The Beauty and Benefits of Meditation by Graham Burns and Isabell British

Embarking on a meditation journey can be a transformative experience, and there is no better way to deepen your practice than to learn from seasoned practitioners like Graham Burns and Isabell Britsch. Both of these inspiring teachers bring years of dedication, wisdom, and passion to their practice, offering invaluable insights into the beauty of meditation and its numerous benefits.

We chatted to Graham and Isabell to find out more about their meditation practice...

Graham Burns' Morning Ritual

Graham Burns begins his day with a mindful approach that sets a peaceful tone for the rest of the day. As a dedicated practitioner, he integrates yoga asana with meditation, believing that moving the body and connecting with the breath creates a perfect foundation for stillness. Graham's routine is simple yet profound:

"One of my teachers advised me years ago always to practise some asana first, and getting into my body and breath really does make a difference, even if only a few minutes of moving my spine. Once I am settled onto my cushion, I use some simple pranayama and then transition into silent repetition of the mantras my teacher has given me, using my mala beads. I then always leave some time for silence. One top tip for those who use a cross-legged seated posture would be to alternate the crossing of the legs on a daily basis - I know that may not be 'traditional', but it sure helps avoid hip imbalances."

Isabell Britsch's Deep Dive into Meditation

Isabell Britsch’s practice is characterised by a blend of structured routines and personal adaptations, creating a rich and varied meditation experience. Her commitment to daily practice and regular silent retreats exemplifies her deep connection to meditation.

"I get up in the morning, do some yoga asana, often some breathwork and then seamlessly transition into meditation. Sometimes I use guided meditations and often I just choose my own approach and technique for the day. I meditate around half an hour, sometimes more, sometimes a little less, and it’s truly the best start to the day for me. I know that if I don’t do my practice first thing in the morning it’s going to be very hard to fit it in. So, I try not to compromise and always avoid teaching or having meetings before 10am (or ideally 11am – haha)."

The Profound Benefits of Meditation

Both Graham and Isabell highlight the transformative benefits of regular meditation practice. From enhancing mental clarity to fostering emotional resilience, meditation has become an integral part of their lives. Isabell shares her profound experiences:

"Retreats have been particularly profound in bringing light to the story of my life, deeply ingrained habits and why they’re there, where it all comes from and why it matters. I very much appreciate all the insights that I’ve gained about myself – they help me to continuously learn. My home practice provides these same benefits on a smaller day-to-day scale. I’m making time to check how I feel, to notice what’s actually there, to be there for myself, nurture and resource myself and learn more about myself. All of this has a profound impact on my mental health – it keeps me in good shape, mentally. And of course it helps me to cope with life’s challenges and curve balls. And it also helps me to have better relationships – more patience, more equanimity."

Tips for a Successful Meditation Practice

Both teachers offer practical tips to enhance your meditation practice:

• Graham's Tips:
  • Start with some asana to connect with your body and breath.
  • Use pranayama to settle your mind.
  • Alternate the crossing of your legs to avoid hip imbalances.
• Isabell's Tips:
  • Have a routine and a dedicated space for practice.
  • Short, regular practices can be more beneficial than infrequent long ones.
  • Maintain a sense of humor about your mind’s wanderings.
  • Know your go-to practice techniques.
  • Find an inspiring teacher.
  • Regular retreats can deepen self-awareness.
  • Be kind to yourself and let go of expectations.

Join Our Meditation Teacher Training Course

If you are inspired by Graham and Isabell's practices and wish to deepen your own, consider joining our The Meditation Series course.

A series of four 6 hour modules exploring all aspects of meditation practice and teaching. The modules can be taken independently or booked as a series – and those taking all four also have the option to gain Yogacampus Meditation Teacher certification.

This series is perfect for those looking to address specific meditation-related challenges, expand their knowledge, or step into meditation teaching roles. Whether you choose to explore individual modules or pursue the full certification, each step of The Meditation Series offers valuable insights and practical tools that cater to a variety of needs and goals.