Come clean

DETOX FROM...

...your superspeedy New York life

Tibet House

Meet the Buddhas
Slow down. Sit cross-legged in the Tibetan Buddhist “shrine room” underneath a likeness of the Dalai Lama at Tibet House (22 W 15th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves; 212-807-0563, tibethouse.org. Mon–Fri noon–5pm, $5 suggested donation). You are surrounded by brilliant tapestries, psychedelic watercolors, and a permanent collection of more than 600 paintings and ancient artifacts, like 15th-century gilt bronze Buddhas. Close your eyes. Inhale the lightly incensed air. Repeat. Smile.

Try meditation lite
Start this open meditation at the Art of Living by “cleansing your aura” with some gentle yoga. Next, learn to control your mind with your breath, using techniques like holding one nostril closed and then the other. Now you’re ready for a casually guided meditation, followed by a lot of smiling and group discussion with topics like “What is stress?” This intro is meant to be a gateway to the $450 five-day course, but you can snag your free session and split. 127 W 25th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves, third floor (artoflivingny.org). Tue 6:30–8pm, free.

Commit yourself
Two hours from NYC, the 82 wooded acres of the Kadampa Meditation Center, lined by old farmers’ stone walls, are home to more than a dozen Buddhist nuns dressed in rose-colored garb and, as of 2005, a new temple modeled on the celestial palace of the Buddha of Compassion. Indulge in guided meditations, lessons on practical topics (like how to be Zen about the DMV) and communal vegetarian meals with the nuns. 47 Sweeney Rd, Glen Spey, NY (845-856-2110, kadampanewyork.org). Fri $10, Sat $40, Sun $20. Weekend with vegetarian meals $60.—Becca Tucker

NEXT: Detox from...that eco-unfriendly lifestyle»

DETOX FROM: