InsightLA is a non-profit meditation community providing high-quality mindfulness and compassion practices. For close to 20 years, InsightLA has offered classes, retreats, and special events that cater to both beginning meditators and those looking to deepen and sustain their practice.
InsightLA is the only organization of it's kind offering secular, evidenced-based mindfulness training and traditional Buddhist teachings within the Vipassana or Insight tradition.Insight in Action is InsightLA's social action arm - a community outreach program partnering with other nonprofits and schools to provide free online mindfulness training to vulnerable populations, teachers, caregivers, and first responders.
InsightLA is the only organization of it's kind offering secular, evidenced-based mindfulness training and traditional Buddhist teachings within the Vipassana or Insight tradition.Insight in Action is InsightLA's social action arm - a community outreach program partnering with other nonprofits and schools to provide free online mindfulness training to vulnerable populations, teachers, caregivers, and first responders.
Services
We offer the highest quality of teachings, rooted in the insight wisdom tradition, and are a global leader in a shift of consciousness and compassion. We face our complex world with love, serving all, supporting those on the front lines of suffering and inspiring personal and collective transformation.
InsightLA's Insight in Action program brings free mindfulness and meditation to marginalized communities that would otherwise not be able to afford or have access to these teachings. Insight in Action serves under resourced schools, health care clinics, and non-profits serving high-risk youth and those experiencing poverty.
Using a revolving fund system to narrow the gap between schools that are highly resourced and those that are not, all paid fees for Insight in School services are 100% reinvested in schools in historically marginalized communities.
Insight in Schools aims to disrupt the school to prison pipeline, generational poverty, and all forms of inequity by sharing practices that enhance self-awareness, kindness and resilience, and that celebrate the unique experiences of individuals and communities who are often unseen and undervalued.
Insight in Schools aims to disrupt the school to prison pipeline, generational poverty, and all forms of inequity by sharing practices that enhance self-awareness, kindness and resilience, and that celebrate the unique experiences of individuals and communities who are often unseen and undervalued.
TRY IT ON: Be willing to "try on" new ideas, or ways of doing things that might not be what you prefer or are familiar with. UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INTENT AND IMPACT: Try to understand and acknowledge impact. Denying the impact of something said by focusing on intent is often more destructive than the initial interaction.
Check out these books for children and young adults from the list of Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners. Listen to the Parenting Forward podcast episode 'Five Pandemic Parenting Lessons with Cindy Wang Brandt'. Black Feminism & the Movement for Black Lives: Barbara Smith, Reina Gossett, Charlene Carruthers (50:48).
Reviews (26)
Scott E.
Aug 02, 2021
Report
My experiences with insightla going back at least five years up to present includes work with many different teachers. my most recent experiences with Christiane Wolf and Celeste Young continue to inspire my daily practice. i recommend the insight retreats and formal classes such as mindful self compassion as important steps on the pathway to liberation. sunday is a big day for practice including many affinity groups. maybe i'll sit with you and Lisa Kring at nine.
Zack W.
Jul 25, 2021
Report
For an organization promotion Buddhism etc... they charge an exorbitant amount of money for their classes. That is big turn off. For their mindfulness class they are charging $225! This isn't an organization I can support as it's clearly against the principle of Dana. It's geared towards the privileged and elite and makes it out of financial reach for the rest of the population. Clearly they are more interested in making a profit rather than standing by the principles of Buddhism.
Chris Johnson
Mar 04, 2021
Report
Inside La has become a home away from home within my home during the last year. A trusted place of Solace, Rejuvenation, renewal and tranquility. A place where meditation guides bring me to myself, back to home. Trudy Goodman's teachings, and those of her perfectly hand-picked and curated staff of guides, have provided much-needed Saturday, expansion, and perspective. These compassionate, mindful excursions have literally changed the way my setups is fire. My brain's plasticity has improved and neurons have grown. This is not just a place for meditation, this is the sanctuary were humans, particularly
Nataly Birch
Jan 14, 2021
Report
InsightLA has made such a huge difference in my life. I have been taking classes with InsightLA for over 5 years and it's helped me so much at work, family, and just daily life! The sanga (community) is so supportive and I look forward to going there. I can't wait for COVID-19 to be over so that I can go there face-to-face! Nataly
Mikayla Johnston
Dec 18, 2020
Report
Lauren K.
May 30, 2020
Report
Wonderful. Wonderful. Wonderful. Seriously, how is this page not overflowing with amazingness? GET ON THIS, YELPERS.
I've been ClassPass-ing my way around the USA trying virtual meditation and yoga classes. I was immediately intrigued by InsightLA. Not only is it a non-profit, but they currently have multiple virtual classes a day. I attended Walking the Buddha's Path Together: Clear Wisdom for Modern Times with Lisa and had a 6-star experience. The communication was timely and I had zero issues logging on. They were so organized.
