Atitlan - which turned to be the ideal place for ourselves
and the three busy New Yorkers (in desperate need for an end
summer get away) who joined us.

From the moment we arrived to Guatemala and started our journey
to lake Atitlan, we kept falling in love with the beauty,
colorfulness, simplicity and diversity of this country. The
weather in August is perfect for those who don't like it too
hot, too humid and who don't mind a little afternoon shower.

Villa Sumaya is a combination of simplicity, elegance,
exoticness and impeccability. While respecting the Mayan
cultural motifs of "Her Majesty the lake", (as they refer to it
there), Wendy Stauffer's personal accent and taste is felt
throughout the premises. (Wendy, the owner and founder of the
retreat center is a talented American ex-patriot artist and
shaman herself)

There are seven simple and comfortable double occupancy and
single rooms, including a delux suite, which are all named after
the animal totems they represent. All the rooms face the lake
through an incredible garden and each room has it's own hammock.
The first light of dawn and the setting of the sun in the
evening, are particularly breath taking. I fell in love with the
lake instantly, and found myself mesmerized watching the stoic
seaweed gatherers on the lake in boats that look like they were
built 2000 years ago.

The only way to travel around the lakes is by public (or
private) boats, which because of the size of the local people
tend to be very low, and for a tall westerner can be an
adventure, as they dock at the small towns around the lake, and
people travel in them with their live stock, children and
incredible local garments - which differ from town to town, as
do their indigenous languages. We learned very soon that the
lake dictated our activities and it was no wonder why was it is
so revered and respected by the locals. One evening, we got all
decked up to go to Panahchell, (the closest town" - for a
performance, the lake which is usually calm and pristine, got
very turbulent, and as we looked out and saw our boat being
tossed up and down, we took a look at each other saying "you've
got to be kidding me..." and decided to skip the trip and give
each other massages at the meditation hall - as we were watching
mother nature displaying a dramatic storm. (we later learned was
the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan..)

The people are modest and friendly to Westerners. As in any
developing country, it is apparent how poor they are in
comparison to us, and yet, there is a mutual exchange that can
be worked out based on mutual repect - which is an art by
itself. Keeping a determined, yet honoring smile and saying
'hola' is crucial. It's not unlikely to arrive to one of the
towns surrounding the lake and be flocked by local people who
are trying to sell their goods and offer their services. It is
however easy to communicate interest or disinterest without too
much of a hassle. These trips to the towns around the lake,
which we offer are centered around visiting the indigenous
cultures and experiencing them first hand: the churches, the
people, the food, the art and some shopping. Our favorite towns
are San Marcos and Santiago. Traveling in Guatemala as in many
other developing countries can be a challenge and a great lesson
to the 'control freak' in us. Last year, after the group left,
Stan and I stayed on for a couple of days, and took a trip to
Xella, a town with hot Springs, which we wanted to experience.
We rented a van for the day, and as we were making our way
through the incredible mountains, we noticed that the traffic
was stopped for kilometers ahead of us. When we left the van to
inquire what happened, we found out that the local villagers
blocked the road with rocks and trees in protest to the
privatization of their water - by the government. Three hours
later... we found ourselves flowing with the unexpected change.
We engaged in conversation with the people, who were too eager
to tell us their story, and when the road opened up finally, it
was too late to go to our original destination, and yet, it was
one of our most memorable experiences of our last year's trip to
Guatemala. We transcended being consuming tourists to having
made a connection with the people.

Our retreat last year had 11 participants who started their
mornings with qi-yoga, conscious breathing and mindfulness
meditation. A delicious breakfast was followed by a lecture and
a hike around the lake. After lunch there was free time to catch
up on rest, reading, a healing session or a boat tour. Our
evenings started with another qi-yoga and meditation practice
followed by a candle light dinner; sharing time in conversation,
videos, jacuzzi and sauna or just quiet time listening to the
crickets.

The retreat started with a blessing ceremony of a local shaman.
One of the eight days was a day of silence, which started right
after breakfast and ended at dinner. During that day we had
plenty of free time to roam around the property, swim in the
lake, journal and just lounge in the garden, and just be... Yes,
being present - that lost essential art of being - which in our
busy 'doing' lives in the 21st century is probably the most
calming, enriching yet challenging benefits available in the
retreat. Spending quality time with yourself, reflecting on your
life - far enough from it, yet closer to it than ever before,
because of the surroundings and the incredible beauty of nature,
the guidance and demonstration of the teachers, and support of
the other retretians, can be an investment of a life time; a
discovery of the Self - we are always looking for, yet often too
busy to find.

