I came to Common Ground during one of the hardest years of my life. What I found wasn't just meditation — I found a community that genuinely cares. The teachers here meet you where you are, no judgment, no pressure.
Portland, Oregon · Est. 2016
Find your ground.
Common Ground is a secular mindfulness and community wellness center where everyone is welcome — beginners, skeptics, seekers, and longtime practitioners alike. Come as you are.
2,000+ members
15 programs
12 teachers
Est. 2016 in Portland
Welcome
A place to belong
Common Ground opened its doors in 2016 with a simple belief: that the benefits of mindfulness and community wellness should be available to everyone in Portland — not just those with the right background, belief, or bank account.
We're a secular center. That means our programs are grounded in science and human connection, not any particular religion or spiritual tradition. You don't need to believe in anything except maybe the value of paying attention.
Whether you're recovering from burnout, managing anxiety, curious about meditation, or simply looking to meet good people — you'll find your place here.
What we offer
Programs for everyone
From drop-in meditation to in-depth courses, we meet you where you are. All backgrounds, all bodies, all levels of experience.
Mindfulness Meditation
Drop into the present moment with guided sits suited for every level. Rooted in secular, evidence-based practice.
Yoga for Wellbeing
Gentle, body-positive yoga integrating breath and movement. Classes welcome all shapes, abilities, and backgrounds.
Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Our evidence-based 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course. Includes weekly sessions, home practice, and a day-long silent retreat.
Community Sit
Free weekly drop-in meditation open to the entire Portland community. No experience or registration needed.
What members say
Real people, real change
We let our community do the talking. Here are a few of the stories that mean the most to us.
The MBSR course completely changed how I relate to stress at work. I was skeptical going in — I'm a scientist, and I kept waiting for the woo-woo. It never came. Just practical, evidence-based tools that actually work.
What I love most is that Common Ground is genuinely inclusive. As someone who isn't religious, I've often felt awkward in wellness spaces. Here, I feel completely at home. The sliding scale fees also meant I could actually afford to come.
What's on
This week at Common Ground
Drop in, try something new, or bring a friend. All are welcome at every open session.
05
Apr
Morning Mindfulness — Open Sit
07
Apr
Yoga Basics: Floor & Flow
09
Apr
MBSR Orientation Evening
12
Apr