More patience and a better listener

I learnt to meditate about a year ago. A friend mentioned they practised Vedic Meditation and found it relaxing and inspiring and thought I would enjoy it. Initially I was reluctant, thinking that I would have to empty my mind, sit with crossed legs for hours, wear orange, grow a beard and give away all my possessions.

Meditation really does help balance my mind and body—and therefore, my life. My husband says I’m much nicer now I meditate twice a day—more patient, open to new ideas, a better listener. I do hope so. I feel I will have the energy and wisdom to cope with whatever is thrown at me.

I so enjoyed the weekend course with a bunch of people all going through the same experience. I see some of them occasionally when I attend a Group Session on a Monday. The quality of meditation in a group is much deeper and refreshing, and always good to experience Michael’s warm welcome, wonderful tips and shared insights. He creates an atmosphere where no-one is afraid to ask a question and everyone feels included.

Jane, Retired


Great teachers

I never thought of myself as somebody who can or has the patience to meditate. And so it took me 6 years from the time I heard about the London Meditation Centre until I finally signed up for the course. But I was ready and everything in my life pointed towards that. I was also won over by the fact that there is a significant body of scientific research/evidence on meditation and its impressively beneficial effects on our health and well-being, both physical and spiritual.

I quickly fell in love with the idea that this style of meditation does not require you to quiet your mind (impossible for me) or concentrate on not thinking (even worse). The meditation that Michael and Jillian teach is so natural and simple, that I found myself eagerly awaiting my next meditation class. In my less-than-relaxed life full of errands, responsibilities, children, laundry, big and small daily challenges, the meditation became an oasis of calm and clarity.

Much of what we learn in our lives depends on our teachers. I thought Jillian and Michael were both brilliant—approachable, welcoming, passionate and down-to-earth. All in all, a very surprising and eye-opening experience that I would (and have already!) recommend to anybody who is looking for clarity, balance and calm.

Katia, Former CEO and mother of two


Stress levels down

Just over a year ago I decided to give myself the gift of meditation as a birthday present – and it has truly been a gift to me.

I work in a fairly high-pressure job (a London city law firm) and was starting to notice my stress levels creeping up to unacceptable (and indeed, unmanageable) levels. I was looking for a way to take back control of my emotions and feel calmer. I’m not interested in taking pills and I’m not what you’d call spiritual. Vedic Meditation appeals to me because I’m not generally able to ‘shut off my mind’ for long periods of time, and there’s no judgment or stringent ‘do not think or you’re doing it wrong!’ rules in this form of meditation.

I liked the small class size and the chance to hear everyone’s questions. Michael was a very personable instructor and the class was enjoyable. One of my favourite moments was the group meditation at the end.

I now meditate twice a day regularly (with a few missed meditations here and there, of course!), and I feel like my stress levels are much more in my control. I feel noticeably calmer and have more focus. I’ve told all my friends about meditation and will continue to do so. Take this course! You’ll be so very glad you did!

Tina, Project Manager


A life-changing course

I found meditation in September 2012. Or rather it found me.

A good friend of mine invited me along to a talk by Jillian one September evening and her enlightening words resonated with me so much I decided to sign up straight away.

Always tired of feeling tired and struggling with London life on a daily basis, her talk unfolded into something that was literally music to my ears. I had tried everything to that point. Yoga was saving me to some degree and I had also tried massage for my tension, and had changed my diet due to a difficult migraine condition. But I was a long way from feeling on top of things and the day-to-day struggle was starting to take a strain. I had no idea what to expect and no preconceptions. I just knew I had reached that point where I had to give it a go.

My course was life changing.

I can remember the fog slowly lifting over the four days. It was informational, inspirational and illuminating. It felt in lots of ways like I was unlocking a powerful secret. I felt very humbled and very lucky to be taught by Jillian.

And by the end of the course I was already starting to notice changes. My mind was clearer. More streamlined. Thoughts seemed less jumbled and foggy. I began to feel switched on in lots of areas. From things as dull as filing and getting paper work sorted, to having more energy at work. More ideas, more focus, more efficiency.

In my role as a creative, I noticed huge benefits. I felt as if my instinct was sharper for ideas. Colours seemed more vivid. And I had an abundance of creative thoughts and ideas. Some would literally come to me with my eyes shut! I would sometimes be overwhelmed by how much more alert I was.

Other changes too were obvious. I was happier, less stressed, my shoulders free of tension. People commented on how glowing I looked (I swear it has turned the clock back on my skin too.)

I would encourage anyone even thinking of attending this course to go for it to.

On a spiritual level and a practical level, meditation really is a miraculous, wonderful thing.

Claudia, Art Director and Entrepreneur


More relaxed and grounded

Learning to meditate with Jillian and Michael gave me a gift I now have for life. I attended their course several years ago and I loved every minute of it. Every day I meditate and every day I’m thankful I did that course. Meditation makes me feel better: more relaxed, more grounded, I sleep better and I can deal better with external stresses. If you’re thinking of attending one of Jillian and Michael’s courses I’d say ‘go for it!’- I know you won’t regret it.

