What is the difference between Vedic mantra meditation and mindfulness?

Mindfulness is being aware of the present moment which (we believe) should be the outcome of a quality meditation practice, rather than a constant process that requires continual effort. Whilst mindfulness/guided meditations are many people's entry point into meditation, Vedic mantra meditation is an effortless practice that has deep and profound results - including an increase in present moment mindful awareness. I.e. you naturally become more mindful as an outcome of meditating

Is this the same as Transcendental Meditation?

Whilst the techniques are near identical, Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a brand of meditation which we are not associated with. We are totally independent. Our founder is certified to teach by Deepak Chopra's teacher programme. Deepak was a key figure in the TM movement with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi before becoming an independent teacher in the 1990's

Can meditation really help with stress and anxiety?

Yes. And there are plenty of peer-reviewed research studies to show that. Meditation reduces stress chemicals such as cortisol and adrenaline and replaces them with bliss chemicals such as serotonin and endorphins. Meditating regularly only further increases this positive chemical exchange which will improve your brain physiology, fight/flight response, reactions, emotional connection and mental clarity for the better

I have too many thoughts to meditate. Is this a barrier?

No. Our technique embraces thoughts as a natural part of the meditation process. We do not expect people to empty their mind of thoughts and think of nothing. We have successfully taught people with busy minds, constant mental chatter, those who struggle to sleep, and those who have ADHD. Think of thoughts in meditation as stress leaving the body - it's all part of the purification process

Will I have to change my lifestyle or give up alcohol?

No. We do not expect anyone to change their lifestyle in order to meditate, and you do not need to. However, if you are looking to change your habits (stop smoking, cut down on alcohol, get fit, eat healthier etc) then meditation will provide you with a fantastic foundation to make positive change

I have a busy life. How will I meditate every day?

Our course contains lots of practical advice for how you can fit meditation into your routine. We encourage our meditators to create positive habits that enhance their life rather than make it more difficult. You may find that meditation helps you sleep better and provides more energy and focus to successfully navigate your daily routine

I can't sit cross legged. Does that matter?

Absolutely not. If you can sit in a chair or sit with your back supported, you can meditate. A simple as that. Comfort is key!

Why should I pay to learn to meditate?

You don't have to. If you can build a consistent quality practice without learning from a teacher - that's awesome! It's important to recognise that what you're really paying for is the time, experience, expertise and the ongoing support of having an expert teach you to meditate so you can go on to practice successfully and self sufficiently. Learning to meditate is an investment in yourself and the act of investing, or exchanging, is proven to directly lead to higher success rates of those who build a long and successful practice

Do you teach children?

Yes! We have taught children as young as 11 to meditate. We can teach children from around 8-9 years upwards. Our course for under-16's is slightly different to the full Learn to Meditate course, so if this is something you are interested in for your own child/children please get in touch

Is this religious?

No. Although many traditions such as Hinduism and Buddhism take inspiration from the Vedic culture of ancient India, the meditation practice itself is not religious. Think of this as a mental technique, free from any specific belief system