Recently completed a week long silent meditation retreat. The experience was wonderful, the…read moreteachers were supportive and informative. The grounds are very beautiful with views in every direction. While I didn't complete a long hike, I did take multiple shorter walks into the trials and enjoyed the exercise and beautiful nature. The food provided is healthy and delicious. I highly recommend attending a retreat if you're interested. Pro tip: bring a pair of slip on shoes, the Meditation and residence halls require you to remove your shoes. You'll do this often each day.

So... would you like an update? It's worse. I am not knocking all the amazing teachers that come…read morethrough there, or Kornfield etc... just the elitism in the way its run. I mean, they say in their mission statement they're grounded in Buddha's teachings. I'm sorry, I still don't see it in action. I suppose I have to admit that this exclusiveness approach is serving some people in the community, and so I up my stars to two, but my heart knows this is anything but Buddha like. I don't wish to be negative, but I do feel, especially in times like these, that it's important to be honest and authentic. Small "elitisms" (if you will), are part of a larger dynamic. Its time we started looking at little closer at the reasons behind our choices. Thanks for reading. May all beings know peace.

I just want everyone to know about the new meditation center in Novato - I went on Monday evening…read moreand came out all noodly with relaxation. I highly recommend it to anyone nearby! They have a wonderfully zen yet professional set up, and a wide variety of sessions! One is only $22, but they have bundle discounts - I'm definitely in it for the long haul!

From the owner: We offer menu of theme-based, guided meditations to the North Bay community. Drop in for your…read moredaily dose of tranquility.

This is seriously the best class I ever did. I learned the Sudarshan Kriya, a very powerful…read morebreathing technique that elevated my mind and enhanced my abilities. Great teachers, great knowledge and wonderful practices.

From the owner: We offer a breathing meditation that brings one back into harmony with their self and helps drop…read moreold emotional scars that we so often lug around within.

I did the weekend-long silent meditation retreat here after wanting to do one for several years and…read morethe time finally came. They certainly delivered and exceeded expectations. The facilitators, Nira and Elizabeth were both so soothing and comforting with their voices and instruction. They gave informative and entertaining anecdotes, riveting and practical lectures and lessons along with hatha yoga and different forms of breathing. The nature walks were amazing too and this center is situated in a stunning location with nature and views all around to see. The food is incredibly delicious. Like a fellow retreat goer had mentioned, I could certainly come back for the food alone and the overall experience was life changing. I feel even more serenity and at peace than I did when I first arrived at the center and I am continuing to feel the deep effects of silence, stillness and being in deep thought. This experience has truly allowed me to notice every small, subtle detail in the environment around me and I feel life has become more vivid and vibrant than before. Overall, the experience felt like a warm bowl of soup; deeply comforting for the soul and subconscious.

Just had the most beautiful retreat here. Everything about the people, the food, the hospitality,…read morethe grounds was superb. I was given so much on all levels, it was truly the most beautiful, full experience. Thank you 100 million fold!!!!

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

Amazing sound healing journey under the ful moon with Guy. It was the deepest, most colorful sound…read moreexperience I ever had! Guy's knowledge and musical instruments are beautiful and deeply healing! Thank you!

From the owner: Intuitive Healing, Sound Therapy, Transformational Mentorship. My healing and energy work can help…read morewith Insomnia sleeping disorders, PTSD post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic illnesses through the body/mind connection, clarifications, resolution of conflicts, finding purpose, opening doors to new beginnings, dispersing energy blockages, resetting old patterns and overcoming challenges.

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!

Denise is a compassionate mentor. With kindness she leads me to the beautiful open space in Marin…read moreto hold our practice. As a trauma worker, I often carry my stress to the sessions. With purpose she guides me to hear, see, feel, and witness my truth in the natural world. The practice allows me to become grounded, centered, and present. Once again refreshed, I transfer what I learn in the practice to my everyday life. It allows me to continue my work from a more grounded place.

From the owner: Mindfulness in nature for women: individuals and groups in beautiful Marin County, CA.read more

I did a Golden Shield training with Darren in Palo Alto around 2006 time frame. It was life…read morechanging for many of us. I do several other types of qigong and have been practicing for decades. But the Golden Shield concepts (strengthening the 'hara' storage center of life force), benefit all holistic modalities. He is also a licensed acupuncturist in Santa Cruz.

My introduction to Qi Gong was dramatic. I watched as Darren Huckle, the instructor, picked up a…read morepine bat that was 2 inches in diameter. With his mother's total agreement he swung the bat, aiming directly at her back shoulder and hit her with a good amount of force. To my amazement she turned around with a big grin on her face. She felt no pain. The sensation was quite the opposite and actually invigorated her. I could see in her face and hear in her voice that she had somehow become more alive. I was intrigued, to say the least. Since that day 4 years ago, Qi gong has become an integral part of my life. The Jingui method along with stellar instruction and guidance has benefited my life in deeply meaningful ways. Qi Gong has been the impetus for my physical, mental and emotional transformation. I believe this training is quite profound in its ability to achieve its most basic objectives: health and wellness. What it offers in addition to that is incredibly powerful. Darren creates a fun class environment and has thoughtfully supports each student throughout the entire process. He is completely free of judgement and completely full of praise. His big heart and authentic character are a testament to the training itself. The best way to learn more is to check out one of the introductory classes held in Corte Madera or Santa Cruz. The schedule is posted on the website.