Find Your Zen: Mindfulness and Meditation in San Diego

Is mindfulness what's missing from your life? If we're being honest, stress is everywhere these days. Older Americans are far from being immune to the negative effects of stress. In fact, chronic stress has been linked with an elevated risk for Alzheimer's and dementia in older adults. According to an article published by AARP, people may actually become less resilient against stress as they age. Studies show that the stress hormone known as cortisol affects older adults significantly more than younger adults. In addition to impacting mood and mental health, heightened cortisol responses also dysregulate the immune system. The article also shares that a month of chronic stress exposure is associated with a more than 150% greater risk of catching a cold. 

It's clear that older adults need to find their serenity if they want to stay healthy. For those lucky enough to live in Southern California, bountiful local resources for meditation and relaxation are waiting! San Diego is a hot spot for mindfulness and meditation classes and experiences, retreats, and amazing parks and green spaces that are perfect for clearing your head. Don't let stress steal the shine from your golden years! Here's a look at the best relaxation and mindfulness resources for seniors in San Diego. 

People travel from around the world to attend wellness retreats in San Diego! Attendees are able to enjoy mentorship from leaders in meditation and mental wellness. Here's a look at some of the most popular meditation and wellness retreats in the San Diego area that are ideal for seniors:

• UC San Diego Centers for Integrative Health: How often does the average person get to attend science-backed relaxation retreats operated by the staff of a major university? San Diego residents have it happening right outside their doorsteps. UC San Diego's Center for Mindfulness program routinely runs silent retreats that include mindfulness-based stress reduction, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, mindfulness-based relapse prevention therapy, and mindful self-compassion. While these retreats fulfill academic requirements for students, they are also open to individuals who would like to further develop their mindfulness meditation practice. You can check the event schedule to see if any retreats interest you.
• Deer Park Monastery:  This mindfulness practice and monastic training center is nestled on a 400-acre sanctuary in the mountains of Southern California and was founded by the late Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hanh. You can either register for a formal retreat or simply come for the day to enjoy a mindfulness-centered itinerary. While all are welcome, you must register in advance before visiting Deer Park Monastery.
• Zen Center of San Diego: The Zen Center offers full retreats as well as single-day and online experiences. Visitors take part in silent retreats with rigorous meditation schedules that include sitting meditations, walking meditations, mindfulness practices, work periods, meetings with teachers, and more. You can check the center's schedule to find upcoming events.
• Center for Ignatian Spirituality: The Center for Ignatian Spirituality at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish routinely offers retreats. Based on the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, retreats invite guests into meditations and contemplations on the life, ministry, passion, and resurrection of Jesus. Attendees enjoy a peaceful setting where they engage in imaginative prayer, discernment of thoughts, and interpretation of feelings.

Whether you're looking to try yoga for the first time or you simply want to reset your nervous system with a mindfulness class, San Diego offers many different options. Here's a look at popular wellness classes in the area:

• Kadampa Meditation Center San Diego: Offers day and evening classes following the practices of modern Buddhism.
• Pilgrimage of the Heart Yoga: Offers free mindfulness and yoga classes at its studio in Normal Heights. The studio also offers sound healing classes in San Diego.
• Insight San Diego: Specializes in Vipassana-style meditation to curate mindfulness, wisdom, and compassion.
• YMCA of San Diego County: The YMCA offers well-being, meditation, and sound healing classes designed to help attendees realign and refocus. According to class descriptions, meditation workshops teach you how to build focus through concentration on the breath and body to cope with stress more effectively and become fully present in life. Sound healing classes utilize therapeutic frequencies to help balance the body and mind by lowering brain waves to restorative alpha and theta states.

There's certainly no shortage of beauty in San Diego. From peaceful beaches to stunning overlooks, it's easy to get inspired here. Many popular parks are easy to get to whether you're coming from a home on the outskirts of town or a San Diego assisted living facility. Here's a rundown of the best parks to visit in San Diego if you want to practice meditation or mindfulness:

• Balboa Park: While there's always a lot going on at this 1,200-acre park, you can certainly find serene spaces within. In fact, the peaceful sounds of water can help to guide your meditative practice. Consider sitting by a pool or fountain within the park to meditate. Balboa Park can be a top pick for seniors looking for green spaces for meditation around San Diego without the need to go to a remote area or hike up steep trails.
• Waterfront Park: This is another great park for seniors seeking serenity in an easily accessible public space. Look no further than the great water features if you want a space where your mind can drift off to the sounds of trickling water.
• Sunset Cliffs Natural Park: This 68-acre park and coastal sanctuary in Ocean Beach, called OB by San Diego locals, is an amazing place to have a meditative experience in nature. If you're up for it, consider getting a great vantage point for a sunset somewhere along the cliffs and caves within the park.