Warm, welcoming place to find a way back to yourself. A wonderful place to meditate and learn about…read moreBuddhist teachings. People here do not just speak of compassion, they actually live it.

A good friend brought me to the Sunday night Dharma Talk and Meditation at Wild Heart (formerly…read moreAgainst the Stream) in September when I first moved to town. While I was interested in mindfulness and meditation, I didn't have a regular practice. As someone who thrives with external accountability, however, the idea of practicing in a room full of people at the same time every week was super appealing. After parking at the lot next door at the Plasma Center (Wild Heart is very clear about please not parking in front of or behind their building, but instead along the road next to the building or in the lot next door), slipped off our shoes and took a seat on some cushions on the floor of the large mediation room. There are also chairs and a big bean bag in the corner, along with props and even blankets to make yourself comfortable. Relatively inexperienced at meditation, I was a little intimidated at first, but soon I felt right at home as Andrew offered guidance through the 20 or so minute practice. A 30 or so minute Dharma Talk followed. Again, I was casually interested in Buddhism but had done no formal study or practice. I brought a notebook to take notes, but many people just listened. The topic, cravings, was relevant to my life and seemed to be relevant to many others who chose to share during the discussion later. While the topic was presented through a Buddhist understanding and using some Pali/Sanskrit terminology, there was no doctrine being pushed, only a conversation about what it can sometimes be like to be human. A brief discussion ensued following the Dharma Talk, during which anyone who felt compelled or comfortable to share their experience could, but no pressure. Sometimes people ask questions about meditation techniques, sometimes they share extremely personal stories and struggles, and sometimes no one shares and Andrew has a line for that too. Attending on Sunday nights has been so beneficial to my own self knowledge and my compassion. Every week, I leave feeling like my life has become richer, like I've put a new lens onto my experience of the world, or taken one off. I have brought friends to the Sunday night sessions who all have different backgrounds in meditation and mindfulness, and without fail, we walk out bubbling up with excitement about how somehow it seemed to be just what we needed to hear. I have only attended the Sunday night sessions, but the Center offer so many other groups throughout the week. There are weekly groups for people in recovery, daily yoga offerings, and other mindfulness-related groups throughout the week. They also host guest teachers and retreats on a regular basis, and have special events around the holidays. One of the things I appreciate most about Wild Heart is that it is entirely donation-based in order to accommodate everyone interested in their services, regardless of their ability to pay. Teachers mention this at the end of their classes, but there is never any "hawking" or uncomfortable pressure. As a non-profit, they depend on donations to offer their services and to keep the lights on. After gaining so much from the Center, donating starts to feel like the least I can do. I almost don't want to post this review and keep Wild Heart as my little secret, but in the spirit of metta ("goodwill" or "benevolence" in Pali and an important Buddhist concept), I have to share such a valuable community resource. No matter your experience with Buddhism, mindfulness, or meditation, you will feel at home here.

I am going to be the first to confess I suck at yoga. Seriously. My former boss recommended I try…read morethe Ivy House awareness yoga classes to help with my flexibility, health, and stress levels. I was weary at first, having embarrassed myself in yoga before. I have a complete inability to move as needed. But I figured I would give it a try. The Ivy House is for people like me. They teach awareness yoga, which is done entirely while lying on your back. Your legs are supported by various blankets and blocks so there is absolutely no pressure on your back. And all those yoga positions I couldn't do? Totally done on my back. With no balance needed, I could fully concentrate on stretching. REALLY stretching. I could feel myself becoming less stressed, less upset. They have this beautiful open space in this lovely house in West Nashville, and its just some home-like, peaceful, and soothing. They offer awareness classes three times a week for one and a half to two hours. I love their two hour class Saturday mornings. And after you finish class, they have freshly homemade yoga bread. With honey and butter. And hot fresh tea. It's the perfect way to start a weekend. Classes are $15 for one and a half hours or $20 for two hours, offered Monday nights, Thursday mornings, and Saturday mornings. And its worth every penny for how good you feel at the end. This isn't power yoga or exercise so much as a true full body relaxation. Corrine, the amazing instructor, is so helpful and welcoming to everyone, regulars and newbies alike. They also offer medication classes and retreats and massages as well. I recommend exploring their website to see what they offer that could benefit you. This is my favorite place by far to do yoga ever. I leave feeling relaxed and relieved. This place is a gem, no frills, no trends, just great people who care about health and wellness. You will not find a better place to go for a truly relaxing experience.

What an amazing experience! I took the restorative yoga class and it was totally transformative. I…read morewas able to relax on a whole new level and bring awareness into parts of my body I had been disconnected from and activate some healing. I truly realized how much tension I carry on a daily basis. If you have stress or tension, or even if you are curious you should try this. It's a treat. The warm tea, bread, and community at the end of the class is a nice touch. Very heartwarming and special.

I came to this place hoping for the best experience they had to offer and nothing happened. It was…read moregreat! Being unschooled in Buddhist teachings and never having experienced this school of meditation I was planning to do my own thing. I did do my own thing, meditate, but was surprised at how warm and inviting the energy is here. I have since let go of some of my resistance to following the crowd due purely to their acceptance of me where I am. The space itself is austere with high ceilings and natural light. The cushions are comfy. The atmosphere created by the simple structure of the sit gives room to get into a deep inner place. The conversation at the end if the sit feels communal and more like fellowship than a lesson or instruction. There is plenty of street parking as well as a rough gravel parking lot. Make sure to get there on time on weeknights because the building is locked. The fee is donations​ or membership and the staff is volunteer based. Everyone obviously loves what they do. Their acceptance, openness, and wholesomeness make them a great addition to the community.

From the owner: Snow Lion offers meditation instruction in the Buddhist tradition, regular group meditation…read morepractice, dharma discussion, community gatherings and events, meditation retreats, and much more. This is a wonderful community of practitioners, and we hope that you will join us!

Great place to practice meditation weekly. They also offer introduction classes for beginners, or…read morefor people who have questions about their practice. Frequent retreats and special events and speakers. Give it a try. Come 15-20 minutes early your first time.

One Dharma Nashville is a very welcoming meditation group. The Monday meditation and dharma talks…read moreare just what I need to start my week and I appreciate the Q&A as well. I recommend this spot to anyone looking for a supportive, encouraging, and open place to meditate in Nashville

I immediately clicked with Shea- she is so knowledgeable and so comfortable to be with- I never…read moreliked yoga before and I now I thoroughly enjoy it! !

What an amazing experience I have never done the sound bath before and not only did my joint pain…read morein my hands release but I felt such a calm and peaceful feeling after the class I suffer from anxiety and it helped tremendously I am also a gymnast and have practiced stretching my whole life the yoga class opened parts of my body that I have never worked before overall great class will definitely be doing it again .

We've been going for about a year and a half and have never had a bad experience! We especially…read morelove Erica's deep stretch yoga class.

This is such a wonderful gym! I've been to a boxing and spin class so far, and both were fun and…read morechallenging. Both classes were beginner-friendly and the staff goes above and beyond to make sure you feel confident during the workout. I'd recommend this gym to anyone, especially someone who prefers group-based workouts like myself!