Meditation in Norwich
Learn more about your mind through meditation classes in Norwich
Meditation and mindfulness are ancient contemplative practices and have grown in popularity due to the psychological and wellbeing benefits which are now well documented. In my experience the psychological benefits of meditation are more gradual and cumulative than therapy – so I would recommend starting with therapy if you are going through something very difficult. Nonetheless the benefits from a regular meditation practice can be more profound. I also find meditation in a group setting can often lead to a deeper and more expansive experience.
Meditation - meeting yourself where you are
Meditation helps us to become more familiar with our inner experience. This is not always comfortable and sometimes the best thing we can do for ourselves is to remain present with the discomfort. This attitude which is in stark contrast with our western lifestyles can sometimes take a bit of getting used to. One thing I have noticed though is that many people feel that meditation was time well spent. Personally I do like to mix up styles of meditation to keep things feeling fresh, and its interesting to notice the different effects that different practices can have on your experience.
Meditation classes in Norwich: Varied practices
During group classes we will explore a range of themes which may include but are not limited to:
- Mindfulness, including mindfulness of breathing
- Compassion and loving kindness
- Breathwork
- Deeper practices including jhana meditation
- mCBT (likely to be run as a stand alone course)
Why meditate in a group?
Meditation is often thought of as something we do alone, but practising in a group can create a very different experience.
There is something about sitting together in silence, giving our attention to the same practice and temporarily stepping away from the demands of everyday life that can feel supportive and deeply settling.
Meditation in Norwich: Develop introspective awareness
Arrive
Begin by settling into the body and the present moment. How are you feeling? Are there any areas that feel like they need some attention? Notice the sensations of the body and allow yourself to arrive.
Right Effort
We are dropping the idea of getting things right. Notice gently if the mind has wandered, and bring it back kindly. By using just the right amount of effort we are not straining from concentration or daydreaming - we are finding the middle ground.
Explore
As we develop greater awareness, we are better able to notice patterns in our mind - where it tends to go. With greater awareness this gives us the opportunity to make changes if we wish.
Meditation in Norwich - Next steps
Whether you are a beginner or have a regular practice, you are welcome to join us!
Frequently Asked Questions (Meditation Norwich)
What is meditation?
Meditation is a practice of intentionally directing our attention and becoming more aware of our present-moment experience. There are many different forms of meditation, from simple mindfulness practices focusing on the breath or body to more traditional contemplative practices. The aim of meditation isn’t to stop your thoughts or feel calm — it’s about becoming more fully aware of your experience.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a quality of attention: being aware of what is happening in the present moment with curiosity and without immediately judging or trying to change it. Mindfulness can be developed through meditation, but it doesn’t have to be limited to formal meditation practice. We can also practise mindfulness while walking, eating, listening or simply noticing what is happening around us.
What is the difference between meditation and mindfulness?
The two terms are closely related but aren’t quite the same thing. Meditation is a practice, while mindfulness describes a particular quality of awareness that can be cultivated through meditation and brought into everyday life. There are many forms of meditation that aren’t specifically mindfulness practices, which is one reason I enjoy exploring different approaches.
Is meditation suitable for beginners?
Yes. You don’t need any previous experience to start meditating. In fact, you don’t need to be particularly calm, focused or good at sitting still. Learning to notice when your attention has wandered and gently return to your chosen focus is part of the practice itself. Sometimes you can have very profound experiences as a complete beginner because you can bring with you ‘beginners mind’ where you have no real expectations – this is sometimes harder to do as you gain more experience.
What happens in a meditation class in Norwich?
A meditation class in Norwich might include a short introduction, a guided practice and some time for quiet reflection. The particular practice will depend on the session – please see classes and events for further details. It may involve attention to the breath, body sensations, sounds, thoughts or other aspects of experience. You don’t need to know what to do beforehand.
Do I need to know how to meditate before attending?
Not for most classes. All instructions will be provided. However occasionally more advanced classes will be advertised that assume some prior experience – but these will be made clear on the booking pages.
Can meditation help with anxiety and stress?
Meditation can provide an opportunity to step out of habitual patterns of thinking and become more aware of thoughts, emotions and physical sensations. Some people find this helpful when experiencing stress or anxiety, and there are certain specific practices I recommend for this. For other people however, bringing more awareness to a difficult experience is challenging, and so I recommend therapy initially if you are going through something very difficult.
How long do I need to meditate for?
Regular practice is more beneficial than a rigid time you can’t stick to. Studies on meditation show cumulative benefits over your lifetime which correlate with hours of practice. Starting with just a few minutes at a time several times a day can be more useful than one longer sit when you are starting out. Many established teachers recommend 40mins per day as a regular practice. The important thing is finding a form and frequency of practice that is realistic for you and that you can sustain.
What if I have a lot of thoughts when I meditate?
That’s completely normal. The aim of meditation isn’t to empty your mind. Thoughts will arise — sometimes constantly. The practice is noticing that your attention has wandered and gently bringing it back, and treating having noticed the mind wandering as success (rather than seeing the wandering mind itself as a failure).
Can meditation be practised in a group?
Yes. Although meditation is often thought of as something we do alone, practising in a group can create a very different experience. There can be something supportive about sharing a period of stillness with other people, without needing to talk or interact. I particularly enjoy exploring how different practices feel when experienced together.
Where can I find meditation in Norwich?
I offer meditation and mindfulness classes in a boutique studio to the west of Norwich, not far from the hospital. The exact location and directions are provided when you book. Sessions will explore different approaches to meditation rather than following one fixed style.
Do you offer guided meditation in Norwich?
Yes. Guided meditation can be a particularly accessible way to begin or deepen a meditation practice. Rather than having to remember instructions or work out what to do, you can simply listen to the guidance and follow the practice. Different sessions may use different meditation objects and techniques depending on the focus.