#197 Today, my wonderful guest is Gary Gorrow. Gary is a Vedic Meditation teacher, a qualified Ayurvedic health coach, and the creator/director of SOMA, a renowned retreat in Byron Bay. During our episode today, we talk about how in order to embark on a spiritual journey and benefit from it fully, we do not have to withdraw from society. Gary talks to us about how there is a way to integrate our spiritual journey with all of the things that our modern existences offer. We also discuss the roles of gurus and spiritual teachers, the importance of staying grounded, and how certain struggles in life can prove to be a blessing. About Gary: Gary Gorrow is a Vedic Meditation Teacher. A Qualified Ayurvedic Health Coach. Mindfulness Expert. The Creator/Director of SOMA, a world class retreat in Byron Bay. He's also a highly sort after Consultant, High Performance Coach and Inspirational Speaker. With over 17 years experience, Gary has earned a reputation as one of the best in the business and is respected among his peers as a 'teacher of teachers'. He has worked with thousands of people from all walks of life and his services are sought after by some of the world's leading companies for his innovative meditation and mindfulness programs. Gary is passionate about empowering people with techniques that enable them to re-engineer their lives inside and out. His approach synthesises the best of modern science and ancient consciousness-based practices. His students come from a range of backgrounds and include Google, GWS Giants, celebrities, CEO's, health practitioners, athletes, lawyers, creatives, grandparents and children. He runs retreats, workshops and various training courses throughout Australia. Gary's Website: garygorrow.com somabyron.com.au/retreats The Soma Collective Podcast

Key points with time stamp:

• Finding Peace & Harmony in A World of Chaos (00:00)
• Making a living out of teaching meditation (00:12)
• Balancing a spiritual path and a traditional western lifestyle (03:28)
• How can the wisdom passed down from gurus and teachers be defined? (05:12)
• Was the transition into spirituality smooth for Gary? (10:17)
• The importance of tuning into yourself (13:19)
• Our changing views on meditation and spirituality (14:43)
• Growth and evolution as a result of hardships (16:52)
• Daily practices to help ground you (21:15)
• Is life meant to be a struggle? (25:43)
• Gary's journey with running retreats (32:20)
• "My suffering was one of my greatest blessings" (39:23)
• How connecting with nature can contribute positively to our mental state (42:16)
• The importance of having a morning routine (42:20)
• Some books that might help you on your spiritual journey (46:09)
• The importance of thinking critically (47:49)

Mentioned in this episode:

• Thom Knoles, a.k.a Maharashi Vyasanand
• Mark Divine
• Autobiography of a Yogi, 1946. A book by Paramahansa Yogananda
• The way of the peaceful warrior, 1980. A book by Dan Millman
• The Bhagavad Gita
• The Untethered Soul, 2007. A book by Michael Alan Singer
• The Surrender Experiment, 2015. A book by Michael Singer

About me:

My Instagram: www.instagram.com/guyhlawrence/?hl=en My website: www.guylawrence.com.au www.liveinflow.co