Fairfield, IA - America's Most Unusual Town

It is 4:45 pm in Fairfield, IA, and, on any day of the week, there is almost a traffic jam with hundreds of people who practice The Transcendental Meditation Technique driving to the two large Domes on the Maharishi University of Management Campus. One Dome is for ladies and one for men. Meditators come twice a day to meditate in large groups.

Fairfield, a small town of 9300 people, where one-third are meditators, is one of the most unusual towns you probably never heard of unless you watch the Oprah Show. Oprah, who learned TM last fall, aired a show about Fairfield and the TM community. You can view snippets of the show and see Oprah meditating in the Ladies Dome here.

Fairfield is in the southeast corner of Iowa nestled among corn and soybean fields. The town is home to many art galleries, creative entrepreneurs, and over 40 restaurants, many with international cuisine: Thai, Chinese, Mexican, Indian, and others. Fairfield was named one of Iowa’s Great Places.

I have lived in Fairfield for many years, moving my family here from Silver Spring, MD so that my kids could be in a safe and peaceful environment. In Silver Spring, my children had to call me when they got to their friend’s house two blocks away so that I would know that they had arrived safely. In Fairfield, they could ride their bikes all over town with me not worrying at all. My daughters are grown now and on their own, but the town still remains safe and very friendly. The town has such a loving feeling to it. When I walk down the street, I see so many people I know who are kind and loving.

Fairfield has many diverse cultural events. Maharishi University of Management has students from 80 different countries. They come for Consciousness Based Education. Students benefit from topnotch academics along with learning The Transcendental Meditation Technique which gives them the experience of self-knowledge and inner growth. Learn more about MUM here.

There is also Maharishi School of Enlightenment for kindergarten through high school which includes Consciousness Based Education for all of the students. It is a small private school where the students have won many awards. Learn about MSAE here.

The Transcendental Meditation Technique is a simple, natural technique for diving within and experiencing the Self, at the same time providing a very deep restful alertness. Afterwards, one feels energized and mentally clearer. More than six million people worldwide have learned the Transcendental Meditation technique — people of all ages, cultures, and religions. It has been validated by 650 scientific research studies. Learn more about TM here.

The Fairfield Arts and Convention Center draws top entertainment of all kinds. People from many states come to see the shows. You can learn more about the Civic Center at the FACC website.

First Fridays Art Walk has been going strong for 10 years with wonderful art shows every first Friday of the month year round at many galleries. Abundant recreational opportunities abound which includes a public beach at Bonnefield Lake. There are over 22 miles of walking trails, many parks, two recreation centers, and much more. Sustainable living is big in Fairfield with EcoVillage –a community completely off the grid providing their own solar power, wind power, and water. Learn more about EcoVillage.

Fairfield has become Iowa's center for sustainable living and organic cultivation. Maharishi University of Management has a Sustainable Living Center, which provides hands on experience for their students in the Sustainable Living Major. The building, completely off of the grid, meets the highest standards being certified in Platinum LEED standards, as well as Building Biology, and is also built according to the ancient principles of Maharishi Stapatya Veda which uses the orientation of the building or house and the placement of rooms to create happiness, health and prosperity for its occupants.

The world’s premier Ayurvedic Health Spa, The Raj, is also here. The Raj provides profound treatment programs that help restore balance and reawaken the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Learn more about The Raj at The Raj.

Come visit Fairfield. Places to stay include: AmeriInn, Best Western, Super 8, and several charming Bed and Breakfasts. For information on visiting Fairfield, go to Travel Fairfield . World class arts, theater, music, and abundant recreational opportunities await you providing something for everyone.

For a unique visitor experience in July, 2012, come for the Experience the Self Course. Find out more here. Learn the TM Technique, Maharishi Self-Pulse Reading, and Maharishi Yoga Asanas. Experience workshops in Sanskrit and Vedic Literature. Visit the Sustainable Living Center on the MUM campus. Have fun swimming and canoeing in the lakes, and walking along the 22 mile trail system.

Fairfield is a great place to visit and call home!