Best Mindfulness Classes San Francisco Near Me

4worldlovers: Gain the tools and methods to support your journey towards wholeness.

The Mindfulness Care Center looks to provide information and practices that allow people to build a richer sense of self.

By opening the mind to mindful-reflective practices and teachings, we gain learning. From learning we gain compassion... from compassion we gain wisdom.

When these three aspects blend, we become the architects of a new future in how we respond to life.

“Mindfulness teaches us how to approach life and stress related anxieties skillfully.”

Your generosity supports the Mindfulness Care Center to offer classes, information and practices that allow people to gain new insights into life, themselves and inner healing.

How the individuals of a team manage their stress, communicate, and navigate challenges directly affects productivity, engagement, and creativity.

It all begins with the first step, come join a class or group. Being curious allows the mind to explore new and supportive ways that bring about grounding and balance.

“The Mindfulness Care Center was just the right place at just the right time in my life: meditation instruction, an open door for spiritual exploration and development, and the persistent “showing up” of Rik and the rest of the community who supports me in my practice, my understanding of the teachings, and on my journey inward.

Rik’s Book: If you can't change your mood, change your mind: mindful reflections toward self-discovery

4worldlovers: Begin by finding a comfortable posture right where you are. It is not necessary to sit cross-legged on the floor to develop mindfulness. Next, take a few luscious breaths on your own and press play to allow Augusta Hopkins to guide you in meditation. Close your eyes and enjoy the experience of cultivating presence.

Presence is always available. Through the practice of mindfulness we develop the ability to access it. Look up from the screen for 5 deep breaths. What can you see? What sensations do you notice in the body? What do you hear or smell? Anything Pleasant? Soak it in! Every moment has wonders in it. We just typically overlook them.

Augusta Hopkins is the only MBSR teacher in the San Francisco Bay Area – maybe the world – ordained by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh and authorized to teach meditation by Spirit Rock. She has been leading mindfulness meditation sessions since 2006 and teaching MBSR since 2011. Let her help you gain access to calm.

Mindfulness MeditationMindfulness-Based Stress Reduction is the original mainstream mindfulness program. It is a way of learning to relate directly to life. Participants learn how to acknowledge things as they are, and respond rather than react.

4worldlovers:
The Vedic approach to meditation, whether taught live or through an online course, is simple, easy and accessible. It doesn’t ask you to battle with your mind, tying to have fewer or nicer thoughts. You don’t have to sit still in some uncomfortable position. And you don’t have to be in a quiet place for it to work. That’s because it’s an approach to meditation that was meant for people who live in the real world, with full schedules and busy minds. People with jobs, relationships, stress, noise and interruptions, and maybe even a kid or few. In other words it’s not for monks, it’s for you.

There are two ways to you can learn what the Vedic approach to meditation is, how it’s different, and why so many people find it’s the answer they’ve been searching for. You can attend a live online intro workshop, or you can watch the intro video. The live session is more in-depth, but the video will give you enough information to know if you want to take the next step.

I offer traditional courses in Vedic and Meditation and a related practice called FLOW Meditation, both in-person and online. All the courses I teach are designed to go step-by-step, with each lesson building on the previous one, so that upon completion you graduate knowing how to meditate effectively, with the experience and knowledge you need to make it daily habit, and with a ton of free follow-up support. It’s awesome.

Vedic Meditation is taught in a traditional immersion format, usually over the course of 3-4 consecutive days. This is the course I took, with my wife, 14 years ago. It changed our lives in more ways than we could’ve ever imagined, and it can change yours.

“When I took the Vedic course with James I’d been meditating with apps like Headspace for about two years, but something important was missing. Since transitioning my practice to his teachings I’ve experienced a measurable reduction in feelings of exasperation and feel more balanced, present, connected and alive. ”

I also offer private Vedic Meditation courses, both in-person and over Zoom to suit your schedule. Private are good for individuals, couples and small groups of friends and family who want to share in a fully personalized learning experience. If you’re interested in discussing a private course please inquire.

“The private course was the only way I could make learning work with my schedule. I initially imagined it would be challenging to embed the practice in my daily work routine and weekends (that are more unstructured in nature) and I actually look forward to my meditation breaks and have been able to enjoy them twice a day, almost every day since learning over almost 2 years ago. In general I feel less stressed and worried about things. And as I result I feel lighter and happier.”

