When you live in a city as fast-paced as London it’s sometimes hard to take a little time alone with your thoughts and focus on whatever it is that keeps you grounded. Meditation as a practice has certainly shifted a little closer to the forefront of people’s minds of late and it’s now more accessible than ever what with the launch of apps such as Headspace and Aura. There’s still something special about being in a room full of people with the same intentions, however, and for that reason we’re highlighting the best meditation studios in the city and the varying qualities that they bring.
Discover the best yoga studios in central London here.
Inner Space
Yoga Studio
Inner Space
Primarily based in Covent Garden with additional sessions taking place in the City and various talks scheduled across the capital, Inner Space is one of London’s most well-recognised meditation organisations. If you’re new to the idea then it’s a good place to start as the program includes courses which are designed to teach you the necessary techniques needed to completely relax (something that many of us need a little insight into) as well as how best to channel your thoughts and how to recharge your own energy. All sessions are completely free but donations are welcome.
Inner Space, 36 Shorts Gardens, London, UK, +44 20 7836 6688
London Insight Meditation
If booking into a mindfulness retreat is something that you’re tempted by but can’t justify setting the time aside for then London Insight Meditation might just be what you’re looking for. Hosting silent retreat days that explore not just insight meditation but related practices as well, they’re aimed at busy people who just need a little time away from everyday life. Events take place throughout the year and most are held in the city. The schedule also covers weekend courses and each retreat looks at values and teachings from the Buddhist tradition. Be sure to read properly over the plan for your chosen event as some are geared towards beginners and others are designed for those a little more practiced.
Various locations across the city, +44 7954 472771
In Here Studio
Yoga Studio
In Here Studio
Designed to help you find some inner-city peace whenever you might need it, In Here Studio offers bite-sized sessions throughout the day. There are no teachers at this studio which sets it apart from the others in our list and it’s an intimate setting with only nine seats per session. Soothing music and audio tracks fill the space and classes span everything from five minutes (which surprisingly, can make all the difference) to 40 minutes, making it easy to work the practice into even the busiest of diaries. There’s no need to bring anything along with you and lunchtime sessions are available so book in online and turn up and find some last-minute calm if you’re in the midst of a stressful day or you want to wind down at the end of one.
In Here Studio, 36 St Mary at Hill, London, UK
Virgin Active Studios
Virgin Active appreciates the need for finding that much-talked-about ‘balance’ and that’s why it incorporates meditation sessions into its already-brimming schedule of exercise classes. Designed to help you tune into your thoughts and your body, each 30-minute class will teach you breathing techniques and allow you to focus on the moment, ultimately de-stressing the mind and creating a clearer outlook. Mix it into your existing workout schedule to enjoy a new mix of benefits.
Virgin Active is positioned in various locations across the city.
Evolve Wellness Centre
Yoga Studio
Evolve Wellness Centre
Not just a place to meditate but one that promotes a well-rounded, varied approach to well being, Evolve Wellness Centre features an ever-changing schedule of events, from holistic treatments to yoga classes, motivational talks to meditative sound baths. And it’s the Gong Bath sessions that we focus on here; a practice whereby the body is ‘bathed in sound’ to facilitate a deep meditative state. If you’re new to the idea then we highly recommend adding it to your bucket list. Everyone’s experience and reaction to the sound is different and it has been known to result in a feeling of floating in water or space and to promote visions of colour. Sessions at Evolve Wellness Centre are peppered throughout the calendar from now until the beginning of 2018.
Evolve Wellness Centre, 10 Kendrick Mews, Kensington, London, UK, +44 20 7581 4090
London Meditation Project
Building
London Meditation Project
If it’s more than just a one-off session that you’re keen to experience then perhaps London Meditation Project is the establishment for you. Running courses that start and finish before 9am and span six weeks, they embrace the ways in which the practice can promote a clearer mind for the day ahead. The course offers an introduction to Mindfulness of Breathing and it covers how best to use very short sessions throughout the day, as and when you might need a little calm. Participants both new and experienced will come away with a deeper knowledge and understanding of how regular meditation practice can promote stress relief and well being.
The Bedouin Tent, St. Ethelburga’s, 78 Bishopsgate, London, UK, +44 20 89809289
Discover the best mindfulness and meditation retreats in the UK here.
