I am not a person who is into "woo," so I was surprised when I found myself curious about TM. But…read moreafter reading the studies showing what a profound impact it has on people, I decided to invest in learning. I appreciated that the TM Foundation now does sliding scale payment plans, so I could finally afford it. I went to an information session and decided to take the plunge. I am so glad I did. The steep payment covers one-on-one instruction, four days of in-person group coaching, and unlimited lifetime support wherever you are on the globe. The practice of TM itself is ridiculously easy-- I was able to do it the first time, and every time since. After literally thousands of years and millions of practitioners, the way it is taught and practiced is simply the way that has worked throughout the millennia. My kids have noticed such a remarkable shift in my own sense of calm and focus that they've been asking if they can learn how to meditate too. Every part of my life has been better as a result of TM, and I truly appreciate Renee and Michael's commitment to patiently walking us through the learning process. Both of them have taught hundreds of people how to utilize TM in their lives, and it shows. I would recommend TM and the Portland Transcendental Meditation Center to anyone who is curious and open to a new way of moving through their life!

Transcendental Meditation IS the most effective meditation, as proven by numerous scientific and…read moremedical studies. The reason it's so protected is to ensure the purity of the teaching - to make sure it's taught properly. As someone who's been practicing TM for almost 6 years now, I can say that it's the most valuable thing I've ever learned. It's by far the easiest and most effective meditation I've tried. Also, I've never been a part of the "cult." I just learned the meditation and went on about my life.

A place of peace,prayer and natural beauty place for all religions every one is welcome hereread more

I really wish I had more time here. This was one of the very last places to visited before I had to…read morefly home. I got here late about 30mins before closing so I only walked around for a little. It's so Beautiful, peaceful, & calm here. The Grotto is a 62-acres sanctuary founded in 1924. There are so many beautifully carved statues. All the statues are made from marble, granite, bronze, wood, polyester resin and fiberglass. On their webpage, The Grotto's Vision is To forever be a place where the human spirit can seek peace and consolation. The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother embraces and supports people of all cultures and all faiths who seek a place of prayer and meditation; The Grotto values the dignity of everyone. I'll definitely come back here the next time I'm in town so I can spend a bit more time exploring. There's a decent sized parking lot. It was empty as I got here close to closing but I'm sure it gets very busy here.

BUTI yoga has definitely been my favorite classpass find, and this studio does an amazing job!! The…read morelocation is easy to get to, the studio is intimate and beautiful, and the BUTI instructor is incredible! It is such a loving, inclusive, inspirational atmosphere. I've never sweat so much and felt so good about myself than after one of these classes. It is the perfect way to start a Saturday.

Phenomenal studio with a top notch group of instructors with varying types of multi-week courses…read moreand daily lessons. The studio is great and each class is well worth the time and cost.

I took the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course at Pause Mediation.The studio itself is…read morebeautiful. In an old Portland brick building with amazing timber pillars and rafters. There are tall windows that let in a lot of natural light. I especially enjoyed getting there during dusk, when the crows outside were flying around discussing where the best place to roost for the night would be. Ryan Kenny is a compassionate, funny, and understanding instructor. It was suggested by my therapist to find this specific 8-week course. A friend of mine had been going to Pause Mediation classes for awhile, and had invited me several times, but I hadn't yet taken her up on her offer. The class is not easy, but it builds each week on practices. There are simple phrases and ideas that I remember that are very helpful in stressful situations. Being in the world today with the COVID-19 pandemic, there is so much to brood and worry about. Instead of obsessively reading the news and stewing in "what ifs?", I focus on what is right now. Right now my family (including my old parents) are healthy. I talk everyday to my brother and sister. I'm writing letters to other family members and friends. It has been a time for me to have the opportunity to slow down and that has helped with my practice. I am grateful for Ryan and his patient encouragement. If you are not ready to take the 8-week course, Pause Meditation offers many helpful classes, I've especially enjoyed the sound meditations and the aromatherapy.

