It has taken me a while to become comfortable with meditation.

I found it so difficult to relax and to stop the chatter of my mind at first. Then I discovered meditation. I absolutely love closing my eyes and feeling a warm and often peaceful space inside. I can go there anytime (maybe not when I’m driving) to get a sense of peace, love, calm and renewed energy. Meditation offers so many wonderful benefits, some of which are listed below.

Meditation and particularly mindfulness is said to:

• Boost memory
• Treat depression
• Slow the aging process (telomeres stabilise in those who meditation regularly…shorter telomeres means fasting aging)
• Build a mindful muscle (strengthens pre-frontal cortex)
• Improve mood and sense of wellbeing
• Help our bodies and brains stay healthier, younger and more resilient to stress.

Catalyst did a program recently and Dr Graham Phillips embarked on an eight week course to see if the ancient practice of meditation lived up to the hype. Dr Phillips ended up scoring better in three out of five neurological tests including improved memory and reaction time after meditation. Changes were observed in his brain density in certain regions with brain cells growing and reversing aging!

If you are not doing so already I highly recommend you give it a go and ultimately build to a daily practise. It’s wonderful for your mind, body and soul!

‘Club Med’- I started a Club Meditation group at my home a year or so ago. A few of us including my Mum and Aunty meet each fortnight for meditation practice. It has evolved over time and now typically involves some Tai Chi or stretching, meditation, breathing exercises, herbal tea, sharing what we are grateful for and stories of the past fortnight.

We problem solve, swap books and inspire and support one another. Most recently we have been learning about the healing properties and power of energy. I love our sessions and the way we feel relaxed and uplifted after each session. It’s really wonderful to learn together.

There are great podcasts and YouTube videos, apps etc. to help guide you. A few links can be found below.

There are loads of free guided meditations on line. This one has 10 and most of them are great. http://www.ilivethelifeilove.com/10-best-guided-meditations/. Additional links below.

Meditation apps - Simply Being, Buddhify, 1 Giant Mind, Smiling Mind & Insight Timer.