Meditation classes

Breathing in, I calm my body.
Breathing out, I smile.
Dwelling in the present moment.
I know this is a wonderful moment.
Thich Nhat Hahn

Meditation is a tool for connecting with the present moment. How many times have we driven to work and can’t remember how we got there? We tend to live either in the stories of the past, or hopes and fears for the future. How long do we spend in the present moment?

When we start to meditate, we realise how little our thoughts and energy are spent in the Now. The secret of meditation is to become fully aware of each moment; to live in the present moment in a mindful way. Working with the breath draws us back into our body, enabling us to relax and become aware of areas of tension. Rather than being led off on a tangent by the mind, we learn to observe and witness all that is.

Meditation enhances our wellbeing. It increases our energy levels and feelings of happiness. It can promote personal and spiritual development, or be used as a tool for relaxation. Creative visualisation is a style of meditation where we use the power of the mind in a creative way, tapping in to the subconscious to bring about positive changes, clarity and insight.

There are many different styles of meditation. The important thing is to find something that works for you. It is a gift we can give to ourselves, placing value and importance on our self-care.

One of the biggest misconceptions about meditation is that we shouldn’t have any thoughts. Thinking is the nature of the mind. The purpose of meditation is to practice allowing those thoughts to be, without attachment or judgment. During meditation we learn to observe thoughts and emotions, rather than suppressing or indulging them, and to view whatever arises with acceptance and generosity.

Alison will teach you various methods of meditation, as well as simple skills and techniques for a meditation practice you can use at home. Guided visualisation will help tune into your inner wisdom and connect with your creativity.