My journey with meditation began in 1995, at a time when I was dangerously close to burnout. I was living in Sydney, building a publishing company, and spending much of my life in transit. I felt drained, under pressure, and constantly tired.
A friend recommended Vedic Meditation, and it changed everything. My life was still busy, but I could meet it differently. The exhaustion lifted, anxiety softened, and I became more effective at work and more pleasant to be around. I knew I had found something truly transformative.
Five years later, after a period in Paris, I was living in London and ready for a new direction. I left my senior CEO role, travelled for a year, and then accepted my teacher’s invitation to train one-on-one in the U.S. and India. I graduated in 2003 and returned to London to begin teaching.
In 2005, Michael and I met in India on a retreat. After a period of long-distance travel between us, he moved from Los Angeles to London. We now live and teach together and have a daughter, so we are partners in every sense.
India remains deeply meaningful to us, and we return at least once a year to teach and study. I feel grateful to share Vedic Meditation with others. Supporting people to become their best selves has always been what drives me, and I have seen again and again how meditation can create real change.
Jillian Lavender has been teaching Vedic Meditation since 2003. As co-founder of London Meditation Centre and New York Meditation Center, she has guided thousands of people around the world toward greater balance and transformation.
Originally from New Zealand, Jillian held senior business roles in Sydney, Paris, and New York. While leading global publishing companies in these demanding environments, she discovered Vedic Meditation. The effects were immediate: stress began to ease and fatigue diminished. That experience inspired her to become a teacher and share the same benefits with others.
In addition to teaching meditation, Jillian speaks to groups about stress, wellness, and the value of bringing more mindfulness into everyday life. She is also an expert in Ayurveda, offering practical guidance on health, diet, sleep, fertility, and lifestyle in a way that is clear and accessible.
Her first book, Why Meditate? Because it Works., was published in July 2021 and received praise from The Guardian, The Times, Harper’s Bazaar, and others. It offers a reliable introduction to meditation, explaining what it is, what it can do, and why it matters. The book addresses common myths, explores the science and benefits of meditation, and combines illustrations, student stories, and simple starter tips.
Her latest book, Do Reset: Meditate. Move beyond thinking. Find clarity., is published by Do Book Company. This pocket guide presents meditation as a powerful tool for restoring balance, moving beyond mental noise, and accessing inner quiet, energy, and creative potential. It is a fresh, modern introduction for anyone seeking a clear understanding of meditation.