Tried & Tested Teachings

Since 2005, over 20,000 students have completed the Beginners Course. Those students have told us what works and what doesn’t.

From their feedback we’ve learnt how to demystify meditation and to customise it to the needs of regular folk.

This means our classes are practical, accessible and jargon-free, and don’t require you to sit still or stop thinking.

They also draw upon lessons from neuroscience and psychology, resulting in course material that is both fascinating and unique. Indeed, even long-term meditators express surprise at how much they learn.

What type of meditation do you teach?

We do not teach one type of meditation. Instead, we teach a selection of techniques so that you can find what works for you. You’ll be introduced to all the major types of meditation available. More importantly, we teach you the essential principles of meditation and mindfulness, so that you go away with a clear understanding of what meditation is, how it works and how to do it.

Do you teach mindfulness meditation?

Yes. Mindfulness and meditation — for most practical purposes — can be considered to be the same thing. Both refer to the practice of paying (or regulating) attention. For a more thorough explanation please refer to the article What is the difference between mindfulness and meditation? In any case, on all our courses and workshops you’ll be learning to meditate, and to practice mindfulness.

What type of people attend your courses?

Ordinary people of all ages: students, office workers, business people, professionals, artists, retirees etc. Many suffer from insomnia, anxiety, tense muscles and an overactive mind. Some come with health problems that are exacerbated by stress. Some have tried meditation previously but were taught techniques that were difficult to apply in daily life.

Do I have to sit cross legged on the floor?

No. All our classes are conducted in chairs — usually arranged in a large circle to facilitate group discussion and to allow room for some mindful movement exercises.

What do I need to bring / wear to class?

Just yourself. There are no special requirements, though some people like to bring a pen and paper to jot down notes. You may also like to bring a bottle of water.

What if I’m not a beginner?

We run mini-retreats for those looking to explore meditation beyond the basics.

Nonetheless, you don’t have to be a beginner to benefit from the Beginner Course.

Students with decades of experience often leave with a new-found appreciation for meditation and mindfulness, having developed a greater understanding of the underlying principles, having been exposed to a range of new techniques and approaches, and having developed more nuanced ideas of how their minds work.

If you’ve previously completed meditation retreats, but have found the techniques difficult to sustain in ‘real life’, or if you’ve had a long history of meditation practice in more formal settings and traditions, our Beginners Course offers approaches to meditation that you may find more suited to the demands of contemporary living.