Came here after my yoga class and it was such a good idea! The place is super cozy and I loved the…read moredecor. They have different options, hot or cold, coffee or tea, but their specialty is definitely their cacao drinks. As a chocolate lover, I had to try one. The service was great too. The girl who helped me was so sweet and explained that since cacao is naturally more bitter, I could choose how sweet I wanted my drink. I originally went with a 5/10, but after trying it, I asked her to bring it up to a 7/10 and it was PERFECT! So creamy and delicious. Such a cute little spot to relax after a workout or just hang out. I'll definitely be back to try more of their cacao drinks!

I really enjoyed the space and the energy that exists here. I am wildly disappointed with the…read moreinteractions I've had with some of the individuals that are a part of the space. I would say that they are using people and they don't really provide a service but try to manipulate you. I went in for a cord cutting ceremony, and the individual that did everything was named Kevin and decided to say that I was a reptilian and warned my date to avoid reptilian energy. I want to add more context because I really believe it's important. I came in with a very open heart trying to find help to let go of some past hurt Kevin and his wife Lola initially felt kind. With my date, he was open, giving and exceptionally nice. I had my reading, and when he asked me how I felt I told him that he had his energy closed off to me. He then reacted by basically calling me a demon and a reptilian. As me and my date were leaving, he warned him to be wary of reptilian energy and to look it up. This entire experience was absolutely horrible and it put me into a spiral because when I asked Kevin what he saw he refused to tell me and I think truly is that he was afraid that I saw through him because he's a fraud. People typically don't cast stones in this space without offering help or a handout. I questioned multiple times what he saw in me and he shut it down and would not do it then decided to go point to his side that says we won't continue unless we want to. I am highly disappointed because I literally went in for help on letting go of some things and instead I was made to look like a demon and I just don't even understand how somebody that says. They're a part of holistic healing could ever do this to someone. Definitely make sure that you grab some of the drinks and food there. It's fantastic, but I would highly encourage people to not visit Kevin or Lola unless you're willing to experience what truly felt like a very hateful judgmental experience. I do not ever anticipate going back into the space purely because of this experience and I will continue on my journey without their guidance. I just cannot believe that I was basically called a demon. I think that they are frauds that are trying to prey on susceptible people and they're hopeful that people will continue to come back to them for cleansing. I went to the bathroom and cried because I felt hopeless. So no thanks bad luck and no blessings for them. Don't give people hopelessness without a hand when they are truly reaching their hand out to you. Wildly negative energy. On top of everything, my date mentioned coming in for a previous experience and they did not remember any of the details and they mis gendered. they played it off that my dates Friend was a man, but she is female. My date was kind and did not bring it up, but they tried to play it off as they remembered everything and had to call someone to get things translated. It was completely not at all correct.

2 hours ago It's been at least a year since I had been here…read more I came today very much looking forward to starting up my meditation practice again. The meditation was happening in the smaller Ayala room this day. As I approached I noticed there was a walking meditation taking place. Not sure if I should go inside or wait until the group was seated again I asked a woman who has just exited if it was ok for me to enter. She tried her best to avoid eye contact with me and stated "I don't know you!" With a straight face. I felt so offended by her lack of compassion and basic kindness I immediately left. What a negative energy this woman brought into the place. I didn't feel comfortable there. I won't be back.

It's been nine years that I've been attending the Austin Shambhala Center, and have felt no…read morepressure to do anything. It's all a personal path, and the sangha (community) is your support along the way. Everyone is so supportive if you voice your need to learn more. Chogyam Trungpa was a messenger. The teachings he gave have been passed down for thousands of years. Regardless of his imperfect nature, the teachings still stand firmly rooted in basic truth. Please come by and see how wonderful this group is.

