Gay and Bisexual Men's Mindfulness Meditation Group in London

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Start the week by clearing some space in your head, relaxing and energising yourself for the week ahead.

Chairs are available so you can come straight from work without needing a change of clothing. No need to book - just turn up, sit down and relax. There are also mats and cushions for those who would like to sit on the floor.

If you are new to meditation then you are very welcome. The sessions are fully guided so you'll be led through the meditation session. Likewise if you already have a practice you are welcome to come and sit and let my voice be in the background, enjoying the support of a community of men meditating together.

Class outline

The evening consists of a series of guided meditations during which you are led into a state of focused awareness If you are new to meditation you will receive full instruction on how to engage with the practice starting with a body scan that leads into attending to the sensations of the breath. This is followed by a ten minute walking meditation or mindful movement practice.

We then break for tea, which lasts about 20 minutes. The tea break provides an opportunity to meet with other participants as well as being an opportunity to stretch your legs! Alternatively you can continue sitting quietly in the meditation room. During the tea break I'll meet with any new members and you'll have a chance to ask any questions.

After the tea break there is either a short talk on a theme related to meditation or group discussions among participants on a particular theme. This is followed by the Loving Kindness meditation which has as its focus the internal expression of well-wishing towards oneself and then a friend and finally all beings. This meditation is also fully guided.

After the class some of us go to a nearby bar where there is a quiet upstairs room reserved for us. This gives another opportunity to meet, chat, make new friends and socialise in a relaxed and friendly environment.

The class has a wide range of ages, ethnicities and backgrounds among those attending. So if you are curious please come along and find out if this is for you!

Class fee: £10

Concessions: £5 or what you can afford.

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The teacher:

Nick has over 25 year’s experience of mindfulness practice. Initially learning to meditate when he was 20 by attending the Cambridge Buddhist Centre he then set up the University of Hull meditation society whilst an undergraduate. On graduating Nick moved into a Buddhist community in Cambridge. After three years of urban community life Nick ordained at a UK based Buddhist monastery from the Thai Forest tradition and lived there for 6 years as a Buddhist monk.

After leaving the monastery Nick moved to London in 2004 and set up the weekly meditation group in 2009. The group now attracts up to 40 members every Monday. In 2012 Nick completed the teacher training course for MBCT and runs a Spring and Autumn course each year.

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Finding the Venue

If you have any difficulty finding the venue or have any questions please call me on: 07910 224 560

Doors open from 7pm. As there is a previous class that finishes around 7.20 you are invited to wait in the kitchen where you can help yourself to a cup of tea or coffee and chat with other participants. If you would like to sit quietly then you are welcome to go into the library.

If you are running late the door is answered for about 10 minutes after the class starts, but from 7.40 the bell is turned off so you are unlikely to be able to get in. The tea break starts around 8.15 and someone will come to the door then to check to see if anyone is waiting to come in.

For more information on mindfulness and its benefits and courses I'm running please visit my website (http://evolvingminds.org.uk/resources/)

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