Best Meditation Centers In The Chicago Area

After the everyday stress of school, work and trying to fit 25 hours into a 24-hour day, you might want a way to alleviate stress through relaxation and meditation. While you can meditate in the privacy of your own home or by yourself in a public venue, perhaps you need a place of solitude, where you aren't bombarded with distractions. If you're new to meditation, you might be seeking guidance. If that's the case, then participating in a guided meditation course may be an option to pursue. Consider checking out the following five meditation centers in the Chicago area to find one that fits your needs.

The Baha'i House Of Worship

100 Linden Ave.
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 853-2300
www.bahai.us/bahai-temple
 
You may have driven or walked by The Baha'i House of Worship, but have you ever stopped in for some quiet meditation and contemplation? If you haven't, then make some time to visit. Opened in 1953, the temple looms above the homes on Sheridan Road, making it both an eye-catching landmark and a quiet refuge for inner contemplation. The temple's upper sanctuary and gardens are open every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., making it possible for you to stop in and visit before or after work.

Chaturanga Holistic Fitness

1525 E. 55th St., Suite 302
Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 358-2998
www.chaturangafitness.com
 
Do you want to embark on guided meditation, but aren't sure which type of meditation is right for you and can fit your individual needs? Then consider having a look at the classes offered by Chaturanga Holistic Fitness, which offers an assortment of meditation practices that include Samatha Meditation, Shambhala Meditation and tai chi. Courses are available during the week and on weekends in the evenings, making the classes the perfect after-work activity. It also offers several donation-based meditation classes and off-site tai chi courses. Chaturanga offers more than meditation classes, with courses on yoga, Pilates, Zumba and belly dancing among its class selection. Chaturanga is located in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood and has parking nearby.

Meditate Yoga & Meditation Center

4237 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 472-9642
www.meditatecenter.com
 
Located in Chicago's North Center neighborhood, Meditate Yoga & Meditation Center offers several meditation classes for student of all levels. Guided meditation and guided visualization classes are offered, and drop-in meditation classes are also on the schedule. On Saturdays, the center offers an assortment of yoga and meditation workshops, too. In addition, the center offers yoga classes, including yoga just for runners and prenatal yoga. Meditate Yoga & Meditation Center is located near public transportation options.

Tai Chi Center of Chicago

4043 N. Ravenswood Ave., Suite 228
Chicago, IL 60613
(312) 927-5959
www.taichicenter-chicago.com
 
If you're looking for a way to combine low-impact exercise with meditation, then consider participating in a tai chi class at the Tai Chi Center of Chicago. Tai chi features a series of movements and poses, and, according to Tai Chi Center, has health benefits that can include muscle toning and alleviation of stress and anxiety. The Tai Chi Center offers classes for all skill levels, including a four-week class for beginners. Other classes offered include seminars, advanced courses for those with experience and private classes. Located in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, the center is located near several CTA bus stops and the Irving Park stop on the Brown Line.

Zen Life & Meditation Center

38 Lake St.
Oak Park, IL 60302
(708) 689-1220
www.zlmc.org
 
For those trying to seek time to meditate before the day gets started, consider incorporating the freestyle meditation hour offered at Zen Life & Meditation Center. Starting at 6 a.m., the meditation hour does not include any rigid structure, and participants can come and go as they please. More structured meditation is offered on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and includes meditation periods with five minutes of walking meditation. You don't need to purchase any special clothing to participate, and Zen Life encourages participants to wear comfortable clothing; for more information, consult the center's website. Zen Life also offers retreats, a monthly community meal and workshops.

Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.