No words (ironically) can properly describe my incredible experience at the Silent Stay Retreat…read morewith Ruth and Bruce. Both are such LOVELY and easy going people. The grounds, ALL 35 acres, are just breathtaking, the food delicious and the people who: Meet and greet Cook Clean Maintain Inform are accommodating, friendly and helpful. My only suggestion would be to offer a week long retreat- My 4days/3 nights of silence with Ruth and Bruce left me wanting MORE! I look forward to returning- THANK YOU, THANK YOU

This place is hidden, beautiful, and perfect for a silent retreat for the peace of mind and to take…read morea break from the loud and hectic day-to-day, especially since I live in the Bay Area. I love the layout of this place - small hiking trails running along both sides of the retreat; a Jacuzzi paired with an intricately designed, salt pool for detox or relaxing; a warm and cozy fireplace next to the large and welcoming kitchen; and the front and back yards with adorable critters and plenty of seats to enjoy nature. I enjoyed this scenery and retreat for my extended weekend on Veteran's Day. I hike in silence, prayed in silence, cried in silence, and of course, meditate in silence. It was a thought-provoking task that made me question, whether I could remain silent for three whole days. However, it was easier done than one would think and so serene. The pressure of saying and doing the right thing wasn't there. You are there to be and reflect, which most people don't have the time to do, when they're in their normal habitat. You almost make up excuses for yourself on why you can't take a moment to just relax and do what you want. You keep yourself busy because you feel like you haven't accomplished enough and there are so many more thing to be done. However, here, there's nothing that must be done correctly or even to be done at all. It's amazing. Ruth and Bruce were very kind. However, I didn't connect to them as I wish to, but that's why we go to different retreats to get to know yourself and the ones guiding it. All the funds that you pay for goes to charity, which is amazing of Ruth and Bruce. However, there are many other practices that are completely free and you can decide what you like to donate. Either way, it's an amazing experience. **Sidenote: While this is a silent retreat, depending on who is staying there at the same time, it can get very noisy. Although, I enjoyed seeing the people that attended the retreat with me, I didn't enjoy their constant talking. I feel like it took away from my experience. My peers were very friendly but loud. Lol.

Very late post I went back in '21 and I had been wanting to go since '14. I read about it on a…read morenewsletter and pinned to go one day. I didn't do my homework so of course the first time i went to it was closed and the second time i ended up going to an outdoor sunset concert in the garden so i still haven't really been for meditation lol i follow you guys on the socials so i am planning to return a third time. Ojai over all is a beautiful little town and this place is the icing on the cake picture attached and from my trip back in 21.

What a beautiful relaxing place! We only visited the gardens but did not attend any event or…read moreretreat. The gardens are beautiful and lush, and we spent about 30min doing the walking loop. It's so calm and an ideal place to practice mindfulness and meditation. I'm curious now about the events and will look into staying overnight one day!

Danielle is such a talented, dedicated, and attuned practitioner. she is honest, humble, and…read moredoubtlessly able to create a safe and impactful space for working with clients. working with Danielle is transformative every time.

The power of sound is real and Danielle is an amazing healer! Her energy and intention behind each…read moresession is customized to the season, a specific event, or what is happening in the world around us. She creates an incredibly safe space where you can truly relax deep into the theta state. I've experienced numerous sound baths with Danielle (group sessions and private) and each one has been a magically unique experience. She has a variety of instruments she uses including her own beautiful voice! I recommend her completely and can't wait for my next sound healing experience with her!!

Gorgeous lodge, wonderful retreats, kind people and a beautiful Sunday service including an…read moreinspiring message, meditation and beautiful music with instruments

Wholesome. Peaceful. Profoundly Spiritual…read more I have attended Sunday services, various workshops, retreats, and the Kriya Meditation Courses at Sunburst Sanctuary for 14 years now. I can categorically say that this is the most beautifully exquisite and peaceful place with a loving and mature community I have ever encountered. The 4,000 acre grounds are perfect for unplugging and rebalancing oneself. I love the yoga and especially the meditations they provide. For example, in the Sunday Service which starts at 10:30am every Sunday, they'll drop into 15 minutes of silence, not the typical 30 seconds other churches extend. A Yogananda Center, The Kriya Meditation Technique is unparalleled in its potency. Sunburst has always been a farm-to-table enterprise owning and operating New Frontier health food supermarkets. They maintain a large farm that sources the delicious Sunday brunches they offer. Sunburst is more than a Center; they are a family. Many founding members are still with each other after 50 years, proving the success and sustainability of the Center. The consciousness of these members is simply beautiful. For all these reasons and more, whether for a respite, or to deepen your commitment to your spiritual path, I highly recommend Sunburst Sanctuary, a gentle and welcoming spiritual center for all.

Alix was born to heal and do this work. My session with her resulted in bone deep relaxation, a…read morehealing visual/appearance of a loved one, creative pathways in my brain being sparked, and just a sense of overall comfort during a transitional time. I highly recommend Alix for coaching or healing work.

This was my first Reiki session! I loved it from beginning to end. Alix is so sweet and welcoming…read more I have been having weird lower back pain. I felt great after the session and had a relaxing day. When I woke up the next day, my lower back felt like it was part of my body again. There has been some disconnect within myself and my body for a while, and I just felt put together again. The office is also super cute and the tea is delicious! Everything is so cozy and I really enjoyed this first session. I'm excited to come back for more!

In celebration of Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month (APIHM), I am sharing a recent…read morediscovery/experience. While I am pretty naïve when it comes to the Buddhist faith and practice, I happened upon this American Buddhist Meditation Temple (ABMT) through a Google Maps marker. I immediately hit the road out of curiosity. Directions: To find this temple, head south on Patterson Ave toward the ocean, passing over the Atascadero Creek and bike path. You'll go up a hill into the More Mesa neighborhood with ranches and orchid farms. Follow the signs to Cal-Orchid by turning right on Orchid Dr (there was no street sign when I visited). The street dead ends with three gravel parking spots on the left for the temple. Given that parking is limited, it is acceptable to park on the property of Cal-Orchid to the right. This was such a unique and hidden find that most locals are probably unaware of its existence. It is a quiet place to practice meditation, offer support to the monks, attend Buddhist ceremonies, and for interested participants to attend formal retreats. The monks here perform a ceremony daily at 4 pm involving chanting and meditation. The property is truly serene with a light breeze, blooming flowers, and greenery of bamboo in every corner of the eye. Buddha statues are also discovered throughout--even in unlikely places such as trees or on rocks. There are multiple areas for meditation, a covered shrine, and places for offerings. Truly a beautiful site for all to explore and learn about. If you visit here, please consider leaving a donation in the locked box for its preservation and services.

Peaceful place! Having Reiki Sound Bath there is a wonderful experience. I love the community!read more

Great place The teachers are very compassionate, and the community share their resources.read more

I had an amazing reiki session with Malia! It was my first time getting reiki and I loved it and…read morewill definitely be back for more! The energy felt so good and was able to release some blockages that I had in my heart chakra that opened me up for better alignment. I really recommend Malia!

I'm so happy I pushed aside my hesitance and reached out to Malia for reiki. I didn't know what to…read moreexpect from a distanced session and I have been pleasantly surprised. I have had three sessions total and will continue with regular sessions. Malia is warm and nurturing and it's very easy to open up to her. I feel the energy buzz either during or after each session and I love that she always checks in the next day. I highly recommend her!