There’s no denying that we’re living in challenging
times. War, conflicts, the economy and divisive political issues have all
taken its toll. And just when we think it will get better, we wake up to
another story headline that throws us into yet another state of confusion and worry.
Though we may not have control of all the chaos around us,
there are things we can do to help alleviate the emotional unrest. One of these
is focusing on self-care and another is finding places that provide
an escape, offering tranquility and a sense of restoration. One thing in
common with all these locations is that are tied to nature – one of the most
natural healing balms in the world.
Big Sur, California
One of the most breathtaking stretches of coastline in the
world, Big Sur stretches for almost 90 miles from the San Simeon central coast
to Carmel-by-the-Sea on California’s scenic Highway 1, renowned for its
dramatic cliffs, rugged shoreline and sweeping ocean views.
Visitors can expect towering cliffs plunging into the azure
waters of the Pacific, fog rolling over lush redwood forests and stunning
sunsets. Wild and untouched compared to most of California, Big Sur is less
about the “things to do” and more about slowing down and reconnecting with
nature. The Zen of Big Sur is what happens when wild nature strips away
distractions and leaves you present in the moment in a quiet, meditative way.
Stunning Fall Views in Breckenridge, CO (Photo Credit: Noreen Kompanik)
Breckenridge, Colorado
Sitting high in the Rocky Mountains at almost 10,000 feet,
Breckenridge is unlike any other ski town in Colorado. It is small town
surrounded by crisp, clean air, big alpine views, forests, rivers and sunny
bluebird open skies.
Connecting with nature is why visitors come to Breckenridge,
especially in the off-season, and it hits a rare balance of adventure and
excitement with quiet reflective moments that include soft snowfall, fields of
wildflowers, evenings by a fire and stunning mountain vistas. It’s an ideal
place to disconnect from stress and experience a sense of well-being as it
aligns the body with the mind.
Allerton Gardens in Kauai (Photo Credit: Noreen Kompanik)
Kauai, Hawaiian Islands
Known for its unique geography and unparalleled natural
beauty, Kauai is one of the most breathtaking islands in the world. Almost 97
percent of this island’s land is covered with undeveloped verdant mountain
ranges, emerald valleys and lush tropical rainforests, earning it the
well-deserved moniker, The Garden Isle.
The oldest of the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai has a kind of
magic that goes beyond a tropical destination. It’s not just magnificent, it
feels alive in a deeper way. Perhaps it is due to the its profound cultural
Hawaiian and broader Polynesian roots and strong belief that ancient ancestors
“mana still lives here,” the unseen force that flows through people, animals,
sacred objects and even the land and sea. There is nothing like this tranquil
destination where nature is dominant, times slows and beauty seems effortless.
Horseback riding on the River Valley Trail at Ojai Valley Inn, Ojai, California. (Photo Credit: Ojai Valley Inn)
Ojai, California
Located 90 miles from Los Angeles, Ojai sits in a valley
surrounded by the Topatopa Mountains and is one of California’s most spiritual,
artistic and wellness-focused places. Its rare east-west orientation is often
described as energetically calming. Jiddu Krishnamurti lived and taught here
for decades.
Ojai sports a warm, dry Mediterranean climate with lots of
sunshine. Nearby wilderness like Los Padres National Forest adds to a sense of
nature immersion, and at sunset, the mountains glow a soft rose famously known
as the “pink moment.” If you’re looking for a slower pace focused on balance,
this is the environment for a physical and mental reset.
Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
The Shenandoah Valley stands out as one of the most
distinctive regions in the eastern U.S. not just for its stunning scenery, but
for its deep culture and history. The verdant valley is situated between the
Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and Allegheny Mountains to the west.
The heart of the valley, the Shenandoah National Park,
features waterfalls, wildlife and fall foliage that’s among the best in the
country. Each season brings its own magic but there’s no denying the tranquil,
peaceful ambience you feel when gazing at wildflowers, green hills, lush
landscapes, brilliant fall colors or the quietness of winter.
Taos Pueblo. (Photo Credit: Noreen Kompanik)
Taos, New Mexico
A kaleidoscope of diverse cultures, ancient history and New
Mexico culture is all set amid awe-inspiring landscapes in this high desert
town 80 miles north of Santa Fe. Situated at the edge of the Sangre de Cristo
Mountains, Taos offers big skies, wide horizons, clean, dry air and a sense of
space that prescribes an immediate slow-down.
The area is home to the historic Taos Pueblo, a continuous
inhabited community over 1,000 years old. Taos is also known for its strong
sense of spiritual grounding, its retreats, meditation spaces and holistic
healing. Minimal light pollution allows for incredible stargazing and melding
with the universe and the silence of the region is rare and intensely calming.
If you’re looking for an escape that provides a profound sense of peace, Taos
delivers.
PHOTO: The Basin at Franconia Notch (Photo via Peter Rivera / Flickr)
White Mountains, New Hampshire
One of the most rugged and scenic regions in the
northeastern U.S., the White Mountains are known for their dramatic peaks and
dense forests. Most of the region is preserved as the White Mountains National
Forest encompassing over 800,000 acres of forest with waterfalls, rivers,
alpine zones, and wildlife that includes black bears and moose.
With so much space, visitors can immerse themselves in a
remote world that offers camping, hiking, and picturesque rushing rivers.
Getting in touch with nature is easy here, and well worth the escape for some
peace and tranquility.
Zion National Park (Photo via Noreen Kompanik)
Zion National Park, Utah
Follow the paths where people have walked for thousands of
years in this magnificent destination that enchants every visitor. Massive
sandstone cliffs of cream, pink and red soar into a brilliant bluebird sky.
It’s as though the canyon wraps around you here, blocking
out the outside world. Unlike many national parks where you “look” at scenery,
in this national park, you’re actually inside it. Imagine hiking in the Virgin
River between canyon walls. Places like Angels Landing and The Narrows feel
almost otherworldly with their huge vertical walls and sweeping canyon views
you don’t get in many other parks. Zion has a way of making people feel
small—in the best possible sense.
An unknown author once said "To find peace, sometimes you have to be willing to lose your connection with the people, places, and things that create all the noise in your life.”
How very true.
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