Incredible Sangha. I have been practicing Buddhism since I was teaching in China and Viet nam…read more Upon returning to the US, I tried a class at the Kadampa center in Seattle and was amazed, and everything was in English! The Ka dam pa path is for everyday life. I continued my studies at the KMC on Bissel Lane and continued to apply the wisdom of the Path and Geshe-la the spiritual guide to work, family, and self. During the pandemic and a job change, I have been able to continue my coursework online, taking profound FP (foundational program classes). I hope everyone has the opportunity to take a GP (general program) class.

I went to the meditation for beginners class, I didn't realize that center was in a house. Which…read morewouldn't have been a big deal if I hadn't sat down next to a window. I'm not really sure why they have seats next to a noisy street. So the whole time I was trying to meditate a dog was barking and cars were passing by so it was very difficult. Maybe for a more experienced person it's not a big deal, but I would not recommend it for a beginner. The instructor was very nice and informative. She just did not seem very confident in some of the things that she was saying. I'm not sure if her notes were not well written, or if she was just having trouble with her iPad but if somebody is teaching me something I would like them to be a little bit more confident in the things that they're saying.

I've tried several yoga studios, but like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, none of them felt just…read moreright. As Yelper Hannah G perfectly put it, "With how saturated the yoga market is, it was hard for me to find a place that I connected with". For me, that place has turned out to be Sukha Yoga. Sure, Mark (co-founder) has no idea who I am--I've only taken his class once--but that single experience left a lasting impression. I attended his Saturday Bhakti Service: Flow, Meditation, and Sound, an 80 min class that collaborates an intentional vinyasa flow practice with mindfulness. For "busy" folks who struggle to slow down or are close-minded, this class (and maybe even this style of practice) might not be for you. As Mark's fists say, he certainly is a "GURU." He guides his class with intention and power, while also subtly weaving in his musical talents, playing several instruments and even singing, in a way that feels genuine and somehow not cringe. The class is structured, yet somehow freeing. Mark allows you to set your own pace during sun salutations, which feels like pure magic. The experience made me feel grounded and safe. I could have cried with how deeply content my soul felt. BONUS: If you love dogs, you'll probably find Mark's extremely well behaved mini doodle, Mai, practicing her down dog. If you don't, there's a door... NOTE: For first timers, it's located next door to Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co--easy to miss if you're not looking for it.

Another day, another new yoga studio. This time I found myself just off South Lamar at Sukha Yoga…read morefor a 6am practice. I arrived at the studio and it was still dark out. Finding the studio and parking was a bit difficult, but once I was inside it felt warm and inviting. There was a small waiting area with some seating which led right to the studio itself. Not huge, but cozy. The class started on time and the instructor took us through a well sequenced flow. It was powerful but far from overwhelming. The studio was supposed to be heated, but it's possible I was not near enough to an infrared light which kept me from getting a sweat in. After the class was over, the instructor invited me to join a small group for a Barton Springs plunge. Really appreciated the community building outside of class! Thanks again and I'll look forward to returning and trying out some other class styles!

Came here for Sandy the Singing Bowl lady who was doing a sound bath. This was amazing. The…read morelocation is tucked away but ample parking. Once inside easy layout and they provide lockers with keys for your belongings. The session was in the Himalayan salt room and there were chairs set up for participants. The chairs did lie back so you could feel weightless during the session. There were six of us for the session and Sandy was great. She gave a great overview of what would happen and got started. The only downside was the person next to me was breathing heavy, got up and left the room and kept drinking water which interrupted the full experience of the meditative state. Right when I'd be fully relaxed, they would make some noice se and pull me out. So he aware you may not have a fully immersed experience due to other peeps. I would love to do an individual session however she closed her studio. So I'll keep hunting. Once the session was done, you can see the salt on your clothes - I was wearing black and had a light dusting on - easily wipe away and go about your day.

I absolutely adore salt therapy and was so happy to find out that this location moved to South…read moreAustin. Apparently about a year ago, but I totally missed it. For those with sinus/allergy issues it is extremely effective. I've been to several of these across the country. Let me start by saying this is a beautiful and extremely relaxing salt room. The "shooting stars" and calming music really add to the 45 minute experience. I was expecting a little more comfort based on the ones I've been to before and the price. A zero gravity lawn chair and having to pay extra for a blanket was a bit unexpected. It won't deter me from returning, but do wish it was a bit more spa like.

