Lorin Roche: The voice that changed my meditation practice
The power of a voice that just lands
I’m a sucker for a voice! When I heard Lorin Roche speak for the first time, it was the deciding moment for me in signing up to the Instinctive Meditation training.
The same thing happened when I heard Biff Mithoefer speak for the first time in a Yin class. I felt his voice and words so deeply that I knew I had to take his Yin training. Both of these training programmes were life-changing experiences for me.
My complicated relationship with meditation
When I started SPACE, I was often asked about meditation: how do I do it, how long for, at what time of day? I would skirt around these questions, not really sure what to say and feeling awkward about it, because I didn’t sit crosslegged, meditating at 5am for an hour! I had come to believe this is what’s expected of a “serious” yogi, and being a yoga teacher, I felt I was failing at this.
Over the years, I’d tried all sorts of techniques but had never been able to stick to anything, so I gave up trying to meditate. Mostly, I’d resort to meditation in times of stress or crisis. Then, once life got back on track, the meditation practice would drop off.
Later, as a studio owner, I felt even more inadequate admitting that I didn’t have a “proper” meditation practice. But I often felt that being out in nature was my form of meditation. Walking whilst listening to the birds, the sea, the wind; rather than listening to music or a podcast. I also found that listening to music, drawing and cooking were meditative activities for me.
Finding a way that finally felt right
I mentioned my imposter syndrome regarding meditation to a friend and he suggested two teachers I might want to explore. Both were so different and, after my initial research, the other teacher felt much more up my street.
The Instinctive Meditation school didn’t initially feel right for me; I can’t really explain why. But before completely discarding their training, I decided to purchase a meditation recording by Lorin Roche.
Wow! His voice and words blew my mind. He was reading Sutra 26 from the Radiance Sutras and it totally resonated with me. I signed up immediately for their online training. This was the first time they’d run it online (due to Covid) and it wasn’t cheap; but it was much more affordable than doing it in person.
Learning there isn’t just one way to meditate
Over the next year, I spent 200 hours participating in lessons and watching recordings with this incredible man and his beautiful wife Camille. I learnt so much and came to realise that my “practice” in nature was the perfect way to meditate for me. He taught in the most brilliant way how to remove all the myths and challenges for people trying to meditate. You can find out more about his Instinctive Meditation approach here.
The time we all spent with Lorin and Camille was so special, as there’s so much passion for sharing their wisdom. They adored one another and shared this total adoration and love on screen whilst delivering their courses. It was something you could really feel between them, even through this digital setting.
Part of the training also included his Sleep is Magic course, which was one of the contributing factors to fixing my 30 years of insomnia. I’m so grateful to be able to sleep properly now and will continue to share this course with others.
A teacher who changed everything
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Lorin Roche’s passing on 18th April 2026, especially as I was considering taking a more advanced training with him, starting imminently; I had no idea he was ill. But I’m so grateful that I can still access all his recordings and I can still listen to his voice.
When I read Sutra 26 (the one I heard first) in my classes now, it’ll always give me that special connection to Lorin and his voice. He often read it in Sanskrit, which sounded beautiful, and I’m inspired to try to learn it too.
Sutra 26
There is a space in the heart where everything meets.
Come here if you want to find me.
Mind, senses, soul, eternity – all are here.
Are you here?
Enter the bowl of vastness that is the heart.
Listen to the song that is always resonating.
Give yourself to it with total abandon.
Quiet ecstasy is here,
And a steady, regal sense
Of resting in a perfect spot.
You who are the embodiment of blessing,
Once you know the way,
The nature of attention will call you to return.
Again and again, answer that call,
And be saturated with knowing,
“I belong here, I am at home.”
It’s funny how certain teachers come into your life at exactly the right time. Sometimes it’s not even about what they’re teaching, but how they make you feel; something just clicks. You trust it. You follow it. And it can quietly change the direction of things in a way you don’t fully appreciate until much later.
Thank you Lorin x
If you struggle with meditation, or you’re not sure if meditation is for you, you’re not alone.
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