simply silence teacher profiles

Simply Silence groups invite teachers of differing meditation traditions to come along and share their passion for and knowledge of meditation. We aim to present something a little different each time - so that you can experience a variety of meditation techniques and so that each visit to Simply Silence will be unique.

Since it's inception in 2005 we've had meditations led by a diverse range of teachers — from Swami's to psychologists — and on various themes; from the breath and body, to sounds, music, movement and laughter.

Each Simply Silence location also has it's own flavour and pool of teachers. If you're interested in leading a Simply Silence session please feel free to email info@simplysilence.org

We're adding teacher profiles below, so that you can get a sense of what to expect and a little insight into the sessions we've had so far.

Matthew Young, Melbourne Meditation Centre

A persuasive little Indian man convinced me to take up Yoga while I was backpacking around India in '97. For some strange reason, I did - and that's where I was first introduced to meditation. My initial experiences, sitting in an open air 'studio' as monkeys bounded around on the tin roof were surprisingly profound, prompting me to begin an exploration of meditation that continues today.

Essentially, those initial experiences intrigued me mightily, providing the impetus for a quest to discover what this strange, silent practice was all about (and why it often felt so good just sitting quietly without any of the stimulants usually associated with feeling great).

Over the years I explored just about every form of meditation I came across. I listened to the gurus, attended the silent retreats and bought and read book after book after book. All this actually led to more confusion than clarity and much of what I learnt had to be unlearnt later.

Thankfully, I eventually stumbled upon a couple of good (very good in fact) teachers, including Eric Harrison and Lorin Roche. These guys helped to sort the gold from the dross - and my approach to meditation owes much to them.

Today I'm fortunate enough to earn a living teaching meditation. My basic aims are to demystify the whole process. I've found that people benefit from meditation much more when they have a clear understanding of what it is, how it works, and what you're 'meant' to be doing when you meditate. Meditation should and can be easy, even fun, and that's how I endeavour to present it.

p. 9531 1607
m. 0410 562 843
e. matt@melbournemeditationcentre.com.au
w. http://www.melbournemeditationcentre.com.au

Paul Majewski, Meditation Solutions

Paul Majewski, director of Meditation Solutions, trained for seven years with Eric Harrison at the Perth Meditation Centre and has taught meditation in a wide variety of settings, including the legal, medical and rehabilitation areas, in Melbourne, Canberra and Perth, since 1994.

m. 0409 312 634
e. paul@meditationsolutions.com.au
w. http://www.meditationsolutions.com.au

Rita Cattivera, Mind & Body Focus

Hi, I'm Rita Cattivera and I've been involved in the health & fitness industry for more than 20 years. I have a passion for learning, testing and providing the most beneficial and proven health and wellbeing solutions for my clients.

I'm in the unique situation of having in-depth experience and knowledge of both physical and emotional health and wellbeing. My study of Raja Yoga Meditation with the Brahma Kumaris and various other forms has given me the mind tools of discipline in Meditation, while my study of The Chiball MethodTM, Qigong and dance has brought a more physical influence.

I've been able to develop a fusion of "Eastern" and "Western" modalities to create a powerful system to provide the vital balance needed in the holistic improvement and strengthening of both Mind and Body.

I gave away my "day job" as State Sales Manager for a large Art/Framing company after completing my Diploma of Business. I chose to pursue my dream of running my own business focused on sharing my passion to improve people's lives and reduce their pain in a tangible, balanced way.

I have particular expertise in working with people's energy levels, whether in a group or private session. I find this work highly fulfilling; encouraging and developing my client's awareness of their personal energy and their ability to direct it to improve their quality of life.

My passion and commitment to reducing your physical and emotional pain and creating the complete "wellness" lifestyle for you is what inspires me every day. My personal devotion to your balanced, holistic development will give you the satisfaction, peace of mind and wellbeing essential for a balanced, joyful and meaningful life.

m. 0410 515 199
e. ritacattivera@bigpond.com
w. http://www.mindandbodyfocus.com.au

Jenny Petridis, Create Your Day!

Jenny is a Bowen Therapist, the creator of Bowvis® and a Creative Visualisation Meditation Facilitator. She began her journey towards the power of visualisation during her years in the healing arts as a Massage & Bowen Therapist. Years of self-enquiry and her quest to search deeper into the powers of the mind, body & spirit gradually awakened her own need to meditate. It was her personal journey to find inner peace together with empowerment, via accessing the powers of imagination & positive thought that inspired Jenny to develop her own unique method of creative visualisation meditations: ‘Create Your Day’.

m. 0423 646 724
e. jenny.createyourday@gmail.com
w. http://www.createyourday.com.au

Sarah Fletcher, Quiet Mind Meditation

Corporate world by day, part time meditation teacher whenever possible. I first experienced deep relaxation and meditated as a student in high school and that experience was amazing. I have been meditating (on and off) for more than 20yrs now, and have sought out, read and practiced a variety of meditation techniques .. attended retreats and found teachers. Life is better when I meditate. I believe whole-heartedly that meditation is a life skill that the world needs right now. Join me .. stop and be still .. find the silence within.

m. 0417 403 714
e. quietmind@dodo.com.au
w. http://quietmindmeditation.blogspot.com

David Hall, Trainer & Facilitator / Escape the City

David Hall has been Physiotherapy and wellness trainer for over a decade. He is now also involved in group faciliation, environmental campaigning, writing and organising wellness events including weekend cycle retreats - www.escapethcitymelbourne.com.au

Yes he's a busy lad, as his main website www.davidhall.net.au will testify. You'll find David participating and helping to run the Northcote Simply Silence evenings. About three times a year he also facilitates the evenings with a few of his favourite meditation and relaxation techniques.

m. 0405 819 770
e. dave@davidhall.net.au
w. http://davidhall.net.au

Yvonne Anderson, Safe Space Coaching

Safe Space Coaching was created by Yvonne Anderson to provide a safe space for people to explore their inner potential.

