About Melbourne Meditation Centre
The Melbourne Meditation Centre is a little different from most other places which teach meditation. For example:
- we specialise in meditation alone
- we teach the fundamental principles which apply to all meditations, rather than just one or two techniques
- we believe that there is no 'single' technique that works for everyone - so we allow you to find the techniques that work for you
- we want you to understand how and why meditation works
- we aim to teach you a skill, rather than guide you through a process
- we introduce practical techniques which you can use anywhere and at any time and may only take a moment to be of use
- we encourage you to decide for yourself what works and what doesn't
- we encourage students to discuss their experiences of meditation among themselves and with us in order to develop a greater understanding of what actually happens during meditation
- we are not associated with any religious or spiritual groups or philosophies
In essence, we aim to teach you the principles and skills needed in order to be able to meditate effectively and imaginatively by yourself, away from the crutch of a class or teacher.
Melbourne Meditation Centre Teaching Staff
Matthew Young
The principal teacher at the Melbourne Meditation Centre is Matthew Young. Students enjoy Matthew's practical, down-to-earth style, and Matthew enjoys teaching meditation as a simple skill free of extraneous beliefs, jargon or dogma.
Matthew has studied and practiced a wide variety of meditation techniques and traditions, both eastern and western, ancient and modern. He doesn't belong to any particular tradition and doesn't think of anyone as his teacher. Instead he has a number of people he considers 'meditation consultants', people who helped him to fit one or more pieces of the jigsaw together. Many people have influenced him in this way, and how he thinks, practises and teaches meditation owes much to them. Included in these are Eric Harrison, Lorin Roche, Gregory Kramer, Graham Williams and Jason Siff, as well as many others, too numerous to mention.
Matthew usually teaches the Clifton Hill and CBD classes.
Debbie Ling
Debbie worked for 10 years as a social worker in health and welfare settings.
She was introduced to meditation by Matthew Young and studied under him as well
as undertaking training with Eric Harrison. Debbie believes that
meditation techniques are an integral part of a healthy balanced life. She teaches the Wednesday classes in Elwood.
Sarah Fletcher
Sarah was first introduced to meditation at school in her senior year as a tool to manage exam stress. Inspired by her experience she has continued to explore many different meditation practices and traditions, and believes that meditation has been the key to balancing a hectic corporate career and a growing family. Sarah completed her meditation teacher training certificate at the Melbourne Meditation Centre in 2006.
Sabina Vitacca
Sabina’s professional experience working in the mental health field allowed her to repeatedly observe the relationship between health problems and stress. This motivated her to intergrate meditation and awareness techniques into her professional and personal life.
Sabina completed her meditation teacher training certificate with the Melbourne Meditation Centre in 2008, has run courses in London, and currently teaches at the Melbourne Meditation Centre's Yarravile venue.
Julie Aguilera
Julie has a passionate interest in the area of stress management and believes that meditation techniques offer an effective method in helping people to manage their stress. Julie has a diploma in Health Counselling and is currently studying to complete a Diploma in Life Coaching specialising in life balance and wellness. She completed her meditation teacher training certificate at the Melbourne Meditation Centre in 2008.