MARC is a very big deal. A collaboration between UCLA's neuroscience and psychology departments,…read moreMARC is churning out some of the most game-changing research in the world on meditation and mental health. They also happen to offer free classes on meditation. The drop-in guided meditation sessions are 30 minutes and happen in different places around Westwood and the UCLA campus (see the schedule for times and locations. http://marc.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=61). There is usually also a 90 minute class one evening per week which involves guided meditation, group discussion, and a lecture on MARC research that connects to the topic of the night (ie. anxiety, sleep, pain management). All are taught by MARC staff who are at the top of their intellectual game. The 90 minute classes have a $15 suggested donation. I have tried most of the meditation groups in LA. I have never been to a class as transformative as the UCLA 90 minute drop-in class. The guided meditation portion eases you into something that comes naturally to almost no one. The discussion builds community. The lectures give you motivation and context. Meditations at Buddhist temples and organizations like Against the Stream and the Shambhala Center incorporate a lot more spiritual tradition, which is not a bad thing, but can feel kind of strange for people who are just looking to get into meditation for practical or self-improvement purposes. UCLA's classes are a really interesting alternative- a scientific take on an ancient practice so powerful, religions were built around it. It's an intense and exciting combination.

I was skeptical about Transcendental Meditation for nearly five years and honestly didn't think it…read morewould work for me -- especially because I have severe ADHD and struggle to sit still. Danny Goodman completely changed my perspective. He was calm, patient, and truly listened to my concerns. Since learning TM in 2025, I've experienced profound emotional release and often feel deeply reset after meditating. It has helped me stay grounded during a very stressful time dealing with insurance issues after the Palisades fire, and my sleep has improved noticeably. If you think you "can't meditate," I highly recommend learning TM with Danny. I'm very grateful I finally did.

I loved my 4-day intensive with Denny. I highly suggest TM for anyone hoping to change their life.read more

Within 4 days of coming here for the first time, I came back for a Sunday morning (10am-12noon)…read moremeditation with Buddhist Rev. Sunim. I also had the pleasure of meeting Juliet Soopikian, MFT, the co-founder of The Insight Center. The group of 14 that was present today was around the same size as the previous (Wednesday evening 7:30-10pm), but the faces were all different. What was the same was the easygoing, friendly, welcoming attitude of the Rev. and Juliet as everyone entered, got themselves tea from the kitchen, and chose a seat or meditation cushion. Rev. Sunim talked amongst the group in a lighthearted and warm way, and then started the first meditation right around 10am by ringing a singing bowl. After a 20-or-so minute meditation, he spoke about Buddhist teachings and took questions from the group. His energy was similarly lighthearted and warm, and the subject he chose to speak about of following one's inner desires - regardless of outside influences - was very interesting. He laughed lightly about the commonalities of humans - that we get angry, we get defensive, we get selfish or greedy, and that this can be a challenge. It was funny when he conveyed his own experience: someone asked him if he was a monk or a reverend, and he said "It all depends on the time of day - sometimes you'll get the monk, sometimes an angry man - depending on what you give me." I don't think it was a coincidence at all that at that moment outside the window, I spotted 3 chubby squirrels chasing each other around and up a telephone pole! After speaking and answering questions for about an hour, he rang the singing bowl once more for another 20-odd-minute meditation. A little before noon, I walked out into the gorgeous, sunny, Sunday day feeling lighter and more focused, with the knowledge that my donation and last couple hours were spent wisely. Ahhhhhhh............... : D

Sunim, Juliet and Michael are fantastic! They are extremely welcoming and wise. You don't have to…read morepractice Buddhism in order to come to the Insight Center. All you need is an open mind and heart. Check it out!

I had attempted to go to an in person class here a while back but street parking was difficult to…read morefind so I ended up driving away. When I looked at the class schedule online I noticed they have live digital classes. Awesome! Now, I was so happy I could do my meditation class at home and not have to worry about parking or traffic. For me, this was the perfect situation! I chose the Miracle Meditation class. I emailed the front desk and they signed me up. Super easy. The class was a half hour long. I was e-mailed the Zoom link 15 minutes before class. Super easy. No technical issues. When I logged on I was relieved that they had already turned off my camera and microphone so I didn't have to worry about doing that. The class started right on time. Shayna was the teacher. She was very calming. We started with some breathing exercises and then did a meditation on the crescent moon and the rising sun. The class was relaxing and a nice way to start my morning. If you don't live close or you are a busy person like me I suggest trying out the digital classes at Unplug Meditation. It will ground you, improve your mental health, and increase your focus.

