HIGH ON MEDITATION

Are your days filled to the brim with stresses you can’t seem to get around? Do you need a better work-life balance? Are you a cannabis fan? Then maybe meditation spiked with a little bit of your favorite flower is the trick to destressing from life’s anxieties.

For those newbies out there, meditation is a centuries-old mindfulness exercise scientifically proven to be beneficial for mental and physical health and can seriously help decrease those annoying stresses you always seem to hyper-focus on.  In an article by Harvard Health Publishing, Massachusetts psychiatrist Dr. Elizabeth Hoge shared research which concluded that meditation “may have a beneficial effect on anxiety symptoms” and “may also improve stress reactivity and coping”.

More and more Americans are adding practices like meditation and yoga to their routines to offset the negative effects of the hustle and bustle of daily life, as shown in one 2017 study by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

One can absolutely reap all of the benefits of meditation sober, but adding in the relaxing, stress-relieving, and mood-boosting effects of cannabis to your practice could help you more easily gravitate to a deeper level of present awareness.  Whether you’re looking to try meditation out for the first time, or boost your motivation towards a 2019 resolution, below are some highly-rated strains and Seattle practice centers to assist in your zendeavors!

6 OF LEAFLY’S TOP STRAINS FOR MEDITATION:

1. LAMB’S BREAD SATIVA: POSITIVE, UPLIFTING, PEACEFUL, ENERGIZING

• Kush 21 Budtender Brand Recommendation: Tahoma Flavors

2. GRANDDADDY PURPLE INDICA: ZEN, SOOTHING, RELAXING, SERENE

• Kush 21 Budtender Brand Recommendation: RGL Private Reserves

3. BLUE DREAM HYBRID: GENTLY EUPHORIC, PHYSICALLY-RELAXING, DREAMY, HAPPY

• Kush 21 Budtender Brand Recommendation: Cedar Creek

4. NORTHERN LIGHTS INDICA: SEDATING, HAPPY, RELAXING, EUPHORIC

• Kush 21 Budtender Brand Recommendation: Trail Blazin’ Productions

5. LAUGHING BUDDHA SATIVA: LIGHT-HEARTED, ENERGETIC, INTROSPECTIVE, CREATIVE

• Kush 21 Budtender Brand Recommendation: Natural Mystic Farms

6. HINDU KUSH INDICA: HYPNOTIC, RELAXING, TRANCE-LIKE, PEACEFUL

• Kush 21 Budtender Brand Recommendation: Soulshine Cannabis

6 HIGHLY RATED MEDITATION CENTERS IN SEATTLE:

1. Guru Gayatri Yoga and Meditation Center

4.8 ★★★★★ South Lake Union

Kundalini Yoga is a comprehensive yoga and meditation practice.  The instructors at Guru Gayatri mix gong meditation and breathing exercises with the gentle, flowing movements of yoga to create a uniquely relaxing experience.  This is the foundation of their popular Kundalini Yoga Meditation and Healing Gong class. Drop in to give one of their classes a try for $18.

2. Shambhala Meditation Center of Seattle

4.7 ★★★★★ Madison Valley Neighborhood

With Shambhala Center being a quick 3-minute drive away, adding a stop at the beautiful, relaxing Seattle Japanese Garden or a foliage-filled stroll through Washington Park Arboretum to your self-care itinerary is a must.  Their website depicts a passion for benefitting the Seattle community through the personal transformations of the individuals joining their practice. Shambhala operates on a “Giving Level” membership, asking all those joining their center to give what they can, whether it be $5 or $200 per month.  

3. Kadampa Meditation Center Washington

5 ★★★★★ Ballard

Kadampa describes their meditation-focused community as “a peaceful oasis where anyone can learn methods to experience lasting happiness”. The location offers retreats and structured study programs for beginners and those more experienced.  Classes vary from introductory Buddhism and meditation to meditations for world peace. Their mid-day meditation is perfect for those needing to unwind during their Wednesday lunch break.  While the center itself is in Ballard, Kadampa has more than a few branch locations here in Seattle and beyond. Drop in for a class for $10, or $5 with a student or senior discount.

4. Body and Brain Yoga Tai Chi

4.7 ★★★★★ Kirkland, Everett, & Ravenna Park

At Body and Brain, classes focus on (you guessed it) body and brain awareness.  Flow through strengthening postures and increase your flexibility to learn more about finding peace in times of discomfort in a yoga class.  Also, an intriguing option is a healing tai chi and qigong class “designed to open the flow of energy in your body”.  Instructors also offer guided meditation classes, and breathwork classes to further hone your practice.  A one-on-one introductory session is $15 online, with the time slot including set up of a detailed, personal plan to further your goals.  

5. Seattle Insight Meditation Center

4.8 ★★★★★ South Seattle area

If you’re looking to take it to the next level with a commitment to your practice, look no further.  Starting April 1st, this 6-week study of meditation grounded in the Buddhist tradition to “free the mind from the distortions of self-centeredness, negativity, and confusion” will begin.  Besides meditation practice, one can expect detailed instruction, education about the philosophy of meditation, assignments, and discussions with the instructor and peers. Seattle Insight asks for a $90 donation for the 6-week event, but all are welcome regardless of their ability to pay.  

6. Sahaja Meditation

5 ★★★★★ North Seattle area

Meditation at Sahaja is described on their website as “a simple, easy to learn, and effective means to tap into and strengthen your own inner energy to bring about emotional stability, mental clarity, physical health, and self-control”.  Classes like “Music & Meditation” and “Tea & Meditation” put a twist on regular practice to keep things fresh.  If you’re inspired to try meditation, but lack the funds, no worries! Sahaja takes pride in offering free meditation to all regardless of nationality, race, faith, age, or socioeconomic status.  

Whether you’re from the Seattle area, or need to kill time during a long layover, stop by a Kush21 location to pick up your favorite strain on the list, or ask one of our educated budtenders to weigh in on this difficult decision.  Choose your favorite meditation location for a one-of-a-kind session, sure to bring some peace of mind to any day, rain or shine. We hope you have a highly enjoyable experience!