I used to be a regular attender of this meditation center but work, relationships, etc. have pulled…read moreme away. That doesn't take anything away from this place. The people are very nice and welcoming. It's a low-key meditation environment located in a mature business district not too far from the Philadelphia city limits. They run various workshops and have group sittings multiple times a week. It's generally a mature crowd but all are welcome. If you are looking for an introduction to meditation or just a place to "sit", they are worth checking out.

From the owner: Meditation practice, donations gratefully acceptedread more

Saint Raphaela Center is a wonderful SPIRITUAL RETREAT CENTER in a gorgeous parklike setting just…read moreoutside of city center Philadelphia. It's an interfaith "resort" for the soul and spirit, run by progressive Roman Catholic nuns who are are kind, welcoming, and very encouraging of people of all faiths converging on their peaceful, beautiful RESIDENTIAL facility in order to meditate, or pray, for the purpose of refreshing one's spirit and calming one's mind. In May 2013 I attended a 2-night silent "Insight/Vipassana" meditation retreat idirected by Matthew Daniell (of the Cambridge Insight Meditation Society) who had in turn been invited to Haverford, PA by the Phildelphia Meditation Center. Note that non-Catholic retreats are not likely to be listed directly on St. Raphaela's retreat calendar - I suggest you google "meditation retreat + Saint Raphaela" to find a Buddhist-/meditation-oriented retreat scheduled at St. Raphaela . Depending on the retreat program you choose to attend you may be able to get a single room or a shared room. Accomodations are clean, bright and simple - NO frills, but cheerful, quiet and very comfortable. The nuns who run the retreat center are good cooks but don't expect the Four Seasons (the retreat I attended was lacto-ovo vegetarian). Desserts were REALLY yummy. ; )) The grounds are lovely and provide ample personal space for "retreatants" and lots of room for walking meditation. In short, you can experience a truly serene and "life-resetting" retreat experience here that is far less expensive that what you would pay at high price-tag "trendy" places like OMEGA or KRIPALU. Easy to get to from 'center city" Philadelphia by a quick commuter train ride plus a short taxi jaunt, or you can take a cab from the Philly city center all the way for about $45.

From the owner: The Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and staff of St. Raphaela Center have a long-standing…read moretradition of opening their home to provide people with an experience that fosters both human and spiritual growth, wholeness, and healing. Our mission is to extend a warm welcome to people of all religious traditions and to facilitate prayer and a deep spiritual encounter by accompanying them in their search for God and for meaning in their lives. We welcome both individuals and groups looking for a time of retreat. We also offer scheduled programs, including a variety of retreats and events organized by our Center staff around different thematic and spiritually-guided formats.

Healing remedies, lifestyle change, energetics, vibrational healing and much much more! Located in…read morethe heart of Ardmore, Pennsylvania, The Center For Oneness houses a collective of Practitioners in multiple alternative healing arts. It is also a magical venue for classes, workshops, and events. It's a sanctuary where I enjoy the benefits of improving and enhancing my mind, body and spirit. Support The Center For Oneness by voting "Best of Main Line". http://tinyurl.com/4qkm5dz

I take the 7 Spiritual Laws Yoga classes with Dr Joanna. She is a stellar teacher that has vast…read moreknowledge and experience. This is more than a yoga class, it's a little sanctuary to regroup and reset your mind and body.

Jamie is the best. I play soccer multiple nights a week and have had issues with my back, my…read moreshoulders, and most recently sciatica. I have tried chiropractors for years, and really did not resolve the issues. It is almost always just time. Jamie has made a huge difference and feel so much better and can feel my body is in better balance.

I absolutely loved my experience at Elevated Wellness. Jamie was able to squeeze me in for a…read morepregnancy massage before the end of the year. I had been getting shooting pain through my back as my pregnancy had progressed and was looking for somewhere to get a massage. The room was cozy with relaxing essential oils diffusing. There was a comfortable pregnancy pillow set up for me to be very comfortable and on my side since laying on my belly isn't really an option at 6 months pregnant. I got a 90 minute massage and was so relaxed I fell asleep towards the end. The massage was just what I needed and I felt a major difference the next through my back. I would highly recommend Jamie and Elevated Wellness for a wonderful massage experience.

I had never tried reiki before I met Marie. She did an excellent job explaining both the scientific…read moreand more ethereal sides of the practice, and I decided to try a first session, just to see how I felt. I arrived at her office a few minutes ahead of my appointment and filled out the necessary paperwork. The waiting room has plush furniture, smells beautiful and has soft lighting. When it was time to begin, I entered the room with a table (similar to a massage table.) The natural light pouring through the windows, calming music and lovely and minmalistic decor all added to the feeling of peace I felt immediately. I laid face up, got comfortable and the session began. Since we had talked about what to expect, I felt prepared for the hands held over points of my body (not touching), and some of what was said (some statements, some questions that are a brief conversation between her and I). But I was not prepared for the intense feelings I experienced - like glowing light radiating from my core, a soft, warm blanket enveloping my body, the feeling of my breath in my chest and my heart beat and blood in my veins more significant - both physically and mentally. The entire experience lasted about 90 minutes, but it felt more like 30-40. I was never unconscious, but felt close to a dream-like state for much of the session. Marie's voice was soothing and she herself exudes a bright energy that is both calming and invigorating. I honestly can say that the first session has already helped me. I feel more centered, more in tune with my body, more aware of the way my mind is working and how I am connected to my environment. These things are hard to quantify (I feel 60% more aware!) but I can tell you the feeling is like none other. Similar to self care routines of exercise, massage and preventive doctor visits, I will be incorporating reiki into my routine. I live in Philadelphia, but will gladly make the trip to Swarthmore to visit Marie again soon. If you are considering reiki, this would be a perfect first experience.

I love the atmosphere at Wellness on Park. Marie was lovely. The reiki was an hour long and so…read morerelaxing. I'm new to energy work and have tried a few other types. I'm sure reiki is now my favorite. Marie knows her stuff. She's been doing this for 27 years. She teaches reiki and is very encouraging, telling me anyone can learn and ultimately help themselves. I will be back and I hope to be a student soon too. I recommend a visit to Marie to relax and feel fantastic. You have to try it.

Kessuda, is a lovely and patient teacher with many years of experience teaching yoga, meditation,…read moreand personal development. Her home is very peaceful and has a calming atmosphere. I first went to her for mindful yoga, which made me slow down, giving me the opportunity to listen to what was going on inside my body more. She also introduced me to Enneagram. It was here I learned about my personality, helping me to identify behaviors I wasn't even aware of and meet my strengths and weaknesses with a greater compassion. Over the course of a few months, I felt like I approached relationships with those closest to me with new eyes and understanding, especially during times when I felt like getting upset or withdrawing to my introverted side. I instead tried to take a moment to be more aware of where I was coming from - applying some techniques I learned from our lessons - and practiced seeing the other person's perspective. When I would think negative or unhelpful thoughts, I would notice how I responded and behaved...becoming more aware of this has helped me to gradually change my normal reactions to situations, and has improved my relationships with others, especially my partner. Kess has been extremely patient and is experienced in this field. She asks important questions during our classes without being judgmental or too prescriptive, and listens to me fully. I would definitely recommend her to anyone interested in learning more about themselves or improving their relationships.

Kessuda has helped me understand self-compassion and the value of checking in on myself. As someone…read morewho's been managing OCD and depression for many years, she provides a fresh and effective process that's helped me stay present, distance myself from automatic negative thinking, and better understand my values and needs.