The Vibe: You stay in the room, but everything moves. (This…read moreis the new theater. And yeah, it's your show.) The Space: There's a clear progression. Entry: A natural, open atrium Walk-in: Clean, gallery-like Meditation Room: Darker, softer, low to the ground. It mirrors the journey you're about to take. The Classes - Camila's Breathwork & Sound Bath: The container opened with a theme: Prune the plant. Remove what's dead so what's alive can expand. Breathwork: Open-mouth breath pattern. Belly chest (inhale, inhale) Exhale In Sync. Rhythmic. Effective. At some point, the music carried the message: You don't wait for life to change to feel better. You shift first. What you choose internally is what gets reflected back to you. (https://youtu.be/2GzFRyZxIkY?si=OwRNUXb_GPzBCMLH) Then Ruthie's Time Travel Meditation: We started with a slow body relaxation...feet to crown, and somewhere along the way...you disappear (ahhhh, yaaaaaaas!). Blissed out. The only thing that really stayed was the question: "What truly matters to you?" And the answer didn't come as thinking. It came as knowing. The Container: Both instructors clearly explained what to expect. Which translates to: Safety. Relaxation. Letting go. Feeling. Practical Notes: Wear something you can fully relax in (you're lying down most of the time) Expect emotional + physical release (it's not just "relaxing") Great if you're feeling full, overwhelmed, or in transition This is more inner work than "class" Bring a journal and markers for insight! Water Station (a must!) Free street parking and/or metered parking Wisdom: Clarity isn't found. It's what's left when you let go.

The community yoga flow was so healing this morning and was the perfect intensity + trauma…read moreinformed. The instructor had positive energy and was calming. Definitely check them out in Westwood!

Corepower Yoga is a big national chain and so of course it's best to rank the facilities against…read moreone another rather than against a greater ideal of what a yoga studio could or should be. Having been to many CorePower all throughout the United States, especially in the southern California area, I can say the studio is pretty average. It's a bit old and needs updating. There is nasty old carpet throughout the entire facility and the paint and surfaces are worn down. They do have one large yoga room that has mirrors on two walls, which is preferable to the mirrors on one wall that seems to be the new trend. The worst situation here is the parking. Westwood has serious parking challenges, and that you only get an hour and a half of parking when you come to this facility is nowhere near enough time to park, get to class, take a shower, get back to your car. I ended up paying $3.25 for just going over by a couple of minutes, and that is charged on 15 minute increments so it adds up quickly. The instructor was a substitute for my yoga sculpt class and she was fine. Her music was contemporary and upbeat. The class was, as the style of classes very hot and humid. The room was filled with 20 year old girls. There were only two young guys there and no one over the age of 40. I personally would avoid coming back to the studio as I didn't enjoy the vibe and the carpet on the floor really grosses me out. TL/dr: not my favorite Corepower Yoga facility

I am a huge fan of massages. Of all the things I spend my money on, this is the ultimate luxury for…read moreme, and I am very intentional about where I go and who I trust. I recently have really benefitted from the treatments and positive energy of Alina at Goddess Rituals Spa and Skin. There is something very grounding about her presence and the way she approaches her work. It feels thoughtful, intuitive, and genuinely healing rather than transactional. I personally have done the lymphatic and buccal somatic ritual, which is a 90 minute facial massage that is deeply relaxing and also feels therapeutic. Alina starts with a calming meditation and singing bowls, which immediately shifts you into a different headspace. From there she transitions into the massage using Eminence Organic Skin Care, which is such a high quality luxury European skincare line. You can really feel the difference in the products, and I appreciate that they are available for purchase if you want to continue the experience at home. The massage table is comfortable and heated, which adds another level of ease. The space itself is technically a room within a PT center, but you would never know once you are inside. She has truly transformed it into a sanctuary with low lighting, dried flowers, soft textures, and a very calming, intentional energy. It feels private, clean, and thoughtfully curated. One of the more unique aspects is the buccal massage. Alina uses gloves and works inside the mouth to release the muscles of mastication, which we do not always realize how much we hold tension in. It is such a different experience and you can feel the release not just physically but overall in your face and jaw. It is especially helpful if you carry stress in that area or grind your teeth. I also appreciate that she offers packages of three sessions that can be used over 120 days. It is a gentle way to commit to self care and actually follow through, which I find really valuable. Something small but meaningful, parking is free, which in Los Angeles makes the whole experience that much more accessible and stress free. This is not a traditional spa experience. It feels more personalized, more intentional, and more aligned with whole body wellness. I am really grateful to have found this space and I hope others take advantage of this very unique style of massage.

I had such a great experience here I had to leave a review ASAP! Alina not only is so intentional…read morein providing a calm environment, she's intentional in the holistic way she provides skin care. I've been suffering from TMJ for years, I often forget just how much tension I hold in my face and jaw until I end up getting headaches or feel sore in the morning. I decided to try her lymphatic and buccal massage facial and it was the most relaxing, intentional hour I had. The pressure was perfect, she had the lightest touch and to top it off the products she used on my face are all by Eminence which is a great organic skin care brand. The entire process from her opening the door all the way to going over what products would be good for my current skin issues at the end of my session was so intentional, you can tell she really cares. I'll be coming back very soon! Communication, booking and parking were all super easy.

