There are now so many studies and reports available providing evidence for the overwhelming benefits of meditation and mindfulness. The lists of benefits expounded by the latest research are listed at the bottom of this page.
But I want to describe more how mindfulness and meditation affects the way we feel and relate to the world.
When I first started meditating 10 years ago, it was like falling in love again! But not with someone, just with life. I know that sounds a tad over the top. But I remember it clearly! It was as if life “bm” (before meditation) was just going through the process of getting up, doing a job, eating, going out, seeing friends, but in a tone of low light. Sort of like on a conveyor belt of medium emotional content. And… I am a cheerful and positive person, but it was like the flavour in my life’s soup was just plain bland.
I went on a weekend residential meditation course and I came back…life “am” (after meditation) feeling so alive..and in love with life. As I drove home I was noticing the scenery as if for the first time. Everything looked brighter, more colourful, fresh and sort of juicy. Since then, 10 years ago I have meditated every day…because I love this aliveness. And I still feel the same, it hasn’t waned, it’s just more constant. I have so much more energy.
Life ‘bm’ I would have 3 or 4 colds in a year. Life ‘am’, if I get a cold now it would be at most once a year and it would be milder.
Life ‘bm’ I always needed a glass of wine to ‘relax’ before going out to a ‘do’, as I would become anxious about engaging with people I did not know too well. Life ‘am’ I just do not fancy a glass so much and now I barely drink at all, but love going out, meeting new people and never feel anxious! So it sort of made my world feel safer and worth exploring.
Infact two weeks after I went on the meditation course, my husband who is soooo not into anything he’d term as ‘brown spaghetti’, decided he wanted to go on the meditation course as well. He wanted to experience what I was experiencing. …..Actually I think he thought I must be on something! So he too, 10 years on still meditates every day.and appreciates what it has given him.
So here’s the list of what meditation has been found to do. And I would say yes it has done all those things for me.
I offer 8 week courses for groups
and individual 1:1 sessions.
Please contact me to discuss what would suit you best.
In the 8 week course I will guide you through the steps of meditation, beginning with short 5 to 10 minute meditations developing up to 20-30 minute practices by the final week.These groups will include guided silent sitting. In each session we will focus on a different aspect of this mind training journey. We will including each new ‘ingredient’ gradually in a soft easy approach.
Our session begins with an introduction to the specific area of meditation we will be developing.
I will then guide you through your meditation practice. Afterwards we will have an informal chat about your experiences and any questions that have arisen out of your meditation practice.
What do you need to bring?
Just you.
And maybe a notebook to jot down any helpful tips.
Oh and a commitment to yourself is really key. Meditation practice is a bit like cleaning your teeth. It’s a habit that we make time for everyday and we wouldn’t consider not to. When we decide to give ourselves this personal daily meditation practise even if it is 5 -10 minutes, we begin from day one to transform our relationship with life.
New group starting September 19th 2017
Please contact me if you are interested in joining.
jopureyoga@gmail.com