When I was in New York this summer I noticed some really cool spots to meditate like Inscape which has “caves” to meditate in. Although I didn’t have time to try it I was intrigued. I have been trying apps like Headspace on the google home and calm on my iPhone to try to get my zen on. Since nothing is like practicing in person I searched around and found Within Meditation minutes from Montgomery Bart.
Within Mediation is a drop in meditation studio located on the 3rd floor in Moshka Life Center in downtown SF. They offer two 30 minute classes Monday through Friday one class at 8:15am and 9am. The company was started by Hannah Knapp and Megan Parker who both have a background in yoga and wanted to create a space for people to meditate together.
My teacher for my first session was Nkechi Njaka who worked as a neuroscientist for many years and studied the link between brain and the body. She also did work as a modern dancer and choreographer! After class I discovered that she created a really cool mediation cushion which I think I have to have. In my 30 minute session my foot fell asleep and Nkechi told me that this is very common and why she created a new higher seat cushion.
Before my session Nkechi made some tea and then led me into the yoga room. It’s a beautiful space with nice light in the morning. We sat on the cushions and she lead me in a guided meditation for 30 minutes. I don’t think I have tried to meditate for that long and it was great having Nkechi there to keep me focused. She reminded me that you can notice what is around you (noises, light, etc) but you don’t have to have a opinion and that is kind of a revelation to me. Sometimes I feel so reactive to what is going on around me and I know now I don’t really have to have a opinion or reaction on everything. There is amazing freedom to quieting the mind and choosing what to focus on. We ended the session after thirty minutes and I was able to pop back into my office and continue my work day. I would highly recommend this class its such a refreshing way to start or take a little break in the day. There are a variety of ways to purchase classes and within is also on classpass!
Drop-in Classes
$10 — First Class
$18 — Single Class
$80 — 5 Class Package
$150 — 10 Class Package
$75 — First Month Unlimited
$100 — Monthly Unlimited
Also available on Classpass!