I started my practice at Austin Zen Center about 4 years ago. I moved away from Austin and one of…read morethe things I miss the most is AZC. I loved the no-pressure to be or do beyond what I felt comfortable with. My introduction to the practice was held by Pat as part of their weekly Beginners Instruction class. I enjoyed the gentle and to the point guidance so much that I took the class several more times since they use different teachers each weekend and I wanted to gain insight from different perspectives. An underlying theme there was the point of trying and doing without judgement. AZC is a place of refuge where you can build community and people will meet you where you are without the pressure to become or do more than what you want to seek and explore. Love it.

I went to their Beginner class this morning because I've been reading and enjoying a fair amount of…read moreZen literature over the past year and one of the authors said joining a zendo was critical to growth in the discipline. This one seemed reasonable on the face of it because I wasn't sure I wanted to get involved in heavy Buddhism right away. I have a background in a different world religion that wasn't the best experience, so a place focusing more on the philosophy than the religion sounded like it might be the right speed. I read up on the FAQ and Etiquette on their site ahead of time and saw they have a particular dress code asking that people wear loose clothing with no brands or designs in calming colors that covers from shoulders down to below the knee. I had to do some digging in the closet to put something like that together, as athleisure is too tight and all my non-branded tops are tank tops. Ended up going with a loose long skirt and a T shirt turned inside out to avoid having a design on it. A little weird, but not too much effort to put in to be respectful. I showed up a little early to avoid being late and much like the other 1 star review of this place, I was a little shocked at the way the monk or teacher etc I was in proximity to on the porch deliberately cut his eye contact away and made an effort to turn his shoulders away from me. My normal experience with Buddhist monks is that they are at times reserved but generally friendly, so to get the "popular girl refused to see you in the hall" treatment from one raised my eyebrows a bit. But I rallied and sat outside waiting for the class to begin, as after that greeting I certainly wasn't going to barge into the building without a specific invite. The teacher for the class, Pat, I think, was warmer and friendly and pleasant about showing us the ropes. But the ropes! Weird ropes. Part of the class was showing us the temple mandated way of holding your hands during meditation. Yes, they have a single specific way, and by God you'd better get it right. It involves jamming your thumbs together tip to tip, which I couldn't do because it wasn't in the FAQ that I'd need to cut my nails down to the quick before class and I tend to have 1/3 to 1/2 cm long natural nails because I just do. They grow quickly and don't break off. I'd have to cut my nails every day to keep them short enough to be able to stick my thumbs together flat finger-trap style. The other girl in the class also got a snip that her form wasn't good, and I suspect it was due to a similar issue. I really hadn't expected extremely precise physical forms to be part of the day one instruction and I've never seen a meditation class where everyone in the class was required to hold the exact same hand position. I particularly didn't follow the logic when we're all doing the meditating facing the wall, so it's not as though my thumbs creating an imperfect circle could be distracting anyone near me. I completely understand trying to avoid meditation postures like a ghost girl crawling out of a TV for the sake of others in the room, but to pick like that over something so minor and to have a specific temple rule that everyone regardless of arm length, hand shape, and nail length, would adopt identical arm and hand posture did not feel very Zen. I had anticipated instruction more on how to avoid distraction, demos of breathing and sitting techniques (Pat did nicely here), and connect better with myself and the energy in the room but found myself instead incredibly self-conscious that the Thumb Police might be back after me. There was also unnecessary fussing about knee placement and the assurance that body parts falling asleep at times painfully would be a normal part of the process. Disagree, but okay. Here's where they finished losing me. At the end of the class, the regular member meditation group began to assemble in the outer lobby. Imagine the journey my eyebrows took when I saw a guy walk in wearing skinny jeans cut off well above the knee, followed by a woman wearing strappy tank athleisure with a bright neon bra underneath, and another guy wearing an AZC-branded big logo tee. After everything my thumbs and other peoples' knees had been through, now this??? And a good 2/3 of them had Active Btch Face same as the guy from the porch. I'm no stranger to performative piety because I was raised Southern Baptist, but I hadn't expected to run into such a strong blast of it here. I definitely won't be back because I'm not sure what's going on with this place to make people act this way but it's decidedly both dualistic and hypocritical and not a vibe that lends itself well to the pursuit of a clear mind. I'm sure some people there are nice and normal but that was a hell of an intro class that could be actively harmful to peoples' perception of Zen and Buddhism if they're less experienced with religious sects choosing to act funky when the behavior is not required in the texts.

