I took the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course at Pause Mediation.The studio itself is…read morebeautiful. In an old Portland brick building with amazing timber pillars and rafters. There are tall windows that let in a lot of natural light. I especially enjoyed getting there during dusk, when the crows outside were flying around discussing where the best place to roost for the night would be. Ryan Kenny is a compassionate, funny, and understanding instructor. It was suggested by my therapist to find this specific 8-week course. A friend of mine had been going to Pause Mediation classes for awhile, and had invited me several times, but I hadn't yet taken her up on her offer. The class is not easy, but it builds each week on practices. There are simple phrases and ideas that I remember that are very helpful in stressful situations. Being in the world today with the COVID-19 pandemic, there is so much to brood and worry about. Instead of obsessively reading the news and stewing in "what ifs?", I focus on what is right now. Right now my family (including my old parents) are healthy. I talk everyday to my brother and sister. I'm writing letters to other family members and friends. It has been a time for me to have the opportunity to slow down and that has helped with my practice. I am grateful for Ryan and his patient encouragement. If you are not ready to take the 8-week course, Pause Meditation offers many helpful classes, I've especially enjoyed the sound meditations and the aromatherapy.

Ryan and Raina really have it dialed in at Pause meditation. It's a beautiful space in downtown,…read moreeasy to get to, with a great vibe. They have a lot of meditation classes throughout the week that you can attend, even Saturday mornings. And they're also, from I hear, rolling out some corporate offerings, in line with corporate wellness. Ryan is even a local celebrity featured on the morning news in Portland. Not only is Ryan gifted at what he does and not only does he know how to cultivate community and make people feel welcome and connected, he is also deeply passionate about meditation and cultivating mindfulness. He lives and breathes what he teaches, walking his talk. Highly recommend Pause Meditation. You can't find a better meditation instructor in Portland!

I wasn't raised religious. For the majority of my life, I've never understood the need for faith or…read morespirituality. Boy, my younger self was ignorant (but also carefree, I suppose). Life is hard. Everyone experiences strife in their lives. You need to be able to be at peace with yourself and come to terms with various situations. I've heard a lot about meditation over the years and decided to give it a try. I took a class through PCC and learned a lot about meditation and Buddhist teachings. The class I took was a 5 or 6 week course taught by Heather Rocklin (she's fantastic). Don't get me wrong, there were plenty of times where I fell asleep during meditation and I felt bored out of my mind, but you have to know that MEDITATION IS HARD. REALLY HARD. Really hard to get into and really hard to stick to, but the benefits of meditation are amazing. I'm not at the point where meditation is strictly a part of my routine, but I can already feel the emotional and mental benefits. If you're curious about Buddhist teachings, looking for some peace, or trying to get into meditation, check them out. http://meditationinoregon.org/ (click on their calendar to see current classes and drop-in options)

Everyone is warm and welcoming. The teachings touch my heart and the teacher's guided meditations…read moreare relaxing and move your mind in a positive direction.

I am not a person who is into "woo," so I was surprised when I found myself curious about TM. But…read moreafter reading the studies showing what a profound impact it has on people, I decided to invest in learning. I appreciated that the TM Foundation now does sliding scale payment plans, so I could finally afford it. I went to an information session and decided to take the plunge. I am so glad I did. The steep payment covers one-on-one instruction, four days of in-person group coaching, and unlimited lifetime support wherever you are on the globe. The practice of TM itself is ridiculously easy-- I was able to do it the first time, and every time since. After literally thousands of years and millions of practitioners, the way it is taught and practiced is simply the way that has worked throughout the millennia. My kids have noticed such a remarkable shift in my own sense of calm and focus that they've been asking if they can learn how to meditate too. Every part of my life has been better as a result of TM, and I truly appreciate Renee and Michael's commitment to patiently walking us through the learning process. Both of them have taught hundreds of people how to utilize TM in their lives, and it shows. I would recommend TM and the Portland Transcendental Meditation Center to anyone who is curious and open to a new way of moving through their life!

Transcendental Meditation IS the most effective meditation, as proven by numerous scientific and…read moremedical studies. The reason it's so protected is to ensure the purity of the teaching - to make sure it's taught properly. As someone who's been practicing TM for almost 6 years now, I can say that it's the most valuable thing I've ever learned. It's by far the easiest and most effective meditation I've tried. Also, I've never been a part of the "cult." I just learned the meditation and went on about my life.

This Theravada Buddhist, 'Insight' meditation community has gone through lots of changes in the…read morelast 18 months which is great to see. It is a very active Sangha (community) led group with both resident and visiting teachers from around the country who provide a variable teaching style while focused deeply on Dharma practice. They offer a bunch of different classes and on-site retreats and occasional social events. I found that the best way to see if this community was a good fit was to attend their Sunday program 10am-noon with a social hour following their service. (and there is no financial corruption or f. mismanagement which was suggested in a previous comment.). In Portland, we are so fortunate to have several other great Buddhist communities with very good teachers for practice.

