Frequently Asked Questions

That’s great you’re thinking of taking the first steps towards starting meditation! Please don’t worry about being new to meditation as I will talk you through what to expect in our sessions. We will build up slowly, taking the time to explore what works for you. There really is no pressure for your meditation to be a particular way or for you to do a certain thing. Everyone is unique, with different requirements. Mediation is adaptable; there is no need for a one size fits all approach. Each session is shaped by your needs on the day.     

We will find what resonates with you, and build up from there. And all of a sudden, you'll find you are able to meditate for far longer than you ever previously thought possible! 

Yes, of course. Everyone can meditate in some way or another, even if only for a few minutes at a time. And in reality, there is no requirement for us to force our minds to be still during meditation. This is an often-repeated myth that lacks substance. Meditation is more around allowing our thoughts to come and go without judgement or attachment. Sometimes all that is required is changing our mindset, a stepping away from the 'my mind needs to be quiet to meditate properly' approach or other preconceptions that meditation 'must' be a particular way. Allowing whatever thoughts come, without judgement, and giving ourselves permission for that to be ok, is far more conducive to building a successful meditation practice, than judging ourselves for perceived lack of technique.

Meditation can take many forms, and it doesn’t need to be sitting cross-legged, on a cushion on the floor, in silence, fighting with our minds to be clear and still, if that isn't you. Other ways of meditating may work much better for you. It's about finding what works for each of us, what style, how and where we practice, whether we are in silence or with music or guided, inside or outdoors…

And it's also about building up our meditation muscle in whatever way works for each of us. Doing something meditative every day, even if only for a few minutes, can help our wellbeing greatly and also help us build a stronger meditation practice. Try reframing what meditation looks like for you and give yourself permission to explore and try new techniques, however that looks.

My 5-week group meditation courses cover a variety of styles, all of which will be suitable to the experience levels of those attending, but will often include some or all of breath, mindfulness, loving kindness, and nature based visualisation meditations.

Private courses are also available, and the styles, techniques and content can be tweaked and refined to reflect your experience, preferences and what you want to achieve from our time together. If you would like to chat this through in more detail please head over to my Contact page and pop a free 20 minute call in my diary here.

Drop-in sessions will vary from week to week but will often be mindfulness or guided visualisations, shaped by the seasons or themes that are relevant at the time. These sessions will be accessible for beginners, but will be suitable for all levels of experience.

Bespoke Meditations and Healing with Meditation Sessions will generally be guided visualisation meditations that focus on supporting positive health or working through a particular issue, and may include affirmations, intentions, breathing exercises or sound and touch (touch and sound are always agreed with you in advance).

Meditation can be a powerful way of supporting healing that can, on occasion, feel more accessible than a full healing session. It's also good for our wellbeing, and, quite frankly it's also just really fun to do! I therefore offer a service where I write meditations specifically for you, that are fully tailored to match your preferences. And which also exclude the things you dislike. No more guided meditations walking along a beach when you hate sand between your toes! Or walking along a mountain path on a hot sunny cloudless day, when all you crave is coolness and shade…!

I ask each client to complete a Preferences Questionnaire at least two weeks in advance so that I can make sure your meditation is entirely personal and best suited to your needs.

Your bespoke meditation can be either a one-off session or a block of four weekly or fortnightly sessions and are held on Zoom. All sessions include a bespoke meditation, a short healing at the end to balance the energies and time afterwards for a feedback discussion.

One-off sessions are 60 minutes with a 30 minute meditation. The pack option includes four bespoke meditations of 15, 20, 30 and 40 minutes. The first three sessions are 60 minutes, and the last one a little longer at 75 minutes.

A pack is a better option if you have a particular issue or theme you want to work through.

But don't worry if these timings feel daunting or you have problems sitting still for that long. We will explore your needs and experience as part of the Preferences Questionnaire, and can adapt as necessary.  If you are unsure and want to discuss this with me before booking, please head over to my Contact page where you can email me or drop me a WhatsApp, or you can book a free Getting to Know Me call here.

Initial session are 75-90 minutes, while all other sessions are 60 minutes. All sessions are held on Zoom.

If you are a new client, I will spend a bit of time in the first session getting to know you and going through your responses to the Wellbeing Questionnaire. We will discuss your meditation experience, what your preferences are for our sessions and I will make sure you know what to expect and answer any questions.

At the start of follow up sessions, we will have a short check-in discussion to see how you’ve been since the last session, and if there is anything you want the meditation to focus on that day. 

