I came here after a very big trauma in April 2019. I called ahead and spoke to someone who was very…read morekind regarding my situation and they said this was the place I should be and in the beginning I loved it. It really helped regulate my nervous system And I very much appreciated. Franz and the way he helped guide beginners. What I did not appreciate was a woman who was also a beginner and craved support on an almost competitive level. She was very much attended to and a bit of a trauma dumper. I left for a while because of her, she just kept showing up in my space, but that was my choice to leave. Fast forward to the pandemic I did try to rejoin online and I was met with that same woman who I did try to extend an Olive branch to, since she was struggling and kept "showing up". She was the same trauma dumper, yet didn't remember me. But something that came to light is that I was not allowed to join the book group that she had created. As I got better, I thought about going back in spite of this woman, but then I saw that she is part of faculty Ultimately I decided that a group that would support someone with that behavior, in the way that they did is not the right group for me. I probably should have and I thought about contacting leaders in this group, but at that time, my nervous system was not in a place to defend myself and it's somehow felt small and petty. Better to let her have her way. However, six years later, I see that this is not the Buddhist way, which is the way they follow. I was not shown loving kindness in a time when I really needed it.

I have been attending classes at Long Beach Meditation for years. The teachers are all wonderful,…read morekind, and knowledgeable. Most programs are donation based but they also offer fee-based retreats where you can apply for a scholarship. The facilities are clean and inviting. They serve cold and hot water for tea. You don't need to bring any sitting gear (though you can) as they provide cushions, benches, and chairs. LBM also offers classes online which is super convenient! The community is so welcoming. If you're looking to learn how to meditate or you already have a practice but you want to sit with other people, try one of their classes. I can't recommend this place enough. It has changed my life!

Last review of 2025!!!…read more After a decade of going to the Bluff for yoga, I finally decided to give the studio a chance and I do not regret it! My buddy asked if I'd be down to try it out and I told him that I'd only go if it's a class lead by Matthew Purpura or Yoga Sue.... We went to a session under the guidance of the latter and she was amazing per usual. The vibe is definitely different... more intimate and you find yourself more easily able to leave the world behind and maintain your focus without the craziness of Ocean behind you and the beach in front of you like at the Bluff. This gift of yoga is made possible by donation, so bring some cash and a mat and treat yourself to this amazing experience. I will definitely be attending a class here regularly in 2026!

STEPH JUDGEMENT: Well-maintained donation-based studio with friendly staff…read more I recently started coming here to take my friend Erin Grissom's Ground & Restore yoga classes (Tuesdays 4:30). I hadn't taken a yoga class in years but with age taking its toll, a gentle sustained stretch and relaxation class like the Ground & Restore seemed just the ticket. They have a wide variety of classes, though, for every level and interest--check out their website for details. You sign in at the front desk and pay your instructor directly (Venmo or cash). They are a donation-based studio, which makes their classes very affordable. The facility has been around for a while--maybe since the 1970s?--but is clean and well-maintained. You put your shoes in a cubby by the main studio before entering. The main studio is roomy and serene, with a large window on one side, which looks out on to the courtyard. There are cupboards in the back with blocks, blankets, and straps, and a small room off to the side with more cubbies for your other stuff, like bags, jackets, etc. I've been really enjoying my classes at this studio, and go every chance I get. BTW, this is the studio behind the famous yoga on the bluffs in Bluff Park overlooking the beach, if outdoor yoga is more your thing.

