Meditation
Meditation is an ancient practice that allows you to reconnect with yourself, and with the world around you. It's an extremely effective way of relieving stress, as it quickly calms the mind and relaxes the body, and over a period of time can significantly change your outlook on life.
People who meditate regularly:
- Tend to have more positive emotions and are less moody and irritable
- Are less likely to suffer from stress, anxiety and depression
- Have improved immune system function, lower cholesterol levels, and normalised blood pressure
- Are able to relax deeply
- Are more able to cope with pain
During meditation, you learn to simply observe what is happening from moment to moment, without trying to change anything. You'll learn to listen to yourself more, to pay attention to what you need, and notice what is doing you harm. In the process, you often become healthier, happier, and more balanced.
Both private tuition and group meditation classes are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meditation?
Meditation is a mental state of clarity and calm, which we can reach by using various techniques. Typically you sit for a few minutes during meditation, whilst concentrating on a particular object, such as a candle or your breath. As you hold the object with your full attention, the constant mental chatter slows down and you may experience moments of stillness. This can be incredibly difficult to start with, but with regular practice it becomes easier, and the effects start to spill over into everyday life.
Do I have to sit on the floor to meditate?
No; the most important thing is that you have an erect spine whilst meditating. Some people prefer an upright chair, or a special stool, others prefer to sit on the floor cross-legged. For some meditation techniques lying down is best, and others require you to move around.
Is meditation religious?
While many meditation techniques originated as a religious practice, almost all can be carried out in a non-religious manner. My meditation lessons and classes include techniques from a wide variety of traditions, however we use the techniques in a purely secular manner as an aid to meditation.
Will learning meditation help me to relax?
During meditation, breathing slows and deepens, heart rate slows down, blood pressure drops, and muscles relax – this is known as the relaxation response. If you start to meditate regularly you may find that you become more easy going, as some things no longer bother you. In addition, experiencing deep relaxation during meditation makes it easier to recreate the feeling at other times too.
What styles of meditation do you teach?
I use a variety of concentrative and mindfulness practices from Buddhist, Yogic, and Western traditions. My lessons & classes encompass the use of mantra, visualisation, mindfulness, moving meditation, and working with the breath and the body, as well as external objects.
Is private tuition or a group class best for me?
Most people would do fine in either a group class or with private lessons. If your needs are very specific (e.g. you want to learn a specific type of meditation), or you cannot commit to a regularly scheduled class, then private lessons may suit you better. If you want to experience meditation in a group setting, or want to learn on a budget, then group classes will probably be better for you. If you're still not sure, feel free to call me on 0424 008 432 for advice.