Have you ever considered becoming a teacher of meditation?
Some make a career out of it; many teach part-time within their communities, workplaces, schools; there are many possibilities…
Having led my first meditation teacher training program way back in 1988, it is a real delight to be able to offer 2 more Meditation Teacher Training programs in 2025. Ruth and I love teaching meditation teachers and this year we will be joined by our wonderful colleague and friend, Melissa Borich who has a wealth of experience in meditation practice and teaching, as well as yoga.
These Gawler Meditation Teacher Trainings will be personalised, interactive and fun. They will be informed by ancient wisdom, our collective experiences, and the best of modern research.
Thought for the day
Learning to meditate is the greatest gift
You can give yourself or another in this life.
For it is only through meditation
That we can undertake the journey
To discover our true nature,
And so find the stability and confidence
We will need to live, and to die, well.
We are calling these the Gawler Meditation Teacher Trainings...
There are two modules we will present this year – the first in May focusing directly upon meditation, the second in November focusing upon imagery and meditation. Each module stands independently, but ideally you would join both as they do build on and complement each other.
Completing both trainings does meet the 80 hour learning requirement that is an essential pre-requisite for joining Meditation Australia.
Our courses are accredited by Meditation Australia for this purpose.
The meditation trainings are based upon the content of my two most recent books on meditation: Meditation – an Indepth Guide, and Blue Sky Mind; while the Imagery training has as its key reference my earlier book The Mind that Changes Everything. The imagery training has a lot to do with positive thinking and harnessing the power of the Active Mind – for our own benefit, and the benefit of others.
Each module has its own recently updated manual of around 200 pages.
Each manual provides detailed direction regarding how to present an 8 week meditation-based program.
You could teach directly from the manual, or adapt sections of it to integrate into work you are already doing.
The meditation style is what we call Mindfulness-based Stillness Meditation – a synthesis of all I have learnt from the exceptional teachers I have had the good fortune to learn from over many years, along with my own reading and practice, as well as the feedback and input from tens of thousands of people I have been blessed to work with and help learn how to meditate.
Each module is fully residential. Sure, many people do like to learn things online and often do so successfully, but this is meditation; it is best learnt directly, in person. Also, by being residential there is a huge bonus. You leave your normal life behind for a few days and in doing so, you can concentrate fully on the program, and importantly, you will have some time to yourself…
Have you ever been on a holiday where it was fun, yet you returned and a few days later it was all over; almost forgotten? Sure, the schedules are quite full for the trainings, but we have factored in some free time for self-reflection, walking amongst the beautiful – and inspiring – grounds of the Yarra Valley Living Centre; and there are the dual possibilities of time to talk with like-minded people, and some time for simply being quiet. It will be worth the effort to make the time, to travel and to attend in person. Come back from this and life will be different, and you will have a skill you can use into the future…
Both Trainings in 2025 will be led by Ian and Ruth Gawler, along with Melissa Borich
Without wanting to sound too much like a promoter, the reality is these programs were fully booked in 2024, so it is wise to register soon - Meditation in the Forest is already limited for space...
Meditation Teacher Training – Module 1: Mindfulness-based Stillness Meditation
DATES: 11am Monday 12th to 3.30pm Friday 16th May, 2025
VENUE: The Yarra Valley Living Centre, 55 Rayner Crt, Yarra Junction, Victoria, Australia
DETAILS and BOOKINGS: Visit our website: Click Here
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.
Some of the Forest and Magnificent Trees of The Yarra Valley Living Centre;
Leading down to the Little Yarra River...
Meditation Teacher Training – Module 2: Meditation and Imagery
DATES: 11am Saturday 1st to 3.30pm Wednesday 5th November, 2025 (inc Melbourne Cup holiday on the 4th for Victorians)
VENUE: The Yarra Valley Living Centre, 55 Rayner Crt, Yarra Junction, Victoria, Australia
DETAILS and BOOKINGS: Visit our website: Click Here
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 an 8 week course focusing upon guided imagery. As with the first module, you could choose to teach directly from the manual, or adapt the material to integrate with programs you are already presenting.
ONGOING SUPPORT
For all who join our Meditation Teacher Trainings, ongoing mentorship and peer support is available through a specific group led by Ian, Ruth and Melissa. This dynamic and committed group includes people who have completed one or more of our Meditation Teacher Trainings.
The 2024 Meditation and Contemplation Teacher Training Group
MORE DETAIL on both Meditation Teacher Trainings 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, fillet in 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.
All our Residential Programs in 2025 will be presented
in the wonderfully supportive atmosphere of the Yarra Valley Living Centre
ALSO – ADVANCED NOTICE for 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 our residential programs
through our website: Click Here
