Finding zen: Poconos abound with peaceful spaces, majestic views

When the world feels like it's falling apart, sometimes you just want to have a place to find a moment of "zen."

Zen is defined as "a state of calm attentiveness". Zen is a prominent school of Mahayana Buddhism in Asia that emphasizes self-restraint and meditation.

Buddhist or not, many seek inner peace via meditation practices, and there may be substantial mental health benefits.

According to a 2019 study published by American Family Physician, depression and anxiety disorders are among the most common psychiatric conditions in the United States. According to the study, practices like meditation or even yoga can have lasting impacts when used as supplemental treatments for disorders like anxiety.

If you're looking for your own moment of zen, there are plenty of locales in the Poconos that provide the perfect setting. Read on for our list of temples, yoga studios, scenic overlooks and more.

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Explore mindfulness for the whole family at Tribe Meditation

Kengela Charriez, known as Ms. Kiki, wears "a lot of hats." At 43, she's an energy healer, yoga instructor and leads guided meditations. She's also a children's book author: Ms. Kiki penned the The Colorful World of Emily, which she's read at area elementary schools.

"I adore my work," Charriez said. "I love helping others find bliss."

Her studio, Tribe Meditation, is hosting a Sacred Summer Kids Kamp, billed as a 4-week "mindfulness camp" for kiddos aged 7-13. Camp starts Monday and runs through July 29 (no camp will be held week of July 4th.) Kids can participate in activities such as making homemade bubbles with lavender essential oils and journaling.

According to Charriez, registration for the camp is still open, each week costs $175. "Anyone who registers their child for 4 weeks of camp from reading the Pocono Record can receive a free week of camp!" Use code TRIBEKIDS when you register. Siblings can register for an additional 10% off.

Tribe Meditation also hosts other events such as guided meditation and yoga.

Hours: The studio and boutique is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, closed Sundays and Mondays.

Location: 720 Milford Rd Suite 103, East Stroudsburg

Learn more: tribemeditations.com or call 570-213-9319

Columcille Megalith Park offers an escape from the mundane

Columcille Megalith Park in Bangor, Northampton County, is a well-known Smithsonian Heritage Site and offers "myth and mystery."

The park features numerous acres of gigantic stone installations, reflection trails, a stone labyrinth and more. Donations ($10 for adults, $5 for children) are encouraged to support the upkeep of the park. Staff lead occasional tours, but maps are available if you'd like to take on the park's numerous mysteries yourself. Leashed pets are also welcome, as long as you clean up whatever they leave behind. Picnics and fires are prohibited.

"All persons of good will are invited to travel quietly through our Celtic-inspired outdoor sanctuary." The website reads. "Please be mindful of others in the park seeking peace, quiet, or solitude."

Hours: Dawn to dusk, daily.

Location: 2155 Fox Gap Road, Bangor

Learn more: Call 610-588-1174 or go to columcille.org for more information.

Online meditation sessions hosted by Jinyin Temple

Bushkill is home to the Jinyin Temple, the North American headquarters for Chinese Sino Esoteric Buddhism. While the campus remains closed to the public due to the pandemic, except for special events, the temple hosts numerous meditation sessions every week.

Sunday will offer another opportunity for meditation enthusiasts to seek inner peace, with the temple's help. From 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., the temple will host it's weekly online Purification Meditation, known as Vajrasattva meditation. The practice relies on visualize to resolve negativity.

"Every Sunday, join us for a purification meditation to resolve our own negative karma by purifying our body, speech, and mind." The temple's website reads. To learn more about the temple, and get information on attending a session, go to jinyintemple.org/meditation.

Hundreds of acres of peace at Himalayan Institute

The Himalayan Institute in Honesdale, Wayne County, offers a scenic retreat for those seeking mindfulness.

According to the organization's website, the institute is a "world leader in the field of yoga, meditation, spirituality, and holistic health," and is "dedicated to serving humanity through educational, spiritual, and humanitarian programs."

A non-profit, international organization, the Himalayan Institute hosts numerous on-site wellness retreats, such as "Movement as Medicine" and "Self-compassion Weekend"

Location: 952 Bethany Turnpike, Honesdale

Learn more: Call 1-800-822-4547 or go to himalayaninstitute.org.

Learn yoga for all skill levels in Stroudsburg

Yoga House offers classes deriving from the Hatha tradition for practitioners of all skill levels at a convenient location and price.

Students aged 65 and older, as well as enrolled college students (must provide proof of current registry) can attend in-studio yoga classes, or online, for just $10. Online classes are $10 for all.

Numerous membership plans are available, with unlimited yoga starting at $30 for new clients.

Visitors can also take classes in guided mediation, Yogic philosophy and more.

Location: 2132 Business Route 209, Stroudsburg

Learn more: yogahousestroudsburg.com or call 570-856-3140

Possibilities are 'Boundless' at Boundless Yoga

With classes seven-days-a-week, including "aerial" yoga, and it's own podcast, it's no wonder that Boundless Yoga places consistently in the Pocono Record Readers' Choice Awards (Boundless made the Best of the Best list in the 2020 contest).

Take in a session in-house ($18 drop-in rate) or online ($10 via Zoom) or sign up for an unlimited membership that fits a variety of budgets.

Hours: Full weekly class schedule available online.

