Article and pictures by: Cindy Bokma
Website: Wildflower + Woods
It was a beautiful day, the kind of you think about when you dream about California. The air was cool, the sun was high, and for once, traffic was light. The morning was off to an excellent start. I was on my way to visit the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens located in Los Angeles.
The center has an interesting history but I knew none of it when I set out for this adventure. All I knew is that I saw a photo on Instagram and wanted to visit. In my mind, I expected flowers and gardens so I was surprised when I arrived to find a stunning home in the middle of a downtown LA area.
When you arrive at the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens, you take a tour, led by a docent who tells you the full story of how this place came to be.
The main house was built in the early 1900’s by Secundo Guasti, a winemaker from Italy. He created this villa to remind him of home.
Years later, he sold the house to Busby Berkeley, an American film director who threw lavish parties. You will view a short piece about Mr. Berkeley and learn about the antique decor and trimmings. It was fascinating. I always love a slice of history!
As you stroll through the ballroom and sitting rooms, you will have no problem imaging the dancing and parties that went on inside. The interior is exquisite, much of it has been redone to keep the original woodwork and details so you get a clear picture of what it was like during the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Now, many years later, this estate is currently home to the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness (MSIA) and Peace Theological Seminary & College of Philosophy (PTS).
Beyond the house is a patio with a reflection pool, you can view the treetops and cityscape while you stand on the steps. I was so moved by the beauty that I was torn between taking it all in and snapping some photos (I did both)!
Under a canopy of trees sits the Labyrinth where you can follow the path and meditate. Here I saw many hummingbirds and butterflies, the light noise of wind chimes in the tree along with the soothing sounds of the fountain is the perfect backdrop as you stroll through the labyrinth.
“Labyrinths are archetypal, geometric designs used for walking, or tracing, as a tool to assist the consciousness. They have been in existence for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years and are used worldwide by many religions, cultures and institutions. Our outdoor stone labyrinth, made of travertine marble, has the same design as that at the Chartres Cathedral.”
With a light wind and the relaxing sounds, I found the time spent in the labyrinth incredible peaceful and a great time to reflect on gratitude!
The meditation garden is lush with greenery. You smell the scents of jasmine as you meander through and admire the beauty around you. This was an excellent place for me, as a nature lover, to take in what I love most which are a multitude of plants and flowers. Several water fountains provide a calming sound as you quietly sit or walk. The word that comes to mind when I think of the gardens is peaceful.
“Breathe in peace. As tensions and worries drop away, peace starts radiating through your body. Peace is very much alive and present. As you drop the pressures of your life, you’ll find that peace is present, beyond the distractions. It was always there.”
John-Roger, PAL&G Founder, DSS__
This oasis in the city is a must- see if you are in the Los Angeles area. It was a day trip for me, and something I cannot believe I didn’t know about until recently. It’s a hidden gem!
5StarTip🌟:
The area is a ten-minute drive to downtown/Staples Center where there several restaurants to choose from if you are hungry after your visit to the Peace Labyrinth. Because I am gluten-free, I depend on my Find Me Gluten Free app which directed me to a five-star restaurant called Rosa Mexicano. I parked in a nearby parking garage and easily found my way back on to the freeway to head home afterward. The service was excellent and the food was so delicious that I am craving it again! The chips and salsa alone are a reason to stop by!
It’s a thirty-minute drive to Santa Monica or Venice Beach from the Peace Awareness Labyrinth, Beverly Hills about twenty minutes away. There is so much to see and do in LA, it’s really an amazing place full of beauty and history. I always recommend planning and researching before you go anywhere. I use the Waze app on my phone to alert me to traffic or accidents. If I had more time, I would have gone to Santa Monica, always a fun place to visit.
You need to know that reservations are necessary for a visit, go online and reserve your date and time. They are closed from June 27- July 23 and are only open on certain days. I parked on a side street and walked but there is a parking lot for guests. The address is: 3500 W Adams Bl, Los Angeles, CA 90018. Don’t forget your camera!
Final Thoughts:
This was an ideal day trip from start to finish. I highly recommend a trip to the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens even if its a bit of a drive for you. Unwind your cluttered brain and let go of all the demands and busyness of day to day life as you explore this haven.
Other Always5Star articles by Cindy Bokma:
Always5Star Guide To Planning Day Excursions On A New England Cruise
Always5Star Guide to A Day In Los Angeles, California – Top Tips of What To See and Do
Always5Star Guide To The Los Angeles Arboretum
Always5Star Guide to a Day In Anza-Borrego, California
5StarTip🌟: A Secret Garden in Southern California – Myrtle Creek Nursery in Fallbrook, California
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A bit about the author: Cindy Bokma
Cindy Bokma grew up in New Jersey but now lives in California. Cindy is the author of
The Blondes of Bel Air, A Thousand Dollars for a Kiss and Here If You Need Me. She has also written a children’s book, Victorious Girls and has pitched television shows to networks such as Disney and Nickelodeon. She is an accomplished screenplay analyst, having worked for a popular Hollywood production company.
Order her book: Low Oxalate Cookbook – The Low-Oxalate Anti-Inflammatory Cookbook: 75 Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Soy-Free, Yeast-Free, Low-Sugar Recipes to Help You Stress Less and Feel Better on Amazon.
Visit her also at Wild Flower and Woods And Visit her also at Cindy Bokma Books
About Pamela Rossi
I am passionate about travel and taking each moment and making it a five star experience. My goal is to create those experiences for YOU!
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