Beautiful meditation Center to dive into your own inner self…read moreand realize the divine.

I came yesterday for the first time with my friend who grew up going there. My openness to try the…read moreplace and on a whim led to the beginning of my healing from last year's traumas. My dear friend thought it would be good for me to come be around some amazingly positive energy and my instinct told me to drop what I was doing to just go. No butts about it. To start, yes, parking is upstairs. You walk down to enter the center through double doors. I was greeted with a shrine. There was an instant shift in energy the minute you step in. There were frames all along the side of the walls of photos of people I'm not yet familiar with. They have a gift shop if you want to purchase any meditation CDs or photos of gurus. Still learning their names. On Tuesdays and Sundays are the days to go and have a nice dinner cafeteria style for $10 in cash that goes towards the center. The people donate their time and energy and put a lot of love into making the food here. The food served is vegan so don't worry about being lactose intolerant. The chocolate chip vegan cookies were a delight! Melted a little in my hands and the coconut oil made it nice and soft. I had black beans, spinach basmati rice, and salad with light vinaigrette dressing. They also had some mash potato, but I passed. Everyone here greets you with a smile and introductions. They make you feel good for taking time out to attend. Newcomers are welcome without judgement or asking what background or religion you come from. It's refreshing. Harlin in the dinner area explained the rituals to me. It was good to know what to expect prior to going in. The people range from young children to elderly and everything in between. I grew up going to Catholic Church, but the energy here was just far better than I've ever experienced. Whatever bad energy you carried with you, it's like it washed away the minute you step inside. I came a bit late, 7:15. My friend and I had 15 minutes to eat before the meditation began. After dinner, I put away my tray and threw paper plates in the trash to walk down further to a area on the left where you put your shoes up on a shelf. Everyone goes in barefoot or with socks on. I went barefoot onto the carpet and as you enter the meditation room you are able to look down at the top of the stairs to see chairs set up and a stage with a podium and to the left the live band. Women sat to the left, while men stayed on the right. We came in a bit after the intro so we waited for an opportune time to join the ladies. As I walked down the steps to the left on the side of the stairs were a blankets, shawls, and pillows. You can grab whichever you feel comfortable using. I grabbed one of each. I stacked my pillow on top of the folded blanket and put the shawl over my shoulders. Mimicking my friend. We sat on the floor. Some sat on chairs. There were kids napping on the floor right in front of me. During song meditation there are words on a projector for you to sing along. Literally only like 7-8 words that get chanted the whole time. The choir sings it then the rest of the room and we alternate. Sometimes we all did it together. In the beginning there's someone leading the group at the podium and we just go into a chant for a while. As we near the end of the chant meditation the music and words are expressed in crescendo. Once it was over, a soothing voice fills the room through the speaker to guide you in the second part of the meditation. The whole room goes silent and it feels like it's just you in the entire room. I kept opening my eyes until I felt comfortable enough to just relax and let the lady guide me towards the light. At one point the light in the room brightened and I felt like I was outside sitting in the sun. After that we went to put away the pillow, shawl, and blanket and line up towards the center of the room in front of two donation baskets and a shrine. People went two at a time. I watched as my friend walked up to the shrine bowed her head close to it with hands on the table then moved down to make room as she went into child's pose. Arms stretched out front, knees bent and feet with plantar facing up. She did it during her prayer then got up when she was done and walked towards the exit. There's another room where there's a huge golden statue of a bald guru draped in red fabric. To enter you must also be barefoot and quiet. There's some soothing music playing in there. As you enter there are chairs to the right and left. Upon entering I was instructed to walk down the center do slight bow then do a full bow on the ground like in child's pose again and circle clockwise around the statue stopping at 6 o'clock, 9, 12, and 3. You can have your palms together in front of your chest during this time. My friend decided to sit on the floor cross legged and I sat on the chair. You spend a moment in silence and leave when you want to before the center closes. The energy in there is amazing.

My cousin would not stop talking about hana and her meditative therapy sessions so i finally caved…read moreand looked her up. some context -- i had a pretty bad fall while i was pregnant and ended up developing ptsd from it. the anxiety was so bad i couldn't sleep, couldn't stop replaying it, it was affecting everything. i asked about zoom sessions since i live in NY and they were so accommodating about it. hana is honestly unlike any practitioner i've ever seen. the meditative therapy sessions felt so different from regular therapy and has such a creative way of figuring out what's going on in your nervous system, not just talking about your feelings in circles. after a few sessions i genuinely started feeling like myself again.

Hana is a very gifted Healer! She combine Acupuncture oriented towards healing anxiety with a…read moretherapeutic interaction that has been effective for me after just two sessions. She has great intuition and is an empath. She knows how to zero in on the connection between anxiety and it's somatic expression within the body.