Best Of

Best Meditation Centers In The Minnesota Area

June 30, 2014 / 7:00 AM CDT / CBS Minnesota

Discover a greater level of consciousness, relaxation, health, internal energy, patience, love, compassion, generosity and even forgiveness through meditation. You may also find an indestructible sense of well being allowing you to excel in certain life activities. Most cultures, religions and beliefs have evolved dozens of specific styles of meditation practices as diverse as human civilization itself. Here are five very different, but popular centers in the Twin Cities metro area that you may find helpful.

Transcendental Meditation
399 Ruth St. N.
St. Paul, MN 55119
(651) 714-0254
www.tm.org/transcendental-meditation-twin-cities

Founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Transcendental Meditation (TM) has been operating continuously in the Twin Cities since 1970. The center claims its certified TM teachers will deliver the same standardized effective approach that has influenced five million people over the last 50 years by the TM technique taught by this leader. The benefits of this approach, supported by published academic research studies, include reduced anxiety and stress, improved heart health and more powerful cognitive function. Because the TM technique involves no concentration, it is effortless and enjoyable according to its advocates.

The Meditation Center
631 University Ave. N.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55413
(612) 379-2386
www.themeditationcenter.org

The Himalayan Yoga Tradition is said to reduce stress, enhance focus, provide a sense of purpose and allow one to grow in a transformational manner. It claims to offer the most comprehensive meditations and the most all-inclusive methods of the major meditative traditions. It has delivered this meditation practice to the Twin Cities area for the last 50 years. Himalayan yoga signature includes posture, sound through repetition of the mantra, breath awareness and breathing. Small-group experience and personal one-on-one attention are but two of many distinguishing characteristics offered by this northeast Minneapolis artists' district-based program. Meditation Center of The Himalayan Yoga Tradition welcomes every religious background, every race, all sexual orientations and gender identities, age, ability and disability.

Mindroads Meditation Center
2046 St. Clair Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105
(651) 225-1443
www.mindroads.com

Rather than advocate a single meditation method, Mindroads expresses openness to a variety of approaches derived from ancient spiritual practices to modern scientific principles. One will find a mix of classes, practice circles and retreats, opening up the world of mindfulness, meditation and the healing art of T'ai Chi Chih. Practicing psychologist Thérèse Jacobs-Stewart founded the St. Paul center in 2004. She also published a book to help the reader develop 20 basic practices that provide a path toward healthful emotional responses to the daily stresses of life.

Common Ground Meditation Center
2700 E. 26th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 722-8260
www.commongroundmeditation.org

Common Ground says it "supports the awakening of suffering beings through the development of an ethical life, the cultivation of a pure heart and quiet mind and through a deepening of insight into the way things are. The center offers an Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation course, weekly practice groups and open meditation sessions for those who choose a less rigid schedule. The class schedule includes several other courses for teens, community groups as well as yoga and qigong classes on a drop-in basis. Mark Nunberg and his partner Wynn Fricke founded Common Ground Meditation Center in 1993 in a small storefront property. The center has prospered and is now going through the excitement of expansion to a rural retreat property.

Green Lotus Yoga & Healing Centers
18480 Kenyon Ave.
Lakeville, MN 55044
(952) 373-0055

750 Main St., Suite 100
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
(651) 319-9525
www.greenlotusyogactr.com

The recentness of its founding in 2007 is no indication of a lack of capacity to fulfill its mission of producing a comprehensive program of yoga and wellness for the Twin Cities. The four Green Lotus founders and two-dozen Healing Services Providers have filled an agenda of more than 70 classes per week sharing its mission with "thousands of students, practitioners, teachers, and healers in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas." Classes at two locations offer such diverse topics such as acupuncture, Barre, Chakra, chiropractic, ear candling, hot fusion yoga, kid's yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi and Reiki, yin yoga, yoga for arthritis, yoga for cancer and Zumba.

Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from Richfield High School and then the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.