Wow! I had a couple friends tell me this place was the bomb dot com but I had no idea. I went to…read moreCommon Ground for a meditation on Sunday but arrived a little late and didn't want to interrupt the session. Lucky for me, I was able to come back a few weeks later for a people of color meditation session. Whaaaaaa!!! I didn't know they had such things! You get to the center and if it's not super busy you can park in the lot. For most of their bigger events or weekend meditation days you'll want to get there plenty early since it fills up fast. When you enter there are spots for your shoes (like a yoga studio) and coat hangers. They recommend you take any valuables with you or don't bring them since it not a monitored area. There are two meditation rooms on the first floor, one with a kitchen where you can get tea or water if there's not a session happening. The second is a large room where we had the people of color event. Chairs, blankets and cushions are provided so you don't have to worry about buying anything. The instructors and space are very welcoming. They have great ways to ground and connect everyone together quickly but also authentically. I'm definitely going back, it was a great experience and you learn about mindfulness, Buddhism and the practice.

I absolutely adore this hidden gem for regaining your Zen! I've been to other Buddhist Meditation…read morecenters in Minneapolis and have felt somewhat intimidated.. This place and it's participants are so approachable and its philosophy entirely undogmatic. I go to the Sunday morning 10:30 a.m. Dharma talks. If you're a Mama or Papa you can even bring your 1-8 year old to be part of the kids group while you get your Buddha on. The space is small, spare, and perfectly relaxing. Sit on a chair or cushion and choose to donate whatever amount you're comfortable with for all activities. They have any number of special issue groups, retreats, yoga, T'ai Chi, and even a program for teenagers. Mark is insightful without being at all preachy or superior. I LOVE that after the talk, participants ask questions regarding real world challenges they are facing in terms of integrating their practice into their daily lives. Somehow it manages to make that day's talk clearly applicable to everday life without feeling as though anyone is engaging in 'T.M.I.' or some sort of New Agey therapy group. I float out feeling much lighter and calmer!

Majestic, transformative, peaceful, serene, spiritual, healing, restful, joy, and comfort are all…read morewords I would use to describe the ARC Retreat Center. I attended a 3-day women's retreat in early November and found exactly what I was seeking: rest. Located far enough from the cities, the natural quiet from polluted cars and air were really amplified in this space. Whatever you are seeking out, I trust you can find it by spending one or a few nights here. Upon entry, the staff had each room labeled on a sign so it was clear what room I would be in. I stayed in the main cabin which was a beautiful A-Framed building with a combination of single and double rooms. Amongst the 3-floors, there are various fire places, meditation spaces, tea/coffee/water stations, couches, art supplies, reading materials, big spacious windows, and a dining hall. Every meal was handmade from breakfast, lunch and dinner. These meals were nourishing for the soul and included various soups (yes, you can buy their Cook Book on site), breads, salads, teas and baked goodies. My favorite soup was the butternut squash with pomegranate seeds and parsley sprinkled on top! The kitchen staff is beautiful and really poured their hearts into hospitality and cooking. Each meal was greeted with a gentle chime so we understood the food was ready. Before each meal, we were always given the menu and read a prayer/reading. I appreciated that a few staff members would participate in these readings. Shout out to Anthony (great rich voice and so generous), Deb, and Brad (shout out on the mayonnaise buns). On my second day, the director came and spoke to us at lunch and shared the story of the Arc. The exterior grounds allow for play time and exploration with numerous trails and paths with a creek running just steps away. As I visited during hunting season, it was recommended to wear an orange vest/ hat (provided on-site). There is also an outside labyrinth and bonfire pit that anyone can use. If you feel like you need to get away, this is the place. Thank you, thank you for your hospitality when I needed it the most.

this retreat center, which is only 60 minutes out of Minneapolis, is a quiet slice of heaven. All…read morestaff are volunteers, each, and everyone committed to making sure that I was at ease and felt at home, allowing me to fully enjoy the solitude that I sought. I found this place by "luck" (if you believe in such a thing, or as a prefer to say a serendipitous blessing) and I am intending to return once again early March. If you are seeking a place that offers a peaceful space, with I might add also offers a wonderful vegetarian cuisine, explore this retreat center, and I believe you will find as I did profound sense of coming home to yourself.

The staff were rude when I arrived and seemed to have a set click of attendees. They did not make…read moreme feel welcomed back. I won't be.

One of my favorite studios in the area! Great space and variety of classes. Amanda is fantastic to…read morework with as well =D

I just finished my fourth day of classes at this gym and I LOVE it. This is a smaller gym and is…read moreall about personal attention and doing what is right for you. Amanda Riley, the owner, is all about whole body health and healing. My personal experience: I just finish four days in a row taking the 6 AM class. And I can't wait to go back tomorrow. The first day I went because a friend who has gone here for a year had been begging me to join her for months. ("Please, just try it. I know this will hep you!") I have struggled with pain (psoriatic arthritis, an autoimmune condition) and I was worried about a whole body fitness workout (I tried cross fit, not for me). I was and am stunned that I hop out of bed now to make it to Amanda's class. My son commented this morning about how cool it was to see me with energy in the morning again. Amanda recommended the infrared sauna (set on pain relief) for me and, while I started hugely skeptical, I wouldn't miss it now. Day three I got up at 4 AM to go BEFORE class and get an additional session in the sauna. I am shocked at how much better I feel. I have taken classes at a number of larger Twin Cities gyms and I like this better. Amanda modifies some of the moves for me without making me feel like an outsider. Everyone in class is so welcoming. I know a lot of people come here for weight loss, but for me, it has been all about pain relief.

I took the class a couple of years ago and it changed my life. There a very few things I can say…read morethat about. It's an encouraging atmosphere and money well spent. You just have to do the work.

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is as essential to my life as getting proper sleep, nutrition and…read moreexercise. TM refreshes your mind and body as no other activity can.

I was looking for a place where I could learn to meditate in the most comfortable, easy-to-do way…read more Nels is a wonderful instructor, and in just two sessions taught me what I needed to know in order to get started with meditation. I am so grateful for the knowledge he shared, and how he patiently explained and practiced the technique with me. I highly recommend pure meditation to anyone who's interested in getting started with or increasing their knowledge of meditation.

News does a great job with Meditation training. Easy and straightforward with lots of resources for…read morecontinuing the practice.

I've been coming to the Salt Cave for years now and somehow haven't gotten around to writing a…read morereview! It's always been such a nice treat to come relax and get away from the world. I tend to come here when life is tough and need to relax. The staff is always friendly and kind! I've only been to the downstairs room since I prefer the lit up wall in that one :) They blow fine salt into the room which can be a little noisy so that can be a bit distracting at first but I get use to it after a bit. Highly recommend coming here to relax

This was my first time experiencing a salt cave or any form of salt therapy. I'm not sure if this…read moreis the thing for me. We did it for a friends birthday so there were 8 of us in our own room. We sat in lounge chairs and had a 45 minute session. You aren't doing much in the room. They place ocean sounds and you can rake the sand if you want otherwise your either visiting or sitting in silence. It was relaxing but I didn't feel it was worth the price.