VEDIC MEDITATION

A simple, natural and effortless technique that will uplift your everyday and bring you closer to your purpose.

‘‘This is a life changing experience’’ - Suzy, Artist

Why Vedic Meditation?

There are many forms of meditation available in the West. Some teach us to strain, concentrate or focus as we aim to ‘empty our mind of thoughts’ and leave us feeling we’re doing it wrong. Others are readily available over apps, and leave us feeling unsatisfied and longing for more. I tried all of the above, but when I found Vedic meditation, I knew I had found what I had been looking for.  

Vedic meditation is an ancient practice that’s proven to release accumulated stress and increase your baseline of happiness. The practice originated in India as part of the ancient body of wisdom known as the Veda, which is the same branch of knowledge that brought us Yoga, Ayurveda and many key tenets of Eastern philosophy. It’s a simple and natural technique that allows the mind to step beyond thought. It’s remarkably easy to integrate into your life, and you can meditate anywhere you feel comfortable to close your eyes. It’s not a technique designed for monks or people living in caves; it’s made for people just like us, who lead busy lives and have careers, relationships, responsibilities and passions.

I teach Vedic meditation person-to-person via a 4 day course that takes approximately 90 minutes per day. By giving you a personalised, vibrant sound known as a mantra, I will teach you to access the place beyond thoughts that exists within all of us. 

It’s a technique that works for anyone; I’ve witnessed the astonishment and relief when people of all ages - from retirees to young children, from creatives to scientists and doctors, to founders and CEOs - are able to enjoy and sink into meditation for the first time. And I’ve heard their reports of how the practice has uplifted so many different aspects of their lives.

The course is practical, profound and potentially life-changing. And it’s anything but boring.

If you’re interested in hearing or learning more, the next step is to get in contact with me. I can answer any questions you might have, and provide you with a free introductory talk.

I teach in London, Cheshire East and Hydra Island Greece, and I am available to travel to wherever there is interest to learn.

“Hayley Shepherd is a truly inspirational teacher - to be taught by someone with such passion and care for the skills that she’s bestowing, was by far the most valuable part of my whole learning experience. Her teaching style is both intellectual, yet deeply empathetic — learning about her journey and what she’s learnt along the way was helpful in allowing me to understand where and how I could also bring Vedic meditation into my life in a transformative way. She was patient and collaborative, and has undeniably helped me on my own journey. Before I always thought I “could” meditate, I just didn’t get much out of it, so it wasn’t for me. Now having learnt the process more intimately through Hayley’s teachings, I’ve been gifted with a deeper understanding of the practice, and with this appreciation - a genuine desire to master it, which is already showing benefits in my day to day. Thank you to Hayley for teaching me this invaluable skill. I couldn’t recommend her more highly as a teacher.”

— Sophie, 34, General Manager, Advertising

About me

I began my journey with meditation when I was six years old, but I didn’t return to the practice until I was aged 28 and strung out with stress. Like so many others, I was burning the candle at both ends and living between pockets of temporary happiness. I knew there was more to life and I was convinced fulfilment existed, because I’d felt glimmers of it, but I didn’t know how to sustain it. Vedic meditation changed everything for me. It is a simple, natural and effortless technique which instantly had a profound effect on my state of mind and sense of self. As I began to shed the layers of years of accumulated stress, I began to sleep better, eat better, and feel infinitely better.

Meditation and the ancient body of wisdom known as the Veda brought me a new way of looking at the world and moving through it. Life became more effortless, full of flow: good things started happening. I felt like I was travelling the right way down the river, floating and sometimes whizzing along joyfully. Even the bumps didn’t feel quite so big, or take as long to recover from. My intuition was strengthened, so I had clarity about where I should be, and what I should do; decisions felt easy because they became based on what feels deeply right and what brings charm, joy and warmth. Uncertainty started to take on a new form - it began to feel like possibility. I lost rigid attachment to outcomes, and started to enjoy the journey. I became more self-sufficient; instead of seeking fulfilment (and never really finding it) elsewhere, I turned to myself, and became responsible for my own happiness.

