I began my journey into meditation and mindfulness when I met an order of Buddhist monks on a quest to deal with my anxiety. After living and working in their monastery and studying their teachings for a few months, my practise evolved. I am sharing what I have learnt through very many years of training, practising and working with coaching, body psychotherapy and embodied, non-dual spiritual teachers.

Research into mindfulness

Western studies have shown that a meditation practice of just 30 minutes a day can literally change the shape of your brain - for the better. It has been proven that meditative practice improves brain functioning and is also a force for good in the gut too.

A Harvard University study showed that creating a state of deep relaxation changes the physical and emotional responses to stress and is a huge help in the treatment of gut disorders such as IBS.

Reasons to start meditating include:

• Enhanced immunity
• Decreased cellular inflammation and pain
• Decreased depression and anxiety
• Increased sense of connection to self and others
• Improved emotional regulation
• Increased ability to focus and multitask
• Heightened creativity
• Greater sense of compassion