The Meditation Experiment

About the experiment

Just under a year ago, I decided to go to India to learn how to teach meditation.

In the South Indian dusty heat, with a small group of curious minds, I sat in a small cave-like room for two weeks, interrupted only by the sound of monkeys climbing on the tin roof, learning how to 'get there'.

There is lots more to share about this time, not least that the focus on 'getting there' is not the right focus at all, but in short it was a magical and beautiful moment that brought me to a place of calm, knowing and spaciousness.

I kept up my daily meditation for a while, before inevitably it fell off to an irregular practice. And I have since heard many other people tell me they too wish they meditated more.

I know first-hand that there is power in accountability and community when building a meditation habit.

So I wondered: would it be helpful to set up a twice weekly x 20 minute session on Zoom with a small community?

How it works

The September experiment so far is a joy. It gets you up with the light, sitting for meditation at 7am and ready for work by 7.30am.

The next experiment will take place in October:

• It will run 7am - 7.20am every Monday and Friday mornings on Zoom (GMT/BST).

• I will introduce some simple concepts for meditation, and then we do a 10-15 minute beginners meditation for busy people.

Who is this for?

If you’re looking to bring more balance into your life, more mental equanimity - calmness, composure and emotional control. As the saying goes ‘you should meditate every day. but if you’re busy, you should meditate twice.’

The goal is to help you build a regular meditation practice over one month that can carry you to the end of the year. We all could benefit from spending more time in stillness.

How much is it?

Commitment drives accountability and action, so it will cost a nominal £35 for the whole month of 9 sessions.
There is also an option to join for £20 if you know you’ll only join for adhoc sessions.

Why do meditation?

Meditation reduces stress and anxiety, helps give you time before emotional reactions, improves your sleep patterns, and boosts focus and memory. The people around you, and your own jaw tension, will feel the difference. Meditation first thing gives you the chance to fill up your cup before the demands of the day ahead - building groundedness and self management so you can be your best self.

If you'd like to take part, sign up below for more details and I’ll send you more information on how to prepare :)

The group is capped so be quick!

Q&A:

Q: Will I have to attend every single session?
A: This is a 9 session course, so it’s advised to join each session to get the most out of it. But this is for YOU not for me. I can’t force you! Decide what you need from it.

Q: What type of meditation is this?
I don’t teach from any particular tradition, but it would fall under “mindfulness meditation”. I was taught that meditation is all going to the same place: non-judgemental awareness, and deep presence.

Q: Will I need to chat to people at 7am?
A: Nope, you are advised to be on camera but muted. Come as you are. Pyjamas welcome. And if you need camera off to feel comfortable that’s OK too :)

Q: I want to commit to join but I’m lazy!
A: You might want to commit to rest - but don’t commit to being lazy! If there’s a part of you that wants to put yourself out of the comfort zone I think you should do it! Everyone is there to learn and do their best and it’s not something you should feel guilty if you miss a session.

Or, if you have any questions - just fill out the form below and I’ll get back to you in 48 hours.

"Your entire life only happens in this moment. The present moment is life itself. Yet, people live as if the opposite were true and treat the present moment as a stepping stone to the next moment - a means to an end."

- Eckhart Tolle