After four years of practising Vedic meditation and feeling the richness of its benefits, I decided to become a Vedic meditation teacher. My journey involved over 3000 hours of study and several months of rigorous training in the foothills of the Himalayas, under the tutelage of Thom Knoles - Maharishi Vyasanand Saraswati - the only Westerner ever to be inducted into the  tradition at the highest level. I am officially recognised by the Shankaracharya tradition of India, one of the most revered branches of teaching. As soon as I graduated, I traveled to Australia for a month to shadow and be mentored by one of the world’s most respected teachers, Limor Babai. Earlier this year, I was invited back to India to assist Thom Knoles and his team of Course Leaders to support in training a new group of teachers.

I truly believe that everyone deserves to lead a full, expansive and happy life, and it is within reach. I chose to teach Vedic meditation because it’s the easiest and most sustainable way I know of getting there.

I am deeply passionate about making meditation accessible to the areas of greatest need around the world, and so I serve on the Board of the charity Meditation Without Borders; an organisation started by meditation teachers who believe in its profound ability to ease suffering and conflict.

The simple steps to learning.

  • During this 30-minute call, we’ll talk through all the details about the course, the technique and its benefits. This is a chance for you to ask anything before making the decision to take the course, and there’s absolutely no obligation.

  • The immersive in-person course consists of four 90-minute sessions held over consecutive days. By the end of the course, you'll be a completely self-sufficient meditator with a technique to last you a lifetime, and you’ll begin to experience its benefits from the outset.

  • You’ll have access to Hayley as a teacher and an invite to join weekly group meditations and Vedic knowledge sessions. You'll also have full access to retreats and advanced courses from Hayley and every other Vedic Meditation teacher across the globe.

  • Greater happiness and fulfilment

  • Reduced stress levels

  • Reduced anxiety and depression

  • Better quality of sleep

  • Increased energy levels

  • Lower cholesterol and blood pressure

  • Decreased addictive behaviours and unsustainable habits

  • Improved health

  • Greater clarity of mind and ease in making decisions, more flow

  • More effectiveness in tasks and at work

  • More adaptability and resiliency

  • Increased self sufficiency

  • Increased creativity

  • Improved relationships

Just some of the benefits…

The science of the benefits of meditation is unequivocal and documented in hundreds of peer-reviewed studies.

The course

The course comprises of 4 x 90 minute sessions over 4 consecutive days, followed by continued support and access, as and when you need it.

Day 1 - Initiation into the tradition & receive your personalised mantra.

Day 2 - The mechanics of meditation, and how to seamlessly integrate it into your life.

Day 3 - Learn how meditation releases accumulated stress from the body.

Day 4 - The long term benefits of meditation & expanding consciousness.

By the end of the course, you will be a fully self-sufficient meditator with confidence in a technique that will last you a lifetime. You’ll receive continued support from myself and free access to group meditations and knowledge sessions, which take place every Monday night.

What people say

  • 'It brings me such joy that a soul that’s been raised around western culture has gone and spent time in my mother land and, with such grace and warmth, embodied it’s beautiful teachings. The way you speak, the way you listen and the way you immerse yourself and others in this delicious ocean of meditation and have us coming out enriched is truly sensational!'

    Kush, Creative and Musician

  • 'The course has opened my eyes to the many, varied benefits of Vedic meditation. Whereas I thought I might struggle to get a grasp of the concept, Hayley's tuition was pitched perfectly and was easy to understand, even for a novice like me. The second challenge which I thought I might face is finding the time to meditate during a busy working week. This has been much more straightforward than I had anticipated since I find that I want to make time for my meditation, knowing how much better I feel afterwards, and therefore prioritise in my day. It has genuinely become a highlight in my daily routine, an unexpected but delicious outcome from taking part in the course. I would whole-heartedly recommend this course to anyone. Hayley is an incredible tutor and I feel fortunate to have been taught by her.'

    Sophie, Doctor

  • 'I can't even start to explain how delighted I am with myself for taking the plunge and deciding to learn Vedic Meditation with you. I loved every minute of the course and you are an amazing teacher.  I am meditating every day and am surprised how quickly it became such a normal part of my daily life and I love it! I can honestly say I do feel like I am benefiting from it already. I just feel like some of my health issues are lifting, I feel positive and so much seems to be falling into place. My special Mantra is a seed that I will nurture and watch grow.'

    Helen, Finance

Learn to meditate.