Amazing place! Going through big changes! So many old…read morereviews and stories that do not reflect what is going on right now -be sure to check it out -a place of peace and acceptance

I love, love this place. It's a quaint little churchey style templeThis is the best meditation…read moreplace. I just wish they had more evening meditations. the morning meditations start at 7am and that is just brutal, especially since it takes me a half hour to get there. Oh well, someday, maybe I will be able to make it. Otherwise, they have only 2 weeknight meditations. If you don't know about Trungpa Rinpoche check him out. He's one of my very favorites buddhists and his son, I believe, started the Shambala Centers. It could have been Trungpa, I'm really not certain. There's a great movie on Netflix about his life called, Crazy Wisdom. I have a hard time meditating at home, but the shambala center is so calm and peaceful, it's really easy to just sink down into a butt pillow and relax fully for an hour. It is free, by donation, or one can become a member.

From the owner: The Shambhala Meditation Center of Portland is part of the global community of Shambhala. Mediation…read moreprovides benefits to our sense of wellbeing, engagement with our minds, relationships, our society, nature and our world. Our vision is to create a culture of kindness and care, where our community connections support our spiritual path. Our programs, groups and community gatherings offer a way to study and practice teachings from the Shambhala Buddhist tradition. Please join us in this journey!

Brant is an excellent teacher/guide. I took the Mindfulness-based stress reduction class with my…read moreniece. What a fantastic experience. Brant is highly trained in this method and no class was exactly the same. Creativity was amazing. I also learned the wide range of people taking the course and yet we were all united in spirit, and that kindness/compassion must be in whomever you talk with, as you have no idea what they are dealing with daily. I've also taken Beginner Yoga with him. I'm limited in knee ability some and he always has a solution which is extremely encouraging. I highly recommend any of the classes Brant teaches.

As a long time member of Yoga Hillsboro, I have been attending Brant's online yoga classes while…read moresheltering during this pandemic. These classes, in addition to the evening 15-min meditation he is providing our community, have been some of my most treasured moments of relaxation and centering for my body and soul. His in the moment, live voice, mixed with guided presence and beautiful poetry, gives a nourishment so needed right now. I highly recommend this studio!

Sarah truly cares about her clients and their well being. She is so kind and thoughtful and lovely…read moreto be around. This was the best reiki healing I have had. Sarah is truly gifted! Thank you so much!!

I recently had the opportunity to work with Sarah in a group setting and I am so grateful I did!…read moreThe group setting was peaceful and calm. Sarah also has an amazing singing voice! The space felt safe, relaxing and amazing, all at the same time! I was so excited when I found out Sarah offers reiki and tarot readings and sound healing as well! My next adventure will be to do all 3! I highly recommend Sarah for all your spiritual high vibe needs in the Portland metro area!!!!!

I just had my first experience at Sellwood yoga with Ariel & Denise and it was amazing!! I feel so…read morerevitalized, refreshed, and grounded from their Restorative & Yin Yoga with Reiki class. It was the perfect way to end the week. This is such a gem of a class that it feels like a gift to be able to be in such a sacred space. Their energies are so pure and calming, you can't help but sink into your mat and just float away onto a cloud. There is a cap to the class of about 10-12 students so it keeps the space intimate so you really get to experience this in a small setting. If you've never tried any energetic healing or practices but you're familiar with restorative yoga, this is a great way to introduce yourself to a new experience.

Sellwood Yoga is a very friendly and beautiful (though small) studio. Classes can be a bit cramped,…read morebut the teachers are very nice. Our favorite is Rosey Wyland (who, by the way, is also a therapist). And, no wonder: her classes are warmly supportive and attentive, and she seems to really get the idea of what it means to be a beginner. What I don't understand is why they call the Saturday class a yoga basics class. I know I'm not an athlete, but the class is so darned hard and fast without clarity on which position was which -- really a yoga flow class -- that it seems like a misnomer to suggest it's for those needing guidance on yoga poses. Both times I've gone, they did not offer any modifications when I had to stop due to wrist pain. I wish they would just call it what it is: non-basic yoga for sturdy people. ;) Whatever the case, Rosey's class really is a beginner's class (or for those, like me) who have an injury. (Speaking of which, did you know that the main injury people, esp. women get, from yoga is tendonitis in the wrist? http://www.hss.edu/newsroom_yoga-injuries-on-the-rise-in-women.asp). However, with the right accommodations, yoga can also be immensely healing. That's why I go. Sellwood Yoga is a lovely studio, and Rosey does offer modifications for injuries, and I really love her class.