Updated December 14, 2021. Interested in beginning meditation regularly, or simply learning more about the practice? These meditation centers in NoVA offer daily, weekly, and monthly classes.
Mindfulness Practice Center of Fairfax
Based in the tradition founded by Thich Nhat Hanah, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk who promotes mindfulness, the center teaches conscious breathing—being aware that you are breathing and focusing solely on that. Anh-Huong and Thu Nguyen lead the meditation classes, both of whom were among the first students to be ordained as meditation teachers by Thich Nhat Hanh. Classes include sitting meditation, walking meditation, Tai Chi, and Chi Kung. Oakton
The Guhyasamaja Center
A Tibetan Buddhist meditation center, The Guhyasamaja Center follows the Gelug tradition, which is the same as the Dalai Lama. You do not need to be a Buddhist or want to become Buddhist to participate in the meditation classes and events. Classes offered include introductory meditation, mindfulness meditations, silent meditations, and meditation classes for kids. The center hosts weekly meditation circles. Fairfax
Heaven & Earth Aikido
A Japanese martial arts and Soto Zen meditation center, Heaven & Earth Aikido’s mission is to improve the self and the world through self-defense, harmony, and balance. Its Soto Zen meditation group, called Warrior Zendo, is affiliated with the Atlanta Soto Zen Center headed by Hojo Taiun Elliston. All are welcome at the meditation sessions, held after martial arts classes. You do not need to be a member of the dojo to participate. Herndon
Meditation Center of DC
A Dhammakaya temple, the Meditation Center of DC, offers three types of meditation sessions: beginner, silent, and one-day retreats. The center teaches middle way meditation, a technique where participants focus on the center of the body and visualize a crystal ball (or other object of mediation) to still the mind. Alexandria
Sahaja Yoga Meditation
With class locations across NoVA–including Chantilly, McLean, Vienna, Ashburn, and Reston–participants are taught self-realization meditation, the discipline founded by Shri Mataji. The goal is to “align the chakra” to create a balanced feeling. Locations vary
Reiki Sanctuary of Northern Virginia
The Reiki Sanctuary of Northern Virginia, which focuses on serving women, teaches the benefits of meditation, short mindfulness meditation, reiki meditations, moving meditations, and how to create your own meditations in its reiki meditation class. Reiki is a healing theory based on the principle that the reiki practitioner can channel energy into the patient by means of touch to activate the natural healing processes of the patient’s body and emotional wellbeing. Centreville
Namoo Yoga Taichi
A yoga and Tai Chi studio, Namoo’s classes focus on relaxation, energy awareness, and core-building. Each class includes core energy breathing and energy meditation, mixed in with traditional yoga and Tai Chi moves. Classes are offered virtually. Centreville
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