I had been listening to Pema Chodron cds and reading her books for years. Although, when I tried…read moremeditation, it was extremely difficult for me. I enrolled in a Level 1 class (called The Art of Being Human) at Tamalpais Shambhala, after moving to Marin. The kindness and warmth of the teacher and volunteer staff was a breath of fresh air. The people were so genuine and real. It inspired me to take a book class and I found I loved hearing what others had to say about the teachings and applying them to their lives. Although it was hard for me at first, because I am not the most comfortable in groups, I found that I could make the teachings more real for me by studying them with others. I began to see life in a different way. Finding this community was such a gift and a relief. I wish that for others - that they could connect with people from the heart and have these precious teachings - this precious wisdom - in their life. That they, like me, could be taught about this "discipline of gentleness" to oneself (so important) and to others. Meditation is now a different exercise for me, since now I realize that meditation is a time to practice this "discipline of gentleness" - a time of non-judgement, warmth, and kindness - so that these may be carried on to the rest of life. -Erinn

I learned TM a decade ago and practice to this day because of the continued support I receive from…read moremy TM teachers here. The retreats, group meditation, and availability to answer my questions is top notch. I sleep better, am more resilient, less reactive, and have better habits because of this technique. Thank you!

This is the way a yoga class should be! Mats available if…read moreyou need them. No membership prices or hooks to nickel and dime you. I'm all for prosperity and making money, but yoga has turned into "ego" and most places I've been to, well I thought I walked Hollywood or something! Yoga Garden is down to Earth, reasonable without being cheap, great and HELPFUL instructors.... I feel comfortable and at home. I won't go anywhere else! Thank you

My yoga experience began many years ago in Los Gatos and was fortunate enough to find an ego-less…read moreneighborhood place which nurtured my path. When I moved back to SF I found Yoga Tree and while grateful to have such a quality studio, I longed for my smaller classes and mellow small-town vibe. Recently moving to San Anselmo, I've found the Yoga Garden and it feels like home again! Janice Gates, the owner is a humble, gentle 'presence' whom also teaches at Spirit Rock. The studio and other teachers exude her integrity with mindfulness. Be sure to also try Jolie Cash's Strong Flow..a perfect balance of fire and calming cool-down. I have such gratitude to this studio which provides such beautiful service to our community!

This review is for the MASSAGES I've had at "SMC"...I can't speak to any of the Yoga classes or…read moreother services they offer. I've only had massages done. Over the past two years I've been here several times for massage to work out the stress and tension I seem to hold on to like a bad habit. I've made several observations and seen how this place has consistently gone downhill to the point that I will no longer go there. Here's why: First of all, it is rare to ever get a live human on the phone. You're prompted to "press 4 for massage" and then have to leave a message, launching an endless game of phone-tag to just make a simple appointment. It can be very annoying. Overall this is a cool two-story space with the large yoga studio downstairs, and two treatment rooms upstairs. The reception area is also a small retail store that seems to change on a monthly basis--first they sold new-age jewelry, then yoga clothes, then the store went away altogether and replaced with someones desk, now back to a new-age book & tchocke shop. It just gives you a kind of disorganized, haphazard feeling every time you walk in there, like they don't know what they're doing. All of the practitioners here are freelancers that simply pay a fee to SMC for the space--no one is an employee. You tell them what you're looking for and they assign someone to you. The three female masseuses I've worked with have all been decent (one really good) but they all seem to leave, move away, disappear at some point. My last masseuse ended up leaving in a dispute with SMC about something. They seem to have a problem holding on to people. Lastly, and the biggest problem for me, is that of the two treatment rooms upstairs. The first room was huge with a skylight, very quiet, light and airy. The second smaller room also has a skylight and was cozy, but it is unfortunately positioned directly above the bicycle shop next door...so the entire time your treatment is going on you have to listen to the banging and clanging of equipment, and loud people yelling "Dude!!" constantly (please meet Marin's granola element...). I always asked for the large room to avoid that distraction. Now, the owner apparently has decided to turn the large treatment room into her own personal office, leaving only one room for treatments (the "Dude!" room) which also hosts group meetings or something because it's filled with clutter...and no longer a calm oasis ideal for treatments. That was the last straw for me. Its become obvious they no longer seem to care about client's needs or creating a environment suited to the services, so I will no longer be patronizing them.

Since 2002 I've taken weekly+ yoga classes at SMC and have had massages at least once a year here…read moreand it's hands-down my favorite place because it is small, real, and intimate, not a big corporate polished giant. The yoga classes are great - real people from all walks of life, not the Stepford Wives and Hotty Dudes in spandex yoga gear, smashed wall-to-wall doing downward dogs. Have a bad back? Take the healthy backs class. Over 75? You'll feel at home in the gentle yoga. Want a serious yoga workout? The core classes are great. Try Nicole's meditation and yoga topics series. There have been prenatal classes, even yoga for kids. Everyone should find a yoga class that works for them here. There's room to breathe here, and the teachers get to know their students' aches and needs, changing the practice each time to fit the people attending. Most teachers have been with SMC since it opened. First update to SFnativeGal's review -- the bike shop has moved, hooray, and the bike dudes no longer interrupt massages or yoga classes with their loud music and hammering. Robin (the owner) does what she can to keep the business viable in these tough times, so yes there isn't a 24-hour-a-day receptionist, and the personal training spaces change depending on who is currently part of the team. But in my 7+ years at SMC it has never diminished my experiences there. Your first yoga class is free, so give it a try for free. There are often yoga + massage packages to new students offered around the holidays, so try both next time the deal is offered and see if you agree!