It was amazing and humbling to see the participants upon
arrival, and witness their transformation and flowering over
eight days. Our last night of dance and celebration was
particularly joyful. We were happy to share our presence and
felt close and accepting of each other. And while we felt sad to
leave, we were ready to take the experience with us and
integrate it into our daily lives.

As we are preparing for our 2006 retreat, we realize how much
the trip impacted our lives, and how long the effects of it
stayed with us since we have been there last. We are thrilled to
go back to Lake Atitlan and share its splendor and innocence
with the next group.

About the author:
Samuel has spent 20 years as a body/mind therapist and a
meditation teacher, speaker and author. In the 1980s, he
facilitated The New York Healing Circle, which helped thousands
of people with HIV live with a sense of peace and
self-acceptance. He is trained in body-centered psychotherapy,
in the Zen tradition, and the Vipassana style of meditation, as
well as in MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
http://www.livinginthepresent.com

Pilgrimages: Spiritual Retreats

2006-06-02T14:18:00.000-07:00

Spiritual Retreat

Author: Alma De La Cruz

What is a spiritual retreat? Basically, a spiritual retreat is a moment that is spent apart from our ordinary life, to leave the noise and distractions of the city and focus on our soul...a time of rest and reflection.

Commonly, when someone refers to a spiritual retreat, a physical place to settle down comes in our mind and people from all over the world go there for one purpose: to attain full spiritual awakening, to relax and return to an awareness of the spiritual
life.

Spiritual retreats goal is, primarily, to place an opportunity for spiritual people and new spiritual seekers where they can interact with a guru or spiritual teacher in a space containing strong energies. Nevertheless, each spiritual retreat is aim at a specific objective which can depend on the deity, spiritual technique, place, and faith. But the unifying thought on this matter is that anyone regardless of one's faith or spiritual background can get together with similar and different ones to learn and explore teachings and spiritual awakening from sources abroad.

In a small scale, a spiritual retreat just expects that the spiritual seeker will be committed to making positive change. Most of the experiences lived by most people helped them to open up to new feelings about their relationship with God and reconnect with God through their connections with the people on the spiritual retreat. One is open to different spiritual approaches in prayer and life; one is more conscious of what a spiritual person is.

Some spiritual retreats or getaways touting in the internet are:

Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, (415) 865-1895,
www.sfzc.org/smcindex.htm America\'s oldest Zen Buddhist
monastery. This spiritual retreat is located in the Santa Lucia
Mountains, where guests feast on Tassajara\'s famous vegetarian
cuisine and soak in the hot springs.

Shenoa Springs Retreat Center, (707) 895-3156,
www.shenoasprings.com. This beautiful 160-acre spiritual retreat
sits at the headwaters of the Navarro River in the Anderson
Valley off Highway 128 near Boonville. Daily workshops include
yoga, tai chi, and meditation, this last one is conducted by a
resident Zen priest.

Huntsville Trappist Monastery, (801) 745-3784,
www.xmission.com/~hta. The Trappist-Cistercian monastery in
north of Salt Lake City is a famous spiritual retreat for the
honey the monks make to support themselves.

The Expanding Light at Ananda, (800) 346-3530,
www.expandinglight.org. This spiritual retreat or community
offers yoga and meditation classes and unstructured retreats.

Sedona Sacred Journeys, (928) 274.2427,
www.sedonasacredjourneys.com Sedona, a valued land in Arizona,
is the vortex of new age thoughts, custom spiritual retreats,
Sedona weddings, and alternative healing. Some of the spiritual
retreats in Sedona include deep tissue massage therapy, reiki
and energy work, hypnotherapy, aromatherapy, psychic readings,
spiritual counseling, spiritual tours and retreats.

Assisi East West Retreat Center, +39 349 499 1293,
www.sacredtravel.org Buddhist monks, Christians, Hari Krishna
devotees, Jews whirling dervishes and Native Americans have come
and practiced their special devotion here.

Blue Mountain Center of Meditation Retreats, (800) 475 2369,
learn to meditate within your own tradition and lifestyle. This
spiritual retreat has branches in USA, The Netherlands, Japan,
and United Kingdom.

Present Moment Conscious Living Retreat, 612 916 5229, tropical
yoga, meditation, Qi gong and bodywork located on the Pacific
Riviera.

Tai Chi & Qi Gong in Paradise, 1-800-266-5803, this Costa Rican
spiritual retreat relaxes alumni with Qi Gong, Tai Chi & Yoga in
a tropical beach setting.

Heaven Sent Direct, 01793 825565, this spiritual retreat is
located in England teaching mediumship and spiritual growth
through meditation workshops to conquer your soul and
spirituality.

Lake Isle Retreats, 0044 28 67742776, totally a spiritual
retreat centre and temple situated on a beautiful, wooded
lake-isle in a nature reserve in the beautiful Ireland.