The easiest, most-affordable way to learn is to take the self-paced online course on your own schedule and from the comfort of your own home. Thousands of people around the world have learned this way, and you can too. FLOW Meditation is based on the traditional Vedic Meditation course, but restructured to make the practice more accessible. The course consists of 12 high-quality video lessons (each about 25-30 minutes long) which teach meditation using a proper bija mantra, plus mindfulness, breathwork and visualization techniques so that you have a full suite of tools available to be less stressed and more grounded.

“I was dabbling with meditation apps on and off for about a year and I was a little hesitant to take an online course, but I’m so glad I did. The course is very easy to follow, you can do it at your own pace, and it’s very simple to apply. My anger and stress levels have greatly reduced, and with the COVID lock-down it’s been a vital piece of my mental well-being. I can’t say enough good things. Thank you James!”

“I started James’s Flow Meditation online course about a month after my younger son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 3. I had heard about James through another teacher who I respect and trust greatly. This work has helped so much with managing my stress levels. And after the course was over I found James’s regular follow-up lessons very engaging and reminded me of the greater meaning behind the practice and encouraged me to stay the course.”

4worldlovers: Learn to meditate, connect with community, develop mindful-awareness, and compassion. And, meditation instruction is always available.

First and Second Sunday Morning Sit join us the second Sunday of each month from 10 am to 12:15 pm. We are currently meeting on online only. Find the Zoom link on the program page or the listing on our monthly calendar.

4worldlovers: Hi, I am Nichole, I help women (and some amazing men too) cultivate a new and embodied connection with life. By exploring the integrated disciplines of mindfulness, coaching/counseling, and Somatic Experiencing, we will go on a creative journey of self discovery, where you will learn to be present with the joys of your life as equally as the sorrows, asking deeper questions and opening to deeper answers. Through our work together you will cultivate a clear mind and wise heart!

​My commitment to you is to show up fully for you, as an ally, friend, and guide. You bring what is true for you, I'll bring honest reflection, compassion and wit. I will see you and support you, every step of the way.

Through years of my own meditation and healing practices I have learned, mindfulness and expression of our creative capacities, bring us closer to the truth. There lives a profound wisdom within each woman, which is our most powerful tool for healing, if only we are willing to be fully present. ​

"With Nichole I am able to learn and grow my meditation practice in ways that are tied to my actual experience. She has helped me develop tools for navigating the most challenging time in my life in ways that I would not have thought possible. She is flexible and responsive to what is going on, brings deep knowledge, experience, and compassion to the work. Her openness about her own meditation experience and struggles really demystifies the process and makes it easier to step into."

4worldlovers: At WITHIN Meditation, you’ll find space, support and guidance to live your life more fully.

Get the inspiration and community you need to discover ease and joy, and navigate what's tough for you.

Our teachers draw on many different wisdom traditions in their classes, courses, circles and retreats to help you know yourself more deeply.

Experience the sense of steadiness and the energy of connection that comes from meditating with a group, led by an experienced teacher.

Join us for a live online class and see for yourself!

When you meditate, you’re creating space in the midst of your busy life for clarity and intention - and there’s nothing like meditating in a supportive group to inspire your practice.

We offer small group sessions online via Zoom. Our weekly schedule includes both silent and guided meditation classes.

Our teachers provide both wisdom and techniques from their lineages - and they’re always eager to answer your questions.

When you sit with us, we’ll help you tune into yourself and the present moment. Our teachers will inspire you, challenge you, and answer your questions.

If you've already discovered the power of meditation, retreats are a perfect way to take your practice to the next level.

Focus. Clarity. Ease. These may not be words you associate with your workday right now, but they could be. With the help of mindfulness and meditation, you and your coworkers can work smarter and feel better. Let us show you how.

Bring peace and presence into your daily life with the support and inspiration of a Mindful Living Circle.

4worldlovers:
Our mindfulness classes in Berkeley and San Francisco provide participants with practical tools for living life with more ease, wisdom, joy, and effectiveness. Mindfulness training is simple and accessible while helping people connect to their own inner resources to promote better health, healing, and well-being. Graduates of our 8-week classes in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) report:

Decreased Pain Levels & Greater Ability to Be with Pain that Won’t Go Away

“I had no idea what a life-changing event Bill’s class would be for me. I was looking for some help enduring the exhaustion, frustrations, and anxieties of being a single parent. But it was so much more than that. The experience of Bill’s gentle, non-judgmental coaching was truly a gift for me.” Molly Brown

“This class is awesome! I had been wanting to get more balance in my life and take the mystery out of meditation. The group environment was fantastic and Bill was such a great leader. He created a non judgmental, kind environment. I actually took the class twice and have had friends take the class as well. If you have been wanting to get centered or learn to not let a busy mind stress you out, this is definitely a great class. It was very practical and I am able to use what I learned in real life.” Kelly C.

