The holiday season in New York City can be a hectic one. Between shopping in Midtown, attending parties uptown, and running downtown for holiday drinks, many of us wind up feeling stressed and overwhelmed in the midst of what should be one of the most joyous and celebratory seasons of the year. So with the holiday season upon us, I’m sharing a list of places in NYC to clear your head, calm your heart, and feel totally recharged so that you can enjoy your celebrations to the fullest and get ready for all the wonderful things 2019 has in store.
MNDFL
$15 for all first-time classes, $18-25 for additional classes, $75 unlimited first month membership
MNDFL exists to help make humans feel good. Started by Ellie Burrows and Lodro Rinzler, the company currently has a meditation center in Greenwich Village, the Upper East Side, and Williamsburg. Each is washed in natural light and filled with plants, creating a zen-like atmosphere that is instantly relaxing. For those looking for some guided meditation, MNDFL offers 30, 45 and 60-minute classes with themes ranging from intention, to sleep, to energy. And for those who like to practice on their own, the rooms are always open for self-guided practice between sessions ($5 for non-members, free for members).
Reiki Vitae
By appointment in downtown Manhattan
646-884-3851
[email protected]
75-minute Reiki Vitae session $280
30-minute mindfulness meditation session $50
Reiki is meant to be a unique meditative and energy-changing experience. Based on ancient Japanese techniques, it aims to provide stress reduction, relaxation, and healing by using the Reiki master’s hands to redirect your life force energy. Reiki Vitae sends a Reiki master to you, at your convenience, for a 75-minute session designed around your needs. The ultimate aim is to leave you feeling more centered and calm by addressing the specific stressors you are experiencing. Reiki Vitae also offers private mindfulness meditation sessions to help you keep that relaxed feeling going year-round.
The Path
The Path is currently one of the trendiest meditation groups in the city, and in true New York City fashion, it’s tricky to join. The Path doesn’t have a single location or even a phone number, instead, those who wish to practice with the group need to leave their name and e-mail address on the company’s website and then await an invitation. Once you’re on the mailing list, you’ll be sent that week’s location and times (sessions are typically held on Tuesdays, but locations range from uptown to downtown). $25.68 books you a cushion in a class that’s focused on energizing, mindfulness, mantra or compassion. For the more adventurous, The Path will be hosting a weekend retreat in February at a gorgeous resort in Mexico. Maybe the perfect post-holiday getaway?
INSCAPE
45 West 21st St, New York
646-952-0706
3 Meditation sessions for new guests $55
35 min Relaxation session $26
Known for their guided meditation app, INSCAPE recently opened a Midtown studio. Referred to as “the dome,” the studio offers meditation sessions in their color-changing, carved wood room. The space feels like a luxurious yurt in a remote location rather than a commercial space in the Flatiron district. All sessions are audio guided and there are trained meditation facilitators available to help get you started and answer any questions that may arise. INSCAPE also offers relaxation sessions in “the alcove.” These are experienced lying down and include guided deep sound, deep breath, and deep rest in order to trigger the “relaxation response.”
Floating
IMAGE COURTESY OF HTTP://WWW.LIFTFLOATS.COM
Floating in a sensory deprivation tank is a method for practicing mindfulness that dates back to the 1950s. A sensory deprivation tank contains body-temperature-water filled with approximately 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt. The senses are deprived of stimulation (no pressure on body while floating, no feeling of cold/hot because of the water temperature, no sounds because of ear plugs, and no sight because of darkness) for between 45 minutes to an hour and half, and the complete lack of stimuli often results in a deep state of relaxation. Here are 4 places to float in NYC, all of which offer intro rates (around $80 to try it, and then about $100 per float). For those prone to claustrophobia, there are float rooms available rather than float tanks. Be sure to make your appointment in advance as New Yorkers have caught onto the floating craze and are booking days in advance for a little slice of peace.
Chelsea
Blue Light Flotation
148 W 23rd St
Manhattan, NY 10011
b/t 7th Ave & Avenue Of The Americas
Flatiron
Infinity Floats
224 Fifth Ave, Fl 3
New York, NY 10001
Murray Hill
Chill Space
124 E 40th St, Ste 603
New York, NY 10016
Carroll Gardens
Lift Next Level Floats
320 Court St, Fl 2
Brooklyn, NY 11231
b/t Degraw St & Sackett St
However you unwind this season, I hope your holiday festivities bring you fun, peace, and calm!
Main Photo by JD Mason on Unsplash.
