Meditation Classes: Where To Find Your Zen

where can I find a meditation class

Meditation is an ancient practice with a contemporary following, and there are many options for those looking to take a class. In the past, you could search for mindfulness meditation classes near me and find venues, reviews, and websites for free meditation classes and beginners' courses in community spaces, places of worship, and more. However, due to COVID-19, many people are now looking for online alternatives. There are two broad categories of online meditation: group practices at specific times, and recorded meditations that can be followed at your convenience. There are also in-person classes available, such as the one offered by Meditation Duluth, which offers both in-person and online meditation classes. If you're looking for an online course, Udemy, Coursera, YouTube, and Mindworks all offer meditation classes.

Characteristics Values
Location Fremont, CA; Union City, CA; Milpitas, CA; Philadelphia
Type of class In-person; Online; Recorded; Live; Private; Group; Free; Donation-based; Membership-based
Time 10 minutes; 15 minutes; 20 minutes; 30 minutes; 45 minutes; 1 hour; 2 hours
Day Monday; Tuesday; Wednesday; Thursday; Friday; Saturday; Sunday

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Online meditation classes

There are many online meditation classes available, with options to suit different preferences and budgets. Some classes are free, while others are paid, with prices ranging from $5 for a single class to several hundred dollars for more comprehensive programs. Some classes are also tailored to specific needs, such as anxiety relief, better sleep, personal development, and meditation for older adults.

InsightLA

InsightLA offers online meditation classes via the Zoom video conferencing platform. They offer a range of classes, including Buddhist Teachings, Practice Groups, and Affinity Groups.

WITHIN Meditation

WITHIN Meditation is a community for people who want to know themselves more deeply. They offer online meditation classes designed to help tune into the present moment and create space in the midst of a busy life. Classes are accessible live or via recording, providing flexibility for students. The cost is $5 for a single class or $24 for two weeks of unlimited access.

Online Meditation Events

This platform offers a range of online meditation classes, including free programs and a one-on-one intro session with a trained guide. They also offer tailored guided live online meditation journeys to help eliminate blockages and achieve happiness, peace of mind, and self-realization.

Insight Meditation Society

The Insight Meditation Society offers a wide range of free and paid meditation courses, including programs for learning meditation techniques, exploring Buddhist teachings, and engaging in discussion groups. Their courses vary in price and duration, with options such as the 9-Month Exploration ($475) and the 30-Day Meditation Challenge ($300).

Tara Brach Online Courses

Tara Brach, a Buddhist meditation teacher, psychologist, and author, offers a variety of online self-paced courses on topics such as mindfulness meditation, harmful habits, forgiveness, and happiness. 10% of the proceeds are donated to non-profit organizations supporting climate and racial justice initiatives. Course prices range from $19.99 to $74.99.

The Wisdom Experience

The Wisdom Experience offers courses with an emphasis on the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, featuring prestigious facilitators and world-renowned meditation teachers. Their courses dive deeply into meditation, Buddhism, and Buddhist philosophy. Prices for their on-demand courses are $247 each.

Dr. Rick Hanson’s Online Courses

Rick Hanson, a New York Times bestselling author, psychologist, and expert in the intersection of neuroscience and Buddhism, offers online courses to help individuals stay calm, confident, and happy. His courses provide practical tools and exercises to build resilience, manage stress, and cultivate positive emotions. Course prices start at $29.

The Mind Oasis Meditation Center

The Mind Oasis Meditation Center is an open online space offering free events, discussion groups, courses, and a Community Meditation program. While they don't have many on-demand courses, they offer plenty of live programs and classes for those wanting to learn about meditation and mindfulness practices.

Open Heart Project

Founded by Susan Piver, a New York Times bestselling author and Buddhist teacher, the Open Heart Project is an international online meditation community. For $27 a month or $270 a year, subscribers gain access to weekly live dharma gatherings, classes, retreats, video library access, daily audio meditations, and more.

Other Options

There are also various guided meditation apps and websites available, such as Insight Timer, UCLA Mindful, Smiling Mind, Sattva, Yogi Approved, Calm, and Headspace. These platforms offer a range of free and paid options, with features like guided meditations, natural soundscapes, and meditation exercises.

