I have not been to SOJI Zen sene before Covid 19 hit.I did go there in in the mid-teens. I really…read moreenjoyed it.q I fqinqd it to be very welcoming.

Five years ago I decided I need a more regular sitting practice and for that I needed a group, so I…read morestarted visiting different Buddhist groups and centers in the Philadelphia area. Soji Zen Center is the place that became home, for many reasons. The teacher, Shuzen Sensei, has been practicing and studying for over 30 years and his knowledge and insight is amazing. The people who practice at Soji are all wonderful--warm, dedicated and welcoming. And as someone who cares a great deal about diversity, I am thrilled that Soji not only has women and people of color attending, but women and people of color in positions of authority! The center is small but lovely and while not the most important point, the plentiful and free parking is a nice plus! Soji offers a huge range of options. Sundays there's service with a chanting of the Heart Sutra, three sitting sessions and a dharma talk. Thursday nights is more informal with three sittings. Monday nights there are two sittings. There are workshops on a variety of topics throughout the year, an intensive practice period from March to June and two yearly week long retreats. The center is welcoming to everyone from experienced Zen students to those who have never meditated before (there's free meditation instruction every Thursday) and you can grow your practice here with the guidance of a wonderful teacher and a caring community.

I attended a weekend workshop: Level 1 - The Art of Being Human this past weekend. I had never set…read morefoot inside of the 3rd Floor Shambala Center (on the top floor of the Adrienne Theater). I found the volunteers/staff extremely professional and supportive. We learned how to meditate in sitting and walking positions. A lot of the concepts discussed at wonderful group sessions were over my head at the time: basic goodness, what it is to be alive... I have been practicing the walking meditation I learned at the center for only a few days and I can see its merits in creating a calmer mind. Once again, I have to say that the staff/volunteers are excellent, the food provided at breakfast and lunch was healthy and delicious. I found the other attendees open-minded and friendly. It was a nice way to meet people that care about taking care of themselves. My workshop weekend totally exceeded my expectations. It was not an easy workshop, but many things that are worth something do not come easy. They call it a Shamabala WARRIORSHIP program and now I understand why. Update: I completed the Meditation in Everyday Life class. Once again, I found the all three of the teachers and the assistant top notch. They were all different than those in my first weekend class and they believed whole-heartedly in guiding us in meditation practice. I found this class easier to digest than the intense Level 1 weekend workshop. Some of the concepts of basic goodness make a lot more sense to me now. It is nice to walk into a no-pressure environment with people seeking something hard to describe. Not all who wander are lost... One thing I wanted to add to my review: the staff here do not try to make you a Buddhist or convince you that Buddhism is the best thing ever. It is a very laid back environment. Although some students openly admit they are there looking for religion, no staff member tries to actively recruit you to join the Shambala center or become a Buddhist. I would be turned off immediately if any form of this happened at all. You come for classes, be who you are / where you are during the sessions and hopefully take some good ideas home with you to your life.

I became interested in the aspect of meditation earlier this year, but had no real idea how to…read morebegin. I found this center through google and they offered an all day intro to meditation class. For me, it was life changing and I have been going back ever since. The instructors are kind, non-judgmental and knowledgeable. They offer a wide range of classes at reasonable prices and they do not pressure you into anything which I appreciate. I would recommend this to anyone looking to find ways to manage their stress, connect with their bodies and live in the present moment.

I think this intuitive energy school directed by Brad Hess is very unique in quality because they…read morehelp one see for oneself that which is already in ones awareness but perhaps overlooked also unlike other self help and energy programs Brad and his school do not superimpose anything on their students . Here's an idea that seems like it might be true Just as physical therapy works to Regain the full use of an injured limb so does the I energy school seem to work to regain ones natural origional state of self understanding

The healers at Intuitive Energy are talented and can see energy that needs to be released for a…read morecalmer and happier existence. They have classes for all levels and personally has made my life so much less worrisome. I have been able to handle the stresses of life without the fear by taking classes and also receiving readings and healing sessions with the talented staff. I highly recommend Intuitive Energy for making life better, safer, and lighter.

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.

