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PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREGORY CHERIN (CARLSON); SOLIS IMAGES (MEDITATION) Alfresco Om FIND INNER PEACE AT AN OUTDOOR YOGA OR MEDITATION SPOT THIS SUMMER. BY KARA KEARNS Canyon Ranch The 45 -minute Labyrinth Walk can be self-guided or taken with the aid of a meditation expert. Guests travel a winding path amid lush greenery to reach the labyrinth's center. The fresh-air journey offers a renewed sense of calm. 165 Kemble St., Lenox, MA, 413-637-4100; canyonranch.com Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health Replenish the body and soul with a weekend at this renowned holistic retreat. Nestled in the Berkshires, Kripalu offers a variety of outdoor programs to help guests get in touch with their spirituality, and the rustic outdoor location is the ideal escape from the city. The healthy living programs include daily yoga and meditation classes, organic and gluten-free dining options, and access to the sauna, fitness room, and hiking trails. 57 Interlaken Road, Stockbridge, MA, 413-448- 3400; kripalu.org Mayflower Grace Invigorate your senses with a Full Moon guided meditation at the Mayf lower Grace Hotel and Spa. During the monthly full moons from May to October, a medita- tion guide will lead guests through the property's idyllic garden and woodland for a relaxing nocturnal journey. 118 Woodbury Road, Washington, CT, 860-868-9466; gracehotels.com/mayf lower Nantucket SUP Yoga Caitlin Marcoux just launched Nantucket SUP Yoga in June and offers Fluid Sunset Meditation on Sunday evenings. The classes will meet at the Francis Street Beach, and you can bring your own paddleboard or rent one. While you f loat on your board, the instructors will guide you through an hour-long meditation with the soothing water as a backdrop. nantucketsupyoga.com OMBE Integrative Health Center On the second Saturday of each month, the experts at OMBE lead community yoga and meditation classes on the lawn at Copley Square across the street. The outdoor setting creates a feeling of serenity without leaving the city. Classes are an hour and 15 minutes, and run from July through September. All levels are welcome, including children. 551 Boylston St., 617-447-2222; ombecenter.com Radiant Yoga Boston Owner Chanel Luck leads an outdoor meditation class at Castle Island each weekend for the summer. Participants unwind with a fresh-air guided medita- tion, then gather together for a beachside picnic. 516 E. 2nd St., 617-765-4125; radiantyogaboston.com Shambhala Meditation Center Shambhala teachings emphasize integrating life, work, family, and social action to lead a fuller life. The Brookline meditation center offers introductory instruction as well as open sitting classes. Try a weekend retreat for a more immersive experience. 646 Brookline Ave., 617-734- 1498; boston.shambhala.org Tower Hill Botanic Garden The Contemplation in Everyday Life program is a series of meditation and relaxation classes offered in breathtaking surround- ings. The goal is to help members take responsibility for their contentment, joy, and fearless- ness. The outdoor classes include a combination of instruction, group discussion, and meditation exercises for all skill levels. 11 French Dr., Boylston, 508-869-6111; towerhillbg.org Vanderbilt Grace Immerse yourself in nature on the roof deck of this luxurious Newport resort. Each summer the mansion-turned-inn offers daytime and nighttime yoga and meditation classes on the rooftop. Take in the New England ocean views while conditioning your body and relaxing your mind. 41 Mary St., Newport, RI, 401-846-6200; gracehotels.com/ vanderbilt BC Get outdoors and discover serene places for rejuvenation in the city or the country. NAMASTE Kripalu holistic expert Larissa Hall Carlson helps make meditation a daily practice. What is the best setting for meditation? It is best supported by a peaceful location with natural light and good air quality. Choose a secluded place with little distraction or interruption. How can people learn to disconnect from their busy lives in order to meditate? A thriving meditation practice doesn't require a great amount of time, but it does require consistency. Five to 10 minutes per day is suffi- cient to unwind and rejuvenate a busy mind. What are the benefits of a regular practice? Mental resilience, balanced moods, enhanced focus and concen- tration, and an increased sense of peace. 124 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM GUIDE relax