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In-person meditation classes

Black Lotus Holistic Health Collective

Located at 206 Lincoln Drive in Historic Rittenhouse Town, Philadelphia, Black Lotus offers mindfulness meditation as part of their Self-Care Sundays series. This weekly session is held every Sunday at 11 a.m. and also includes yoga and acupuncture.

Formation Sauna + Wellness

Formation, situated at 305 Brown Street in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia, provides private and group meditation sessions. Their offerings include the Private Soundbath Immersion, a 90-minute journey that combines meditation, breathwork, journaling, and aromatherapy. They also offer the Ceremony to Self, a 2-hour immersive ceremony that combines hands-on healing and guided meditation.

Kadampa Meditation Center

The Kadampa Meditation Center, found at 47 North 2nd Street in Old City, Philadelphia, offers a range of meditation classes following the Kadampa Buddhist tradition. Classes are accessible to all levels, with no prior experience required. Sessions are held daily, with a variety of times available throughout the week.

Main Line Meditation

Main Line Meditation is a membership-based organisation providing guided meditation in-person and virtually. With locations in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, and online options, they offer unlimited small-group online sessions, unlimited access to the Ardmore studio, and one-on-one guided meditation with their memberships.

Monarch Yoga

Monarch Yoga, located at 171 West Berks Street in Kensington, Philadelphia, hosts a free, silent, seated 30-minute meditation session every Friday at 11 a.m. that is open to the public.

The Art of Living

The Art of Living offers in-person classes throughout the U.S. and has a "Find a course" feature on their app, allowing you to choose dates, times, and instructors that suit your needs. They offer a variety of courses, including SKY Breath Meditation, Silent Retreats, Sahaj Samadhi Meditation, and Sri Sri Yoga Classes.

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Meditation studios in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is home to a variety of meditation studios, each offering its own unique approach to the practice. Here is a list of some top meditation studios in the city:

The Philadelphia Meditation Center, Inc.

The Philadelphia Meditation Center offers a range of meditation sessions, including in-person and Zoom meetings. They host an in-person meditation session every Saturday afternoon and Sunday evening. They also offer a book discussion group and a meditation and emotional wellness support group. PMC is a great option for those seeking a sense of community, as they often host social events such as potluck dinners.

Shambhala Meditation Center of Philadelphia

The Shambhala Meditation Center is a global community with a local chapter in Philadelphia. They offer free public meditation sessions from 6 to 7 pm on Thursdays and 10 to 11 am on Sundays. They also provide introductory programs for those seeking a guided meditation experience. The centre is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment, drawing from wisdom traditions from around the world. Their approach is grounded in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition.

Kadampa Meditation Center

The Kadampa Meditation Center has a convenient location in Old City, Philadelphia. They offer a variety of meditation classes following the Kadampa Buddhist tradition. The centre welcomes beginners, as no prior experience is required for any of their sessions. Classes are held at various times throughout the week, including mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Main Line Meditation

Main Line Meditation is a membership-based organisation that provides guided meditation in-person and online. They offer different membership options, including one-month, three-month, and recurring memberships. With a membership, you'll gain unlimited access to their online and in-person meditation sessions, as well as one-on-one guided meditation.

Raja Yoga & Meditation Center

The Raja Yoga & Meditation Center is a non-profit organisation dedicated to bringing yoga and meditation to underserved communities in Philadelphia. They offer online classes via Zoom, with sessions ranging from $10 to $15. Their classes focus on empowering the community through the practice of yoga and meditation.

Philadelphia has a diverse range of meditation studios, each with its own unique offerings. Whether you're seeking a specific type of meditation, such as Buddhist meditation or sound bath meditation, or looking for a particular setting, there is sure to be a studio in the city that suits your needs.

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Meditation apps

Headspace

Headspace is one of the most well-known meditation apps and offers a wide variety of meditations for all levels, from beginners to experts. It has a user-friendly interface and provides guided meditations for better sleep, reduced stress, and more. Headspace also offers a free version with limited content and paid subscription plans for individuals and families.

Calm

Calm is another popular meditation app that promotes relaxation and sleep. It offers soothing background sounds, short meditations, and sleep stories. Calm has a free 7-day trial and then switches to a paid subscription plan.

