Meditation has been a rising phenomenon in the West, and I'm glad. We need it real badly here,…read moreespecially in these past handful of years. When did we start getting offended by the smallest things or assume that if people disagree with your opinions that they are your enemy? There's craving and gluttony at an all time high for the best experiences and foodz, thanks to IG and Yelp lol. Oh, and there's social media and tech addictions too, we're all living that to some extent. Which brings me to this serendipitous meditation center out in the middle of nowhere. Well, Kaufman isn't really too rural, but it definitely is a small town just 40 min E of Dallas that is isolated enough for this fascinating retreat. This Vipassana Siri (Southwest) center is extremely accommodating from all angles! First, you have a personal bathroom already in your room for your own peace of mind and privacy. S. N. Goenka-ji, the main Dhamma teacher, curated a pretty forgiving daily timetable to give students enough "rest" time between hour-long meditation sits. Lastly, there is also delish vegetarian food; it makes me want to come back and serve as kitchen staff just so I can make it for myself in the future! There were various gluten-free, nut-free, and vegan options, which they mark on their white board before every meal. If you have specific food restrictions, they can cater to your needs too. Just disconnecting from the real world for 11-ish days was a real treat, but also a fight, as the lack of mental stimulation was a bit too much at times. Personally, I loved how freeing and more in-control of my thoughts were after this retreat ended. I felt so much more at peace than before--which I already kinda was--but this little escape was definitely efficacious for quieting the mind. The center is sustained by donations from students who finished the 10-day course, so that others after them can comfortably use this facility for their own mental liberation. For anyone reading this, GO GO GO if you can find the days off. No matter how young or old you are, as long as you are ALIVE, you should strongly consider doing this course and learning the Dhamma. These teachings are all non-sectarian, even though it is based in Buddhism. The gist of it is that you are training your mind to be equanimous (objective, observing, non-reactive) with any external factors. That's a very tough thing to do as life is just one big ass ball of stress 24/7, huh?! So as you can see, this concept is definitely universal and very applicable to everyday life, moment-to-moment. I met people from all backgrounds and upbringings here, and can't wait to return to serve! If you want to be a better resident of this Earth, come take this course. You'll be and feel better on the other side. If you have any questions about this retreat, please don't hesitate to PM me~

The Texas Southwest Vipassana center is dedicated to teaching the dhamma. The teachings instruct…read morenot only on the conceptual level the universal law of change, but also helps students experience this truth through their own body. Although the teachings and techniques are based on Buddhist teachings, the technique is completely sectarian and can be practiced by all without any conflicts of faith. The ultimate goal is to help all people live a better life by sharing with them a technique to change their reaction-prone, emotional behavioral patterns that cause themselves and others suffering. The center itself is beautifully maintained and very serene. It is nestled in a remote area surrounded by open fields, towering trees and a lake. The female dorms each come with their own full bath; men have to share I believe. The food served is completely vegetarian but surprisingly satisfying and extremely delicious. The center is very safe and the assistant teachers and volunteer staff are always available for questions and concerns. For me, this was truly a life changing experience and I hope this review will encourage you to try it as well.

I just finished the meditation teacher training course, and it exceeded all my expectations. I have…read morealways intellectually understood that we are all connected; however, it was during this training course that I internalized this truth for the first time. In an exercise with another student I had just met, I was able to feel the divine light in me, meet the divine light in her. To be succinct, I walked away with my ultimate goal in my every day life to be always walking in unconditional love. I'd like to express my gratitude to the instructors, Chelsey & Shon- you truly have a gift, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart (or rather, the overflow of my well). I recommend this course, and all the classes this studio has to offer, for those who are interested in teaching, or for those who wish to find or strengthen their own spiritual practice.

Impressive on all fronts. Chelsie and Emily are very talented in their field and provided a…read morewonderful retreat experience. They met each of us where we were in our spiritual journey and gave us tools and confidence to continue in our own individual spiritual paths. Highly recommend the Intuitive Awakening Retreat.

I am so grateful for virtual mediation with Laura!! Her gentle voice led us through a journey of…read morewalking barefoot with a backpack filled with burdens on our minds for this day. As we were walking we found a cave, walked through it with our flashlights and came upon a door. Once we opened the door we were able to, one by one hand, over those things that were in our backpack and exit the cave. We came to another door which led us out to where we were carefree again. I really enjoyed the imagery and it felt as if I was really there because of the slow breath work and calming of our mind exercise we did right before we took the cave journey. Thank you!!

