Stress and anxiety levels are at an all-time high right now for a variety of reasons. Physical exercise can go a long way to release endorphins and help us cope, but don’t underestimate other activities like meditation. According to The Mayo Clinic, the benefits of focusing on the breath, quieting the mind of all those racing thoughts and taking some time to just be include building skills to manage stress, reducing negative emotions and increasing patience tolerance. Sounds pretty great right about now, doesn’t it?
While meditation videos are a dime a dozen on YouTube, there is something communal and restorative about connecting with those in your community. In-person opportunities for meditation are limited right now, but local studios and centers are offering virtual classes on both a drop-in and series basis. Check out these places to get your om on, online.
Mindfulness Practice Center of Fairfax
The Fairfax center offers virtual meditation sessions Tuesday to Friday mornings from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. as well as a Thursday evening session from 7:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Each begins with a guided meditation followed by mindful movement and walking; Thursday morning sessions offer additional mindful movement based on gentle movements of Tai-Chi and Qigong. // Suggested contribution of $5 to $15 per session
Meditation Center of DC
Online meditation offerings through the Dhammakaya Temple Branch in DC include Wednesday Meditation for Beginners from 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., Thursday Meditation for Regular Meditators from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and an Introduction to Meditation on Saturdays from 3 pm to 4:30 p.m.; all are free and available on the center’s Facebook Live page. There are also several Online Guided Meditation videos posted on their website. // free
Dream Yoga Studio
The McLean studio offers several meditation courses online available as a series or single drop-in, including Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation and Stress Reduction on Tuesday evenings from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Yoga Nidra Guided Sleep Meditation to De-Stress, Relax and Rejuvenate on Sundays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. // Class prices vary, starting at $22 for a single class
Reiki Sanctuary of Northern Virginia
The center focused on the art of Japanese energy healing has a live Mindfulness and Reiki Meditation Class online with short mindfulness meditations, Reiki meditations and create-your-own meditations. // $85 fee for the course, including the manual; complete the online form to learn more
Sun and Moon Yoga Studio
The Arlington studio offers more than 40 different classes online each week via Zoom, including some that focus on meditation, including 30-minute meditation classes for beginners through advanced students every Friday at 8 a.m. and Yin Yang and Meditation including gentle movement, yin yang postures and mindfulness meditation on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. // Drop-in classes cost $25 with the first class free, with price breaks for multiple passes and series
Body and Brain
The franchised studio with a location in Vienna uses clear and dynamic meditation techniques to help you relax and focus on energy sensations while bringing the mind into a state of peace and centeredness. // $10 for a week of unlimited courses
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