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What is meditation and what are the benefits? Meditation is a method of focussed relaxation which brings some control to your mind. What are the benefits? Regular practice of meditation will benefit you by improving your:-
 Steve, who has been teaching meditation for 20 years, is married to Sue, and is a father of two sons. He comes from a background in big business, having been a Sales Manager for Clarks shoes. When a crisis in his health, struck Steve some 30 years ago, he discovered that his symptoms were stress related. He also discovered that whilst he could do little to reduce life’s stresses, he could control the effects of stress very effectively, through disciplined practice of meditation.
Having made this discovery, Steve who meditates every day, has made it his mission in life, to pass on his knowledge to others, so that they might benefit, through his classes and meditation groups. He worked for the local authority in Gloucestershire, teaching meditation and relaxation via Gloucestershire’s Adult Education department. More recently. Steve has established his own meditation classes and group. How can I join Steve’s meditation group or attend his classes? Steve holds classes on Tuesday evenings 7.00p.m.- 9.00p.m. at Bishops Cleeve Primary School, Tobysfield Road, Bishops Cleeve.(The school is adjacent to the Library). Contact Steve to check first. He teaches beginners at 7.00 p.m. for the first half hour each week, who then join his friendly and supportive “practised” meditation group. What does it cost? £40 for 10 sessions. What will we be doing in the group/class? The objectives of the sessions are to teach you several meditation techniques, some basic relaxation methods and to build your commitment to regular meditation practice. Also, very importantly, to have an enjoyable and relaxing evening. The format of the evenings will be to have a brief informal chat as a group followed by a relaxation session, for which most people lie on the floor. This will be followed by some instruction and discussion (usually in smaller groups) followed by a meditation based on the instruction, for which most people sit on ordinary chairs. I have all sorts of health problems so how will I manage? Steve is particularly interested in making meditation accessible to everybody and he will do his best to tailor what he teaches, to assist you. What should I wear? Wear something loose fitting in which you will feel comfortable lying down. A tracksuit or jogging suit is ideal but it is important not to get cold and though every effort is made to keep the room warm, you may need to wear layers in the cold weather. Do I need to bring anything with me? Yes, if you bring a rug or blanket to lie on the floor you will be more comfortable. (Some people bring a sleeping bag or a camping mat). You may also need a cushion to adjust your sitting position when sitting on a chair, a small scatter cushion is best. Also, as some of the work is based on breathing, bring a handkerchief! What do I need to feel nervous about? Absolutely nothing ..........so relax! Everybody feels anxious when they are starting something new, that is absolutely natural. But Steve creates such a feeling of calmness and tranquillity, that people immediately feel relaxed and at ease. Are there any guarentees that it will help me? Yes! Steve measures everybody’s progress by asking them to complete a form, on the first day and then asks them to complete a similar form after 10 weeks (see Meditation Progress Evaluation). Providing you have practised what Steve teaches, if at the end of 10 weeks you have made no progress, he will refund your money (see Meditator’s comments) What have you got to lose? Only your stress! |