*By: Catherine Sugrue*
Meditation and mindfulness have certainly become more mainstream – and for good reason, as there are a ton of associated health benefits. Studies have shown that meditation re-wires and enhances the brain, reduces stress and anxiety, promotes emotional health, improves sleep and even generates more kindness.
If you haven’t tried meditation yet and are looking for a dedicated space to practice or to connect with a like-minded community, then this post is for you. There are a ton of great spots popping up all over Toronto with something for everyone. Here are ten places where you can get your mindfulness on…
1. Hoame
Vibe – Comfortable & Beautiful
Location – 430 Adelaide Street West
Cost – $23-$28 per class, with membership packages available
This beautiful space opened in September 2018 and houses two meditation studios: a dark room with twinkling starry lights on the ceiling and a light room with a living wall and airy feel. Classes vary from energizing, to relaxation, to light movement and even sleep. There’s no need to bring anything – they’re all set up for you with pillows, mats, cushions and towels – no matter what you’re there to experience.
You can detox and sweat out toxins while you relax in their infrared sauna. Work on healing your body by chilling out in their Himalayan pink sea salt cave, which is filled with 6 tonnes of salt and boasts numerous health benefits. In their ‘living room’ area, you’ll find more spaces to restore and recharge, while enjoying in-house drinks like activated charcoal chaga mushroom lemonade. Overall, their ultimate mission is to make the practice of meditation and mindfulness accessible to newbies, gurus and everyone in between.
2. Mindful Bodyworks
Vibe – Welcoming & Powerful
Location – 1278 Saint Clair Avenue West
Cost – $18 classes, membership package rates, or Mindfulness Assistance Program
This one-stop-shop wellness studio offers Pilates, Mindfulness Meditation and Yoga classes – including Vinyasa flow which combines the art of yoga and restorative meditation. Their studio centres around the belief that in practicing mindfulness and interconnectedness you can achieve an overall healthier life. Staff and volunteers alike are known to be helpful and knowledgeable with extensive experience and personal practice. Also on offer are specialty classes and workshops, nutrition counselling and Reiki.
3. Shambhala Meditation Centre
Vibe – Tranquil & Enlightened
Location – 670 Bloor Street West, Suite 300
Cost – Donations appreciated, inquire for more intensive workshops/training.
You may be surprised by how peaceful this studio is once you step inside. The calm oasis offers practices rooted in Vajrayana Buddhism and Shambhala. You can enrol in drop-in classes or more diverse programs designed to help you discover your inherent sanity, gentleness and humour. A six-weekend Sacred Path Series allows for deeper, more advanced training. If you’re new to the whole experience, they hold a 3-hour introductory session once a month, with payment on a donation basis as part of their mission to make sure that meditation is always accessible to everyone.
4. Soul 7
Vibe – Technological & Balancing
Location – 100-17 Yorkville Ave
Cost – Prices vary per program and plan, trials can start at $19/session
This unique health and wellness clinic collaborates with world-class scientists in order to use the latest research in technology to administer Neuro-Scientific Therapies. These methods help to balance the nervous system and boost the immune system for optimal results.
Using technology may seem a bit counterproductive to some, but their approach works on transforming your state of mind. This is all achieved through evidence-based research in order to provide results for the desired outcome of your choice. Whether you’re participating in their Bio-Feedback program or the Neuro-Fit circuit training, you’ll find that their advanced techniques provide a whole new level of meditation, mindfulness and healing.
5. Meditation Toronto
Vibe – Flexible & Generous
Location – All over the GTA
Cost – Free, although donations are welcome at classes or events that include meals
Teaching meditation for over 20 years in the Greater Toronto Area, this initiative is staffed entirely by volunteers who have been both teaching and practicing yoga for many years. Everyone is welcome to join at any level of practice. All teachers are taught free of charge and are then inspired to pass on their knowledge to anyone who chooses to join in on the journey towards mindfulness. You can also download their free mantra meditation album in order to try it yourself at home.
6. MINDSET Brain Gym
Vibe – Modern & Multi-Sensory
Location – 62 Cumberland Street
Cost – Discounts on 21-day trial, drop-in classes starting at $25, membership packages available
With the idea of taking control of your mental and emotional fitness, Canada’s first ever gym and spa for the brain utilizes research-grade techniques and positive psychology principles in order to harness mindfulness. The ultimate goal is to improve resilience, mental performance, and athletic recovery. Drop-in guided meditations vary from mental workouts to stress-melts. Some of their practices even come with the use of headbands that can measure your brain waves to track your progress. Their meditation room features ergonomic seating, essential oils, light therapy, and immersive soundscapes. If you’re into trying zero-gravity therapy, you can use the “Stillness Pod” for some guided meditation through audio recordings.
7. Good Space
Vibe – Fluid & Simple
Location – 360 Dufferin, Unit #106
Cost – Single classes starting at $22, with membership packages available
This cozy studio space takes a 3-tiered approach with their classes: Move, Ease and Still. You can move your body, relax in restorative poses or meditate. Keeping classes simple, some of the popular ones combine mindfulness with movement in order to reap added benefits. The goal is to create an approachable space with accessibility to a plethora of meditation and yoga classes suited to anyone’s needs. This warm and light space welcomes devout practitioners and newbies alike.
8. Kadampa Meditation Centre
Vibe – Peaceful & Compassionate
Location – 631 Crawford St
Cost – Classes starting at $12, with membership packages available
Meditation meets modern Buddhism. Their classes are tailored to all levels and are translated in a way that is easy to digest and incorporate into your every day life. Taking inspiration from the example of Kadampa Masters and their teachings, there are daily practices, as well as regular courses, prayers, workshops and retreats. They even specialize in meditation classes for children, in order to help plant the seed of mindfulness at an early age.
9. Spirit Loft Movement Centre
Vibe – Inclusive & Dynamic
Location – 290 Carlaw Ave, Unit 201
Cost – $20 per class, membership package rates
This movement and yoga studio is dedicated to both the practices of the curious and the diligent. Using ancient traditions combined with modern research and innovation, they offer a variety of different classes and programs. Weekly mindfulness and meditation instruction and group practices are held, followed by a short discussion, with no previous experience necessary. Proceeds of this specific class are donated to the New Leaf Yoga Foundation, which provides yoga and mindfulness-based programming to youth in custody facilities, community centres, and schools in under-serviced neighbourhoods across Southern Ontario.
10. The Consciousness Explorer’s Club
Vibe – Connected & Insightful
Location – Mosaic Yoga, 225 Sterling Road, Unit 23
Cost – Sliding scale of $10-$20
Reinventing the community meditation experience, the CEC meets every Monday night, but also provides recorded audio for those who can’t make it. The idea is to invite a fresh take on the practice of meditation, so that whoever you are and whatever your income – you can join in on their Monday Night Sits and learn all about both the challenges and gifts of being human. They encourage their members to go on mind-body adventures (together and on their own) so they can share and celebrate in their discoveries and insights. This is achieved through a two-part evening meditation practice.
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