A local entrepreneur has teamed up with a clutch of mindfulness and wellbeing experts to formulate a week-long online meditation event, which will offer support and a sense of calm to the community of Greater Manchester.
Manchester Let’s Meditate has been created in aid of Forever Manchester, a charity which funds and supports community activity across the city region.
Taking place over seven days starting on Monday 8 February, the event is the brainchild of Liane Grimshaw – founder of creative agency SupaReal – who has herself experienced the benefits of meditation in helping to alleviate depression and anxiety.
Manchester Let’s Meditate will comprise 11 workshops total, with each session lasting around an hour. The sessions will be a combination of interviews, talks and live guided meditation practice.
Liane said: “We are all experiencing increased stresses and strains in these uncertain times, and more people are suffering from stress, anxiety, sleep problems, and generally worrying about the future.
“Many are stuck at home while juggling added childcare pressures and isolated from loved ones. Meditation enables us to slow down, let our mind unwind, and our body let go of stress.
“You’re not alone if you find yourself struggling with negative thoughts and feelings. But when everything seems out of our control and the uncertainty seems unbearable, there are tools which can help people cope. And meditation is a skill anyone can develop. It’s a way of training the mind, exactly like you train your body in the gym – the more you do it, the greater the benefits you will enjoy.
“I’m incredibly passionate about the practice of meditation. But I am no monk! I lead a busy life with many challenges, and I can honestly say that meditation has saved my mind and improved my experience of life.
“I am bringing many outstanding teachers, who have given their time and energy for free to support this series of events. Each teacher has their own unique event to share their knowledge and instruct attendees through a live guided meditation practice.
“This is my first event, so I’m focusing on my home city, Manchester – but the event is open to all. This will be an inclusive and safe space for everyone. We’re really looking forward to helping people kick-start their meditation journeys.”
The event is free and open to guests worldwide, but donations to raise money for Forever Manchester are gratefully accepted. Each workshop will be recorded, enabling those who register to watch replays at their leisure.
Manchester Let’s Meditate has been co-created with a group of accomplished meditation teachers, many of whom are based in Manchester. The full line-up will include:
- Liane Grimshaw, host & curator: ‘Boosting your resilience’
- Karuna, wellbeing advisor, coach & teacher: ‘Unravelling addiction’
- Shamash Alidina, author & mindfulness teacher: ‘Self-compassion & ‘kindfulness’
- Mick Timpson, author, artist, coach & teacher: ‘Modern meditation for conscious change’
- Cat Googe, happiness activation coach: ‘Activating happiness with laughter’
- Craig Seaton, breathwork & meditation coach: ‘Releasing stress & trapped emotions’
- Jeff Simm, Buddhist meditation teacher: ‘Redefining kindness & equality’
- Imani Chimo, meditation coach: ‘Igniting the power of your heart’
- Julie McGann, founder of The Wellbeing Academy: ‘Remaining positive & optimistic’
- Mark Campion, stress management consultant: ‘Mindfulness for busy people’
- Hayley Kearns, youth mindfulness teacher: ‘Introducing mindfulness to children’
Manchester Let’s Meditate will run until Sunday 14 February 2021. To see the full schedule and book sessions, please visit: https://www.crowdcast.io/manchestermeditates.
More information can also be found at: www.manchestermeditates.com