Ryan and Raina really have it dialed in at Pause meditation. It's a beautiful space in downtown,…read moreeasy to get to, with a great vibe. They have a lot of meditation classes throughout the week that you can attend, even Saturday mornings. And they're also, from I hear, rolling out some corporate offerings, in line with corporate wellness. Ryan is even a local celebrity featured on the morning news in Portland. Not only is Ryan gifted at what he does and not only does he know how to cultivate community and make people feel welcome and connected, he is also deeply passionate about meditation and cultivating mindfulness. He lives and breathes what he teaches, walking his talk. Highly recommend Pause Meditation. You can't find a better meditation instructor in Portland!

I can only speak highly of Laura Martin and the mindfulness classes she leads. I took the…read moreMindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) class a few years ago, and I am not exaggerating when I saw it is one of the best things I have ever done - for myself and for my family. I had always assumed that I just didn't get meditation/mindfulness, and it wouldn't work for me anyway. Laura is kind and patient, and when anyone expressed doubt that the practices we were doing would help, or that they were boring/annoying, Laura just asked us to get back to her at the end of the 8 weeks. Sure enough, by then I was seeing the benefits of the MBSR practices and classes. Laura is a very knowledgeable teacher, and always speaks (and listens) with compassion and kindness. Laura maintains communication with former students, and offers continuing support for our mindfulness practices. I highly recommend MBSR, Laura Martin, and River Rock Mindfulness to anyone looking for more balance in life.

From the owner: River Rock Mindfulness offers classes and individual training in mindfulness and meditation…read more Corporate and professional group trainings are also available. Laura Martin is a licensed clinical social worker with 20 years of experience in the field of mental health. She is also a dedicated practitioner of Zen Buddhism, and practices what she teaches. A cornerstone offering is the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) class, an evidence-based 8-week class with 30 years of scientific research. River Rock Mindfulness also offers introductory classes on mindfulness, self-compassion, and other ways to make mindful awareness a way of life.

This Theravada Buddhist, 'Insight' meditation community has gone through lots of changes in the…read morelast 18 months which is great to see. It is a very active Sangha (community) led group with both resident and visiting teachers from around the country who provide a variable teaching style while focused deeply on Dharma practice. They offer a bunch of different classes and on-site retreats and occasional social events. I found that the best way to see if this community was a good fit was to attend their Sunday program 10am-noon with a social hour following their service. (and there is no financial corruption or f. mismanagement which was suggested in a previous comment.). In Portland, we are so fortunate to have several other great Buddhist communities with very good teachers for practice.

Amazing place! Going through big changes! So many old…read morereviews and stories that do not reflect what is going on right now -be sure to check it out -a place of peace and acceptance

I cannot recommend Sam enough as a whole person healing coach! If you're looking for someone who…read moregenuinely understands and can guide you through a journey of well-being, Sam is absolutely the person to connect with. From our very first session, I felt an immediate sense of trust and understanding. After I went through a lot of medical trauma, I finally felt completely heard and validated and like Sam could actually help me - and she did! Sam draws from her own rich life experiences, which brings a profound depth and authenticity to her guidance. Her insights are incredibly valuable because they come from a place of lived wisdom. She's helped me make significant strides in various aspects of my life, always with a compassionate and empowering approach. Her warmth, wisdom, and ability to connect on a deep level create a safe and supportive space for healing and growth. If you're like me and was nervous about taking the leap for a holistic coach, Sam's your girl!

From the owner: Count on a qualified coach to support your habit changes and start living a better life today! I…read moreprovide personalized guidance that fits your lifestyle—not a one-size-fits-all plan. Whether you want to improve nutrition, fitness, sleep, or mindset, I’ll help you set realistic goals and stick to them. Compassionate support, accountability, and sustainable change—because your health journey should feel empowering, not overwhelming. Virtual and in-person sessions available.

