Re:Mind in Victoria has the look and feel of a swanky fitness studio. It’s decked out in calming tones, with a living wall of air purifying plants and natural salt lamps. But you’re more likely to space out than sweat here, because instead of barre or pilates, Re:Mind offers drop-in meditation classes for frazzled Londoners.
The small studio space, set up by two friends, aims to follow in the footsteps of cities like LA and New York, where meditation is more mainstream. Re:Mind offers eight different classes, such as Re:Start for total mind-quieting newbies and Re:Sound, an immersive sound experience perfect for those who find themselves distracted the tick of the clock the minute they try to meditate. There’s also a juice and herbal tea bar, plus an onsite shop selling sustainable products, from Self Care Co’s vegan aromatherapy candles to Hackney Herbal tea blends and Womanology’s balm for self-love-making, if you want to take some calming vibes home with you.
I tried the Re:Aim class, a part-guided meditation which focuses on good intentions and positive changes. It was an early start and I’m not entirely sure if I was awake for the full 45 minutes, but I do know that I arrived in the office feeling refreshed and focused at the start of the day.
As London thrums just outside – the studio is just minutes from the hub of Victoria station – Re:Mind’s feels like a worthwhile initiative. We’re more focussed on our physical health and wellbeing than ever, why not dedicate serious time to our mental health too? But it’s not a cheap one. A cushion at Re:Mind will set you back £10 for your first class, then £22 for drop-ins after that.