Overview
Melbourne's CBD is now home to KNDRD — a drop-in mindfulness and meditation studio which has taken up residence along Block Place. It's open weekdays and caters to busy nine-to-fivers who need a quick, introspective destress session before, during or directly after the workday. The aim is to make meditation more accessible and, to this end, your first class is absolutely free.
What is mindfulness, exactly? KNDRD defines it as "the practice of bringing your awareness and intention to the present moment, without judgement." It's that bit usually at the start and end of your yoga class, but extended for an entire 30-minute session. The classes start with breathing exercises and move into guided meditation. You're encouraged to sit, stand or lie in any position that is comfortable and wear any clothes that suit you — so you don't really have to change out of your work clothes, either.
All of the instructors are certified at an internationally recognised training program and the studio has been approved by a scientific advisory board — so you know the practice has a scientific basis, too. For now, the primary instructor is Jossy Jimenez, who has an extensive resumé within the field, including a masters in Human Development and certifications in mindfulness facilitation (TMF) and mindfulness awareness practices (MAPs) from UCLA's Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behaviour.
While drop-ins are of course the expected, you can also book your cushion ahead of time here, with your first class on the house. Going forward, a single class costs $15, or you can nab a five-class pass for $69 and 10-class pass for $129. If you're really keen to jump into mindfulness practice, the studio is also hosting a three-hour masterclass this Saturday, October 27.
If all goes well, you'll likely see more KNDRD studios pop-up around Melbourne and across Australia, too.
KNDRD is now open at Level 3, 34–36 Block Place, Melbourne. Opening hours are Monday through Friday from 8am–7pm. To book your class, head over here.