ABOUT US
Jillian Lavender and Michael Miller founded New York Meditation Center and London Meditation Centre in 2007. They teach in both cities, and around the world, bringing Vedic Meditation to thousands of students.
Michael Miller
I first tried meditation at college in 1988. I found it fascinating, and continued to explore meditation, yoga, martial arts, and alternative therapies (alongside a career in business) for more than a decade.
In 2003 I was living in LA, managing the creative department of an entertainment magazine. It was exciting work, but I was starting to feel the impact of working (and playing!) hard.
Then a friend learned Vedic Meditation. I saw big changes in just a few weeks, so decided to try as well. Immediately I was less stressed, getting more done, and sleeping better. The benefits were so clear, I never went back!
After about a year, I had a conversation with my teacher (world-renowned expert Thom Knoles). He suggested that I become a teacher myself. That led to another two years of study and several extended trips to India. In July of 2007, I undertook a three-month residential training program and began a full-time teaching career. In early 2008, Jillian and I founded London Meditation Centre and New York Meditation Center.
Since then I’ve spoken to more than 6,000 people about meditation, stress, creativity, neuroscience and peak performance. I’ve presented to tech companies, non-profits, law enforcement and businesses. And I’ve taught thousands of people to be self-sufficient meditators and get the same benefits that inspired me.
Jillian Lavender
When I learned to meditate back in 1995 I had no idea that I would end up being a full-time meditation teacher. At the time I was walking right up to the line of a major burnout. Living in Sydney, setting up a publishing company, spending my life on a plane. I felt tired and stressed.
On the recommendation of a friend I took the course and from that point things changed for me in a big way. My life was still full-on but I could handle it. I wasn’t exhausted. I felt the anxiety melt away. I was better at my job and I was nicer to be around. And I knew it was meditation that was making the difference.
Fast-forward five years and (after a stint in Paris) I was living in London and looking for a change. I quit the big CEO job and travelled for a year. Then I took up the invitation of my teacher, Thom Knoles, to train with him one-on-one in the U.S. and India. In 2003 I graduated and came back to London to start teaching.
In 2005 Michael and I met in India on a retreat and after some long-distance back and forth he moved from LA to London. We live together, teach together and have a daughter so we are partners in every sense.
India is special for us and we’re there at least once a year to teach and study. I feel grateful to be able to teach Vedic Meditation. Helping people be their best has always been the thing that motivates me. In my experience meditation is the tool that has the power to transform. I love seeing that process play out with our students.
Professional Bios
Jillian Lavender: Vedic Meditation and Wellness expert
Jillian Lavender has been teaching Vedic Meditation since 2003. As co-founder of London Meditation Centre and New York Meditation Center, she has helped thousands of people across the globe to transform their lives.
Originally from New Zealand, Jillian held senior business roles in Sydney, Paris and New York. During this demanding time leading global publishing companies, she learned Vedic Meditation. The improvements to her life were immediate — stress levels began to dissolve and fatigue quickly subsided. This inspired her to become a teacher and share these benefits with others.
Alongside teaching meditation, Jillian speaks to groups about stress, well-being, and the impact of becoming more mindful in their daily lives. She is also an expert in Ayurveda and consults on health, diet, sleep, fertility and lifestyle. She delivers this ancient knowledge in an accessible and practical way.
Jillian’s first book, “Why Meditate? Because it Works.” is due out in July 2021. A modern, trustworthy explanation of what meditation is, and most importantly, what it will do for you. She busts common myths and explains the science and benefits of meditation with a clear and easy approach. Beautiful illustrations, real-life stories from students, and simple starter tips weave together to form a foundation to truly understand meditation and inspire you to seek a practice of your own.
Michael Miller: Vedic Meditation expert
Michael Miller is the co-founder of London Meditation Centre and New York Meditation Center. He teaches Vedic Meditation full-time and is recognised as one of the leading experts in his field.
Michael has taught thousands of people to meditate — in group settings, within organisations including Wall Street firms and NGO’s, as well as private clients around the world. He also leads meditation retreats in India, Europe and the States. Michael is a sought-after speaker about stress, creativity and meditation for tech companies, wellness conferences, business organisations and finance and legal firms.
Prior to becoming a teacher, Michael’s personal practice of meditation supported him in a demanding and varied business career. He worked in the entertainment industry as a theatre producer and music promoter for top touring acts. He also ran large conferences in the finance and education fields, and was an executive for a premiere entertainment business publication. Michael’s previous marketing and business experience means that he understands the challenges his clients face in fast-paced environments, and how to balance this with staying well, creative and motivated.
IN THE PRESS
We’re really pleased to have been noticed in the national and international press.
Here are just a few places we’ve been featured:
