I had never tried reiki before I met Marie. She did an excellent job explaining both the scientific…read moreand more ethereal sides of the practice, and I decided to try a first session, just to see how I felt. I arrived at her office a few minutes ahead of my appointment and filled out the necessary paperwork. The waiting room has plush furniture, smells beautiful and has soft lighting. When it was time to begin, I entered the room with a table (similar to a massage table.) The natural light pouring through the windows, calming music and lovely and minmalistic decor all added to the feeling of peace I felt immediately. I laid face up, got comfortable and the session began. Since we had talked about what to expect, I felt prepared for the hands held over points of my body (not touching), and some of what was said (some statements, some questions that are a brief conversation between her and I). But I was not prepared for the intense feelings I experienced - like glowing light radiating from my core, a soft, warm blanket enveloping my body, the feeling of my breath in my chest and my heart beat and blood in my veins more significant - both physically and mentally. The entire experience lasted about 90 minutes, but it felt more like 30-40. I was never unconscious, but felt close to a dream-like state for much of the session. Marie's voice was soothing and she herself exudes a bright energy that is both calming and invigorating. I honestly can say that the first session has already helped me. I feel more centered, more in tune with my body, more aware of the way my mind is working and how I am connected to my environment. These things are hard to quantify (I feel 60% more aware!) but I can tell you the feeling is like none other. Similar to self care routines of exercise, massage and preventive doctor visits, I will be incorporating reiki into my routine. I live in Philadelphia, but will gladly make the trip to Swarthmore to visit Marie again soon. If you are considering reiki, this would be a perfect first experience.

I love the atmosphere at Wellness on Park. Marie was lovely. The reiki was an hour long and so…read morerelaxing. I'm new to energy work and have tried a few other types. I'm sure reiki is now my favorite. Marie knows her stuff. She's been doing this for 27 years. She teaches reiki and is very encouraging, telling me anyone can learn and ultimately help themselves. I will be back and I hope to be a student soon too. I recommend a visit to Marie to relax and feel fantastic. You have to try it.

This ashram acknowledges that yoga pretty much requires abstaining from violence in all parts of…read morelife, including your food. Refreshing. It is a philosophy and spiritual practice, not an exercise technique. = We met up with a group of friends to try the new cafe, Food4All, and ended up getting an in-depth tour from the ashram's founder. An ashram (in case you don't know) is a residential facility for spiritual learning. This one recently opened in the former BCIU buildings on this land, and oh how lucky the neighborhood is to have this foundation move in. They are making the building sustainable, practice zero-waste techniques, and are surrounding the buildings with organic farms. The ashram moved to Berks from Toms River NJ and is open to all, for dining, classes, internships, volunteering, and training, even an advanced certification in yoga therapy. YT can be applied to any workplace to help both the employees and leaders as well as the clients/patiehnts/customers. What a good idea for staff training. The cafe is all-organic and vegetarian, gluten-free, soy-free, mostly vegan actually. We had quiche, pancakes, salad, roasted veggies, and breads in a lovely bright dining area with lots of chai tea (made with coconut milk) and light. There are some innovative yoga classes here, for example, using swings, but they make it all sound welcoming to beginners. What a glorious use of two old school buildings which have been transformed into an open, bright, spacious retreat with many uses.

I have had numerous experiences at this ashram. The atmosphere is sheer LOVE & PEACE!!!…read more I enjoy the calm, non-judgemental atmosphere, as well as the nourishment of body, mind, soul!!! The 'Pay-what-you-can' caf-e-teria is beyond "yummy" ! ! ! Worth the trip, from ANYWHERE!!!!!

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.

Do not buy their Mindfulness Meditation Online Certification. Buy Deborah's book and save yourself…read more$800-$1,200 usd. Once you purchase it, they make you sign a no-refund document, for a reason. The content can be found for free on youtube and in the book for $20. There is literally no other valuable thing on the other side of the paywall. They say they are non-profit for they sure profit from people who take this course.

Business model and execution of the plan is ridiculous. If you are looking for a place to relax…read moreand introspect this is not it.

I'm honestly heartbroken that this place is closed, it did a lot for my anxiety and for my muscle…read morerecovery. And it was a great experience overall to just your mind clear. Will be missed.

I had several unused member sessions built up. When I recently went to use them, they were gone…read more The company replied that the sessions had expired. Sessions I PAID for. I asked for my sessions to be put back on my account, and the company stopped responding to my FB inboxes and emails. Sadly, I can no longer recommend Nirvana Float. I gave this place a lot of referrals and I bought so many holiday gift cards over the years. I think they must not care any more :(

I have been studying with Swai Nirmalananda and other teachers at Downingtown Yoga and Meditation…read moreCenter since 2009. Physical issues have resolved under th: back pain, insomnia, headaches and more. Emotionally and mentally, Svaroopa Yoga has given my tools to quiet my mind and live more in the bliss. Both the asana, yoga poses, and meditation program have brought me into a place deeper inside. You can choose how much or how little you want to do. From a weekly yoga class to meditation progams, or more. They offer many onsite and online programs to help you deepen into Self if that's the path you wish to choose. Almost everything is available both online and in-person. So if you live nearby or across the country, I encourage you to take advantage of what they have to offer.

If you are looking for exercise in your yoga class you should come to class but keep an open mind…read more Svaroopa is different. It is slow, gentle kind of yoga. You will find that Svaroopa is very beneficial for your body. You will leave class more comfortable and more functional. You will be aware of your body more deeply than before. You may also notice how calm your mind is. In fact, your whole nervous system is at ease.

Great hot yoga class, instructors are very nice and helpful. They offer variations of each movement…read moreor pose for every level of yoga experience.

Very friendly and great instructors. The studio has high ceilings and clean restrooms.read more