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By: Andrew Shykofsky, Meditation Instructor at the Meditate Center for Healing Arts.

By now, we’ve all heard of meditation and how amazing it is for you, but many are still reluctant to explore it. Will you have to sit in an uncomfortable position without moving for 45 minutes? Is it even possible to reach a state where your mind is without a single thought? Shouldn’t you really be a Buddhist to truly take up meditation?

In reality, meditation is first + foremost a relaxation technique– not a religion. Training the mind takes time, effort, and above all– patience– but it can be done! It’s a lot easier to accomplish if you get some sound training.

Here are five places that offer meditation instruction in Charleston:

Still Soul Studio | 📍579 King St.

Still Soul Studio | Image provided by Natalie Allgyer

Still Soul is exactly what you would expect from a well-designed, tastefully decorated meditation studio. From the light-toned wood floors to the earthy colors of the walls, Still Soul exudes a serene + welcoming vibration. Founder Kelly George got her training with Deepak Chopra at his Wellness Center in California and it is evident in her style how much she loves to teach meditation. The mission to make meditation accessible to all is clearly her thing.

The big meditation room is really quiet– despite the space being on King Street in the heart of downtown. Meditators sit on the floor, either on cushions or with back jacks. Still Soul offers anywhere from one to five different meditation classes each day.

Meditate Center for Healing Arts | 📍757 St. Andrews Blvd., West Ashley

Meditate Center for Healing Arts | Image provided by Kiam

Nestled in a quiet back room of this West Ashley Healing Arts Center, is a space set up for one solitary purpose– peaceful meditation. One of the highlights of meditating here is the temple gong used to start + end all sessions. The thing is massive + sounds amazing!

Founder + lead instructor Andrew Shykofsky brings over 35 years of experience as a practitioner and twelve years as a teacher. His teaching style is very practical, with a focus on using meditation to reduce negative mental + emotional states.

The room boasts 15 meditation chairs. Meditate has a couple of free classes each week and those who like it typically sign up for the eight-week, Level 1 Course which claims a high success rate at helping people achieve a regular daily practice.

Mission Yoga | 📍125 Spring St.

Sal Familia teaching meditation at Mission Yoga | Image provided

One of the challenges of every meditation studio is finding a location that is accessible– but somehow shielded from a lot of city noise. Mission Yoga has a prime downtown spot on Spring Street + Ashley Drive with decent parking. Despite the meditation occurring in a mostly glass room facing the street, meditation instructor Sal Familia creates an environment where the muted street noise becomes part of the transcending experience.

Sal includes Eastern teachings of yogic philosophy and being present as part of his classes. Sal is a transplant from Long Island where he was very involved in a spiritual community up there for decades. Currently, Mission Yoga offers three weekly meditation classes and occasional special events– like a New Moon Gong Bath.

Transcendental Meditation (TM) | 📍3646 Pandora Dr., Mt. Pleasant

Linda LeShay with Maharishi in Dec. 1973 | Image provided

TM is probably the most well-known form of meditation in the U.S. TM was introduced to the west by an Indian guru named Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in 1958– who reportedly trained over 40,000 teachers in this style of meditation before passing away in 2008. Linda LeShay was one of those taught by Maharishi back in the 70s. Linda is a wonderful and knowledgeable teacher currently offering TM instruction in Mount Pleasant.

Learning Transcendental Meditation with Linda involves attending an introductory session followed by four classes. The course may be considered a little more costly than other options around Charleston,– but those who take the course claim it is totally worth it. Jerry Seinfeld is one of the most outspoken advocates for TM, claiming he would never have been able to keep up with the demands of his hit show if not for daily TM sessions.

Holy Cow Yoga Center/Charleston Zen Center |📍10 Windermere Blvd., West Ashley

Holy Cow is one of the foundational yoga studios in Charleston having been voted best yoga studio in town for 12 straight years. They have a great location at The Windermere Shopping Center which means tons of free parking. Once inside, you’ll experience many dedicated yogis sporting mats and removing/putting on shoes as they come + go for classes.

All the meditation classes offered at Holy Cow are free, and last about 20 minutes. Students are invited to pick props, bolsters + chairs, and set themselves up to be comfortable. Various teachers lead each session.

Holy Cow definitely promotes an Eastern-flavored approach to meditation with references to Pranayama breathing, and plenty of ‘guru’ images + quotes tastefully decorating the space. There are about four guided meditations offered weekly plus they host Charleston Zen– a Buddhist group which holds three sittings on Sunday mornings.