Self Realization Meditation Gardens in Encinitas, Ca.

I have been walking up these steps since I was four years old and I can't tell you how many happy memories I have from there. This meditation garden is truly a "healing" garden. The peace that is present is noticeable the moment you arrive. The church was founded in 1920 by Paramahansa Yogananda who had a dream of bringing the teaching of Kriya Yoga to the West. He did that successfully and now there are locations worldwide. These gardens are open to the public for anyone who needs to step away from the madness of life to center themselves whether through meditation or simply quiet reflection. I am so grateful that I have had the privilege of visiting these gardens since I was a child. I make time to visit even with a busy schedule because I truly believe that time spent there in reflection has helped me in my life. You can be from any religion or belief system and visit. It is not about those things there. It is about people having a quiet place to experience tranquility in any way that resonates with them. It is a very welcoming environment and people from all over the world stop here to connect to the sense of peace that permeates the air. They are closed Mondays and open 9 to 5 the other days of the week. Donations help keep these lovely grounds up and running so feel free to drop a few dollars in the donation boxes on the way out. This is truly a local spot and most locals will tell you they have been there a time or two if not on a regular basis.

There are Koi ponds located throughout the gardens that add to the peaceful and mesmerizing experience there.

Vibrant colored foliage lines the walkways of these gardens.

There are benches placed throughout the gardens for a little piece of privacy while you meditate, pray or pause for a time of reflection. Bring a journal too. That's always common there.

Waterfalls and wishes.

You might even run into a friend there!

Check out their website for more information. These gardens are open to the public. All people from all walks of life are lovingly welcomed here. encinitastemple.org Thanks for stopping by and visiting my blog.