Sunburst Sanctuary

This is the most serene meditation center I have every visited! I found it 4 years ago, when seeking a spiritual retreat center that was slightly outside the Bay Area. I «randomly» found this center on a spiritual retreat webpage, but truly believe there are no accidents. With no traffic, you can make it from San Jose to Lompoc in 3 hours, 45 mins but it usually takes about 4 – 4 ½. This center is rooted in the philosophy of Paramahansa Yogananda. It was founded in 1969 by his disciple, Norman Paulsen. The center is an intentional community, as many of its long-​time members have been with the community for decades. It is a true genuine, «safe space.» I have been to numerous spiritual retreat centers which have lacked the authenticity of Sunburst. The people are extremely warm, and you can feel it the instant you walk in-​it is truly built on sacred soil. A few times a year, Sunburst offers a «Celebrate Life Weekend,» which allows outsiders to participate in a spiritual retreat which combines restorative yoga (given by Patti-​the best); an art, music, or movement activity; meditation; hiking; and a church service. Sunburst also offers a variety of workshops, including Kriya I, which is a meditation technique, prerequisite for other classes, and a requirement for joining Sunburst. Sunburst is nestled between Beullton (known for Anderson’s Pea Soup)/Solvang & Lompoc (on the coast) in a scenic environment with rolling hills. It is 35 miles north of Santa Barbara, so I have always visited SB when attending a spiritual retreat here. I highly recommend giving this retreat center a visit. I truly consider the members of Sunburst «my second family» and I cannot say that about a lot of places.