I experienced chronic social anxiety, general anxiety, and depression. Additionally,…read more I lacked motivation and had difficulty focusing on priorities without being distracted. My intuition and trust in myself were also lacking, making it challenging to set priorities and establish a connection with my body and mind. I felt trapped in relationships and struggled to move forward independently, experiencing limited progress. I was seeking a way to break free from these patterns and make positive changes in my life, including seeking help when needed. What's different about this guided meditation is that it encourages me to release the weight of the world off my shoulders and set my mind at ease. It also helped with writing a gratitude journal, which has fostered a new positive mindset in my life. After a year of guided meditation with this method, I felt a significant release of worry, anxiety, and mental burdens. It was like a plot twist in the myth of my mind, where I found relief from guilt and shame that had been haunting me for years. I stopped obsessing about relationships and realized that i was not the victim. I was the one who needed to change my perspective by letting go in order to gain more positivity than ever before. I've enrolled in nursing school, gained confidence, and finally able to end toxic relationships. I've taken responsibility for my own choices and past relationships, freeing myself from haunting patterns.

10 out 10 must try again it help me to meditate when I get stressed…read more _____________________________________________________________________________________

I began going to the Torrance Zen Center over a year ago. I had always thought of Zen as something…read morefound in books, or from the past, or something a few other unusual people did in far-away places. Enlightenment seemed like an esoteric, out-of-reach goal, and not one I was necessarily interested in pursuing -- not understanding, it had always struck me as an ironically self-focused pursuit. A Zen state of mind, with balance and equanimity -- that seemed interesting. But through the people at the Torrance Zen Center I found that the Zen path is not about the mind, but very much of the heart, and all the compassion the heart is capable of. The practitioners follow the Greater Path, with the intention of helping anyone and everyone through Zen to manifest a better version of themselves. And Enlightenment? It's about helping other people. Becoming in sync with the Greatest Good, however the name given by one's language culture. While the foundational practitioners natively speak Mandarin or Cantonese, they all make a dedicated and successful effort to speak English in teaching, sharing, and casual interactions, for which I am deeply and profoundly grateful. They have graciously and continuously extended a warm, including welcome. I have occasionally felt "odd man out," but: my doing. Their generosity of heart always surges back and I relax a bit more. Shortly after beginning meditation practice, I noticed, to my surprise, that many people - some I knew and some I didn't - suddenly seemed more comfortable around me, eager to talk and share whatever was on their minds. Positive feelings and experiences began to dominate my life, all while retaining and improving family relations, growing friendships, and more easily establishing new connections with people. Life is short. Five Stars!

The meditais a very peaceful place. And the people overs there are very friendly. The location is…read morenot too far from the Torrance city hall and parking is free.

Looking for a Buddhist church and stumbled across LBBC. Opened since the mid 1950s, they are a…read moresmall but mighty group. Just organized their Obon with great success and it was well attended. I like every aspect of the service: meditation, meaningful and relatable sermons, and very friendly people. There is a website, Facebook and Instagram to see the calendar or events to get involved.

I wanted to try something new so I attended a service here. The revered was very helpful when I…read morecalled. Its great to explore different things. We born into our religion typically and its awesome when you visit a new congregation and you immediately feel welcomed. I have heard of Buddhist temples before but never a Buddhist Church.

Jeff is an incredible person and did what I never thought would happen. He cured my back pain of 20…read moreyears with acupuncture. I will always be grateful!

Jeffrey has treated me and my mom. Amazing, very caring Acupuncturist. He knows his stuff. He can…read moreprescribe herbs that will heal you the natural way. You will be in great hands under the care of Jeffrey Averill.

I've known Toby for close to 20 years and can genuinely say, you won't find a more passionate soul…read morewith an inherent healing nature. Do yourself a favor and check Toby and his offerings out.

I have had the pleasure of experiencing all of Toby's offerings over the last three years, and he…read moreis the real deal. As a meditation teacher and Reiki Master myself, I sometimes find it challenging to discover teachers who walk their talk. Toby's authenticity and integrity shines through his practice and you can tell he is living in alignment with his purpose. When I need to recharge and have someone else hold space for me to receive, Toby is the first person I call. He creates a safe and supportive space for healing (and dreaming!) to occur. Toby will accept you no matter where you are on your journey with an open heart. Toby has the ability to see into your spirit in a way that feels loving and supportive. If you are reading this, do not hesitate and book a session with Toby!

