Destinations for Mental Clarity and Enlightenment

We are constantly running – rushing to get the kids to school on time, sitting in traffic to get to the office, stressing out over bottom lines and deadlines at work, racing home to get kids to all of their extracurricular activities and putting dinner on the table. Once you finally get into bed at night, you pass out as soon as your head hits the pillow and you start the rat race all over again when your alarm goes off the next morning.

All of that constant running and the stress that goes along with it, repeatedly over time, can really take a toll on you. It’s important to your body and mind to take a break from it all to reset and relax. That’s why we often get so excited about a vacation – it seems like the perfect opportunity to get away from all of your daily stresses. However, some vacations end up being just as busy as your everyday life.

The next time you’re ready to jet off for a true break and really s-l-o-w d-o-w-n, consider making plans to travel to one of these places known for providing travelers with mental clarity and setting them on the path to enlightenment.

Bali
This Indonesian city, plain and simple, is paradise. Bali is known for its breathtaking beaches, ancient ruins, and its ability to put travelers into a relaxed state of mind. Evoke all of the mental clarity Bali has to offer with a yoga retreat at Bali Yoga. Classes are taught by a senior Iyengar yoga instructor with over 30 years teaching experience.

Jerusalem
The Middle East isn’t exactly the most tranquil place on earth, but Jerusalem can be an exception.

This Israeli city is one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities, with its history dating back more than 5,000 years. But it’s also a holy city for three major world religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Regardless of your beliefs, it may be difficult for you to not feel the spirituality that is seemingly alive in this city. While there are many sites throughout Jerusalem to stop at on your journey to clarity and enlightenment, you should make sure to include the Dome of the Rock – this sacred site is right in the heart of Jerusalem’s old city and is considered important to all three monotheistic religions.

India
You can’t talk about enlightenment without also talking about India, the birthplace of yoga more than 5,000 years ago. One place you should visit is the Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Harimandir Sahib Amritsar) – it’s a central religious place of the Sikhs, serving as a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. Or, spend 10 days at Bodhgaya Vipassana Meditation Centre, where you can learn and build on your meditation practice as taught by S. N. Goenka.

Tibet
Nestled high in the Himalayas, Tibet is the home of enlightenment and the Buddhist Kingdom. It’s claimed that a visit to this destination is a spiritual cleansing in itself. You can follow in the footsteps of Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism to Tibet, by trekking the mountains here. Since Tibet is known as the birthplace and home country of the peaceful leaders the Dalai Lamas, Tibet is full of Buddhist monasteries, which you can visit for a uniquely spiritual experience.

Peru
Peru is known for the scenery, of course, since it’s home to the Andes, a coastal desert and lush Amazon Rainforest. But it’s the ability to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu that draws travelers seeking enlightenment and a spiritual reawakening.

Photo from http://www.laurapappashealth.com/2012/08/awe-inspiring-vacation/.