The Universal Yoga Center is a great place to go for solitude. Located in the Richmond District of…read moreSan Francisco, it consists of 1 open room with lots of light, hardwood floors and a quiet, surrounding neighborhood. It offers yoga and meditation classes by Swami Ananda and Liz Saari (www.lizsaari.com). This ashram is open to the pubic to help heal, educate and serve the community. Once you enter the center, you feel at ease and calm, especially if you were coming from a hectic day. I recommend it to anyone who wants a break from the hussle and bussle of the day and high commercialized world. There's only street parking so you may want to arrive early to find parking. The heating system isn't the greatest, but if you're doing yoga or meditation, you start to forget about it.

I've tried a few meditation practices. I found this one to be flat on my expectations. You're asked…read moreto give a donation based on income. I donated 1k and when I arrived the mediation coach was warm and friendly but she complained to me about the fact that she knows how much people make and that their donations don't reflect that. I found that strange to share. I wouldn't recommend this place - there are so many others in SF that are more effective imo.

Jane and Brett are wonderful teachers. I had heard about TM before and finally decided to try it…read morebecause I'd read that there are studies that show it can help with high blood pressure and anxiety. I'm always a skeptic but I figured it couldn't hurt! The cost of the program is not low, but I appreciate that they are very upfront about it (no hidden fees or add ons or upsells - just one course fee) and it does scale with income. No one has asked me to pay for anything since then and I'm always welcomed back for group check ins or meditations. About a month in, other people have already noticed positive changes in my mood and general anxiety. I also really enjoy the meditation sessions. And for what it's worth (small sample size, I know) my blood pressure is down about 8-10 points on average. The training was absolutely worthwhile for me. I'm really glad I decided to start doing TM and I highly recommend Brett and Jane as instructors.

I've tried many other meditation practices, so many apps, and videos but Quiet Path Meditation has…read moremade the most profound and lasting changes for me. What's even better is it's easy. The other practices I've tried felt like the minutes were dragging on, but QPM feels like the most restful vacation I've had, then suddenly the 20 minutes is up. Sometimes it feels like time sped up or disappeared because it's such a restful practice. It's a brilliant way to reset twice a day and get centered. I'm very thankful to have found Paul and learn from him. I took his virtual course and found him to be an excellent and generous teacher. His deep care for his students and desire for us to heal is very motivating and life-affirming.

I have been practicing Pauls QuietPath of Meditation for about 3 years now, Its a simple, natural,…read moreeffortless technique practiced twice a day while sitting comfortably with eyes closed. This technique allows my active mind to easily settel inward, through quieter levels of thought, until i experience the most sielent and peaceful level in my own awarness thanks Paul your the best.

There are many courses to choose from. The environment is relaxed and pleasant, and the people are…read morevery warm and friendly. Having a cup of tea before class is always a pleasant experience. The teachers are very knowledgeable. I must say, after considering several other institutions, I ultimately chose to take my 200-hour yoga teacher training course here. The philosophy and curriculum are a perfect fit for me. I am happy to announce that I have obtained my 200-hour yoga teacher certification.

This yoga studio is a true neighborhood gem. The teachers are incredibly experienced, warm, and…read morewelcoming to everyone, no matter your level. There's a great variety of classes and schedules that make it easy to fit into daily life, and the owners genuinely care about the community they've built. You feel that the moment you walk in. -Mark-

I recommend this temple in the Sunset district of SF. Master YongHua is the Dharma Master and you…read morecan tune in on YouTube, better yet, attend a lecture in person and ask a question about meditation or any troubles of your life. There's great energy here, caring people and always something going on. I recommend the beginners Chan class if you are new and they have a special Buddhist Relic exhibit annually so keep that in mind. I'm also a Disciple so I recommend to check out Wei Mountain Temple in LA too if the practices work for you.

