Meditation can help you to relax quickly and effectively, improve concentration, cope with pain and cultivate a deep sense of well-being and happiness.

Cathy Johnson and Marelle Wilson have been studying and practicing meditation for a number of years. Mindfulness is a stream of meditation at the centre of much academic research and is particularly useful for dealing with pain. It is a technique, or tool for cultivating insight, clarity and understanding. In a health context, this involves gaining a greater understanding (through direct experience) of your own nature and habitual thoughts, the interplay between your mind and body which can lead to profound changes.

Over two decades of published research indicates that the majority of people who complete Mindfulness based courses report:

·Lasting decreases in physical and psychological symptoms

·An increased ability to relax

·Reductions in pain levels and an enhanced ability to cope with pain that may not go away

·Greater energy and enthusiasm for life

·An ability to cope more effectively with both short and long-term stressful situations.

In this short video Mark Williams, an expert in stress and mindfulness explains that stress and anxiety are more prevalent than ever before, and how Mindfulness can help us with managing the stress in our lives, as well as improving attention and memory.

How to get started.

Classes –a series of 4 classes providing some basic theory and plenty of time to practice a range of meditations, giving you the tools to start experiencing the benefits of meditation for yourself. No previous meditation experience necessary.

Individual sessions- appropriate for any level of experience, you will learn a range of simple spot meditations, gentle loosening and relaxing movements and one or two slightly longer meditations tailored exactly to your needs. You will be also be given an individual home program. This option involves an initial 45 minute session and then usually 3 or 4 half hour follow up sessions. We have had very encouraging results with this program, particularly for chronic headache.