Building Community with Barron Hanson

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi used to say that it is not necessary for everyone to meditate in order for a change in society to occur. He explained that when approximately 1% of a population meditates, an effect is generated that is capable of positively influencing the collective.

¡Jai Guru Deva!

My apologies for my absence over the last few weeks. They have been very demanding, yet also very beautiful.

We have experienced some very special moments in our community: we celebrated Guru Purnima, where over 65 meditators gathered to meditate and honor one of the most auspicious nights in the Vedic calendar; we launched "Spill the Chai," our new knowledge and community club for meditators; and, together with Dan and Mariana, we have been conducting advanced courses while I prepare for our annual Vedic Meditation retreat later this month.

Devoting time and energy to cultivating our community is something I am truly passionate about. Ultimately, a community is like a garden: it needs constant watering, care, and nourishment to keep growing.

And it is wonderful to see what has blossomed—not just in Mexico, but around the world.

Today, we number in the thousands of meditators, with more than ten teachers instructing Vedic Meditation across the country. This allows us to continue inspiring more people to meditate and, little by little, contribute not only to individual transformation but also to a shift in collective consciousness.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi used to say that not everyone needs to meditate for societal change to occur. He explained that when approximately 1% of a population meditates, it generates an effect capable of positively influencing the collective.

This concept gave rise to various studies—including the one known as "The Harmony Field Effect"—in which a group representing 1% of the population meditated over the course of several weeks. The results showed a decline in various social indicators, such as rates of violence, accidents, and certain health-related issues.

When Barron Hanson learned of these studies, he wondered what would happen if he tried to replicate them in his hometown of Nowra, Australia.

Over time, this project continued to grow, eventually becoming "HERE"—a month-long festival where teachers, wellness experts, and hundreds of meditators gather to offer retreats, advanced courses, lectures, and spaces for daily practice. The aim is to create a field of coherence where the peace and benefits of meditation can extend far beyond the direct participants, all while continuing to study its impact.

The festival runs throughout October, and I am thrilled to be a part of it. I will be giving a talk on the wisdom of laughter, while Dan will give a talk on neurodivergence in a divergent world.

Beyond being a great teacher, Barron is a dear friend. He is married to Rachel Gross—also an extraordinary Vedic Meditation teacher—with whom I had the good fortune to study in India. Coincidentally, Rachel is Dan’s best friend; in fact, Dan is the godfather to Barron and Rachel’s daughter. It is a very special community, and I am so excited to share a little piece of it with you.

That is why I am thrilled to announce that Barron will be our special guest for the group meditation on Monday, August 17th, at 6:00 p.m.

He will share the story of his project, what he has learned while building such a beautiful community, and the experience of bringing Vedic Meditation to an entire city—and studying the effects of doing so.

I am certain it will be a truly inspiring conversation, and I would love for you to join us.

You can join the meditation by clicking here.

See you very soon!

Also, if anyone would like to attend the festival in person, it would be amazing to have you there. I know Australia is far away, but it promises to be something truly extraordinary. And let’s hope that, at some point, they bring the HERE festival to Mexico City.

With much love and Jai Guru Deva,

Isa