Mindful Meditation Class
When: tba
Where: tba
Where: tba
Dates: tba
Secure your spot by paying now (just click the button below) or send me a message to let me know you are coming and pay on the night.
Wear comfy clothing, socks if your tootsies get cold (shoes off), and any meditation equipment you own that you like to use (if you wish) - seating and cushions provided
Secure your spot by paying now (just click the button below) or send me a message to let me know you are coming and pay on the night.
Clearing the Fog Around Meditation: Common Misconceptions and Questions Answered
Meditation and mindfulness have become buzzwords in recent years, and while this rise in popularity is wonderful, it’s also brought about some confusion and misunderstanding. If you're curious about starting a meditation practice, let's gently clear up the fog.
❌ Misconception #1: "Meditation is about emptying your mind."
This is one of the most common myths. Meditation isn’t about turning your brain off or suppressing thoughts — it’s about becoming aware of them. Through mindfulness meditation, we learn to observe our thoughts without judgment and return our focus (often to the breath or body) whenever we wander.
❌ Misconception #2: "I’m not doing it right because I keep getting distracted."
Actually, noticing that you’ve been distracted is the practice. That moment of awareness — the shift from autopilot back to presence — is where growth happens. Everyone gets distracted. Even long-time meditators.
❌ Misconception #3: "You have to sit cross-legged in silence for an hour."
Meditation comes in many forms — sitting, walking, lying down, even moving (think yoga or tai chi). And while silence can be supportive, it’s not required. Even 5–10 minutes a day in a comfortable position can make a meaningful difference.
❓ Common Questions:
Q: What’s the difference between mindfulness and meditation?
Mindfulness is the quality of being present and fully engaged with whatever we're doing — whether it's eating, walking, talking, or breathing. Meditation is a formal practice that trains this quality of awareness. Think of mindfulness as the muscle, and meditation as the workout.
Q: Do I need to be spiritual or follow a religion to meditate?
Not at all. While meditation is rooted in various spiritual traditions, modern mindfulness practices are secular, inclusive, and open to everyone — no matter your beliefs.
Q: What can I expect from a meditation class?
In my classes, we start with simple techniques to anchor the mind, gently guiding you into presence. Then a range of techniques are incorporated, including: breathwork, guided imagery, affirmations, sound, and movement. There is time for reflection, support, and questions — it’s a space of exploration, not perfection.
Q: What are some of the benefits of regular practice?
Regular meditation has been shown to help in the following ways:
- Less reactive and impulsive
- Activates brain circuits involved in being happy, energised and actively engaged in life
- A richer fulfilling experience of life
- Develops a stronger more positive sense of self
- Greater compassion for self and others
- Increased immune function
- Increased sense of inner calm and peace
- Improved communication and relationships with others
- Reduced anxiety and stress
- Decreased muscle tension
- Greater sense of mental and physical balance
- Improved sleep
- Disengages the stress fight or flight response
- Decreased respiratory rate
But perhaps more importantly, it helps us reconnect to ourselves in a world that constantly pulls us outward.
Q: What are your qualifications?
I am a certified and registered Meditation Teacher. I also bring almost 30 years of personal experience practising mindfulness and meditation. Mindful meditation isn't just something I teach; it's a core part of my life. It's a passion, and I love helping others experience its benefits.
Q: What is mindful meditation?
Mindful meditation is a broad term encompassing various techniques designed to help you bring your full attention and awareness to the present moment in an open, creative, and accepting way. While the present moment is the only place where life truly happens, many of us spend our days operating on autopilot - reacting based on past experiences rather than fully engaging with what's happening right now.Practising mindfulness teaches us to step out of old conditioning and actively shape our present experience. Through meditation, we become more aware of our thoughts, emotions, and actions in real-time, giving us the ability to consciously choose where to direct our energy and attention. Over time, this empowers us to move through life with greater clarity, presence, and intention - becoming proactive and consciously creative participants in our own lives.
Q: When is the best time of day to meditate?
The best time to meditate is whenever it works for you. For many, this is first thing in the morning or before bed, but mindful meditation isn't limited to a set schedule - you can practice it anytime, anywhere as part of your daily life.
Q: How long should I meditate for each day?
A great starting point is 10 minutes, twice a day. If you can build up to 30-60 minutes daily, even better! But ultimately, mindful meditation isn't just about sitting for a set time - it's about bringing awareness and presence into your everyday life. When you truly live mindful meditation, it becomes part of everything you do.
