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Suzivia Google

about 2 months ago

After attending Jay’s weekend course, I’ve continued practicing ever since. It was a year ago. Looking back, I can honestly say this was one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I wholeheartedly recommend this method and course to everyone. Although it can be very challenging, Jay’s patience and calm guidance are truly inspiring!!

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Zsofiavia Google

3 months ago

I highly recommend this meditation centre to everyone who is interested in meditation and or wants to try the Vipassana technique but doesn't have time for a 10-day retreat. It's a magical place full of tranquillity, and the teacher is kind, knowledgeable and welcoming. In my opinion, this is the best way to try Vipassana. Doing a 10-day residential retreat is a big commitment, in terms of time, availability, and you might not be sure if it's the right thing for you. As far as I know, quite a lot of people leave during those 10 days. The meditation practice is in itself quite enduring and challenging, so going right away full-in and waking up at 4 am and meditating for 12 hours, while not moving, is quite extreme. The weekend and non-residential retreats with Jay are the perfect way to test the technique for yourself, as it's a much lighter and more harmonious approach. It's non-residential, so you go home during the night, which can be helpful to see Vipassana more as something that's part of your life because you also practise at home and set up your meditation corner. Don't be mistaken, even this ‘lighter’ version will be enduring, but it's a highly rewarding experience. My experience- Originally, I wanted to do the 10-day retreat, but I did not get a spot from the waitlist, so I wanted to research alternatives. I was very lucky to have found the Vipassana centre in London and signed up immediately. The first weekend was very tough for me, as you're supposed to be as still as you can during the one-hour meditation, but I was struggling with a lot of pain in my legs. Our teacher, Jay, had a very supportive and harmonious approach, helping me through these frustrations, instead of forcing me to be still - which often happens during the 10-day Vipassana retreats. Looking at this difficulty with equanimity helped me to overcome it over time as my body got used to this way of sitting, and he also encouraged me to sit in the chair whenever I needed- it's more important to focus on technique than to suffer. After this weekend without my phone and spending both days at the centre, I felt very light, calm and present. So I decided to deepen my practice and learn the full technique by coming back for the following weekends and practising as much as I can between the retreats. Every time I returned, Jay gave me the next steps to work on. It's a challenge to do a different experience than the others in the room, as I had to listen to the guided meditation of the group, but to be honest, in general, Vipassana is not easy, and it's full of challenges. The point is to do your best and practice equanimity. You are, after all, retraining the way your mind works and how you react to sensations and stimuli. For me, the effects are indescribable. It's the single best thing I did for myself this year, so I will keep practising and plan on joining a 10-day retreat as well. Thank you very much for the teaching and the magical experience!

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Amitvia Google

3 months ago

I joined a weekend meditation retreat at The Vipasana Centre, my first time at a meditation camp. It was so calming and powerful. Jay has such a gentle and effective way of guiding the sessions, making everything work seamlessly right from the very first session. Highly recommended, I'm definitely going for more.

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Louie Avia Google

3 months ago

Seeking guidance and clarification on my mediation practice, Emilie and Jay came highly recommended and they quickly scheduled a time for me to come for a one-on-one session with Jay. I ended up scheduling another one the following week. Jay was able to wade through the complexities of my issues and set me back on track--invaluable proper guidance from an expert--leading to clear direction and progression... Not that there is any goal! ;-) -- Couldn't recommend The Vipassana Centre more.

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Howard Gvia Google

5 months ago

At the end of August I did a silent meditation retreat at The Vipassana Centre. I'd never done anything like this before. I went as I was was sucked in by social media to the point that I could barely function. Going to the retreat was difficult. Quietening my mind very difficult but Jay was very good at guiding me and the group and I was able to participate in the retreat for the whole weekend. My concentration increased during each session. Since the retreat I've practised every single day. It was unrealistic for me to practise an hour at home outside the environment of the centre but I started off with 20 minutes. Sometimes I would do 15 sometimes I'll be able to hit the full 20. But I practised everyday. And every time I hit the upper limit of the time counter I raise the counter by a minute. I'm up to 30 minutes now and it's been just over a month since the retreat. Moreover, I've become more mindful of the stimuli that I put in front of my face. I have my phone mostly switched on black and white mode. I write down every evening things I need to do for the next day and top of that list is no social media doom scrolling in the morning! Sometimes I achieve it sometimes I don't. But I achieve it more times now that I did before. I'm calmer in my life. I'm more mindful and appreciate what is around me. I'm dealing with life on life's terms in a much more pragmatic way. Certainly a lot better than I did when I came into your retreat. I will go again. It was definitely a worthwhile experience and definitely value for money.