As a fully accredited workplace and business coach with over 8 years experience caring for people as a health care worker, Yvonne’s vision for her coaching practice is as a space for her clients to open up, expand and explore in a fun and nurturing environment.

With her gentle nature and kind approach, Yvonne provides a truly safe space on the journey toward personal mastery.

Yvonne believes in the human holistic potential of all individuals. Knowing more of yourself through gentle meditation practice can have dramatic effects, not just within, but on the world around you.

Yvonne writes a blog at: http://www.safespacecoaching.blogspot.com/

m. 0400 428 178
e. yvonne@safespacecoaching.com.au
w. http://www.safespacecoaching.com.au

Adam Nicoll, LifeInsight Natural Therapies

Adam developed a strong interest in Zen Buddhism while a student in high school. Soon after, he left everything and went to live and study for two years within various Buddhist monasteries and meditation centres in the forests of Southern Thailand and in England. He then returned home and completed 4 years full time study and qualified as a Homeopath and Counsellor. In 1996 Adam moved on to practice at one of Europe’s most renowned integrated natural medicine clinics, The Hale Clinic in London’s Regents Park. He returned to Melbourne and established LifeInsight Natural Therapies in 2003. Adam has been a student at the School of Philosophy for nearly 10 years and has recently spent three months in Northern India staying in meditation centres in Varanasi and Bodh Gaya and in the south near Chennai and at Ramana Ashram.

Inspired by the great teachings of both the Eastern meditative and Western contemplative traditions Adam offers solo meditation at Princess Street Health Care in Kew and at his home clinic in St Kilda. Group sessions are also offered at Group of One in St Kilda and Brunswick as well as at the ‘I am Space’ at Confest. The teachers he finds most inspiring from the Eastern tradition include the Buddha, Nisargadatta Maharaj and Ramana Maharshi and from the Western tradition his favourites include Eckhart Tolle, Marsillio Facino - a Renaissance philosopher and Christ.

Adam recently released a meditation CD that offers a twenty minute guided mediation. By way of careful attention to bodily sensations, all sounds heard and the silence beyond all sounds, the mind falls deeply still. With a deep peaceful awareness of ‘Beingness’ a subtle enquiry is initiated to allow direct comprehension of ones true nature – that of our universal and eternal self residing within the heart of all beings.

p. 9534 4747
e. adam@lifeinsight.org
w. http://www.lifeinsight.org

Kate James, Total Balance

Kate James established Total Balance Group in 2002. Combining her long term interests in meditation and personal development, Kate established a boutique coaching and training organisation where the emphasis is as much on finding purpose and meaning in life as it is on achieving personal and professional goals.

Kate first discovered meditation over twenty years ago. Reading widely about different practices over the ensuing years, Kate formalised her training in 1993, participating in a TM program. Kate continues to meditate daily and for the past six years has run regular classes for the general public as well as attending various retreats to deepen her own learning. Believing that there is no better way to manage stress and create clarity and focus, her aim is to demystify meditation and make it accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

As well as teaching meditation, Kate is also a work life balance coach, speaker and writer. She has first hand experience of the work life balance challenge having spent the past twenty one years juggling motherhood and a successful career.

Kate is quoted regularly in the media as an expert in the field of stress management and work life balance.

p. 9505 0424
m. 0419 249 279
e. kate@totalbalance.com.au
w. http://www.totalbalance.com.au

Ajay Ramdas, Arohati Group

A corporate trainer by profession, Ajay's introduction to meditation came through Rajan (founder of the spiritual organization Alma Mater, in India), who's programs he attended in order to observe the style that made Rajan a charismatic speaker. Here, Ajay was exposed to both the science and spirituality of meditation and an understanding of its application in the modern world. A transformation occurred and the journey within began.

Shortly thereafter, Ajay attended a couple of eight day retreats, where his experience and understanding of meditation developed through processes framed by both static and dynamic meditation techniques. Seeking further knowledge, he learned more from other gurus, such as Swami Sandeep Chaitanya, and a wide variety of books.

Ajay moved to Melbourne with his family in 2008 and set up Arohati Group, providing life coaching and conducting meditation courses after acquiring his qualification as a meditation teacher and Cert IV in Training & Assessment.

Ajay designed and delivers the popular meditation course called ‘@peace…’ based on promoting stress relief and happiness and is set to release his first guided meditation CD shortly.

Ajay is also an executive member of both the International Coach Federation and Toastmasters International.

p. 9005 9886
e. ajay.ramdas@arohati.com.au
w. http://www.arohati.com.au/index.php?dis=@peace