Best Places To Meditate In Chicago
A tranquil garden setting has to be a better catalyst for mental and emotional peace than sitting on the number 157 bus barreling toward Water Tower Place. When you need to calm the mind and become present consider any of these Chicago spots and get your "om" on.
The Garden Of The Phoenix
Wooded Island at Jackson Park
6401 S. South Stony Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60637
(312) 742-7529
www.gardenofthephoenix.org
Referred to as "The Osaka Garden" for more than a century, the peaceful enclave was constructed in 1893 for the World's Columbian Exposition. Just steps south of the Museum of Science and Industry, historic oak trees have witnessed renovation of original paths, Japanese strolling garden and the entire Wooded Island Jackson Park. There's also a Bobolink Meadow, a native woodland habitat and gentle waterfalls. The Japanese pavilion holds outdoor yoga classes with the Eastern gardens in view and an installation and dedication of Yoko Ono's Sky Landing artwork is scheduled for fall, 2016.
Lincoln Park Conservatory
2391 N. Stockton Dr.
Chicago, Illinois 60614
(312) 742-7736
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/lincoln-park-conservatory
When Lincoln Park is overrun with picnickers - or it's January in Chicago - you can breathe in humidity, the scent of tropical plants and flowers and gaze at ancient ferns at the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Stroll in all of the four display houses to get a nice diversity of plant life: Palm House, Fern Room, Orchid House and Show House, where you'll find the annual spring and holiday flower shows.
Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary
3550 N Lake Shore Dr
Chicago, IL 60613
(312) 742-7529
www.jarvissanctuary.org
A natural preserve right on Chicago's lakefront, the Sanctuary boasts plants and animals that you probably won't see elsewhere in the city and during migration times, watching the feathered creatures can be magical - or, in the very least, satisfying. Spring and autumn bring seas of songbirds and there are paths and a viewing platform as well as informative sign to help you spot particular species of birds.
Related: Best Yoga Studios In Chicago
Palisamo Park
2700 S Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 747-6497
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/Palmisano-Park
Not sounding nearly as peaceful in its previous incarnation as Stearns Quarry, the 27-acre site is a mile-and-a-half from the White Sox' U.S. Cellular Field but also another planet entirely in terms of tranquility. It's transformation from quarry, then a landfill and now a lovely park is a wonderful metaphor for what a little peace and quiet and meditation can do for a body. You might want to steer clear of the trails, running track and athletic field that are sure to be busy but do wanter by the fishing pond, wetlands and the hill with scenic overlooks.
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
Lincoln Park
125 W. Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 883-7275
www.lincolnparkconservancy.org
The Lincoln Park Conservancy describes the idyllic spot as "Only bird songs and the sound of a gentle waterfall break the restful silence" which is precisely what renowned landscape architect Caldwell had it mind when he designed the secret garden for Chicagoans. It's expert restoration in the early 2000's made way for official status as National Historic Landmark and Chicago Historical Landmark sites. You'll encounter trees and shrubs, lovely stonework as you gently ascend the hillside, wildflowers with happy butterflies and, of course, the the pool filled with aquatic plants and perhaps a duck family out for a swim lesson.
Ancient Dragon Zen Gate
1922 West Irving Park Rd.
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 899-3841
www.ancientdragon.org
If you prefer being present with like-minded individuals, Ancient Dragon Zen Gate works diligently to open its doors to everyone interested in meditation and/or Zen Buddhism. The variety of meditation and practice opportunities is impressive: early morning; evening; half-day; one-day; three-day meditation retreats; and Dharma talks open to all. There's Buddhist meditation instruction on Sunday mornings at 8:45 a.m. and a Meditation and Recovery program meeting weekly for those in recovery from addictions of all kinds.
Related: Best Free Attractions Near Chicago
Jacky Runice has been a columnist with the Daily Herald Chicago since grunge music and flannel was the new black. Her fingers and gray matter have been busy as travel editor of Reunions Magazine; penning a column that was syndicated around the nation via Tribune Media Services. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
