Vedic Meditation - what it's all about + where you can learn.

By Amy Crawford

I recall seeing a psychic of some description in Sydney, about 20 years ago. He'd come "highly recommended" and was going to be the answer to my "what on earth am I doing with my life" prayers. As soon as I walked in he took one look at me and said: "Far out, you must be exhausted and it's no bloody wonder, that mind of yours doesn't stop does it!"

Was it that obvious?!

He told me that I must learn to sit still, and meditate. I left and chose not to heed his advice. I proceeded to ignore every other recommendation to do same until it was that I wore myself down to such a degree that CFS rendered me incapable of doing anything BUT sit still.

It is true that CFS was the reason I finally dug my heels in, committing to the practise of mind 'stillage'. I succeeded on and off or a good couple of years, until it was that I dove into my new career and the consistency of my practise fell to the wayside. A common story I'm sure.

The fact is, I am a much happier, calmer and rational human when I'm meditating.

Then, I discovered Jacqui Lewis of The Broad Place.

In 2014 I discovered Vedic Meditation teacher, Jacqui from The Broad Place and over a 4 day period I learnt this wonderful practise. I'm not entirely sure if it was her awesome no BS approach coupled with her gorgeously quirky sense of humour that won me over, but won me over she did. I just got it. It felt good and I didn't want to let it go.

(Keep scrolling for a THI subscriber special treat)

So what is Vedic Meditation?

Vedic Meditation is perfect for those that 'can't stop the thoughts' and find it challenging to find the time. It's an ancient mantra based meditation that is thousands of years old and is practiced with ease, sitting anywhere (no, you don't need a meditation chair), eyes closed, no chanting or unusual positions (you don't even have to cross your legs, or assume any fancy hand configurations), for 20 minutes, twice a day.

You are given your own personal mantra specific to you and your vibration. This mantra is then repeated very gently, over and over and over. When your mind wanders you simply bring it back to the mantra, again and again. This mantra then literally pulls your consciousness down until ultimately there's no thoughts and no mantra, just pure consciousness (or transcendence).

This is why I love Vedic Meditation.

- I can meditate anywhere I please. Sitting up in bed, in my car, in the park.

- If I really need to I can scratch the itch. I can shift my stiff right hip if I need to. I can cross or uncross my legs. This practise isn't a rigid one and I like that.

- It helps you attain a deep state of restfulness which rejuvenates and restores us. My readings tell me that just 20 minutes of VM is the equivalent of 3-4 hours sleep.

How does it leave me feeling?

- A thousand times calmer. I can't even begin to tell you how much calmer. It's like that 'reaction trigger' has disappeared. Situations arise, I observe them, and I deal with them, calmly.

- I feel more focussed, my mind not flitting from one thought to another. Oh the joy in that - the energy you save!

- During the meditation I can feel my jittery system calming, the adrenalin dissipating and I walk on with this sense of calm (that's the best bit, it's the knock on effect that's enough to write home about).

Interested and keen to learn more? Best you read on!

Vedic Meditation Courses, Melbourne

Tuesday 29th August - Thursday 31st August. VM is taught over a period of 3 days but in short stints making it very accessible. You can choose one session per day below. 

Tues 29th August- either 10-11am OR 6-7pm
Wed 30th August - either 10am-12pm OR 6-8pm
Thurs 31st August - either 10-1pm OR 6-9pm

You can find more details here.

Good news! THI subscriber discounted Course rates.

The investment for this training is ordinarily $1200 however, I'm happy to let you know that THI subscribers receive a 10% discounted course rate of $1080, including ongoing membership. All you need to do is mention my name upon booking.

Book your Vedic Meditation course here.

Once you have been initiated you get to attend group meditations and re-attend courses for free in any state that they are held. Personally, I believe there is a lot to be said for investing in such learning - the act of handing over your hard earned cash means we are far more likely to carry these learnings with us and actually use them.

If you can't make it to one of Jac and Arran's course in November, or perhaps you live in another State, you can download a free introduction to VM talk here.

Are you a meditator and if so which practise works for you and why?

This is a sponsored post, I will receive a small percentage for anyone who signs up. Know that I will only ever endorse products & services that I believe add value to the lives of this community and that fully align with my messaging.