Kessuda has helped me to better understand my personality and mind. She has techniques that she has…read moretaught me that I can use throughout my entire life. As a 26 year old guy I can say it has made a difference in navigating my adult life. Your mental health is as important as your physical health and Kessuda is a teacher that can help you to treat it that way. She is a very caring person and has worked with people of all ages and from various countries throughout her life.

It was my birthday weekend and I decided that this year, I wanted to do something rejuvenating and…read morebeneficial to my mind, body and spirit. I wanted to focus on something that was practical and would have longstanding benefits besides my usual turn up! After I attended a recent yelp workshop about reiki healing, It inspired me to search for a place that focused on natural and holistic living and that's when I discovered Ms. Linda and the lovely wellness in harmony center. Being a busy social worker, auntie, daughter and all my other earthly titles, can get overwhelming, not to mention, I'm considered an "empath" so I'm sensitive to people's energies- yupp I'm weird lol. With all that going on, it can create an inbalance within and take me away from my authentic loving self. Ms. Linda worked with me to balance my energies through meditation, reiki and chakra healing. We discussed the importance of nature, plants, essential oils, bath salts and himalayan salt lamps. Overall I left feeling mentally refreshed with mindfulness and the readiness for a new start. I learned that sometimes it's okay to unplug self! Thank you, Ms Linda and Wellness and Harmony for the wonderful birthday gift!

I have worked with Linda for 2 reiki sessions so far and she has been an immense help during a very…read moredifficult time in my life. For my second session, I went in for a chakra clearing, but after just experiencing a pregnancy loss, she suggested a longer reiki session instead to let my body heal and relax. I was so glad she suggested that and I experienced a huge shift while she took her time to create healing in my energetic and physical body. I left feeling peaceful and calm and thoroughly cared for. She really listens to what you need. I highly recommend Wellness in Harmony and will continue to work with Linda to achieve my dream of parenthood.

This is a warm and friendly place to meditate on a nice space. All level of practice are welcome.read more

This place is such a beautiful gift right in the city of Philadelphia. The grounds with the trees…read moreand pond, geese, labyrinth, paths, bees and garden are so peaceful and gives ample space for mind and body. I was able to take a little over 24 hours in this serene home to meditate, walk, read and sit with Sister Maria for an hour of spiritual direction which felt like cool water. Whatever your faith or place in this world this home and center opens its doors for quiet and discernment. Sister Maria explained that the history of the house has always been for justice and discernment so there is a rich legacy on these grounds from those who were here before. There is also a quiet beautiful cemetery nearby for long walks and quiet reflection. The room I stayed in had big windows and natural light poured in during the day. I am already planning my next silent meditation retreat. (The center also offers big beautiful rental spaces for gathering. ) Thank you for the love, Cranaleith!

So pleased to be able to write a 5-star review at last. I had the whole retreat house floor to…read moremyself and was able to stretch, meditate, walk, listen to music and read spiritual books. The sisters and administrative manager could not have been nicer or more helpful. The atmosphere is very peaceful with a labyrinth pond, chickens and geese, and beehives/honey produced on the premises. The retreat's name in Gaelic refers to a sanctuary of trees. I highly recommend it to anyone desiring a break from worldly cares to rest and rejuvenate. The site is easily reached by commuter train from Philadelphia and the house has an interesting history as host to suffragettes like Susan B. Anthony.

Dr Perilstein is a life saver!…read more 6 months ago I began seeing her during a very difficult time in my life. Quite frankly I couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel... I didn't have a day without crippling anxiety and it drive me to depression. Doctor Perilstein, with a large dose on genuine care and a small dose of comedy, began treating me. She quickly began focusing on cognitive behavioral therapy as a means to train myself on how to be "my old happy self" again. At this point, I have reduced my anxiety med intake to almost nothing and wake up knowing the day will be great rather than dreading opening my eyes I will end the review the way I started it... Dr Perilstein is quite literally a life saver!

I'm really grateful for the opportunity I had to work with Dr. Perilstein. She's a great listener…read more The feedback she provided was a balanced mix of validating and challenging. I've found her insight to be valuable and useful in personal, professional and family relationships. I would definitely recommend working with her.