Each session then follows the same format. The meditation will include a short healing session at the end to balance the energies, and some time afterwards for a feedback discussion.  

You are generally seated throughout, camera on, with your eyes closed if you are comfortable to do so. You can remove shoes, glasses, hats or head coverings and the like if you would prefer, but this is entirely your choice.  

Semi-private sessions are for you plus up to three other friends, colleagues or family members, and are a great way to benefit from a course discount. Each session is 75 minutes.

These sessions can be held either online or at your home, or alternative suitable venue. If you would like me to book an external venue, room hire charges will be at an additional cost (agreed with you in advance).

Semi-private classes are run in five week blocks, and are generally based on the same structure as regular group courses, but tailored to your individual needs. If you have a specific theme or styles of meditation you would like to focus on, or are looking for something a bit more esoteric then please do get in touch to discuss your ideas here. Alternatively, you can book a free 20 minute call with me here.

Yes, you can.

Meditation is adaptable, and is generally accessible to all. Unfortunately, many traditional components of meditation, such as breathing deeply, sitting in silence, or having eyes closed, are often presented as givens for everyone. In reality, these techniques may not be accessible, practical or comfortable for many clients, including those who are neurodivergent. However, there are always different ways to meditate and different ways we can approach our meditation practice. It is almost always possible to find a way which feels safe and offers a positive experience for all.

I ask new 1-2-1 clients to complete a Wellbeing Questionnaire in advance of our first session, and we will go through your responses in detail then. I will work with you to find the way that best supports your needs, and am happy to explore different options with you. I am flexible in my approach and am very happy to work in whichever way feels best or safest. Nothing in our sessions are set in stone, and everything is always shaped by your needs on the day. And you can change your mind at any time, even midway through a session. 

If you would like to join one of my 5-week group courses, please contact me before booking so I can ensure the meditations offered on that course are suitable and accessible for your needs.

If you would like to discuss this with me in more detail, you can head over to my Contact page where you can email me or drop me a WhatsApp. Alternatively, you can book a free 20 min chat with me here.   

In the main, yes.

Meditation is a safe and effective way to relax, manage stress and bring about positive wellbeing in a number of ways. It is not just for one type of person or one (or any) faith. It is also fully adaptable, and there is generally a meditation style, technique or adaptation that will work for most people’s needs and preferences. Adaptations can include, but are not limited to, incorporating movement or sound, sitting in different positions or in a chair, having eyes open, focusing on different things such as mantras or mala beads, using touch or labels, and being outside rather than inside.

However, it is also true that some people may find aspects of some practices challenging; and those who live with epilepsy, complex PTSD, or severe mental health conditions may have adverse reactions to some types of meditation practice. If this is you, please contact me to discuss your circumstances confidentially in more detail before booking onto a course. You can find my contact details here, or you can book a free 20 minute chat with me here.

Yes, you can!

Although ancient in its origins and roots, meditation is of our time; so can be religious, spiritual or secular. The choice is yours!

Meditation in different forms is a key part of several religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity, but there are also many styles and techniques which are entirely secular. And many meditation styles based on religious practices, such as the various gratitude and kindness meditations common in Buddhist traditions, can still be enjoyed and practised without being in any way religious.

Meditation is known to have originated with early man, and a timeline can be traced from there, via the early Shamanism of the Palaeolithic era, through several main religions, to the various secular meditation styles of the 20th and 21st Centuries. See my infographic demonstrating this here.

Yes, I do! New dates for weekly drop-in sessions and 5-week courses will be released soon.

Keep an eye out for updates on these and all things Anamchara Wellbeing on my Instagram @anamchara.wellbeing

5 week group courses run once a week for 75 minutes, and are generally held online via Zoom, during term time for up to 8 attendees. Most courses include four meditations each week of different styles such as breath, mindfulness, loving-kindness and visualisation, with the meditations increasing in duration over the period of the course. All meditations can be adapted as required to make them more accessible or comfortable. Each weekly session may also include a little on the science behind meditation, some myth busting, and/or helpful tips to support you in developing a regular practice.

Drop in classes are weekly online via Zoom and run for either 30 or 60 minutes. These are more informal, and may explore different themes or types of meditations from week to week.

My 5 week courses can also be delivered privately if you would prefer to learn to meditate at your own pace, with meditation styles and techniques tailored specifically to your own needs and preferences. To find out more please head over to my Contact Page or book a free 20 minute call to discuss this in more detail.
Top tip: Booking a semi-private course for yourself and your partner or BFF for a combined price of £180 means you both benefit from a saving of £30