The best things in life make your heart sing. The Broad Place is a truly extraordinary concept that applies 'ancient knowledge' in health, wellness, food and stress management to modern life. I came across the concept of 'high grade living' on the founder Jacqui Lewis's Instagram - and booked in for a free Introduction to Vedic Meditation talk the minute I knew I would be in Sydney. Jacqui is a highly sought after Vedic Meditation teacher and mentor, and her courses take place over four sessions. They say once you learn the technique, you have it for life! While this interested me GREATLY (and still does), I didn't have the time in my travel plans to commit to the Vedic Meditation course. But once you meet the incredible spirit that is Jacqui, you will be totally inspired by her 'intellectual intercourse' around breaking down how to make all the things in your life work for you. I could tell straight away Jacqui had the potential to change my life so I booked in for a 1-hour mentoring session as a gift to my future self. It was groundbreaking for my personal and spiritual development - Jacqui makes you feel understood, uplifted and empowered. She gave me practical strategies, wise advice, a list of books to read, and a bunch of notes and mind maps that we worked on together. The session took place in the Paddington School in a gorgeous greenery-filled sunroom with a pot of chai tea and her total attention. Jacqui is kind, compassionate and a total firecracker who really has a gift for casting a light on the misfortunes and adventures of life - and making your confusion or qualms a lot clearer than when you walked in. I am now trying to line up my ducks so I can complete a Vedic Meditation course with Jacqui. The Broad Place (also run with her husband Arran Russell) is a school for creativity and consciousness but is also a community - with an enviable calendar of retreats, workshops and gatherings for Sydneysiders who are lucky enough to have the Paddington and North Beach Schools at their doorstep. For out-of-towners, there is plenty of online resources like blog posts, recipes and even an online meditation course which I'll be eagerly jumping onto. I also always stock up at the Paddington School on Ayurvedic wellness items sourced by Jacqui and Arran from India, like sandalwood incense and Vata body oil, when I'm in Sydney. The curated selection of books, candles and ceramics make for great gift buying too! If you're like me and you care about the advancement of your soul, self-care and not losing your mind in the modern world (guilty...) - then I'd check out a free Introduction session with Jacqui and see if The Broad Place can help you along the way to a more fulfilled you. read more

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