Insight Timer

Insight Timer is a great option if you're looking for a free meditation app. It offers over 150,000 free meditations and has a simple search and filter function to find the right meditation for your needs. Insight Timer also has a premium subscription that unlocks additional features.

Ten Percent Happier

This app is based on ABC news anchor Dan Harris's book, "10% Happier," and is perfect for beginners. It offers easy-to-follow guided meditations and shorter sessions that can be increased over time. Ten Percent Happier has a free 7-day trial and then switches to a paid subscription plan.

Buddhify

Buddhify specializes in guided meditations and has over 200 targeted practices. The app is simple and intuitive, with a pinwheel feature that lets you choose meditations based on your current needs, such as waking up, stress, or difficulty sleeping. Buddhify has a one-time purchase fee and also offers in-app purchases and a membership for extra features.

The Art of Living Journey

The Art of Living Journey app offers guided meditations, online and in-person classes, and a library of practical wisdom to support your meditation journey. You can choose from various meditation types, including guided meditations, mantra-based meditations, and breath meditations. The app also has a "Find a Course" feature to select classes that fit your schedule and preferences.

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Meditation guides

Meditation can be a powerful tool for improving mental and physical wellbeing. If you're looking for guidance on where to start your meditation journey, there are plenty of options available, both online and in-person. Here are some tips to help you find the right meditation class for you:

Online vs. In-person Classes

The first step is deciding whether you want to attend online or in-person meditation classes. Online classes offer convenience and flexibility, especially if you have a busy schedule or prefer to practice from the comfort of your home. They can also give you access to a wider range of teachers and techniques from around the world. On the other hand, in-person classes provide the benefit of human interaction and a sense of community, which can enhance your meditation practice. Consider your preferences and what will fit best with your lifestyle and goals.

Types of Meditation

There are various types of meditation practices to explore:

  • Guided meditation: This is a great option for beginners, as it requires no prior experience or commitment. You can find guided meditations online or through apps.
  • Mindfulness meditation: If you find mindfulness challenging, these classes can provide guidance and techniques to help you stay present and aware.
  • Mantra-based meditation: This type of meditation involves the use of mantras or affirmations and typically requires a commitment to regular practice, such as 20 minutes twice a day.
  • Breath meditation: Focused on the breath, this type of meditation is accessible to both beginners and experienced meditators. Even a short practice of 10 minutes a day can be beneficial.

Finding the Right Class

When choosing a meditation class, consider your goals and what you want to achieve. Are you looking to manage stress, improve sleep, or increase self-compassion? Also, think about the time commitment you're willing to make. Do you prefer shorter, daily practices or longer, less frequent sessions? Ensure that the class aligns with your schedule and desired level of commitment. Additionally, verify that the teacher is certified and has a teaching style that resonates with you.

Example Meditation Studios and Resources

  • The Art of Living: Offers online and in-person classes, including guided meditations, breathwork, and practical wisdom for your journey.
  • Yelp: Provides a list of highly reviewed meditation centres near you, such as Healing Bodies Healing Souls and Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi.
  • Peloton: An online platform with a range of guided meditation classes of varying lengths and themes, such as relaxing meditation, sleep meditation, and peace meditation.
  • Spafinder: Helps you find amazing places to experience mindful meditation and provides tips on how to create a tranquil environment for your practice.
  • Local studios: Depending on your location, you can explore studios like Black Lotus Holistic Health Collective, Kadampa Meditation Center, Main Line Meditation, and more. These studios offer a range of in-person and online meditation classes to suit different needs.

Remember, the most important thing is to find a meditation practice and class that resonates with you and helps you achieve your personal goals.

Frequently asked questions

There are several online and in-person meditation classes available. For instance, you can find online meditation classes on YouTube and Peloton. If you're in Philadelphia, you can find in-person meditation classes at Black Lotus Holistic Health Collective, Kadampa Meditation Center, and Main Line Meditation.

There are a few things you should consider when choosing a meditation class. First, think about what you want to get out of the class. Are you looking to manage stress and anxiety, decrease depression, or improve your sleep? Second, consider how much time you want to commit to the class and your practice. Finally, make sure you are learning from a certified teacher.

Online meditation classes can be convenient and fit your schedule, especially if you have a busy schedule. There is no travel time, and you can practice with any group or teacher, regardless of their location.

In-person meditation classes can be wonderful because you get to interact with other students.

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