Came here to check out the 10,000 Buddha Relics Collection Exhibit, and got to learn a lot during…read moremy visit. We got to peruse displays of the cremated remains (teeth, sweat, brain, etc.) of the Buddha's sages, disciples, and family, as well as the Buddha himself, whiling hearing very interesting stories about the various pieces.  This was a free event, they just ask that you remove your shoes before entering, and are respectful while inside. Many came here to pray, they also had dedicated hours for meditation. We didn't come during that time, but we were fortunate enough to engage in a formal blessing, clearing our minds and accepting a spiritual energy, performed by the abbot on site using the whole body sharira. The presentation of relics throughout the giant main room was beautifully organized, clearly labeled, and enlightening. The environment was peaceful, and a great opportunity to explore the temple as a whole. We were invited to enjoy food and drinks in the lower level kitchen as well. Everyone there was so kind and welcoming. Definitely a unique experience.

I miss Anchor so much! It had such an impact on my life when I was living in San Francisco. I…read moreeven bought one of the comfy beds and I'm searching for them again if anyone knows where I can buy them? I bought it back in 2021 and don't have records of where. Sand is amazing!

Prior to lockdown, my group of three attended a handful of classes here & I was thoroughly…read moreimpressed by the variety of meditation practices available. Focuses ran the gamut from breathing techniques to chakra clearing, but always with the intention of making you the best, most open version of yourself that day. I never take the initiative to mindfully slow down & leave earthly worries behind, I actually function well under stress & chaos; with that said, I could see myself carving out a block of time to be peaceful, & in some cases, heal mental (& spiritual, for those who vibe with that concept) blockages with regular monthly practice here. Though the virtual world that has become our new norm can never compare to in-person interaction, Anchor offers 45-minute virtual classes to give you a feel for what their community offers.

If you are looking for someone magical to help you start or continue your self-healing path, look…read moreno further. Anna will open your eyes and heart center to a beautiful expression of growth that you can't even imagine. In fact I'm struggling to put words to my experience. I have worked with her in various ways over the last 2+ years and not only has she guided me in my healing, but she has taught me how to support myself through different healing modalities to continue my journey on my own. Through Reiki certification, monthly community circles, extended 16 month community circles and various online classes I have created better emotional and physical health for myself. I now understand the importance of truly feeling all of my emotions which brings more connection to my actions, thoughts and forgiveness of self and others. I am more gentle with myself and I am slowly peeling away the layers of societal brainwashing to discover who I am and how I want to show up. This has also trickled down to my children. Our conversations are deeper and our understanding of our relationships has grown. She has truly helped me to become a better version of myself. I also want to mention what a beautiful space holder she is both online and in person. Anna models exquisite respect and responsibility through love and kindness for all beings within her containers. I have always felt seen, heard and emotionally held within every single gathering I have been a part of with her. So while I am healing myself I am also being shown how to support others in a safe space of healing as well. Pure magic. I am forever grateful for your teachings and support Anna. Thank you a thousand times, thank you!

I had the privilege of being a part of a Women's Circle for 2024 to 2025. I was unsure of what to…read moreexpect except for connection with other women healers, but it wound up being good that I had no expectations since this group surpassed any expectations I would have had. The closeness and connection that we nurtured provided a soft spiritual place for me to land every month with whatever was going on in my life. As a facilitator, Anna was kind, supportive, celebratory, empathetic, and sensitive to the needs of the group. The spiritual work we did together in that group was deep and profound, and I feel like I am in a different place in my life after a year of this work. The different themes, topics, and reflections were varied and seemed to be timed perfectly to what the group was going through. I am so grateful for the magic, the warmth, the support, and the spiritual nurturing I received in this group. Blessings to Anna and the Dreaming Otter!

I attended the drop-in meditation on Friday. I didn't read the site carefully, but this is a…read moremeditation class meaning they include a teaching. I felt there was too much talking, not enough meditation, but I plan to drop-in again to see if I experience something different. The hosts seem to rotate. The woman I had wasn't so great in my opinion. People would ask questions, and she answered them with a question, almost like a therapist would do. I didn't want to say anything, but overall, I wished there was more time spent on meditation. It's a packed house on Fridays. The people who attend are friendly!

This place is down to earth and super legit. It feels great to have a community like this that is…read morewelcoming and honest.

The best experience in my life. I had a Shiatsu massage last December. Definitely I'll book again…read morewhen I come back to SF.

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