Grounding in the Glow: Lessons from Las Vegas

We often think of mindfulness as something reserved for quiet places like peaceful retreats, calm mornings, empty beaches. But sometimes the most profound opportunities for mindful awareness appear in the least expected places. Recently, I found this to be true on a trip to Las Vegas.

Mindfulness in the Most Unexpected Places

I recently returned from a trip to a place I never expected to visit: Las Vegas. A friend invited me along, and I decided it was time to finally check it out. As I imagined, The Strip was a thrilling whirlwind of bright lights, exciting shows, captivating sights, and thousands of people from all across the world. But it also held surprising moments of stillness and presence with daily opportunities to touch base with mindful awareness.

Even excitement activates the nervous system, and amid all the stimulation, it was important and comforting to find places to calm, ground, and reconnect inwardly.


Flamingo Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV, 2025. Photo by Jennifer Sigrest

Touching Base with Nature

One such refuge was the wildlife habitat tucked away in the historic Flamingo Hotel and Casino. Just steps away from the cacophony of slot machines lies a four-acre courtyard with flowing water, lush greenery, koi fish, flamingos, other exotic birds, and turtles. The sound of moving water, the rustle of leaves, and the sense of being enveloped by nature brought an instant wave of calm.

It was a vivid reminder: even in the heart of bustling energy, touching base with nature can steady us.

Koi at The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat, Las Vegas, NV, 2025. Photo by Jennifer Sigrest


Bellagio, Las Vegas, NV, 2025. Photo by Jennifer Sigrest

Sensory Awareness

Another oasis was the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, an exquisite space where horticulturists craft living art from plants and flowers. When we visited, the theme was Spring, "The Birds and the B's," a celebration of birds, bees, and blossoms, all woven from vibrant flora.

The sensory experience was rich: the colorful displays, the soothing sounds of birdsong and gentle music, the feel of sunlight streaming through the glass ceiling, and the subtle, fresh scents of flowers.

Botanical Sculpture, Bellagio Conservatory Spring Installation, 2025.

Photo by Jennifer Sigrest

Botanical Sculpture, Bellagio Conservatory Spring Installation, 2025.

Photo by Jennifer Sigrest

Here, I was reminded how simply reconnecting with the senses, such as sight, sound, touch, and smell, can be a doorway to presence.


The Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, 2025. Photo by Jennifer Sigrest

Awe from Above

A third moment of refuge came atop the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas. Rising above the city, we found a stunning 360-degree view that stretched far beyond the glittering streets. It was striking how quiet it became up there, as if everyone instinctively dropped into a shared reverence.

Looking out over the vast expanse, witnessing the dazzling lights from a place of stillness, I felt awe wash over me, a sense of connection that transcended all the hustle and bustle below.

High Roller Observation Wheel and Sphere, Las Vegas, NV, 2025.

Photo by Jennifer Sigrest


Now back home and settling into my regular routine, I keep reflecting on these experiences. Whether we are in the middle of a pulsing, never-sleeping city or in the quiet of our own homes, these resources are always available: Nature. Sensory awareness. Awe.

Mindful awareness isn’t something we have to reserve for perfect conditions. It can meet us exactly where we are if we pause, open, and allow it. That's a sure thing you can bet on!

Sky view from the LINQ Promenade, Las Vegas, NV, 2025. Photo by Jennifer Sigrest

HI, I’M JENNIFER…

... Mindfulness has been profoundly transformative in my own life. During a particularly challenging time, mindfulness meditation became my anchor, helping me navigate the overwhelming stress and emotions of a major life transition. It allowed me to reconnect with my inner wisdom, stay true to myself, and ultimately emerge into a life of greater clarity and purpose. That personal journey is why I’m so passionate about sharing these practices with others.

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