Take a little time for yourself this Sunday as a free meditation session comes to The Mall Beach in Youghal at 11am on Sunday, 16th August.
The outdoor session offers a chance to step away from the busyness of everyday life, spend some time in peaceful surroundings and learn simple meditation techniques that can be used long after the session has finished.
The event is completely free and beginner-friendly, so there is no need to have any previous experience of meditation. Whether you have never tried meditation before, have been curious about it for some time, or already have a regular practice, everyone is welcome.
The session will be led by Kelsang Drolma, the local teacher for the Tara KMC branch in Cork. Drolma is an ordained Buddhist nun who has taught in Ireland and the UK and has completed the STTP Special Training Programme at the main centre for the Kadampa Tradition, MKMC.
She is well loved for her warm, clear and practical style of teaching. With a good sense of humour and an ability to connect easily with students, Drolma makes Buddhist teachings accessible and relevant to everyday life, inspiring people to put what they learn into practice.
Meditation is, at its simplest, a way of training the mind. We spend so much of our time thinking about the past, planning for the future or reacting to everything happening around us that it can be difficult to simply be present.
A basic meditation practice gives us the opportunity to pause. By sitting comfortably and bringing our attention to the breath or another chosen object, we can begin to develop greater awareness of what is happening in our own minds.
It is perfectly normal for the mind to wander during meditation. In fact, noticing that it has wandered and gently bringing our attention back is an important part of the practice. There is no expectation of being able to sit completely still or have a completely empty mind.
With regular practice, meditation can help us develop greater calm, concentration and awareness. It can also provide a useful way of dealing with stress and the pressures of daily life, helping us to respond to situations with a little more patience and clarity.
The benefits don’t have to stop when the meditation session ends. The aim is to develop a more peaceful and positive state of mind that can gradually be brought into our everyday activities, relationships and challenges.
For anyone who might think meditation is not for you, this is the ideal opportunity to give it a try. There is no need to know anything about Buddhism or meditation beforehand, and beginners will be guided through the practice step by step.
As the event is taking place outdoors, attendees are simply encouraged to wear comfortable, relaxed clothing. There is no need for special meditation clothing or equipment, just come along, get comfortable and be prepared to give yourself a little time to slow down.
The free meditation session takes place at 11am on Sunday, 16th August at The Mall Beach in Youghal.
Whether you are looking for a calmer start to your Sunday, interested in learning something new, or simply curious about meditation, this welcoming session provides an opportunity to stop, breathe and spend some time focusing on your own wellbeing.
Everyone is welcome, and no previous meditation experience is required.
Meditate in Ireland’s website linked here.
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