Even from about 3,000 miles away, this was one of the
I've been ClassPass-ing my way around the USA trying virtual meditation and yoga classes. I was immediately intrigued by InsightLA. Not only is it a non-profit, but they currently have multiple virtual classes a day. I attended Walking the Buddha's Path Together: Clear Wisdom for Modern Times with Lisa and had a 6-star experience. The communication was timely and I had zero issues logging on. They were so organized.
Even from about 3,000 miles away, this was one of the
Dee T.
Jan 24, 2020
Report
While I appreciate the existence of InsightLA, they've led the way in LA in providing sitting groups, workshops and classes in insight meditation and MBSR, and also in reaching out to parts of LA beyond Santa Monica, I've come to view the organization as somewhat elitist, `particularly in catering to the needs of mental health professionals seeking to use the concepts in their practice and in using mental health professionals to lead their classes. Buddha may have been a privileged man but he didn't have a Ph.D. While they profess to exercise the practice of "dana", the
Jess N.
Jan 01, 2020
Report
I've dropped in for several of the "Young Adult" meditation groups (because I'm only in the area really on Sundays)....good stuff! It is more the Theravada style of Buddhism, but it's a pretty cool space to practice anything. These particular sessions were guided, but with room for your own practice, and involved group discussions and questions. Nice, peaceful vibes and a DONATION process for the class - which is both traditional and flexible - that was cool, no risk of feeling "cheated" or like you wasted your money, in fact you'll probably be glad to
Ryan W.
Dec 12, 2019
Report
Billy F.
Oct 26, 2019
Report
I learned to meditate with insight LA 10 years ago and it's changed my life. The teachers have been practicing for eons and the donation based classes are inclusive and warm. Since moving from the westside to the eastside I have been trying to attend their eastside classes but it's ironically hard to make the time to forget time. I'm grateful that I now have a personal practice and have Insight LA to thank for that.
Yasmin I.
Oct 25, 2019
Report
Insight LA is a HUGE blessing in my life! I wish everyone in LA knew about this. Their guided meditation classes are led by amazing teachers and everyone is so nonjudgmental and accepting. As a woman of color who is unemployed currently, they told me I could receive financial aid and donate whatever I could for amazing events such as the Self Compassion training by Dr. Kristen Neff, who is one of my role models for the past 6 years. I never thought I'd be able to afford going to these kinds of retreats and events to find peace but they offer so much support and it is accessible to those who
Whitney McDonald
Oct 12, 2019
Report
I had a great experience. It was great having the option to sit in a chair or on a floor pillow. There were blankets and extra pillows for comfort. I loved knowing this for a return meditation. The atmosphere was relaxing and calming before, during and after the meditation. The main upstairs entrance was very welcoming. There was hot water and different tea options to choose from before the meditation. There was also a long cushioned wall bench with an overhead bookshelf with different books available to purchase and sample. I will definitely be back as often as I can.
Jasmyne Boswell
Jun 29, 2019
Report
Being a part of InsightLA has given me a sense of community in this vast city of L.A. Having a Sangha to practice with, great teachers to learn from, and a place to meet like-minded friends is an invaluable asset. The array of special events and classes to choose from makes it easy to hone my practice. I feel very fortunate to have such a community that enhances my experience of life.
Jasmyne B.
Jasmyne B.
Won K.
May 31, 2019
Report
You'd have to been living under a rock not to have noticed the skyrocketing popularity of mindfulness meditation practice these past few years. It's everywhere: on the covers of national magazines like Time, the Atlantic or Psychology Today; books on practice line miles of bookshelves in the brick-and-mortar and online book stores; and meditation apps proliferate like Instagram posts.
While this is a positive trend, prospective students should be wary. The more popular a health and wellness practice becomes, the more options appear - in the form of studios, media offerings and classes
While this is a positive trend, prospective students should be wary. The more popular a health and wellness practice becomes, the more options appear - in the form of studios, media offerings and classes
Karen D.
May 19, 2019
Report
Insight LA provides the warm and loving community one badly needs in a big city in our modern world. I feel at home and at ease when I am there. No pretenses. No shoes. Good tea. And plenty of time to sit and just be, and remember that life needn't be difficult -- it can be simple and beautiful and sweet in its simplicity.
John M.
Jan 02, 2019
Report
Nargess F.
Dec 09, 2018
Report
Lance Negron
Aug 05, 2018
Report
Stanley B.