A Tuscan Sabbatical, 617 227-6244, Tuscany spiritual retreat
sets the stage for reflecting on the soul, passion, personal and
professional development, creativity, meditation, silence prayer
joy, and balance.

Body Being & Heart Travel Retreat, 514 527-7425, a spiritual
retreat in sacred India embodied with temples, ashrams, beaches,
and simple ashram living; sacred music and dance of India plus
early morning movement & meditation sessions.

About the author:
Alma De la Cruz, a staff mystic employed by http://www.psychicrealm.com, has a profound personal history where she has unabashedly delved deep into the heart of occult mysteries for an extensive period of her life. Her name literally means “Soul of the Cross” in Spanish. Currently she is working publishing a manuscript that delves into the mysteries of Hispanic new age beliefs incorporating

Your Own Personal Pilgrimage

2006-05-24T13:23:00.000-07:00

For some pilgrimages, or spiritual journeys, are to religiously significant places To others, a place of high spiritual energy. And, to others, a spiritual retreat can be their own personal pilgrimage to a place that is just plain tranquil, a place which makes them feel at peace. Which leads us to...

A Spiritual Retreat You Can Take This Week

Author: Bob Kish

Everyone needs a spiritual retreat now and then. A spiritual retreat is more than just a vacation.

A typical vacation may leave you feeling more burned out than when you left - often from rushing back and forth while trying to squeeze as many sites as possible into a short timeframe.

A true spiritual vacation on the other hand is a retreat from all the hustle and bustle. A time for renewal and regeneration of spirit, mind and body.

With the goal in mind of renewal there are a number of spiritual retreats that you can do - from two hours to two weeks or longer depending on how much time you choose to make. (notice I didn't say depending on how much time you can spare - with the hectic
schedules these days many folks don't have any spare time. So, make the time...) :)

What is Your Idea of the Ultimate Spiritual Retreat?

Part of the fun of a spiritual retreat is the planning stage. Think about what would relax and regenerate You. Incorporate things or events into the plan that will accomplish this.

A spiritual retreat might be something that you want to do alone. Alone you'll find more time for contemplation and far less distractions.

On the other hand, there are groups that get together to make spiritual pilgrimages, attend motivational functions and the like. These too are beneficial.

Here are some suggestions for a spiritual vacation that can be a time of healing and renewal.

1) Go to a place that represents spiritual power for you

2) Immerse yourself in a place of natural beauty - i.e., Sedona, Chaco Canyon, Yellowstone, any wilderness area, or beach area, etc. You can swim with the dolphins in many parts of the world, including Hawaii, where you can even lodge with other group members.

3) Take along meditation, relaxation, motivational audios, etc... Maybe set aside a 2-4 hour time period where you just relax and absorb the motivational messages or simply relax and give your mind time to rest.

4) Take a hike. Walk on a beach - let the sound of the waves soothe your mind and the ocean air revitalize your body.

5) Go on an actual Vision Quest. There are many organizations that will take care of all the planning, you just show up and head into a secluded spot in the wilderness.

6) Conquer a fear. Think of something you fear doing and do it.

7) Be silent for a day. Next to impossible for many...

8) Do something you've never done. Go somewhere you never been. Maybe combine both!

Make Everyday a Spiritual Retreat

The list of spiritual things that you can do that can refresh your mind, body and soul are endless. As you think of things that you can do on a spiritual retreat why not also realize that many of these same things you can do without going on "vacation."

Why not bring nature into your home? Fill it with plants that revitalize your air and spirit. Add waterfalls indoor and out to get your life flowing in the right direction.

Set aside some time to listen and enjoy motivational and relaxation audios at home.

Go to a day spa and get pampered.

Watch a spiritual movie, i.e., one that motivates, inspires you or makes you laugh.

Check into a monastery or retreat center in your town or city. Many will allow you to check in for the weekend. Often steeped in spiritual energy these offer fewer physical amenities than your local motel but more spiritual ones. Plus, there usually isn't a tv to distract you.

I hope these few suggestions can spur you to consider infusing your life with more spiritual power. And, remember, you don't need a spiritual retreat to amp up your spiritual light, you can start right now at home.

So, why not take a spiritual retreat this week? Retreat and Surrender...your stress.

About the author:

Bob Kish is the author of 50 Spiritual Movies, the free brandable ebook that reviews motivational movies. For a quick spiritual retreat journey over to http://www.50spiritualmovies.com where you'll find spiritual articles, spiritual resources, and spiritual tools for growth and enlightenment as well spiritual cinema reviews.

Why a Site About Pilgrimages?

