A week ago today, I was sitting in a cow shed re-reading my notes in preparation to take the stage at The DO Lectures.

Five days before I’d been asked to give a 20 minute talk. When I got the information email there was a line that popped:
“Give the talk that you’ve never given before.”

I speak a lot about Vedic Meditation and yet much less about myself and how meditation has impacted my life.

That had to be my starting point. And I knew I wanted to start big.

Rather than sharing the many benefits of Vedic Meditation, I decided to share how this simple practice brings you back to your Self. To your essence.

It was a leap. It was new for me to ‘go for it’ in this way. And I knew this would be a super sharp audience.

Will people get it? Is this going to land in the way that I want it to? Is it too much?

I didn’t know, and yet it was absolutely the thing to do.

Walk the talk. Follow the charm. Step into the unknown. Ground yourself in that quiet state and take action.

The response was amazing and it was one of the highlights of my teaching career.

Thank you to Clare Hieatt and David Hieatt for taking a leap and inviting me at short notice.
Thank you to all the amazing attendees who listened with openness, curiosity and kindness.
Thank you to all my fellow speakers who encouraged and inspired me.
Thank you to the huge team of amazing staff and volunteers who welcomed us all into the magic that is Do Lectures.

– Jillian Lavender is co-founder of London Meditation Centre and New York Meditation Center.