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!
New York is full of great yoga places! I went to one class when I visited that was a restorative class and I literally fell asleep during it because it was so relaxing! It was awesome!
Oooh, that class sounds lovely!
It was!!
I have never attended a guided meditation like that, but the price you paid isn’t bad at all. It looks like a lovely room with nice vibes.
Yes, I love everything about that room!
What an amazing idea to join the drop in meditation class to unwind and relax from the daily stressful routine. I would love to join something like this and the best part is duration of the class, 30 minutes can be easy to take out of the schedule to refresh.
30 minutes is perfect!
These classes look incredible and affordable, I wish I lived in New york so that I can try them urgh I feel like they would help me with my anxiety a lot.
This class is in SF! I know that there are some studios in LA too!
What a wonderful idea! I love to learn more about mediation. I’ll have to bookmark this.
Awesome! There are a lot of great free resources!
Meditation has truly changed my life! It brought down my blood pressure and helped me get my migraines under control
Ooh! My blood pressure is high too! Thanks for bringing that up!