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Best Meditation Centers In The Baltimore Area

There are so many alternatives to finding that supreme point of relaxation. In the Baltimore area, there are various places to which one can go to experience a holistic sense of well-being. This list contains some of the best meditation centers, no matter what part of the city you dwell in.
Transcendental Meditation
credit:www.tm.org/learn-tm

The Transcendental Meditation Program
1120 S. Robinson St.
Baltimore, Md. 21224
(410) 336-2991
www.tm.org

Located in Southwest Baltimore, this highly effective method of meditation brings about stress release and helps to improve mental and physical functioning. The method is practiced for 15-20 minutes twice a day. Sessions are usually held on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but can be scheduled by appointment. Introductory sessions are available for those who are unfamiliar with the technique. All sessions are led by Baltimore certified staff. According to the website, the transcendental meditation method produces positive benefits to the brain, stress, creativity, the classroom, the workplace and society in general. Furthermore, the website states that the transcendental meditation program is unique among techniques of meditation, distinguished by its effortlessness, naturalness and profound effectiveness.

meditation
(Photo credit: INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP/Getty Images)

Baltimore Shambhala Center
3501 Saint Paul St.
Baltimore, Md. 21218
(410) 243-7200
www.baltimore.shambhala.org

This center offers free meditation sessions on a daily basis. There is training available in Buddhism and Shambhala teachings. According to the website, the "Shambhala Vision is rooted in the principle that every human being has a fundamental nature of basic goodness." These mediation sessions are a vehicle to move toward an enlightened society that works against greed and selfishness. According to Director Chris Kreeger, this center is part of an international group of meditation centers. The approach is secular, but is something that helps people work better in life. He also said their goal is to establish an enlightenment so that people can relate to each other and recognize the basic goodness of self and others as they deal with events in everyday life.

Buddhist monks meditate
(Photo by Dimas Ardian/Getty Images)

Baltimore Dharma Group
3107 N. Charles St.
Baltimore, Md. 21218
(410) 429-0219
www.bngb.org

Founded in 1999 by the late Zuljun Esho Gambert, this organization is an extension of the Soto Zen Buddhist religion. The goal is to attain peace, understanding and love for those who attend the sessions. Some sessions are limited to 14 participants and a $5 donation is requested.

Members of Falun Gong spiritual movement
(Photo credit: JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)

Baltimore Insight Meditation Group
2-B Oakway Road
Timonium, Md. 21093
(443) 982-1498
https://sites.google.com/site/baltoinsight

Insight mediation, or Vipassana sittings, are available to anyone. This group is affiliated and open but not restricted to the Universalus Inter-Spiritual Community. The one-hour sittings lead participants to a state of insight, but include a range of meditative techniques. Participants are encouraged to just sit and be reflective about mind, body and soul. Meditation sittings are only held if RSVPs have been received at this website.

Related: Best Yoga Classes

Respite

Respite
2000 Girard Ave.
Baltimore, Md. 21211
(410) 215-4930
www.givemerespite.com

Located in the Woodberry part of Baltimore, this center, founded by independent health and wellness practitioners, offers a great get-away from stressful living. The center offers classes in meditation, yoga, massage and acupuncture. Drop-in classes are also available. Classes are available seven days a week.

Related: Best Alternative Workouts In Baltimore

Vickie Lawson is a freelance writer whose work can be found on Examiner.com.

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