I love, love this place. It's a quaint little churchey style templeThis is the best meditation…read moreplace. I just wish they had more evening meditations. the morning meditations start at 7am and that is just brutal, especially since it takes me a half hour to get there. Oh well, someday, maybe I will be able to make it. Otherwise, they have only 2 weeknight meditations. If you don't know about Trungpa Rinpoche check him out. He's one of my very favorites buddhists and his son, I believe, started the Shambala Centers. It could have been Trungpa, I'm really not certain. There's a great movie on Netflix about his life called, Crazy Wisdom. I have a hard time meditating at home, but the shambala center is so calm and peaceful, it's really easy to just sink down into a butt pillow and relax fully for an hour. It is free, by donation, or one can become a member.

From the owner: The Shambhala Meditation Center of Portland is part of the global community of Shambhala. Mediation…read moreprovides benefits to our sense of wellbeing, engagement with our minds, relationships, our society, nature and our world. Our vision is to create a culture of kindness and care, where our community connections support our spiritual path. Our programs, groups and community gatherings offer a way to study and practice teachings from the Shambhala Buddhist tradition. Please join us in this journey!

Sarah truly cares about her clients and their well being. She is so kind and thoughtful and lovely…read moreto be around. This was the best reiki healing I have had. Sarah is truly gifted! Thank you so much!!

I recently had the opportunity to work with Sarah in a group setting and I am so grateful I did!…read moreThe group setting was peaceful and calm. Sarah also has an amazing singing voice! The space felt safe, relaxing and amazing, all at the same time! I was so excited when I found out Sarah offers reiki and tarot readings and sound healing as well! My next adventure will be to do all 3! I highly recommend Sarah for all your spiritual high vibe needs in the Portland metro area!!!!!

My friend and I stopped in to put in some prayers. She's not Buddhist but is always opened to…read morelearning about new beliefs, philosophies, and any methods that encourage more happiness. Although I cannot declare myself as someone who is devoted to practicing Buddhism, I certainly believe the traditions and spiritual practices. We were welcomed by monks upon arrival and while both spoke limited English -- they gladly provided a quick tour of the temple before allowing us to walk around on our own. The photos do not provide any justice to the temple. The grand room in the back of the house is so stunning with vaulted ceilings with gold plaques of other Buddhas covering the walls. There are small scriptures places by some of the Buddha statues to help provide visitors some context to the role the Buddha holds. One of my friends purchased a candle ($30) and wrote her entire family's names on a red piece of paper to stick on to the candle. She lit the candle and walked it to the Buddha in the back room and prayed -- asking if blessings, good health, and good luck would be granted for her entire family. This was a recommendation from one of the monks so she walked my friend through the entire process. It was pretty cool to shadow her and learn more about the power of prayer. Masks are required while inside but please do yourself a favor -- make a trip out there to find some time to meditate, pray, or to just simply learn more about Buddhism. Hands down -- enjoyed our visit all around.

Even thought it's one day after the CNY, I was determined to go to a temple to pray for some peace…read moreand good fortune for 2020! It's my second time here. I liked it better than the one in SE. it's small and cozy, staff were friendly and very relaxed. I got to pray to all god I came to see, and I walked away lighting two candles for spirtual guiding (光明燈) for myself and ones I love. That's all I want and need! So this is how you do it: - Enter the hall and grab a few incense (like 5). - light them up by the candle area. Wave it back and forward to put out the fire when all are lit. - walk to the main hall and talk to the goddess/Buddha. Then put one incense in the main burner. If you'd like, you can contribute some money in the donation box. - walk behind the wall and you'll see god of mercy 觀音. Go pray and put one incense in the burner. - walk back to the entrance. Pray to earth and put 3 insence in the big burner. - now you can walk all the way back to the main hall. You'll have to take off your shoes, and you can't bring the incense. So just pray wIth your hands, palms close. Also, you can find your fortune by picking a bamboo stick with its matching paper card. That's it and there's nothing to it. I hope everyone will have a healthy, lucky and prosperous 20220!