My story from anxious wreck to meditation teacher

Thanks for landing here. One of the most common questions people ask in intro calls and courses is for me to talk about how I came to meditation and my own personal story. I tend to shy away from sharing in this way (why? That’s something I should probably explore!) and until now, hadn’t really sat down and articulated my experience. I feel like there’s so much more to share, and it’s all still unfolding, so I’ll think of this as part one. I love hearing other people’s stories. They’re always fascinating and I can always find something of myself in another’s experience, so here’s hoping you find something of value. Let’s get into it, shall we?

For those who may not know, my name’s Emily, and I’m currently living life with my beloved and our fur boy Miso on unceded Wurundjeri Country (Thornbury, Melbourne). I’m a Vedic meditation teacher as well as a part-time copywriter, and also studying to be an Ayurveda practitioner.

I was introduced to meditation by my friend and her parents, who are avid Transcendental Meditators and practitioners of Ayurveda. I remember being so struck by the beauty and simplicity of their lifestyle and the radiance, clarity and calmness they exuded. I didn’t go and learn to meditate with this technique straight away, instead taking the long route as I explored classes, apps and books. They were all wonderful because they exposed me to the experience of sitting with my eyes closed and becoming familiar with my inner world, but I just couldn’t make anything stick.

Fast forward a few years and chronic anxiety was the flavour of my life. I’d always been a nervous, worrisome kid, but some situations and experiences made it erupt. I was living in Turkey at the time and ended up being hospitalised after an intense panic attack left me unable to eat or move for days. I was prescribed medication and not too long after, I started making my way back to Australia.

When I got home, I made a very conscious decision to start working on the anxiety from the inside out, not just the outside in. I did lots of different things, but it wasn’t until I learned Vedic meditation that the puzzle pieces finally clicked into place. I had a practice that I enjoyed doing and could make a habit and I slowly began to gently peel back the layers of the anxiety, thoughts and beliefs. I worked with therapists, mentors and spiritual guides because crikey it was frightening, and I was confronted by a lot that challenged and scared me. It spun me in a totally new direction in the best possible way though, and piece by piece I’ve been re-defining the way I identify with myself, my experiences and everything around me.

After a few years, I felt that little tug of charm to become a Vedic meditation teacher. It all stemmed from the idea that if I could support others on their path, to uplift, hold and help them in any way through their own self-discovery, it would be the ultimate expression of all I’d learned on my own journey. To be able to share what I’ve uncovered, what helped me, and to pay forward the guidance and love I received is pretty much the entire reason I teach.

Now, I get to witness all that beauty when I give someone their mantra and guide them through their first ever meditation experience. The look on their face when they make contact with that deep blissfulness inside makes me feel like I’ve had 10 shots of coffee. When students share how they’re stepping into their own power, bravely digging into their personal challenges and starting to live more authentically, I do a happy dance inside and then have to remind myself to be cool. Playing a tiny role in helping people come to know who and what they really are is the greatest gift, one I treasure daily.

I’m still very much on a journey, learning and unlearning every day. I still have moments of fear, anxiety and all the other delightful human emotions but nowadays, I can watch them with a little more compassion, see them for what they are, and come home to truth sooner rather than later. It’s a lifelong path, and one I’m grateful to walk.

If you got this far, thanks for reading. I hope you found something that resonated or to connect with. If you feel like getting in touch, please do. I’m always down for a chat.

Always with love,

Em x