What is meditation? From Wikipedia
“Meditation is a practice in which an individual uses a technique – such as mindfulness, or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity – to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state.[1][2][3][4][web 1][web 2]
Meditation is practiced in numerous religious traditions. The earliest records of meditation (dhyana) are found in the Upanishads, and meditation plays a salient role in the contemplative repertoire of Buddhism and Hinduism.[5] Since the 19th century, Asian meditative techniques have spread to other cultures where they have also found application in non-spiritual contexts, such as business and health.
Meditation may significantly reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and pain,[6] and enhance peace, perception,[7] self-concept, and well-being.[8][9][10][11] Research is ongoing to better understand the effects of meditation on health (psychological, neurological, and cardiovascular) and other areas.”
As Wikipedia points out, the practice of being mindful, the ability to be aware that our thoughts are ever changing and with training we could allow ourselves to feel the “good” feelings that our thoughts trigger within us
We picked some of the best outdoor locations to have a peaceful and enjoyable time in meditation. Now if you’re a beginner to meditation, know that locations are not a “must have” while practicing meditation but rather another tool. Meditation can be practiced anywhere at any time, even when in active conversations!
Now any local park near you could be great for outdoor meditation, with over 50 parks in Sacramento we picked the ones that will get you more in touch with nature for this post.
Garcia Bend Park
Google: 4.4 stars ( 1,115 reviews)
Address: 7654 Pocket Rd., Sacramento, CA 95831
Phone: 916-808-5200
We picked Garcia Bend park because of its location. On the southern side of Sacramento, having access to the river with the ability to practice walking meditation or being able to find locations near the river to relax and take in all the beauty that it has to offer us.
This park does get a lot of attention. It has 2 soccer fields, tennis courts, boat launch for fishing, and biking trails. If you’re looking for a quiet space to be alone and just listen to nature this is still a great spot, just walk on the trail near the river and you will find a great meditation spot!
Sutter’s Landing Regional Park
Google: 4.3 stars (879 reviews)
Address: 20 28th St, Sacramento, CA 95816
Phone: 916-808-5200
Sutter’s landing is another great spot for nature meditation. They are another city-run park just like Garcia Bend. Located just east of downtown Sacramento. With a nice bathroom, 166.83 acres of enjoyable space, Bocce Ball courts, Dog park near the entrance, concrete bike trail, and a skate park.
We picked this location because of the ease to pick many different river locations for a peaceful and enjoyable time. Just walk down to the cement trailhead and you see the river straight ahead. Now for more secluded spots just walk down the bike trail for about 5-10 minutes and be on lookout for that quiet location!
Sunrise Recreation Area
Google: 4.6 stars (661 reviews)
Address: S Bridge St, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Phone: 916-875-6961
Sunrise recreation area is a great big park with many trails that run with the river. About 15 minutes west of sacramento. You can see why we picked this park, it has an upper area and lower area of the park. The park is huge and has many great spot to sit and enjoy the peace and nature for some great meditation.
The park does have a payment to enter with just a vehicle to enter cost $5. Be sure to check out the website to see if any special events are going on.
I would point out some spots to go and enjoy but there are just too many to choose from! As soon as you start walking near the river it’s visible to the eye of the abundance of locations to pull off and enjoy!
Folsom Lake
Google: 4.4 stars (571 reviews)
Address: Granite Bay Entrance
Phone: 916-988-0205
We included Folsom Lake because of its size and the guarantee that you will find a spot to sit, relax, and enjoy some peaceful meditation in the scenic beauty of folsom lake. This park is located about 25 miles from Sacramento to the east.
They do have a fee to enter the park which is about $8 for vehicle entrance. Due to the size of this park there are options to bike into the park if you live near or willing to bike a distance to get into for free.
This park has many entrances. Regardless of where you are coming from you’ll have the option to enter this park from anywhere!
If you have suggestions for meditation locations that you feel should on here, please let us know and we will go out and try them out!