What is Meditation?

Meditation is very much about making the choice to focus your mind on one thing, object, issue, word or something else relevant at that moment in time.

In our classes, we practice releasing the mind from being dominated by the usual mental chatter.

The practice of meditation is essentially very simple indeed, however by practicing regularly for a period of time you will discover just how powerful it can be.

Our techniques can enable you to develop self-awareness, non-attachment, feel mindful and ‘in the moment’. Simply being where you should be at all levels.

With practice, you will be able to simply ‘switch off’ whenever you need to and, should you choose, use a range of activities to enable you to meditate.

When a person is meditating, they move past general relaxation and beyond the reflective, ‘thinking’ mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness. In our classes, you begin to let go of the ‘mental chatter’, learn to name and move on from distractions, become aware when thoughts begin to overtake the now and stay focused on your breathing.

Meditation is being in a state of focused relaxation so your body is relaxed and although your mind is also relaxed, it remains alert.

Some people believe that meditation is about emptying the mind completely but unfortunately, thoughts can still creep in – that’s life. Our techniques help you to gently move these thoughts and random images away, so that you are able to focus on the present moment, your breathing and the sensations of your body, an object or a sound.

The type of meditation we facilitate is non-religious and has no links to any particular group. Some people are suspicious of meditation, however there is nothing to fear and for most people it has a range of positive outcomes, for example it can:

• Aid concentration
• Help relieve stress
• Increase creativity
• Help you to stay focused
• Increase emotional-wellbeing*

We practice walking meditations, consider focused relaxation whilst washing up and the ‘good old sit down and meditate’ techniques. We have interesting discussions, share ideas and have some fun at the same time.

Classes commence with simple practice techniques and, over time, we develop a more extensive range of methods to enable you to learn to relax and meditate. You don’t have to lie down on the floor (unless you want to), classes are informal – we sit in chairs, wear comfortable clothing and enjoy the space we have created and don’t take ourselves too seriously.

Find out more about our classes

* Source Professor Kathy Sykes O.U. and Bristol University