One thing we love most about NYC is how many secrets it holds, some of which we haven’t even uncovered ourselves! Like, did you know that hidden behind a discreet black door in Chelsea is a little alleyway that leads to an 18th century home where you can partake in sound meditations, weekend workshops, and special wellness events?! We just found out about it ourselves, and the only thing we’re upset about is that we didn’t find it sooner!
The space is called Official Ritual, and it’s a dedicated sound meditation space that help you reset, relax, and connect with what’s important. Official Ritual writes, “We’re here to provide a container to reset to neutral and heal – so our community can go back to their lives with a renewed spirit and strength to take better care of themselves, their loved ones, and the world.”
And oh, how a nervous system reset is exactly what you’ll receive–at least in our experience!
The space holds several different rituals, each of which are designed for small, intimate sessions to ensure personal attention and a 1:1 treatment for each attendee. Rituals include their Signature Sound Meditation, Gong Temple, Breathwork Journey, Morning Sound Meditation, and Afternoon Tuning + Restore. They also hold workshops, such as Gong + Reiki Circles and Chakra Healing Ceremonies.
Upon walking into “The House,” you’ll be greeted by the concierge who will prompt you to shut off your phone and secure it in a signal-blocking pouch. Yes–the space is a phone-free sanctuary, allowing your time to be really free of distractions. After taking off your shoes and finding an open mat to lay on, your practitioner will lead your session in the Reiki-charged space. Frequencies, tones, and vibrations are experienced live from instruments like gongs, singing bowls, and tuning forks, resetting your nervous system, promoting brainwaves to Alpha + Theta, and helping you reach NSDR, or non-sleep deep rest.
We experienced the Signature Sound Meditation, and it was actually the most relaxed we’ve felt in what feels like years!
If nothing else, your session will allow you to have one of the most relaxing few moments of your life.
Attendees will end the experience with a casual tea experience, helping you to ground before heading back to your day. The introvert-friendly setting allows you to enjoy your tea in silence, riding out your bliss, or chat about your experience–or about anything, for that matter–with others.
You can experience a ritual in three ways:
- New Client Immersion – 3 rituals for $95 (new members only)
- Drop-In – $47 per ritual
- Becoming a Member – 3 Rituals for $125
As for how to dress for your experience, that’s totally up to you! Comfort is key, but you can arrive exactly as you are–from work or before any evening plans you may have. You will be asked to take your shoes off, though, so plan accordingly. Socks or barefoot are your preference.
Official Ritual is a “proud woman + gay owned small business in NYC with no corporate investment or venture capital backed funding.” Learn more, view the schedule, and book your ritual today!
📍 112 West 17th Street