2006-05-16T13:30:00.000-07:00

A pilgrimage is travel to a sacred site. The site can be specific to different religions (as in Catholic pilgrimage or Muslim pilgrimage), or can be a spiritual journey to a site filled with spiritual energy (such as the Vortex in Sedona, Arizona). We wish to provide you with information about all kinds of pilgrimages and spiritual destinations. Should you wish to add an experience you've had with a spiritual or religious journey, please feel free to post any comments. You are also encouraged to visit our sister Travel Planning site.

Please enjoy the following thoughts about healing and vision quests.

Healing and Vision Quests at Sacred Places

Author: Robert Scheer

Visiting sacred places can have a profoundly positive impact on people's lives. Earth is dotted with power centers where people have experienced visions, healings, prophecies, inspiration or insight into the meaning of their lives. Stonehenge in England, the Pyramids in Egypt, Machu Picchu in Peru, Sedona in Arizona and Mount Shasta in California are among the world's best known power sites, but there are over 1,000 stone circles, holy wells, sacred forests, healing springs, oracle caves and pagan temples across the planet that have been attracting visitors since ancient times.

The healing power of sacred places

Only 30 miles from Santa Fe, New Mexico is El Santuario de Chimayo where 300,000 visitors each year come to scoop sand from a hole in the floor of the "Room of Miracles." Its walls are lined with letters and photographs from hundreds of thankful pilgrims who say they were healed here. Cornwall, in the southwest of England, has more than a dozen holy wells where, like Lourdes in France, miraculous cures have been reported for hundreds of years.

Jean Shinoda Bolen, MD, a psychiatrist and clinical professor at the University of California, documented the healing power of both prayer and pilgrimage in her book, Close to the Bone. "The energy of sacred places is very subtle," she said. "The healing capacity of a place can aid the healing process similar to the way that prayer can. When someone goes on a pilgrimage believing they may be healed there, they can set powerful forces into motion."

Vision quests lead to self-understanding

Going on vision quests is a North American native tradition that has become a popular New Age practice. It involves spending time alone in an isolated, often wilderness setting, in hope of receiving a message to guide one's life. When Helene A. Shik leads spiritual tour groups to islands in Scotland's Inner Hebrides, she often includes a vision quest opportunity at a holy well called Tobar na h'oige (the Fountain of Youth) on the tiny island of Iona. A popular pilgrimage site for Pagans and Christians alike, Iona is the burial place of 48 ancient Scottish kings, including Duncan, who was murdered by Macbeth in 1040. Shik says Iona was a sacred isle for pre-historic Celts and later for the Druids. "It's a place where the veil between the worlds is thin," she says, "where we can transcend time and space." Shik says her tours give people new perspectives on their lives, enabling them to understand themselves more clearly. "Sometimes people learn more about themselves in two weeks with me than they could in 20 years of therapy."

Sedona vortexes stimulate creativity

One of the most power energy centers in the USA is Sedona, Arizona. Once a secret known to few outsiders save for Hollywood crews who filmed countless western movies in its picturesque canyons, Sedona became an artists' colony in the 1950s when surrealist painter and sculptor Max Ernst and author Kahlil Gibran moved in. After the 1987 Harmonic Convergence was held in Sedona, it became the New Age center of the country. A 1995 study by the Chamber of Commerce found that 64% of Sedona's four million visitors per year come to find "some kind of spiritual experience." The focal points of Sedona's power are four energy vortexes, identified in 1980 by trance medium Paige Bryant.

It is a rare visitor who does not feel invigorated by the vortex energy. Many people who retire to Sedona because of its mild climate and beautiful scenery suddenly develop an interest in painting, sculpture or crafts work, even though they had no previous artistic interests. It is not uncommon for visitors to fall in love with Sedona, buy homes there, and then a few months later have to move out because they are unable to withstand the constant force of so much energy. Sedona is also the headquarters for dozens of astrologers, psychics, spiritual counselors, massage therapists and other energy workers. A local psychic association member joked that "Sedona is the only city in the world with 1,500 channels and no TV station."

How to get the most from sacred sites

People hoping for a transformational travel experience can enhance their chances of a non-ordinary event by preparing in advance of their visit. Before a native youth went on a vision quest, he or she would train with a shaman to learn about the spirit world. They might take part in extensive prayers, fasting, drumming, chanting, dancing and even psyotropoic herbs or mushrooms. You can't expect to have a similar quality experience if you simply show up at a place like Stonehenge, buy a ticket, follow a tour guide around and take a few pictures. Dr. Jean Shinoda Bolen suggests, "You need to approach a pilgrimage site with an attitude of openness. Since you are going there to be affected by the place, you have to allow yourself to be affected." At the very least, you should approach a sacred place with a humble attitude and ask permission from the spirits before you enter.

About the author:
Robert Scheer is a travel writer who specializes in sacred sites and power places. He is also editor of the New Age Travel website.