You will love Laura. Love! I've worked with her professionally and have also been on a couple of…read moreher guided meditations (virtually), and she's just the best. She has a super soothing voice and a really warm presence. I feel very comfortable around her, she definitely has a calming energy. Obviously that's perfect for her line of work! Laura isn't only naturally gifted at what she does, she's also extremely well educated and practiced. She has an M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health and has co-authored books on both neuroplasticity and nature rituals. She spent 8 years as a director of a PsychoNeuroPlasticity center in Texas. Her website says that she "blends neuroscience techniques, therapy approaches and interventions, and shamanistic practices" into her work based on her clients needs. Laura offers guided meditations, one on one sessions, customized rituals and ceremonies, spirit animal journeys, and more. I'm not sure what all of these things entail exactly, but I do know that Laura is on a mission to help people find peace and healing through better connecting with their own selves and with nature. I've only done two guided meditations so far, and both times I honestly felt so GOOD afterwards. You simply close your eyes while Laura directs you on what to visualize. Even though I had a hard time clearing my mind (it takes practice!!), it was so nice to physically feel my mind and body relax, even for a short while. I can only imagine how powerful and restorative Laura's energy is in person when it's so evident through a computer screen. I'm really excited to continue working with her and to share the word... she's wonderful!

We had Rev Jenine perform our wedding ceremony last weekend. She was fantastic! Rev Jenine is…read morevery professional, and personable. She had all of the ceremony wording for us and it was beautiful. We had a personal moment we wanted added and she helped with the wording for that too, and happily made it part of the ceremony. Our wedding was on a 108 degree day, and Rev Jenine toughed it out with a smile. We are so thankful to have had her! Thank you Rev Jenine!

From the owner: Emotional healing and release through prayer applications, acupressure energy work, and life…read morecoaching. Sessions by phone, Skype, and in person locally. Reasonable rates, life coaching in excellence for relationships, weight loss, life changes, and faith/spirituality

Vibes are really neat but class started late and ended late and so my time was spent on…read moreinstructions and then forgotten items that we needed. It felt like a first week studio just opening. Also several people didn't clean equipment which was gross, they need to hand wipes out to each person at end of class so they clean before returning equipment like other studios do.

The studio is absolutely gorgeous! I really enjoyed the mix of structured practices and free flow…read more The sound bath in the end was the cherry on top of a perfect session. Our instructor led a slow flow class and I loved seeing people of different levels participate. The energy was so comfortable, which motivated me to stretch a little deeper and challenge myself a bit more. I recommend!

I found this place while looking for a yoga studio. I booked a class then realized it was 30 mins…read moreaway and thought about backing out and not going. I am sooo glad I went. I have been to 3 classes so far and loved each and every one! The studio is so clean and welcoming; the colors, the decor, the people, it epitomizes everything a high end yoga studio should be but without the snooty people or high price. I will continue to make the drive as I have never felt so comfortable in a group setting let alone a fitness environment!

I really loved this yoga spot. I had met the owner at a special event in which she did a sound…read morebowl class & she is absolutely amazing. I've never attended a yoga class where a large amount of the attendees look like me so that was special to experience. The flow was slow, challenging & allowed me a few opportunities to hold & meditate in the poses. She was super knowledgeable about the poses & the different parts of the body they impacted. I loved that she read the room really well & modified her poses to suit it. She was very considerate & caring for all yogis in the room. I've already attended a 2nd class. The place it's clean & inviting. Only thing I want is more available days & evening classes. Everyone should experience Aura House! Update: Owner replied to my review! They actually do offer more day classes & evening classes! Thank you! Changing my review to 5 stars because this shows me that they really do care for their clients.

An excellent Meditation Center I love it. There's classes couple nights a week and on Sunday they…read morehave a meditation class. A bookstore inside to get your Dharma boots. It is a place of rest in the middle of a big city.

This is a beautiful temple with great classes and community. As soon as you enter the doors you…read morefeel peace. They also have a great bookstore inside to purchase books, pictures, and other items. This center is open to followers of Kadampa Buddhism, Christians, Muslims, non-believers and anyone who just wants to learn more about the Buddha's teachings. Check out their schedule for classes and events.

Came here for a start of the week Yoga and Sound Bath class. At the location, there's plenty of…read moreparking and it's east to find. When I arrived they were finishing up a dance class (that looked great)! The yoga class was a nice refresher since I haven't indulged in a while. My only complaint is that the sound bath was extremely loud that it made it hard to meditate and my thoughts kept focusing on the sound. A more quieter approach would've been better, for me, at least. I would return to check out their dance classes and see what those have to offer.