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.

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've been a loyal CorePower Yoga member for almost 15 years, but I recently canceled my membership…read moredue to the decline of the Westwood location. Unfortunately, this studio has gone downhill compared to others. The rooms are no longer heated to the same level as other CorePower studios, many of the strongest instructors have left, and there aren't enough C2 classes on the schedule. What ultimately led me to cancel, though, was the pricing. Over the past year, my membership rate was increased twice, despite being told it would not go up. I also know several long-time members who have either canceled or moved to other studios for the same reasons. It's disappointing to walk away after so many years, but the value and experience at this location no longer justify the cost. Know that they will keep increasing your membership!

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.

Stumbled across this spa online after seeing viral buccal massage facials online tiktok…read more I'm so happy I found Alina! She is very intuitive with the most gentle but also firm hands. I signed up to get the buccal massage for 60 min and felt so relaxed I actually fell asleep for a few minutes. She also releases tension in your décolletage and neck. The head massage was absolutely divine. I'll be coming back for her signature 90minute goddess ritual as it comes with 1 free add-on (like the LED light) Definitely a treat and I saw a difference in my face immediately after! Even with the oil, my sensitive acne prone skin didn't flare up. Highly recommend for anyone who wants some much-needed release. There's also free parking in a lot by the building! Tons of parking.

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

I came here looking for yoga classes and ended up coming here for the meditation and chanting which…read moreis so peaceful. It's about an hour of chanting and 30 min of meditation. Very different from my catholic religion. It's definetely a spiritual path for me. Siddha yoga taught me how to meditate, the mantra here is Om Namah Shivaya, which means " I bow to my true inner self" This place just teaches you to love yourself through meditation and finding peace within.

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.