Shambhala Meditation Center

I attended a weekend workshop: Level 1 — The Art of Being Human this past weekend. I had never set foot inside of the 3^rd Floor Shambala Center (on the top floor of the Adrienne Theater). I found the volunteers/​staff extremely professional and supportive. We learned how to meditate in sitting and walking positions. A lot of the concepts discussed at wonderful group sessions were over my head at the time: basic goodness, what it is to be alive… I have been practicing the walking meditation I learned at the center for only a few days and I can see its merits in creating a calmer mind. Once again, I have to say that the staff/​volunteers are excellent, the food provided at breakfast and lunch was healthy and delicious. I found the other attendees open-​minded and friendly. It was a nice way to meet people that care about taking care of themselves. My workshop weekend totally exceeded my expectations. It was not an easy workshop, but many things that are worth something do not come easy. They call it a Shamabala WARRIORSHIP program and now I understand why.
Update: I completed the Meditation in Everyday Life class. Once again, I found the all three of the teachers and the assistant top notch. They were all different than those in my first weekend class and they believed whole-​heartedly in guiding us in meditation practice. I found this class easier to digest than the intense Level 1 weekend workshop. Some of the concepts of basic goodness make a lot more sense to me now. It is nice to walk into a no-​pressure environment with people seeking something hard to describe. Not all who wander are lost…
One thing I wanted to add to my review: the staff here do not try to make you a Buddhist or convince you that Buddhism is the best thing ever. It is a very laid back environment. Although some students openly admit they are there looking for religion, no staff member tries to actively recruit you to join the Shambala center or become a Buddhist. I would be turned off immediately if any form of this happened at all. You come for classes, be who you are /​where you are during the sessions and hopefully take some good ideas home with you to your life.

ummm. isn’t giving out stars to a sangha somewhat… un-​Buddhist? ;)
I first encountered the Dharma here in 2007. I have not used this treasure as often as I should, it is a wonderful place to encounter Vipassana mediation and lectures on Buddhist topics.
The staff are helpful and understanding.
I recommend their monthly open houses for a good basic intro to meditation.

I’ve only been to an open house at Shambhala so far, but I have to say it was very positive experience. Alex gave us a nice overview of what the center does, as well as a brief overview of Buddhism and the center’s philosophy, and then provided us with some instruction on meditation. After the instruction and a 10-​minute meditation session, he took questions… on everything, from specific questions about our own experience during the meditation period to more general questions about the practice and the reasons behind some of the techniques. It was a great introduction to the center — with as much or as little information as you needed — and with no pressure. I’ll definitely be going back to try some of their workshops and free meditation sessions.

I became interested in the aspect of meditation earlier this year, but had no real idea how to begin. I found this center through google and they offered an all day intro to meditation class. For me, it was life changing and I have been going back ever since. The instructors are kind, non-​judgmental and knowledgeable. They offer a wide range of classes at reasonable prices and they do not pressure you into anything which I appreciate. I would recommend this to anyone looking to find ways to manage their stress, connect with their bodies and live in the present moment.