Sarah is amazing! Went for my second appointment today, and she always provides top notch service…read more I can't wait to go back and try reflexology! Those hands are magic!

I had the most phenomenal reiki session with Sarah !! I went in feeling low, beat down, and…read morediscouraged... and asked for loving healing energy. Sarah intuitively knew where to go and led me through such a relaxing session. The session itself was amazing, but what was even more amazing was my energy in the days that followed!! Omg the next day I felt like I was floating on a cloud. I felt free of low vibrations/energies, I felt uplifted and invincible. I highly highly HIGHLY recommend getting a reiki session with Sarah. And at the end she even had me pull a card and did a reading which was SO spot on!! Thank you x a million, Sarah

Great space for an afternoon yoga! My friend invited me to practice for the first time. Bring 5…read moremonths pregnant, this was much needed. The space is large with a bathroom in the back. There are cubbies for your stuff, blocks and blankets to use. The environment is calming and smells nice. The instructor was a sub and very patient with me. I appreciated all of the guided modifications and extra pillows. After an hour session I felt fantastic! Recommend reserving a spot online!

The place is so zen! right when you enter you are greeted with a warm welcome from the instructor…read more I was running late but she made me feel so comfortable and welcomed. The class was 75 mins donation based and totally worth it. Be ready to workout if you book vinyasa. I will be coming back and raving about this class to my friends for a long time. The instructor was Iva.

This is a long overdue review of Align. I've been a member here for over a year. I started with the…read moreboxing/barre membership that doesn't include pilates, but I had such a great experience my first year that I upped my membership to the full studio with pilates classes. This is saying a lot because Align isn't super convenient for me to get to during rush hour, and I'm willing to drive in Austin traffic to get here. What is unique about Align is both the friendly community and the variety of classes. Everyone who works at Align makes a point to get to know your name and even your fitness goals. Not only are the staff friendly, but the studio has an overall warm and welcoming vibe. In terms of specific classes, all the classes are awesome and the instructors are passionate about their work. The different classes complement each other well--boxing for cardio, barre and bodhi for strength, and mat pilates and reformer pilates for flexibility and strength. I've been doing barre in Austin for a long time, and what differentiates Align is the small class size (6 people max in pilates and barre!). My form is corrected multiple times in every class based on specific goals I'm working toward. This consistent level of attention to form just does not happen in bigger classes. I had plateaued in reaching specific fitness goals until I joined here. I've noticed changes in my posture and strength in my back that I would not have achieved anywhere else (special shout out to Melissa G. since her barre class is a huge source of this change--take her class!). My past experience with pilates was that the classes weren't challenging enough, but that is not the case at Align--all of the classes (mat, body, and equipment) are challenging and different each week. Align's variety of classes has gotten me outside my usual barre routine. I never thought I would take boxing classes, but Kyle's class is always upbeat with great music and you can't do better for a cardio and core/arm strength workout. Align also has meditation classes. I never would have started meditating had these classes not been part of my membership, but they are a highlight of my week. Bonus points that the studio is charming--it is in a cute old house and has plenty of natural light.

I love ALIGN! The best place for Pilates in austin. Affordable, beautiful studio and very kind…read morestaff. :)