Hello! I’m Matt Young.

How We’re Different

Meditation has a PR problem. Even today people think of it as tuning out, sitting cross-legged or chanting Om. And meditation is still often taught in overly traditional styles that don’t take into account the realities of 21st century living.

In contrast, at the Melbourne Meditation Centre we base our teaching on solid science and psychology and offer instructions which are clear, practical and realistic.

We’re unique in that we teach you how to work with your thoughts and emotions, instead of simply trying to block them out (which never really works anyway).

We also teach you how to integrate meditation into your day, using ‘spot-meditations’ and mindfulness practices that you can use while engaged in regular daily activities, like walking, driving, waiting or working out.

And most importantly, we don’t just teach one technique or approach. We know from experience that what works for one person may not work for another; so we help you to find the strategies that work for you.

Teaching Staff

Hi, I’m Matt Young. I’m the Director of the Melbourne Meditation Centre. I established the centre in 2005, because at that time many people thought that meditation was flaky nonsense, or just something that monks or hippies did. I knew that it was a useful skill, but that stereotypes kept people away. I wanted to offer an alternative — adopting a down-to-earth approach based on principles from science and psychology, and presenting material in a clear, jargon-free and accessible manner.

Since 2005 I’ve continued to explore and develop an approach to meditation that suits contemporary folk looking for practical ways to feel less stressed. I love helping debunk meditation myths and misconceptions — and seeing the light-bulbs go off in people’s heads when they learn that they can meditate, despite their busy minds and schedules.

Over the years I’ve been involved in establishing a number of meditation groups and in organising events such as the Australian Meditation Conference. I have also been a board member for Headspace and Meditation Australia. I’m also a presenter for the Be Your Best Now Wellbeing Program, and you’ll find my guided meditations on numerous apps.

Although I’ve explored a wide variety of meditation techniques and traditions I don’t subscribe to any one approach. I consider myself fortunate, however, to have met a number of mavericks in the meditation field; teachers who helped me to find the sweet spots amongst the mystery and misinformation.

When I’m not teaching meditation you’ll find me on the squash court, at the piano or reading a mixture of sci-fi and personal development books.

I usually teach the Glen Waverley, Clifton Hill, and CBD classes.

Nick became a mindfulness and meditation teacher as he wanted to help people experience life with a little more calm. He is passionate about making meditation accessible, easy and enjoyable.

Nick’s introduction to meditation came through experiencing a period of personal stress and anxiety. Through practicing meditation, Nick found that he dealt with stressful situations more effectively, could better manage troubling thoughts and achieved a better sense of balance in his life.

Observing how meditation had helped both himself and others set him on the path of becoming a meditation teacher.

Nick’s experience ranges from running meditation courses and workshops at large corporates through to delivering one-on-one consultations. He completed his Teacher Training at the Melbourne Meditation Centre and is currently teaching at our St Kilda venue.

Tracy first encountered meditation in yoga classes in her teens, but struggled to develop a consistent practice — even though she knew it was good for bringing a greater sense of calm and awareness into life.

Over several decades working as a teacher Tracy frequently returned to meditation as a kind of refuge, and in 2018 she reconnected with yoga and meditation, established a consistent and interesting personal practice and completed meditation teacher training at the Melbourne Meditation Centre.

Just as she was a passionate teacher in secondary schools, always well-prepared, engaged in ongoing professional learning and with the wellbeing and best interests of her students at the heart of her practice, she now brings these qualities to teaching meditation.

Tracy aims to share the benefits of meditation, and to introduce students to new ways of viewing and practising meditation using simple and practical strategies that offer a range of approaches to explore according to your personality, needs and lifestyle.