New Mindfulness Meditation Session
During the Lock down stage of the pandemic, when so many are unable to or want to go outside, the best thing to do is to find some peace ‘inside’ ourselves.
There is now an online weekly mindful breathing and meditation session on Monday evenings. It is specifically designed to encourage us to rest in the present moment, relaxed and peaceful. Regular meditation practice has proven to alter negative ways of thinking in the brain and reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression. Whats not to like?!
While it is important to stay informed it these uncertain times, unfortunately much of the news on general release at the moment is alarming and frightening so many of us, leading to an upsurge in the feelings of anxiety and depression. The pandemic has understandably made many of us make massive changes to our daily routines which can make us feel unstable and unsafe. It can be difficult to let go of these negative thoughts and feelings which can lead to many unhelpful physical reactions.
There are many things we can do to support and manage our wellbeing during such times. The very wise advice from the NHS is to try to stay connected with friends and family, to look after ourselves by eating and sleeping and exercising well, to notice what our ‘anxiety triggers’ are such as social media reports and to avoid these when we are feeling delicate. We are also advised to have quiet times to ourselves to lessen the control our thoughts have over us and to bring about feelings of calm and ease.
This half hour guided practice to help ease the mind and bring more inner peace to our lives is suitable for those who have never practiced meditation before and for those who have. The session takes place after the Zoom yoga on Monday evenings from 7.15 until 7.45. If you would like to join the class, you can just stay after the yoga class or you can join and settle in at 7.10, 5 minutes before the meditation begins. The cost £4 each or 5 classes for £16
“You should sit in meditation for 20 minutes every day, unless you’re too busy … Then you should sit for an hour”
“I have found the sessions very relaxing and interesting to learn various aspects of meditation. Suzi is an excellent teacher, and classes have made me aware of the importance of finding a few minutes every day to relax.”
Why is meditating so beneficial?
A great deal of research demonstrates that mindfulness meditation techniques actively promote happiness and act as effective antidotes to the negative effects of stress, particularly anxiety and depression. They can enhance our relationships and help us sleep more deeply. In short they can improve our overall quality of life.
The purpose of meditation is to make our mind tranquil and calm. If our mind is peaceful, we will not be so concerned by worries and mental discomfort, and we are more likely to find happiness; but if our mind is not peaceful, we will find it very difficult to be happy, even if we are living in the very best conditions.
What will be the results?
The results may not be felt instantaneously. Benefits are often subtle at first and then develop gradually. After a while you will wonder how you ever coped without your meditation practice! Daily practice improves the minds’ ability to be calm, to be focused and above all, to find contentment in life.
How should I start?
You can request a one to one session to discuss your individual needs and address them using mindfulness meditation. Your first session will begin with an initial consultation, and then you will led through a gentle practice and offered techniques you can fit into your daily life.
Or you could contact YOGAfriendly who can run workplace and general classes in Mindful Meditation for stress relief. These classes can offer a variety of meditation practices that help students deal positively with the challenges life can bring.
Interested? Contact me for more information about individual or work place sessions or one to one sessions.