Tall, dignified, highly accomplished, and confident within
himself.
Dr Meares was also a genuine pioneer of the use of meditation in the Western world.
He wrote the ground-breaking book Relief Without Drugs in 1967 and followed up with many other books on meditation, including The Wealth Within in 1978.
By good fortune, Dr Meares introduced me to meditation and then became a colleague and mentor through the 80’ until his death in 1986.
So who better to ask this crucial question:
“How do I know if I am meditating correctly?”.
His answer was terrific, but it may well surprise you; and then we will look a little deeper as well, but first
Thought for the day
Each day ask yourself the question:
'Do I want to experience Peace Of Mind
Or,
Do I want to experience Conflict?' "
Gerald G. Jampolsky
Me: “How do I know if I am meditating correctly?”
Ainslie Meares: “When you do not need to ask...”
Me – quietly to self – thanks for that; bloody helpful...
This exchange occurred around 1976 as I was struggling with a major cancer, and just starting with intensive meditation as a means towards recovery. The answer was correct; but at the same time, somewhat frustrating. I had hoped for something less Zen like, something more tangible.
But to put Dr Meares’ answer into clearer perspective, the way we can approach meditation has 2 pathways - the Direct Approach, and the Gradual Approach.
The Direct Approach recognises that the real experience – and practice of meditation lies beyond the activity of all our thoughts and emotions, and is much more to do with letting go, rather than doing anything in particular. We could say this is as simple as being still. That simple!
The Gradual Approach involves using a method, a technique to slowly build our meditation practice, and to arrive at that self-same point where we can advance beyond the technique and simply be still.
The Gradual Approach includes many and varied techniques, with many and varied steps along the way.
However, eventually, any true meditation technique aims to help us arrive at the point where we can let go of the technique itself, and progress into that stillness beyond all thoughts and emotions.
We advance from a doing – to a being... This is an experience; and it comes as a direct experience of an inner truth.
Either way, whether courtesy of the Direct or the Gradual Approach, once we do let go of the thoughts and emotions, let go of the attachments and aversions, overcome our ignorance, and simply be still; we will know we are “there”.
We will know we have arrived.
We will have no need to ask anyone else for confirmation. We will know “this is it”.
It is actually that simple.
However, what if we are on the Gradual Approach?
What if we are using a technique?
How do we know if the technique is working?
If we are doing it correctly?
Stay tuned for the next exciting episode... In the next blog: the milestones along the Gradual Path to meditation – what they are, how to build towards them, and how to proceed.
Until then, happy meditating, and a gentle reminder, if you are seeking to make real progress with your practice, going on a retreat is one very reliable way to do so. And the best way of all to progress your meditation, is – when you are ready – to offer to teach it. We still have some places left for both the retreats and Meditation Teacher Trainings for this year – see below:
Meditation Teacher Training – Module 1: Mindfulness-based Stillness Meditation
11am Monday 12th to 3.30pm Friday 16th May, 2025
The Mindfulness-based Stillness Meditation module will cover all the essentials of how to present a meditation course in-person or online. (Yes we do help you with how to present online as we recognise so many people are requesting this for actual meditation programs). This module details a comprehensive approach to meditation that covers preparation, relaxation, concentration, mindfulness, awareness and stillness. An approach to meditation that goes to the very essence… Theory, delivery, session structures, promotion, finances, the special challenges and needs of online courses, and more…
Developed for those new to teaching meditation, and for those wanting to go further.
Both trainings provide wonderful peer support and networking...
Meditation Teacher Training – Module 2: Imagery
11am Saturday 1st to 3.30pm Wednesday 5th November, 2025 (inc Melbourne Cup holiday on the 4th for Victorians)
So many people in so many domains recommend the benefits of guided imagery. This training will position you to be able to offer your community something of great value – a reliable way to help your participants to better understand how their thinking minds and emotions work, and how they can mange them so much better – for their own good and the good of others. This training is also manual based and will enable you to deliver a much-needed program.
Of great personal value, this training is suitable for those new to teaching meditation, and for those wanting to go further. Highly experiential, it will provide a review of the first module that will have given more attention to the basics of how to develop, manage and deliver a meditation program or course. Here we will give some attention to theory, research, delivery, session structures, promotion, finances, the special challenges of online courses, but the emphasis will be on experiencing the key practices of imagery, and working on how to best present a course focusing upon guided imagery.
As a feature, ongoing mentorship and peer support is available through a specific group led by Ian, Ruth and Melissa for people who have completed one or more of our trainings.
Additional information is available via this link
How to apply for either or both Meditation Teacher Trainings:
1. The first step is to visit our website, download the Meditation Teacher Training application form and return it to our Retreat Manager, Mel Crow.
2. Mel will then arrange a short phone conversation to clarify what the trainings offer, discuss your needs, answer any questions and ensure the program is suitable for you.
3. Once accepted for the training(s), you pay a deposit or full fee to reserve your place.
4. Full payment is due 3 weeks prior to the commencement of your training.
Also, our Two Meditation Retreats in 2025:
MEDITATION in the FOREST June 2025
Join us for the very popular Meditation in the Forest 7 day meditation retreat.
Open to and suitable for both those newer to meditation, and those more experienced.
Relaxation, mindfulness, stillness and awareness.
Ruth and I will be joined by the wonderful Melissa Borich…
For your part? Simply make the time and come along…Relax. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Yarra Valley with its big trees, fresh air, beautiful grounds, the Little Yarra River, and sublime meditation sanctuary.
You can simply let go, and let be…
TIMES: Monday 2nd June starting at 11am to 2pm Friday 8th June (after lunch) 2025
VENUE: The Yarra Valley Living Centre, 55 Rayner Crt, Yarra Junction, Victoria, Australia
DETAILS and BOOKINGS: Visit our website: Click Here
DEEP NATURAL PEACE Long weekend mini retreat November 2025
Towards the end of the year, an ideal opportunity for some time out, some gentle introspection and reflection, letting go of the busyness and finishing the year on a meditative high.
TIMES: Friday 14th November starting at 11am to 3.30pm Sunday 16th November 2025
VENUE: The Yarra Valley Living Centre, 55 Rayner Crt, Yarra Junction, Victoria, Australia
DETAILS and BOOKINGS: Visit our website: Click Here
You can register for any of the residential programs through our website
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