Australian School Of Meditation & Yoga

Montague Road is a street defined by it’s factory outlets, wholesale warehouses and office spaces. It’s certainly not the place you’d expect to go to find your inner calm. The Australian School of Meditation and Yoga is situated in a set back space that you could easily by pass if you weren’t looking for it.
I accompanied my friend to a morning Hatha Yoga class. The venue is a wealth of space, and it’s intelligently set out. The yoga instructor coordinates the classes up on a raised stage so everyone can easily see from wherever they are in the room. Each yoga mat is angled towards the stage.
The instructor running the class I attended was a no nonsense type of man. No signs of the yoga poet here– «Now, squeeze your knees together, as if you were holding on tight to a cherished love letter». Throughout each asana, he would explain the specific benefits to the body. As I was grinding my pelvis into the floor, pushing my left foot into my buttocks with both of my hands, I was told I was «improving my digestion». He also made jokes during the classes. He had a wholly down to earth approach.
He ended the class by pulling out a guitar and playing a sweet little tune and asked us to chant with him. At first, I admit maybe I scoffed a little, but when I finally let out a ‘om’, I have to say, the vibrations in my chest and throat did feel great.
The classes are very affordable– $ 12 for adults, $ 8 for concessions. They run classes each day of the week at different times (check website). They also offer meditation classes, vegetarian cooking and spiritual gatherings.

Ommmm… I practice meditation on a regular basis — it is my spiritual outlet and a way for me to unwind after an intense day in the office. The Australian School of Meditation in West End offers a beginner’s meditation course for free (or by donation if you are the generous type). If you attend the class which is usually held on a Monday night you will also have the option of buying a guided meditation CD for $ 5.
The meditation room is really comfortable — you get the option of sitting on a chair (a ground level chair which aids as a back support) or on floor cushions with your back against the wall for support. The teachers are very welcoming and friendly and deliver the Beginners Meditation course over two Monday nights — covering three techniques including deep breath meditation, mind meditation and guided meditation. The School also offers a range of meditation sessions throughout the week, Hatha Yoga classes and workshops and vegetarian cooking classes. All meditation classes are run by donation only. If you are keen to check it out there a timetable is available on their website.