Location: 823-F Ann Street, Stroudsburg,

Learn more: boundlessyogastudio.com

Explore summer programs at Arsha Vidya Gurukulam

One of the oldest centers of its kind in northeast Pennsylvania, the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam sits on multiple acres in the West End of Monroe County.

According to the facility's website, the location includes modern amenities such as "accommodations suited to contemplative study," complimentary internet access, soccer field, campfire pit for children and more. Note: all visitors, children included, must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination required.

Summer programs include Vedanta, Sanskrit, yoga and more. Courses are free and accommodations are "modestly priced."

Hours: The Lord Ganesha and Medha Daksinamurti Temple is open 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily, closing for an hour at 2:30 p.m. for sanitation.

Location: Arsha Vidya Gurukulam/Arsha Vidya Pitham, 651 Route 115, Saylorsburg

Learn More: For more information regarding accommodations, temple history and programming, go to arshavidya.org or call 570-992-2339

Mount Tammany's sweeping views offer quiet pilgrimage

Relish in breathtaking views of the Delaware Water Gap and the Poconos by taking on the steep Mount Tammany trail in New Jersey. The summit is not for the faint-of-heart, you'll end at a ledge a-la Pride Rock of Disney's Lion King fame, but you'll have plenty of space to collect your thoughts, and catch your breath.

The mountain forms the southernmost peak of the Kittatinny Mountains, in Warren County, New Jersey, and stands at 1,526 feet tall.

According to NJHiking.com, the short distance to the summit is quite steep (the hike is only about 3.5 miles roundtrip), but there is an easier variation for hikers looking for something less strenuous. The Blue Blaze trail offers "a less interesting hike – but it’s easier and arrives at the same viewpoint."

Location: Delaware Water Gap, Pa./ Knowlton Twp., N.J. Trail head accessible from Interstate Route 80. GPS coordinates: 40°58′09″N 75°06′41″^[1]

More information: nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/red-dot-trail.htm and nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/worthingtonstateforest.html

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Big Pocono State Park offers a place to unwind, recharge

Traverse the winding Camelback Road in the heart of Pocono and Jackson townships to arrive at Big Pocono State Park's overlook, known to locals as Cameltop or Camelback Mountain.

The summit, elevated at 1,978 feet, offers views of the Poconos and northeast Pennsylvania, as well as New Jersey and New York.

A variety of nearby trails offer flat terrain for the most novice of hikers. Picnic tables, benches, parking and restrooms make Cameltop a convenient stop. Note: The roads in the park are steep, so the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources urge visitors "should not attempt this drive in vehicles with trailers in tow."

Hours: Dawn to dusk, closed in Winter.

Location: 980 Camelback Road, Tannersville

Learn more: bit.ly/3HT2876

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'Salt' of the Earth: Mount Pocono's Crystal Garden

Crystal Garden is now offering "halotherapy", otherwise known as salt therapy, in a new Himalayan salt cave at the boutique in Mount Pocono.

According to the Crystal Garden website, a salt therapy session can "elevate your mind and spirit."

"A regular session is similar to going to a spa where you take off your shoes and slip into something comfortable and take the time to relax in a room filled with salt. The room has a pleasant lighting and a comfortable chair and massage table, making for a relaxing environment." The website reads. "The salt cave’s door is closed and remains closed throughout the session to avoid disturbing the experience (or the salt particles produced by the in-cave generator)."

Forty-five-minute sessions in the cave start at $30.

Hours: Sessions available Monday-Friday (except Tuesdays) and can be booked online. Weekend sessions should be booked by phone call.

Location: 1444 Pocono Boulevard Suite 106, Mount Pocono

Learn more: crystal-garden.com/poconos-salt-cave/ or call 570-972-2104

Embrace your inner 'pixie' in Lackawanna County

The Salted Pixie was northeast Pennsylvania's first salt cave.

Bring the whole family for kid-friendly experiences like "play time salt therapy", or enjoy a luxurious lounge in a swing chair. Enjoy a "private movie night" for up to 5 people for $200, includes 2 pizzas or a large salad. With a plethora of therapies (starting at $15 for teens aged 14-18) massages and energy healings, you'll feel realigned in no time, on any budget.

"With the help of pink Himalayan salt, we have naturally recreated the micro climate of a salt cave. We sustain this climate by maintaining the specific temperature and humidity levels found in a naturally occurring cave." The cave's website reads.

Location: 1 Highlands Boulevard Suite 101, Archbald

Learn more: thesaltedpixie.com or call 570-521-4275.

Heal and enlighten in Honesdale

Northern Light Counseling & Salt Cave is the Poconos' latest wellness offering. A one-stop shop for those seeking healing, the facility offers outpatient mental health and integrative wellness services, and of course, a salt cave.

"Our clinicians work to treat the whole person rather than just the symptom." The facility's website reads. "This holistic approach to healthcare is very effective at finding the root cause that affects the mind, body, and soul of our clients."

Northern Light is a member of the Salt Therapy Association. Individual sessions start at $30.

Location: 951 Main St., Honesdale

Learn more: northernlightcounseling.org or call 570-280-6321

Ashley Fontones is managing editor at the Pocono Record and Tri-County Independent. Reach her by emailing afontones@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Pocono parks, temples and Himalayan salt caves offer peaceful spaces