Visited here for a friend's birthday to escape and relax. It is hidden on a residential street in…read moreLong Beach with ample street parking, we visited on a Sunday morning and there was plenty of spots. Such a relaxing and peaceful entrance and overall atmosphere. We started with breath work which blew us away, at one point we felt like we were levitating it was so good (and comfy) and then went into the cold plunge, saunas, and hot tub. There was plenty of different types of saunas ranging from red light to two person, and a newer larger sauna. Just a complete serene and calming experience from end to end you forget that this place is someone's backyard. Our 90 minutes flew by, however we were not rushed out or felt hurried to leave. Would absolutely come back again.

Human Aeon is a hidden sanctuary tucked away in a gorgeous house in Belmont Shore. A wellness oasis…read moreoffering guided breathwork (about 30-minutes), meditation, cold plunge, hot tub, an outdoor steam sauna, an infrared sauna and a beautiful, Zenned out garden to lounge around in. The sessions run about 90-minutes all together and they offer various package options from one-time sessions to more opportunities to return for free with the package. You can purchase and make appointments directly on their website as well as through ClassPass. When my friends and I arrived, we were welcomed by Ananta, who checked us in, had us sign waivers online and offered us tea. He led us in the breathwork session first, which was an invigorating yet relaxing experience at the same time. Immediately after the session, Ananta led us to the cold plunge where he gently encouraged us to dip in for about 2-minutes. The water was about 40 degrees and my feet were tingling and nearly numb by the time I got out. We did it though and it awakened our senses and got our blood circulating! We then, had the option of dipping in the hot tub or going in the saunas. I warmed up in the jacuzzi, then spent some time in the outdoor barrel steam sauna and infrared sauna. Before I knew it, our 90-minute session came to an end. They have showers for us to rinse off and I left with glowing skin and a lighter spirit. I will definitely be back for more healing and rejuvenation! Free street parking in the residential neighborhood.

I love Morningland. It was there when I needed an open minded spiritual community! I get tired of…read morethe negative crap I hear people say about it! Most of these people have never even gone. I spent three years there and loved my experience. The people there were loving and caring and answered all my questions and I feel I grew a lot. I have since moved on to be a practitioner with Science of Mind but every now and then I like to return and hear a Dharma talk they are so inspiring!! Please give this place a chance if you are searching and tired of religious dogma. This may be the place for you!

I was invited to the Sunday service called a Dharma Talk. I've been to Buddhist temples so I…read morethought I knew what to expect. This is so different! It's really modern and exciting! The music alone is worth the visit. There was a meditation and a talk. Enjoyed both! The sanctuary is beautiful and the people are really genuine! It was a real breath of fresh air after a long week. Recommend!

Best decision I've made to come here. Alicia is a blessing to provide life changing experience,…read morethis is a safe place. Thank you

If you are looking for a therapist that blends traditional therapy techniques with spiritual…read morepractices like reiki, card readings,crystal healings, and custom guided meditations--you've found the right place. I started seeing Shannon at Intuitive Healing Journey when I decided I needed a therapist to help me resolve some issues that were holding me down. Shannon has a truly wonderful gift--she is an active listener that knows when to ask the right questions, which will lead you to have insights and epiphanies about yourself. Shannon is especially gifted in giving custom guided meditations. Her guided meditations will lead you to places you never expected. Her words will help you shed light on the work that you must do to let go of a the excess baggage that is dragging you down. She will also let you record her custom guided meditations, so that you can listen to them at home and continue your healing journey. Since I've met Shannon, I've made wonderful progress towards becoming the best version of me possible...and I look forward to continuing this journey. Please note: if you are looking for a psychic to give you a card reading as a novelty, this is not for you. Intuitive Healing Journey is a place where you will find someone to talk about whatever you are going through, and with a mix of traditional therapy and spiritual magic--you will soon be on a path that will lead you to healing, self-acceptance, and discovering love in all of its manifestations.