“I just finished the 8 week class in San Francisco. The experience has been nothing short of life changing for me, and I now have a daily meditation practice. Bill and Allison were wonderful, patient teachers. I would recommend this class to anyone interested in bringing mindfulness to his or her life.” Dana J.

Mindfulness is our natural capacity to pay attention in the present moment. It is a focused, caring, and non-judgmental quality of attention that every human being possesses. Mindfulness is also the practice that helps us develop this capacity. The practice of mindfulness involves opening to one’s direct experience in any moment – recognizing and acknowledging whatever physical sensations, mental events, and emotional experiences are making themselves known. Extensive research on mindfulness has shown that practicing mindfulness supports health and well-being by decreasing stress and increasing emotional resiliency. Mindfulness practice also leads to greater focus, and enhanced effectiveness and performance at work. Mindfulness as a meditative discipline derives from the teachings of the man known as the Buddha more than 2,500 years ago. But because mindfulness is a universal capacity of the human mind anyone can practice mindfulness and benefit from it.

4worldlovers: Hi, we’re Chorus Sleep. The smartest way to support better work and life for your people. Our evidence-based program is available through awesome employers everywhere.

Modern research now shows that sleep is the foundation of health. Meaning without quality sleep, your wellbeing crumbles.

People who sleep 6 hours per night or less are 2.5 times more likely to suffer from poor mental health.1

Sleeping 6 hours per night weakens your immune system, making you 400% more likely to get sick.2 People who suffer from poor sleep are 50% more likely to develop heart disease and type 2 diabetes.3

People who sleep 6 hours per night or less see a 400% decline in their cognitive performance- a similar impact as two nights of total sleep deprivation.4

Missing just 1-2 hours of sleep doubles your car crash risk.5 Sleep deprived workers are 70% more likely to be involved in an injury-causing work-place accident.6

Support and retain your hard-working employees with the most foundational benefit on the market.

Chorus Sleep is the first solution to bring everything you need for better sleep under one roof

Contrary to existing standalone solutions, Chorus brings everything you need for better sleep under one roof.

Our evidence-based mobile app and coaching program helps 80% of people sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed.

Track your sleep to measure progress. Sync with your choice of wearable or enter manually.

Connect with a real, human sleep coach to get tailored guidance and support when you need it.

Support deep sustained sleep with over 30 sleep sounds to choose from like white noise and ocean waves.

Our content is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), which has been scientifically proven more effective than sleeping pills.

Connect with a real, human sleep coach to get tailored guidance and support you when you need it.

We are thrilled to partner with Chorus to understand how sleep impacts collaboration and productivity at work—to be able to help organizations set their employees up for success.

The Chorus product is designed in partnership with our Scientific Advisory Board

Mental Health: CDC; Blackwelder A, Hoskins M, Huber L. Effect of Inadequate Sleep on Frequent Mental Distress. Prev Chronic Dis 2021;18:200573. DOI.

Immune system: Prather AA, Janicki-Deverts D, Hall MH, Cohen S. Behaviorally Assessed Sleep and Susceptibility to the Common Cold. Sleep. 2015 Sep 1;38(9):1353-9. doi: 10.5665/sleep.4968. PMID: 26118561; PMCID: PMC4531403.

45% more likely to get cardiovascular disease, and 56% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Sources: Cardiovascular disease: Francesco Sofi, Francesca Cesari, Alessandro Casini, Claudio Macchi, Rosanna Abbate, Gian Franco Gensini, Insomnia and risk of cardiovascular disease: a meta-analysis, European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, Volume 21, Issue 1, 1 January 2014, Pages 57–64, https://doi.org/10.1177/2047487312460020. Type 2 diabetes: Francesco P. Cappuccio, Lanfranco D'Elia, Pasquale Strazzullo, Michelle A. Miller; Quantity and Quality of Sleep and Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabetes Care 1 February 2010; 33 (2): 414–420. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc09-1124: 56% is an average for insufficient sleep based on 28% increased risk with sleeping 5-6 hours per night and 84% increased risk with having “difficulty maintaining sleep.”

