Vedic Meditation Teacher Gary Gorrow on Designing Sacred Spaces

Listen to the full episode here

Welcome to our Sacred Spaces series, proudly sponsored by King Living. When I first dreamt up this idea of sacred spaces, one of the very first places that came to mind was Soma, the wellness retreat in the Byron Bay hinterland founded by my own meditation teacher, Gary Gorrow.

I learnt Vedic Meditation from Gary 13 years ago, when I was pregnant with Max. He is known for teaching big names and CEO types, yet he always remains so humble and gentle. He taught me some of the most profound lessons of my life, ones I still use today. So when I was in Byron recently, it felt perfect to interview Gary in his own sacred space. There was a retreat on that day, so we sat down in his gorgeous home, which is on site next door to the main house and very much designed in the spirit of Soma.

Soma, A Sanctuary for Healing

Gary worked on both his house and the retreat with his brother, designer and Ksubi co-founder George Gorrow, and the result is a feat of architecture and design. As a sanctuary for healing and transformation, Soma pays respect to the sacred energy of the land it occupies, nine hectares of tropical countryside that includes a lotus pond and a tranquil bamboo garden, and features the iconic geodesic dome, the perfect place to practise yoga and meditation while feeling at one with nature.

Soma was also the set of the series Nine Perfect Strangers, filmed there during COVID. The ten bedrooms, pool and custom furniture blend modern minimalism with Balinese influences. Gary's home is similarly designed to draw nature in, with windows wrapping the house that look out to the endless green beyond. It was a rainy day when we did our interview, but it felt so cosy inside, with Gary's beautiful cat Leopold purring between us.

Finding Meditation, Healing the Nervous System

In this episode we learn all about Gary's upbringing on Sydney's Northern Beaches and his struggle with depression and burnout while he was working in film and TV production. Gary found meditation, learnt how to heal his nervous system and shift his mindset, and from there he says he answered a calling to become a meditation teacher.

Designing Spaces That Foster Inner Peace

Gary also shares practical insights into building a meaningful meditation practice and creating spaces that foster inner peace. I am so excited for you to hear this one, I really think it will help so many. Some of the techniques Gary describes I have been using myself, and they are genuine game changers.

With special thanks to our Season Three sponsor King Living. Like us at Beauticate, King Living believe that home is a haven, and they design furniture made to change and flex as we do. Their Sleep Collection is a true example of innovation in the wellness space, and I have been lucky enough to road test one of King Living's beds and a customisable mattress in my Sleep Diary. I cannot wait to share my experience in the episodes to come, so stay tuned.

Hosted by Sigourney Cantelo.