Emma, Marketing Director and Business Owner


Look and feel younger

In 2008 I sensed a huge change in my life and mind —I had lost a lot of weight, was finally fit and healthy, and could see my kids growing as a result of my choices. I knew, however, deep in my core that something was still missing. Having dabbled in some relaxation techniques I decided to approach London Meditation Centre to investigate Vedic Meditation. From the very moment I met Jillian and Michael I felt like I’d come home. Their intelligence, insight, humour, brightness, and general ability to live in the flow were exactly what I needed. It was a quick decision to become a meditator, even though my financial situation was precarious (with superb solutions offered by J and M and taken advantage of by me).

Afterwards, the group meditations, and special events consolidated and enhanced not only my meditation but also the direction and synchronicities my life was then enjoying, in spite of many changes and challenges.

The end result? Today I am still fit and healthy, with better relationships. I look, and feel years younger.

The question for anyone contemplating learning Vedic Meditation is not so much “Should I meditate?” but rather “When can I start?”

Nick, Sales


Sleeping well and relaxed

I began meditating around four years ago. I found myself in an unsustainable working routine. There was no amount of sleep that could refresh me. I went in search of a more powerful relaxation technique and Vedic meditation was what I found.

I went to an introductory talk with Jillian. She told wonderful stories about the infinite benefits of meditation, including how its benefits have been scientifically verified. The basic message seemed to be that if I sat down and closed my eyes for twenty minutes twice a day, I would become a relaxed, enhanced version of myself and would all at once be at peace with the world around me. I was very sceptical. I had done some meditation before, learning from a book. However, I had not been able to sustain it for the seven minutes suggested, only for two or three at the most. I explained this to Jillian, asking her how I might sustain it for a full twenty minutes! Her answer seemed to come from some deep-seated reservoir of wisdom – ‘Meditation in its essence is very simple. If you are trying to do it, you are not meditating correctly.’

I began the basic course. When I returned to work the following week, my mother, my cousin, my oldest friend and my closest co-workers all remarked that I seemed quite different. And I was. Sleeping well. Relaxed. Less flappable. Happier. Open to new horizons and open to other people too.

Brian, Solicitor


Easy and enjoyable

I have been meditating for nearly three years, following the 4-day course in central London. I was a bit sceptical at first as to the methods and benefits of meditation, but was pleasantly surprised at how easy and satisfactory it is and I now meditate twice a day for 20 minutes each time.

The course teachers, Jillian and Michael, are amazing and full of useful information on dealing with life experiences through meditation. Their explanations and analogies answer all questions and dispel any doubts. They are gentle and respectful people with a great deal of insight and empathy with their students.

Initially, I found I enjoyed the time dedicated to meditating twice a day and my family supported me in this. I attend as many of the Monday evening group sessions as I can. These are helpful as they re-connect me (and many others) with the pleasures of meditation. As in all groups, you can find support and reassurance from fellow participants and the teachers and share ideas and experiences.

I will continue to meditate as it is calming and relaxing and therefore has a beneficial effect for me and the people around me.

Yvonne, Retired NHS physiotherapist


Calm and confident

I liked the course for a few reasons. I feel I got to know Jillian quite well during my course. I found her warm and approachable and her teaching to be very interesting and knowledgeable.

I did have doubts—however Jillian was able to answer all of my questions and the doubts I had were eliminated.

My early benefits from meditation were better quality of sleep and an overall feeling of calmness. Further into my meditation experience I feel more confident and generally much less tired.

Brenda, Property Management


Increased efficiency in day-to-day tasks

Initially with the introductory evening explaining VM and its benefits I was cautious. However, when Jillian and Michael began explaining the course, it just made sense to me that this was something I needed to incorporate in my life. I loved how the explanation was informative and not forceful.  If I had found myself searching for some new meaning in my life, I was in the right place.

Michael and Jillian are warm, kind and genuine teachers. For me it starts with compassion and love. It then needs to be supported with guidance and knowledge that I can trust. These two deliver and lead wonderfully (something that is hard to come by).

I always have doubts about things but I like to think I also have an open mind. This course and these teachings then came to me and I embraced them. I have never looked back.

From very early on, my life completely changed. I was more energized, clearer in my thinking and more able to get in with my life without too much difficulty. Meditation is a release of stress and tension but more specifically a tool to help you move on with life rather than dwell and suppress.

As I continued with VM my life became more manageable. I was able to balance things more and be more productive. I could get through more day-to-day tasks efficiently and with ease.  Habits changed and so did my priorities. Things seemed overall much better.

I had the opportunity to travel with Michael and three others to the week-long retreat in India; it was magical. I recommend it, as it was a time to love and live more. The  course was just so healing. Not to mention all the treatments, food and ceremonies that took place. The whole experience was like no other and I hope one day to do it again.

Ben, Fashion Buyer and Store Manager