Melbourne Meditation Centre

08/12/2025

https://melbournemeditationcentre.com.au/

07/12/2025

Rest.
Rejuvenate.
Take time out for yourself.

Enjoy a holiday — without the stress of a holiday — on one of our meditation and mindfulness retreats, held in gorgeous locations in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
Find out more at https://melbournemeditationcentre.com.au/meditation-retreats/

13/10/2025

A student showed up to meditation class last week. He had been meditating using a popular app for a couple of years, but thought it would be helpful to get some instruction from a 'real' meditation teacher.

Like many, he was tired of his tendency to overthink, and craved some mental quiet, especially at the end of the working day. Despite diligent daily use of the app, this quiet had remained elusive.

He came to class with the expectation that meditation would help him to stop thinking so much, and that he should divert his attention away from thoughts in order to achieve that goal. He employed a range of techniques with this outcome in mind, but admitted that they usually left him feeling agitated, and / or frustrated.

In class we discussed the fact that the brain is a 'thinking machine' and that trying to stop it doing its job would be akin to trying to stop the eyes from seeing. We also pointed out that by considering thoughts to be 'distractions', he was inadvertently teaching his brain to be on high alert for them (thereby preventing his nervous system from relaxing).

We then did a meditation in which I suggested he make no effort at all to relax, or to calm his mind, or to try to focus on the breath. I also recommended that he allow his thoughts to be a natural and welcome part of the process.

Ten minutes later he reported that he'd just had the most relaxing meditation of his life!

10/10/2025

What we all really want is a deep and loving connection with ourselves. We can seek validation and acceptance through external means, but that will always leave us feeling a little hollow. Therefore, don't prioritise relaxation or calm or clarity or insight when you meditate. Prioritise making space for your own thoughts and feelings, and in extending to yourself the unconditional regard you (like all of us) deserve.

08/10/2025

A commute with all green lights
The smell of freshly cut grass
Fresh sheets
Finding money in your pocket
Trees whispering
People laughing at your bad jokes
The smell of books
A handwritten note
Dogs' enthusiastic greetings
Surprise kindness of strangers
The changing sky at sunset
A baby gripping your finger
A perfect stretch
Rain hitting the roof at night
City lights reflected in puddles
Opening a new jar of peanut butter
Warm towels fresh from the dryer
Ringing a business and getting through to a real person
The quiet confidence of a loved outfit
Cats finding the warmest spot
Flipping through old photographs
Nature reclaiming abandoned places
An unexpected handwritten letter
A perfect parallel park on the first try
The patter of rain on the roof
A smooth internet connection during a video call
The realization that you were right about something small
A surprise text from an old friend
The satisfaction of finishing a chore
A clear view of the stars on a dark night
The smell of woodsmoke in the winter air
Finding a toilet when you're busting
Taking off tight shoes
Watching a sleeping baby
The weight of a blanket
Your favourite food on sale
The shell of your boiled egg coming off in one piece
The smile or nod from a stranger walking along the street
A good hair day
Great customer service
Discovering a new song you love
A cat rubbing up against your leg
A child's giggle
A chalk message on the footpath
A no-questions-asked refund
Comfy tracksuit pants
Getting lost in a novel
Looking unexpectedly good in a photograph
Solving Wordle in 2!

For those astute readers, yes, there are only 49 items. I've left space for you to leave your own in the comments! What little things make you light up?

06/10/2025

This year's Yarra Valley Retreat is less than a month away.

⏳ Take some time out for yourself.
🧘🏻‍♀️Deepen your meditation practice.
🌿Enjoy the peaceful natural environment.
😴 Catch up on your rest, reading and sleep.
😋Savour delicious, healthy meals prepared for you with love.

Friday October 31 — Tuesday November 4.
More info at https://melbournemeditationcentre.com.au/meditation-retreats/yarra-valley-november-meditation-mindfulness-retreat/

01/10/2025

A Day for You: Rest, Recharge, and Reflect

In our busy world, it’s a rare gift to have a day dedicated entirely to rest and self-care. Our mini-retreats offer a peaceful sanctuary where you can step away from the noise and reconnect with yourself.

We'll focus on practical, actionable techniques to help you:

Handle Difficult Emotions: Learn to work with challenging feelings with greater ease and wisdom.

Increase Your Resilience: Build the capacity to comfortably and confidently face a wider range of life experiences.

Sustain Your Practice: Discover simple ways to keep your meditation fresh, engaging, and relevant.

Stay Grounded Under Pressure: Develop the ability to relax your body and calm your mind when it matters most.

Whether you've completed our Beginners Course or have been practising for a while, this mini-retreat offers the perfect setting to deepen your insight and find new ways to integrate mindfulness into your daily life.

Take time out for rest and reflection on our final mini-retreat for the year.

10am — 4pm.
Sunday October 12.
St Kilda.
$165 / $150

https://melbournemeditationcentre.com.au/meditation-courses/intermediate-meditation-courses-workshops/

22/09/2025

21/09/2025

6-Week Meditation & Mindfulness for Beginners Courses start this week. Evening classes.

Sundays in Glen Waverley.
Mondays in Brunswick.
Tuesdays in Geelong.
Wednesdays in St Kilda.
Thursdays in the Melbourne CBD.

Relax. Sleep better. Reduce stress and anxiety. Join 20,000+ others who have learnt how to relax their bodies and calm their minds.

16/09/2025

A few snaps from last week's Spring Retreat.
If you like the look of it, you might enjoy our Yarra Valley Retreat, which runs from Oct 31 — Nov 4. https://melbournemeditationcentre.com.au/meditation-retreats/yarra-valley-november-meditation-mindfulness-retreat/