How to easily enjoy the healing benefits of Vedic meditation

There’s no need to silence a busy mind to enjoy the healing benefits of Vedic meditation, so what exactly is it and how does it work?

Intrigued by the healing powers of meditation – but struggling to wrestle your intrusive thoughts into submission?

Vedic meditation can be practised in bed, on the plane, and while curling up in your best Netflix position on the sofa.

The best part? You don’t need to silence your busy mind to reap the benefits of beating chronic stress, anxiety and improving sleep.

What is Vedic meditation?

Harking from the same tradition as transcendental meditation, Vedic meditation has been practised for more than 5000 years with origins in ancient India.

And according to Vedic meditation teacher Nicho Plowman, this ancient technique can be done anywhere at any time.

To practise Vedic meditation, you just need to sit comfortably anywhere while repeating a meaningless sound called a mantra for 20 minutes in the morning and another 20 minutes in the afternoon or evening, Nicho explains on The House of Wellness TV.

“(The mantra) allows our mind to rest,” Nicho says.

“And in 20 minutes, it’s a combination. Think the mantra, release some stress ­– which we might find ourselves thinking – and release a bit of fatigue.”

How is Vedic meditation different from other forms of meditation?

In Vedic meditation, there’s no straight-backed devotees folded into lotus positions in rice paddy fields, no rhythmic chanting, and no focusing on the breath.

Instead, you are encouraged to find a comfortable position with your back supported and focus on the mantra allocated by your instructor.

Why Meditate? Because it Works author Jillian Lavender adds Vedic meditation also doesn’t require any concentration or effort to try and silence the mind.

“Rather than setting up a battle with the mind, we work with the nature of the mind – the mantra leads the mind into quieter, deeper levels automatically and easily,” Jillian says.

“Correct meditation has nothing to do with concentration or control of the mind.

“With the right instruction, it’s possible for everyone to effortlessly settle down their mind and soak up the more blissful, inner layers of consciousness.”

What are the benefits of Vedic meditation?

The potential health benefits of transcendental meditation range from reduced levels of stress, depression, anxiety and burnout and to improved sleep.

“It’s an experience that allows your body to release stress and relax more deeply, which boosts your health in so many ways,” Sydney-based meditation coach Rory Kinsella says.

“People find they have more energy and can cope better with what life throws at them.

“It can also result in reduced blood pressure, rates of depression and even help fight substance abuse.”

Luke Darcy’s tips for getting started

No stranger to the age-old meditative practice, co-host of The House of Wellness TV Show and former Western Bulldogs great Luke Darcy says it’s helped his recovery, sleep and sense of clarity.

“It’s how I start my day and finish my afternoon, it makes my life more balanced,” Luke says.

“Even our kids have adopted it as they see my wife and I doing it so often at home.”

To get started, he says it’s important to not feel pressured to master this form of meditation as it may only leave you feeling more stressed.

While it may be a challenge at first, he suggests starting out with small and achievable steps.

“Don’t feel like you have to block out all distractions – the doorbell might ring, but it doesn’t matter.

“Begin with something manageable, say five minutes a day, and it might be one of the most profound things you do.”

For more on finding your inner Zen:

Written by Elissa Doherty. Updated by Melissa Hong August 2023. 

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