Rachel Robinson
Born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, Rachel moved to Switzerland in 2008 to study Music Pedagogy and has been based in Lucerne ever since. Besides teaching TM, she also works as a music teacher in second level education and is involved with introducing TM into schools. She is also an Ayurvedic practitioner (in training), giving lectures and consultations in Lucerne. Find her on Instagram and Facebook for Ayurvedic tips and inspiration.
How did you come across TM and what made you want to learn it in the first place?
I came to TM via Ayurveda, which is the Vedic system of healthcare. I was in my early twenties and though I didn’t have any health concerns, I wanted to stay healthy and offset any hereditary illnesses that may have been lurking below the surface. My Ayurvedic doctor recommended TM as a preventative measure but over the years it has become so much more than that.
How long have you been practicing and teaching TM?
I learnt TM in 2004 and am the newest addition to the Luzern team, having completed my teacher training course in March 2018. It was a residential course in Thailand and was just short of 6 months long, so the training is quite extensive.
What do you do when you’re not teaching TM?
I’m also a secondary school teacher, with my speciality being music. I teach in two schools at the Sek I and Sek II level. As well as that, I’m the manager of the Luzern TM center so if you register for a talk or a course, you will most likely be dealing with me!
What does it bring to your life?
As a secondary school teacher, TM has given me greater flexibility to change tack as necessary and also broader awareness, meaning that I’m less swayed by the classroom dramas that may unfold. These qualities are also pretty useful in my personal life and while I don’t walk around with rose-coloured glasses, I definitely have a positive outlook on life and I attribute that to my TM practice.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in learning TM?
Whatever reason has brought you to consider learning TM, from health complaints to spiritual growth, this natural technique provides your body and mind with whatever is required, spontaneously and without effort. Learn TM and give yourself the chance to hit reset and tackle the day refreshed!
Can you describe the significance of TM in what could be called your spiritual development?
In the early years of my practise, I just meditated and went about my day without thinking too deeply about spiritual development. But over time I seemed to have acquired skills that I wasn’t previously aware of. For example, the ability to remain calm and centered in challenging situations, and greater perspective allowing me to see the many angles of an obstacle to be dealt with. The development of these skills and more is definitely due to my regular practice of TM.