three-jewels-meditation-classes
I have never been a morning person. As a part-time teaching artist/freelance writer/non-profit founder/occasional babysitter, I tend to make my own work schedule. A lot of the time, that means working til 3 or 4am. So on freezing winter mornings, you’ll usually find me making a cup of coffee and then getting back under the covers for a few more hours of zzzz’s.
However, winter days being short, dark, and less than motivating, I came back from the holidays with a plan to change up my schedule. When I told friends that I was going to try out this FREE meditation class everyday at 8am, most of them just laughed. Against all odds (and my better judgment) every morning for the last week, I set 2 alarms and made my way to a little Buddhist center and bookstore near Astor Place called Three Jewels.
The Three Jewels is a cozy, hole-in-the-wall yoga and meditation center just north of the Mudtruck. Every weekday morning from 8-9am, teachers come and lead a guided meditation. Anyone and everyone is welcome to show up. It’s non-religious, non-exclusive, and while it’s only three flights away from the crazy street, oozing of calm. However, the times I’ve been, only a handful of people showed up. It certainly is a more-the-merrier kind of place, so I’m letting you all in on the secret!
Do whatever it takes to get there. Roll out in your PJs. Bribe yourself with a steaming large MudMocha on the way to class. Cause most likely you’ll be happy you did. Who knew that the city was so clear and crisp at this time of the day? It’s a wonder walking up Lafayette Avenue as the reddish glare of the rising sun splashes off the building windows. Makes me feel like I’m getting to know a whole new side to this city.
Of course, an hour meditation for a newbie like me is nothing to scoff at. Last week, even thought I made it to class, I had an extremely hard time staying awake once there. There we all are, sitting upright in front of a lovely teacher who is guiding us through this meditation, and I’m nodding off, swaying, and jerking my body back and forth for at least half the class! Needless to say, I’ve got a long way to go with my meditation practice. Still, what’s the worst thing that could happen? I fall over. It would be pretty hilarious.
Along with daily meditations, Three Jewels offers yoga classes and evening meditation classes. The schedule can be found here. If you’re the little bit interested, I urge you to check it out. And you know I’ll be up for breakfast afterward!
Three Jewels
Guided Meditation Weekdays at 8am
61 Fourth Avenue (between E. 9th and E. 10th Sts.) [Astor Place/East Village]
$FREE
Related posts:
- See a Sitar Hero and take FREE Meditation Classes
Feeling adventurous? On Wednesday night, musicians from all around the world will unite to preform classical and modern arrangements of Maestro Sri Chinmoy’s soulful compositions. ... - FREE CPR Classes, Yoga Classes, Fitness Classes, Biking Events/Classes/Swaps, and more @ Sports Basement
I babysat for two little girls during college. The 4 year-old was kind of an asshole (can you say that about a kid?), but the toddler... - Serena Studios: Affordable Belly Dance Classes
I took a belly dance class in college, mainly because of my professor’s insistence and partially because of my love of shiny fabric. I was... - FREE Midday Yoga Throughout August at Urban Flow
As Stuart mentioned awhile back, we think Urban Flow’s donation-based yoga classes are great way to stretch your fitness budget tighter than a pair of Lululemon... - Cinco de Mayo vs. FREE Meditation Therapy
If you actually follow the website and do some things we write about, today should give a clear impression on the trajectory of your life. ... - FREE Yoga All Over the East Bay
It is almost December and soon enough some of your outdoor exercise and fitness regimes will be compromised by rain and cold. Yoga can be a...
Tags: awesomeness, blogsherpa, Buddhist center, free, meditation, New York, Three Jewels, try eveything once, United States, yoga, you might surprise yourself and actually like it!
