How is Vedic Meditation different from other types of meditation?

Other forms of meditation often involve concentration (focusing the mind through effort), visualisation, or contemplation (pondering the meaning of something). This keeps the mind active. Vedic meditation is an effortless transcending technique that de-excites the mind. In this style of meditation, we use a mantra — a simple, meaningless sound — which guides the mind to an inner experience that is beyond thought.

Also, Vedic Meditation does not involve sitting in a lotus position, or chanting, or having to be in absolute silence. When you meditate, you sit comfortably, with your back supported and your eyes closed. To anyone watching, you appear to be taking a catnap. And, yes, noise is fine too. You can even meditate at sporting events and concerts. Really!

If you currently have a meditation practice that works for you, and you are experiencing amazing benefits – stick with it! There are many types of meditation, and ultimately the right choice is the one that you can incorporate into your daily life. If, however, you have tried meditation before and thought it’s not your cup of tea – Vedic Meditation may be a perfect fit.

I tried to meditate before and couldn’t stop thinking. How will this be any different?

Yup. We’ll talk about this in our info session, but one of the myths about meditation is that you have to clear the mind – which isn’t biologically possible. So, we set ourselves up for failure if we believe an “empty mind” is the goal of meditation. In fact, this technique considers thoughts as an important part of the whole process. The mantra is just one more thought thrown into the mix, albeit more fascinating to the mind. 

So, yes, you can absolutely learn to meditate!

Is there any science to back this up?

While meditation is an ancient practice, there’s a ton of health and well-being benefits validated by thousands of scientific studies. These include the reduction of stress, anxiety, depression and attention disorders. Research also suggests that meditation may help people manage symptoms of conditions such as chronic pain, cancer, heart disease and high blood pressure. Some findings even purport a tangible anti-aging effect!

Most of these benefits are related to the brain’s fight-flight-freeze response when you sense danger. Here’s what that looks like:

• Beta waves rise, producing distress: anxiety, distraction, fear, and an inability to relax.

• Stress chemistry, including cortisol and adrenaline, are released.

• Your heart races, your blood pressure soars, and you breathe heavily.

Vedic Meditation counteracts that response, helping excavate old stress responses trapped in your cells. 

• Alpha waves rise, helping you de-stress: deep rest is balanced with alertness (so it’s not sleeping).

• Bliss chemistry, including dopamine and serotonin, are released.

• Your heart rate and blood pressure lower, and you breathe easier.

Here’s a great, quick snapshot of current research findings...

Can’t I just use an app?

Sure, but they have limitations. There are over 2,000 meditation apps available today, including the (very-profitable) Headspace® and Calm® apps. You may very well have one of these apps on your phone right now. How’s it going? For most folks, the answer is “eh.” That’s not because they are meditation failures. They just haven’t been taught how to meditate. 

Listening to a pre-recorded guided meditation is a great way for a beginner to have an experience, but don’t confuse an app as a path to mastery. Vedic Meditation is a powerful technique that is far beyond what an app can offer. When you learn from a trained teacher, you will be a self-sufficient meditator with ongoing support – no headphones required.

Is this a religion?

No. Vedic Meditation is a simple, practical mental technique, and you don’t need to take on any dogma to reap the benefits. People of all faiths – and those with no particular religious beliefs at all – practice this type of meditation.

Vedic Meditation originates from the Veda, which is an ancient body of knowledge that came from India between 1500 and 500 BCE. According to the Vedic worldview, there is only one thing, and this one thing one thing is consciousness itself. Everything is an expression of this one consciousness – and the very nature of life is bliss itself. If you find that to be an intriguing perspective, great. If not, totally cool too. You will benefit from this meditation either way.

Is this Transcendental Meditation®? 

No. Kyle Young is not affiliated with Transcendental Meditation – or any other organization for that matter. However, Vedic Meditation and TM® share common roots. 

Born in 1918, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was a revered spiritual teacher from the Shankaracharya lineage of the Vedic tradition. While this meditation technique is ancient, it was popularized by Maharishi in the 1960s and 1970s and ultimately was trademarked in the United States in 1978 as Transcendental Meditation.

Kyle trained for two years with Jeff Kober, a teacher of Vedic Meditation based in Los Angeles. Jeff’s teacher trained directly with Maharishi and taught for over 25 years within TM organizations. While Kyle teaches the same technique that Maharishi taught over 30 years ago, and honors the great lineage of teachers who have upheld this meditation, he is an independant teacher. This allows him to offer direct, ongoing support for his students. Practitioners of Transcendental Meditation are welcome to sit in on Kyle’s course, no fee required.

I do other things like yoga and mindfulness meditation to relax. Can I keep doing those practices?  

Absolutely! Different approaches have different outcomes. Vedic meditation is an easy, natural technique that triggers a stress-release phenomenon in your body, and it can complement and enhance other mind-body practices and approaches. 

Do I have to give up BBQ and Shiner?

Nope. You do you, Boo. Practicing meditation does not require anything beyond getting to a chair twice a day. That said, some people are motivated to learn meditation because they want to stop smoking, drink less, or make other life changes. Vedic Meditation will certainly help with these goals.

Will I become zoned out and lose my competitive edge?

Some people view stress as the secret sauce for their success. Spoiler alert: stress makes you stupid. When your mind is scattered and unable to function at full capacity, you are not as efficient. You don’t fully tap into your innate creativity. Grounded in meditation, you’ll be amazed how much you can accomplish, and how your life has a more productive, effortless flow to it. You’ll feel more rested and more capable of adapting to curveballs that come your way too.

How can I possibly add meditation into my already crazy schedule?

Like any lifestyle change, it takes a few months to build a habit. The beautiful thing about meditation is that the practice will actually make you more productive. You’ll find that you look forward to your meditation sessions, and they will help fuel you throughout the day. Part of the four day course is helping you develop a plan to easily incorporate this practice into your daily life.

How long until I get some results from meditating?

Most folks report feeling calmer, having more energy and mental clarity within a week. Many start to feel the benefits after the very first meditation.

How are you holding meditation classes during the COVID pandemic? Do you offer online classes?

For the maximum benefit of the student, Vedic Meditation classes are taught in person only. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve had to adapt a bit. The first one-hour session will be held one-on-one in person, socially distanced with masks. For now, the three follow-up group sessions will take place on Zoom and will be 90 minutes each.

Do you only teach meditation classes in Houston?

Because the first day of the course must be conducted in-person, currently Kyle only teaches in Houston. However, he will be delighted to help connect you with a qualified Vedic Meditation teacher wherever you are. Once it is safe to travel, he’ll offer courses in Austin, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York City and other fabulous locales.

How many people are in each course?

There can be anywhere from two to seven people in any given course. Private courses are also available, if you prefer one-on-one learning. However, the group experience can be very helpful, as you’ll hear about other meditators experience too.

Will this make me sexier?

Duh.

Have other questions? Schedule a free info session on Zoom.