Founder - Melinda Johnston
Reverend Melinda Johnston, M.Msc.
I’m Melinda—Spiritual Philosopher, Consciousness Coach, and Founder of Buddhi Institute, a living sanctuary for conscious evolution, soulful strategy, and embodied transformation for women.
Every product, service, and program I offer is an expression of my devotion to truth, beauty, and the sacred power of aligned living.
Whether you’re navigating a season of expansion, recalibration, or experiencing burnout from systems that no longer serve you, Buddhi Institute offers refuge and renewal. Through immersive retreats, poetic programs, and strategic coaching, I guide women into clarity, confidence, and empowerment —rooted in ancient wisdom and modern presence.
Photo: Bali Spiritual Immersion Tour 2024, with Komang Suartini.
Melinda Johnston, of Buddhi Institute, has over 30 years of experience in teaching, coaching, and creating transformative events and retreats. She is an intuitive healer, spiritual philosopher, yogi, kriyabon, Brahmacharini, Vedic Master of Consciousness, and Minister of Peace.
Her goal is to teach practical methods that incorporate mindfulness, along with the ancient wisdom belonging to the Yoga Sciences, for the integration of body, mind and spirit. She imparts this wisdom through practical applications, allowing a sense of total wellness to emerge almost seamlessly into one's daily life.
Her extensive knowledge in various aspects of sacred and religious philosophy, such as Eastern Buddhism and Vedanta, metaphysical consciousness, and the science of Yoga, enables her to teach gently, fostering the natural expansion of one's wisdom to deeper levels.
She has created a variety of alternative methods for celebrating life and seeing the “sacred” in simplicity. Her expertise provides students and clients with a definitive path toward Awareness and Self-Discovery.
Through a lifetime of training, learning and teaching she serves as a Soul / Consciousness Coach, Meditation Instructor, Wisdom Teacher, Retreat Leader, International Author, and Ordained Minister.
My Personal Journey
The Vow
I made a vow at age 29 to live a life of service to others and maintain a humble and simple lifestyle. Never married by choice, I live a contemplative life, immersed in meditation, intuitive / contemplative communion with God / Universe, and continue to study scriptures from all religions and ancient wisdoms.
While learning, studying, and working on my own healing and growing, I took notice that some days I would feel spiritually plugged in and full of vitality and optimism, and some days not so much!
What "caused" the fluctuations?
Nothing had changed from one day to the next!
A 1008-Day Spiritual Journey
During my search, I discovered that approximately every 1008 days, our bodies undergo a complete renewal. Every cell and fiber within us is perpetually regenerating.
In April 2008, I made a new, yet deeper vow, to fully devote myself to an intense Spiritual Practice and embarked on a 1008-Day Inner Journey of Self-Discovery.
I began with a 40-Day immersion into JOY and was amazed at the transformation that occurred. Oddly enough, it all started with a lesson learned from bar of Soap!
The following two and half years were divided up into unique 40-Day practices focusing on specific singularities such as: Grace, Loving-Kindness, Divinely Listening, Solitude and so on.
When the 1008 days concluded, I was a completely different person. Humbled. Calm. Awake.
Full of JOY.
The 2nd Immersion
Although a thousand-and eight-days sounds like a long time, being so deeply involved with my Inner World and the mysteries of the Universe, once the practice ended...I missed it.
I missed the connection with what is often called our Higher Self. So...I devoted my heart and soul to another 1008 days. I wanted to see how far the "rabbit hole" would go!
During this second devoted practice, I learned the wisdoms and philosophies of YOGA, along with the Quantum Laws of the Universe.
Not learned from books, classes or courses...instead, an intuitive connection opened, from which I learned, saw, heard the Presence of God in everything that exists.
Additionally, from sitting at the feet of gurus in Bali and India, I can assure you...
Everything is JOY. Everything is LOVE.
Even our obstacles, challenges, setbacks and traumas.
Sharing the Joy...
Older, Wiser...Teaching and Coaching
Having life is a Gift.
Life...the falling down, getting back up, loving, laughing, losing and grasping, it is all a Cosmic Play. You are a character in the play, and you can shape-shift the role you "play" in the Play at any time.
Over the past 32 years I have learned a thing or two about wrestling with our own demons and finding authentic JOY in the process of Self-Discovery.
There is great JOY to be discovered in the process of Spiritual Growth, and Healing. There is great LOVE to be discovered in the process of learning the mysteries and wisdoms of unseen Laws of the Universe.
It is my great JOY to share this wisdom in online spiritual classes, one-to-one coaching, and unique spiritual events.
Body and Soul Retreats | Spiritual Immersions
Another great JOY of mine is hosting local Body and Soul retreats for women, and also gallivanting halfway across the world for epic spiritual immersions to Bali.
When spiritual women gather...something "magic" happens! Plus, there is a great deal of laughing, learning and growing.
Some call this energy the Divine Feminine.
Some call it simple Bliss.
Some call the experiences, Healing.
I describe them as sacred JOY.
Joy Rises in Simplicity
I love living in upstate New York with my best friend Asha. Together, we "walk the path" with clients and students all over the world.
Joy, Healing and Divine splendor are gifts of the Spirit that are best shared with others. Together, we All Shine!
Namaste' ~ Melinda
How I Serve...
My work is an extension of my spiritual practice—a living vow to share wisdom, healing, and sacred joy in ways that meet you where you are.
Whether you're seeking clarity, connection, or celebration, Buddhi Institute offers:
Consciousness Coaching and Soul Alignment
One-to-one guidance for spiritual growth, emotional healing, and aligned living.
Group Instruction for Mindfulness and Wellness
Meditation and mindfulness training for communities, teams, and sacred circles
Wisdom Teaching
Online classes and courses rooted in ancient philosophy and practical integration
Retreats & Immersions
Yoga and meditation-mindfulness retreats for women in Upstate NY, and international spiritual journeys for deep renewal and transformation
Spiritual Resources and Guidebooks
Guidebooks, Peace Packs meditation subscription service, and inspirational tools for your spiritual journey
Ceremonial Leadership
As an Ordained Minister, I officiate weddings, baptisms, life celebrations, and home blessings—ceremonies that honor the sacred in your story, your space, and your soul. Contact me directly for these requests.
Sacred Travel & Wellness Journeys
Explore your sacred center in sacred places around the world.
As part of Buddhi Institute’s offerings, I curate customized wellness journeys to spiritually rich destinations—designed for solo travelers, intimate girlfriend getaways, or small groups seeking deep renewal and soul-aligned adventure.
These journeys are more than vacations. They are immersive experiences that blend ritual, reflection, and cultural reverence—crafted to awaken clarity, joy, and transformation.
Whether you're called to the temples of Bali, the mountains of Peru, or the quiet sanctuaries of upstate New York, each trip is tailored to your intentions and guided with care.