“Owen has over 30 years of experience in Stillness Meditation, allied health and complementary therapies.”
Owen's Story
Owen’s involvement in Stillness Meditation began in 1984, when he learnt directly from Dr Ainslie Meares (1910–1986) in Melbourne. As a child, Owen had been aware of Meares’ work through the media. Discovering that Meares was teaching in the same city led him to seek instruction personally.
“Stillness changed my life and set me onto my path. Stillness Meditation can change your life too.”
Learning from Dr Ainslie Meares
Dr Meares wrote 35 books and many papers, but did not establish a formal teacher training program. Before meeting him, Owen had already read many of Meares’ books and approached the learning process with strong interest and commitment. He asked questions, listened carefully, and practised what was taught.
This direct experience and long-term practice form the foundation of his work.
Teaching and development
By 2017, Owen had founded Stillness Meditation Touch Therapy (ABN 81 101 839 279) and was registered to teach with the Meditation Association of Australia (Meditation Australia). He continued working in his OHS role as an ergonomist and occupational hygienist until late 2018, while developing his teaching and writing. Over time, he began to articulate key aspects of the work more clearly, including what are now described as the 5 pillars of Stillness Meditation.
Writing and research
Owen has written several books exploring Stillness Meditation and its application.
These include:
Ainslie Meares on Teaching Meditation (AMOTM), developed during the 2020–2022 Melbourne lockdowns
His writing draws closely on Meares’ original work, while also seeking to clarify and make more explicit key elements of the approach.
Ongoing study and integration
Following the development of AMOTM, Owen undertook further reading and exploration across a wide range of:
meditation traditions
therapeutic systems
historical sources
He also explored meditative touch-based approaches not directly covered by Meares.
This process contributed to a more integrated understanding of:
stillness
relaxation
and the role of touch and nonverbal guidance.
Meditative Touch Therapy
Through this work, Owen developed an integrated approach that combines:
Stillness Meditation
gentle touch (or non-touch) and nonverbal communication
and a calm, supportive environment.
This is offered as meditative touch therapy. Sessions may draw on approaches such as Reiki and related systems, where appropriate, but are presented as a clear and consistent process focused on relaxation and balance.
A clear and practical approach
Owen’s work emphasises:
simplicity
clarity
and what is effective in practice
He continues to teach, write, and refine the work so that clients can:
relax more deeply
reduce stress and tension
experience greater calm and balance
Each person progresses at their own pace.
Professional and grounded practice
This work is offered in a professional and respectful manner, with attention to:
clear explanation
informed consent
appropriate boundaries
client comfort and choice
Owen’s practice is based in Ringwood, Melbourne, where he offers individual sessions and classes at local venues.
A continuing process
Owen continues to develop this work through:
ongoing personal practice
teaching and client experience
research and reflection
At its core, this work is based on a simple intention:
To provide a space where people can rest deeply, reduce stress, and feel more like themselves again.
Owen's credentials are here.