May 22, 2018
Report
I really want to like Insight LA but after multiple visits I think Insight LA is in it for the money and ego. Recently, I went to an event where Insight LA founder, Trudy Goodman, referred to her husband as "The American Dalai Lama." I thought that was off-putting but tried to let it pass, since he has done a lot, but he took over the event and wouldn't stop talking about himself so I ended up leaving. I was there to listen to Maria Shriver speak about her book on Mindfulness and only heard about Jack Kornfield. Jack Kornfield reminds me to the Bhagwan from the Netflix documentary
Ginny Tal
Dec 16, 2017
Report
After an unpleasant experience with a staff and not being able to get the CEUs for a class I took almost 2 1/2 months ago, I want to write about a very kind and professional resolution to the problem by Ajay Dahiya, Executive Director at InsightLA on 1430 Olympic Park Blvd
Santa Monica, CA, 90404 . Ajay was able to promptly respond to my request and took care of the problem. He apologized for the inconvenience and he restored my desire to continue taking classes at Insight LA. I was also happy to hear that arrangements are being made for a better way for getting the CEUs for those of us who take
Santa Monica, CA, 90404 . Ajay was able to promptly respond to my request and took care of the problem. He apologized for the inconvenience and he restored my desire to continue taking classes at Insight LA. I was also happy to hear that arrangements are being made for a better way for getting the CEUs for those of us who take
Won Kim
Oct 04, 2017
Report
Ali L.
Apr 19, 2016
Report
Insight LA is a very welcoming meditation center in Santa Monica with a variety of courses such as Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Metta (loving kindness), Buddha's Path, and more. All of the classes I have taken five classes there so far have been great. Celeste is one of my favorite teachers as she is personable and knowledgeable about meditation.
There are also sitting groups daily which request dana (donation). I have attended one with Diana Gould on Thursdays. We sit for about 45 minutes and then have discussions on topics like gratitude and having intention rather than reacting
There are also sitting groups daily which request dana (donation). I have attended one with Diana Gould on Thursdays. We sit for about 45 minutes and then have discussions on topics like gratitude and having intention rather than reacting
Jill B.
Apr 17, 2016
Report
Sunday morning sitting group with the masters Trudy Goodman and Jack Kornfeld. And therein lies my ongoing frustration with Insight LA. Excellent teachers. Excellent group of people. Excellent way to spend 2 hours on Sunday morning. I feel like my brain got cleaned out and re-set. People hang around afterwards and I always meet interesting people.
So why can't I get anyone to help me find the next class that's right for me? I'm at a loss. I have not found an organization in LA that is so closely affiliated with Spirit Rock and Jon Kabat-Zinn's teachings, but I cannot find
So why can't I get anyone to help me find the next class that's right for me? I'm at a loss. I have not found an organization in LA that is so closely affiliated with Spirit Rock and Jon Kabat-Zinn's teachings, but I cannot find
Armughan S.
Nov 08, 2014
Report
First things first: I'd recommend you go sit in on a class before you make up your own mind.
Secondly, my experience has been great with InsightLA. I took Basics of Mindfulness Meditation (with Celeste) and I attend their guest talk events when I can. Also, I've sat on their Sunday morning sitting group, which is a pretty neat constellation of folks, lead by InsightLA's founder, Trudy. As a beginner, I appreciated their small size & their ability to draw some pretty cool teachers, like Jack Kornfield (who also sits on the board).
Take the time out and discover it for yourself
Secondly, my experience has been great with InsightLA. I took Basics of Mindfulness Meditation (with Celeste) and I attend their guest talk events when I can. Also, I've sat on their Sunday morning sitting group, which is a pretty neat constellation of folks, lead by InsightLA's founder, Trudy. As a beginner, I appreciated their small size & their ability to draw some pretty cool teachers, like Jack Kornfield (who also sits on the board).
Take the time out and discover it for yourself
Stella J.
Feb 28, 2014
Report
Took a six-week "mindfulness and depression" class in early 2011. Elisha Goldstein--who never stops promoting himself every chance he gets--was the teacher. During one of our "check-ins" (going around the room of ~20 people, chairs in a semi-circle, each person taking a turn), I talked about being suicidal and was in tears. The people near me were kind and hugging me, while Elisha stared at me and went into a monologue--and told me I was "just having a pity party" for myself. I was in crisis and had come to InsightLA for help! And here was the narcissistic Elisha ridiculing
Tess M.
Dec 24, 2011
Report
"Qigong ('chee-gung'), a practice of aligning breath, movement, and awareness for exercise, healing, and meditation http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qigong It is all of that but how does it feel?
I attended my first Qigong Self Healing Class, initially concerned about getting it "right". Somewhere between the self-massage portion of class and the meditation, the perfectionist in me abated. I fumbled through the strengthening poses but it didn't matter that I did. By cool down I had forgotten my laundry list of to-do's, as well as, the week's stressors. And
I attended my first Qigong Self Healing Class, initially concerned about getting it "right". Somewhere between the self-massage portion of class and the meditation, the perfectionist in me abated. I fumbled through the strengthening poses but it didn't matter that I did. By cool down I had forgotten my laundry list of to-do's, as well as, the week's stressors. And