Productivity: Van Dongen HP, Maislin G, Mullington JM, Dinges DF. The cumulative cost of additional wakefulness: dose-response effects on neurobehavioral functions and sleep physiology from chronic sleep restriction and total sleep deprivation. Sleep. 2003 Mar 15;26(2):117-26. doi: 10.1093/sleep/26.2.117. Erratum in: Sleep. 2004 Jun 15;27(4):600. PMID: 12683469.

Car crash risk: 2016 study conducted by the AAA Foundation in Washington DC: Acute Sleep Deprivation and Risk of Motor Vehicle Crash Involvement, http://publicaffairsresources.aaa.biz/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Acute-Sleep-Deprivation-and-Risk-of-Motor-Vehicle-Crash-Involvement.pdf.

Workplace incident: Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Sleep Medicine and Research; Colten HR, Altevogt BM, editors. Sleep Disorders and Sleep Deprivation: An Unmet Public Health Problem. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2006. 4, Functional and Economic Impact of Sleep Loss and Sleep-Related Disorders. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK19958/

4worldlovers:
"Nothing has ever opened my eyes like Transcendental Meditation has. It makes me calm and happy and it gives me peace and quiet in what’s a pretty chaotic life!"


The TM technique is an essential tool for inner peace and wellness, and it lasts a lifetime.

TM instruction isn't "one size fits all" — it's carefully personalized for you by a certified TM teacher. You also get group sessions providing further instruction, ensuring maximum benefit from this easy, enjoyable technique.

The TM technique works for everyone, and the benefits start right away and keep growing. Hundreds of independent research studies have found major increases in calmness, creativity, energy, clarity of mind, and happiness.

Why TM is easy to practice and works right from the start

Note: TM intro talks are optional info sessions. The TM technique will not be taught at this event. If you’re ready to learn, book a TM course here >

In one week my everyday experience has been enriched. I am somewhat more confident and less bothered by small distractions. I have been having good dreams for a change. It is easier to do things that require attention to detail. I have more patience for example I didn’t feel bothered by taking care of a sewage stoppage at our house, followed by a dead car battery. I did 3 hours of cleanup while the plumber worked at snaking the pipe. Then I spent 2 hours cooking a Coq Au Vin (Julia Childs recipe) and it was an enjoyable task. Also stock market ups and downs don’t stress me out. Meditation has become a period of enjoyment and relaxation I look forward to rather than thinking of it as a task as I initially did.

I have tried several forms of meditation and have definitely benefited from those experiences. However, TM is in another category. Each meditation is easy and effective—and I look forward to it. I have already noticed improvements in my mood, work, and overall well-being.

4worldlovers:

Through our integrated approach, you learn by practicing our core principles of Grounding, Centering, and Empowered Ownership.

At Psychic Horizons, we continue to offer online classes, clinics, readings and introductions. While we had intended to re-open in September for in-person attendance to classes, readings and healing clinics, given that covid is becoming more widespread, and more transmissible, and given that masks are now required indoors, we have decided to wait to resume in-person training until it is more prudent.

Experience our techniques and learn to be grounded and centered. Meditation can help relieve stress and anxiety

Increase your health, create better relationships, heal past wounds and ultimately, develop a deeper connection with your spiritual self.

We seek to empower indivduals to be the source of change in their own lives, by teaching a unique suite of transformational tools.

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At Practice, we’re here to help you and your kids confidently navigate your paths.

We offer both evidence-based clinical services and research-based educational programs for children, tweens, teens, and parents.

Connect with one of our experienced therapists for evidence-based individual therapy, parenting coaching, or small group intervention. Our providers use short-term but highly effective treatment strategies grounded in scientific research in order to help child, teen, and adult clients build new skills that they can rely on even after therapy is complete.

Sign up for one of our in-person or online educational programs to get new ideas, learn and practice new skills, and find a community of like-minded families who also are focused on wellness, learning, resilience, and growth. Whether you’re here for kids’ yoga and mindfulness or a parenting class, book club, or support group, our educational programs are here for you.

We believe that life is both beautiful AND challenging. When navigating life, we all experience struggles. We believe that everyone possesses an inner resilience to navigate through these struggles that can be uncovered with a little support.