Back in January I made a new years resolution to start meditating, 6 months later here I am, finally booked on to Will Williams meditation course to learn the art of Vedic Meditation.
“Vedic meditation is one of the most ancient techniques on the planet. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it the perfect antidote to the demands of 21st century life.”
Friday Evening
As with everything, I booked late onto the course so the only available slot left was 7pm on the Friday night, a group introduction rather than one to one. At first I was a little apprehensive but armed with the flowers and fruit we are asked to take, I head to the soho studio.
Four of us sat and listened whilst Catherine, our teacher for the weekend, talked through the upcoming events for the evening. First off was the puja ritual in which the flowers and fruit are given as offerings, this was also as hippy as it gets on the whole course. In a private room Catherine then gives us each our individual mantra, a totally unique word chosen for us. When I first received it I kept thinking I was going to forget it and we were told not to say it out loud or tell anyone.
Once we had all been given our mantra and were sat comfortably on the sofas (no crazy yoga poses needed) the first meditation began. 30 seconds to adjust to your surroundings and close your eyes, then 20 mins for silently repeating your mantra in your mind and meditation. After it was over we discussed our experiences and I’m glad we did. All of us had thoughts that came and went and at times found it hard to concentrate, but reassuringly this is normal, there is no such thing as bad meditation I came to learn.
Saturday – Day 1
Having had a terrible nights sleep due to hay fever, I head off, half asleep, to the first day of the course. First up is a run through of what to expect for the weekend followed by a ‘mantra check’, if like me you think you’ve forgotten it or want to check you’ve not evolved it into a new word.
When it’s time for the second chance to meditate I feel excited and again it’s different from before. My head wanted to tip right back to the point it was hurting my neck so I kept pulling out of it and also the meditative state. After the meditation was finished we spoke about our experiences, my neck, and I was told to try and go with it. After the course had finished for the day I had this sense of wanting to go home and be in surroundings that were comfortable to me. It was an odd sensation but one that i’d learn is also normal, everyone has different experiences and reactions.
For the evening meditation I was on my own sofa and in more comfortable environment. I let my head fall back and fell deeper into the meditation to the point I thought I’d managed to see what i can only describe as my ‘third eye’.
Sunday – Day 2
The second day of the course and I feel refreshed. I’m ready to learn more and hear how the group got on meditating on their own. We shared experiences and meditated (different again from previous meditations), then Catherine shared more experiences about the benefits of vedic meditation, how to work the twice daily 20 minute meditations into your daily routine and ideas on additional reading.
Sunday evening, my last meditation for the weekend and back in my own space. Although it was not as intense as the previous night it was still meditation. Once I’d finished I had a video call with my sister and she ask what cream I had on my face. I was amazed, I’d read about a face oil that is produced when meditating, which is why you should shower before and people believe will make you look younger, but to get an unprompted comment on it was proof something was right.
So watch this space, if I can keep this up twice a day for 20 mins I might look 10 years younger, feel calmer and think more clearly before I know it.
For more information and course dates visit the Will Williams website.