Shannon is a wise and sensitive soul…read more My doctor referred me to Shannon to help me better handle life with a chronic medical condition. From our first session, Shannon approached me with kindness and genuine curiosity. During our time together, she guided me into the inner reaches of my body and mind with patience, openness, and compassion. I had never tried hypnotherapy before my sessions with Shannon. In fact, I went in as a skeptic, but I found Shannon's approach to be powerful and grounded in deep truths. More insights were revealed to me in my couple of months with Shannon than I'd uncovered in the combined years of talk therapy that I've done in the past. Forget what you think you know about hypnotherapy, and take the leap. With Shannon, you're in good hands.

I initially went to Shannon with the intention of working through the physical, mental, and…read moreemotional challenges that come with Long Covid and chronic fatigue. This was my first time doing hypnotherapy so I was a bit nervous to start, but Shannon did a great job explaining to me the process of hypnotherapy and listened intently to what I wanted to work on. After doing a series of sessions with her, I have noticed myself feeling less weighed down by the feelings of sadness and frustration that were so constant for me, and instead moving towards happiness and living the life I want to live. I feel happier day-to-day and more resilient on my hard days. Ultimately, working with Shannon has changed my perspective on life and allowed me to connect with parts of myself I was not even aware of. Shannon is the real deal!

Replaced the everyday noise and chatter that disrupts my mind on a daily basis today. Joe's…read morespiritual energy through sound bath was an absolute treasure. I tried the hammocks and I floated into an abyss of frequencies that released a mix of emotions. The room was the perfect size, providing an intimate experience. The ambiance soothing. For those that have PTSD, you must try this. It has changed my life in so many ways. I will be back to this sound cave soon!

Some experiences stay with you well after they end…read more The incredible sounds carried me somewhere words can't quite reach. I left feeling lighter, more grounded, and more connected to myself. A truly beautiful experience--one I'll be returning to as soon as possible. Thank you, Blair and Joey!

Amazing reiki session with Deanna on a therapeutic heated biomat that releases negative ions…read more Deanna has a soothing voice and gentle touch and her studio is super cute with easy parking. She records a debrief after the session and send you the takeaways. Can't wait to be back soon!

From the very first monemt I saw her there was an instant connection. You can feel her warmth and…read moreuplifting energy. I feel everyone you meet in this world is there for a reason and Deanna is definitely someone that I was meant to meet. Her experience and knowledge along with her special touch are just what I needed when I needed it. It's hard to explain any of this. You have to experience it for yourself in order to truly understand it. All I can say is that she has all these special touches that she adds to her practice thag makes it that more special. The attention to detail and her willingness to connect with you truly make her an exceptional human being. I look forward to continuing my journey and seeing what else life has in store for me.

I don't know what I would've done without Dr Maderis. He…read morehas treated me going on two times now for Lyme disease. I was not lucky when I got bit a second time and it was a positive wife disease, tick. He's wonderful ! I'm deeply appreciative and I highly recommend him!

A true expert in autoimmune diseases. He saved our family by insisting on MOLD test that turned out…read morepositive. He helped us through the most difficult time of our lives. We became free of symptoms years ago, felt obligated to leave a review, because of the amazing quality of care we received from him.

Tarika lead a group meditation for my wife, me and our two daughters. It was a fantastic…read moreexperience. Like most, I'm a busy person and always have something on my mind that I "need" to get to. The meditation helped me to put all of those thoughts away and really relax and be present, not thinking about what I didn't do, should have done, need to do, but just be. Tarika showed us how we can get an escape anytime, anywhere at no cost. It's all right there inside us anytime we care to stop and focus. Of course we couldn't have gotten there to start without having someone who is kind, has experience and could comfortably guide us, teach us and answer our questions. ANYONE who is in need of a break from the busy-ness of daily life should absolutely get in touch with Tarika and have her show you how to just be, even if it's just for a few minutes.

Tarika's meditations are full of love and light. Her thoughtful, compassionate guidance is ideal…read morefor first time meditators as well as those who have been practicing for years. She has been a gift in my life and I cannot recommend her enough! She is special!

It's been almost 2 years since I wrote that last review - and just want to tell everyone that my…read morehusband and I are still doing great, even with our continued challenges of my illness making me bedridden. We use what we learned from Michelle almost everyday, and handle tough times so much better. I'm still amazed, and so grateful, about the impact she's made on our relationship.

I recommend Michele Waldman totally. Her insight and wisdom are exceptional, as is her untiring…read morecapacity to listen and understand, and to get to the heart of the issue with both sensitivity and candor. Michele is patient and deeply intelligent, and brings a warmth that is unusual and welcomed in this profession. I went to her for individual therapy, but I know several people who have gone to her for marriage counselling and been profoundly happy with her. Couples who are not married are equally as thrilled with Michele. Easy to talk to, completely tuned-in; she cares, she brings relief. You can count on her to transform pain to tranquility.