Claire Sankey, 36, ran a mindfulness session at St John’s Place on January 7 to share what mindfulness meant, and led a class to a group of locals.
She was first introduced to mindfulness by her therapist while she was in recovery for an eating disorder.
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Claire said: “I thought it was bonkers, if I’m completely honest, I didn’t know what that had to do with anything but I decided to trust him. Twice a day I just spent maybe five or ten minutes focusing on my breath, focusing on my body and it started having a really big impact on me.
Claire led the class in Bemerton (Image: Newsquest)
“Mindfulness is like going to the gym for your mind. It’s a really really wonderful way to help us to manage our own wellbeing.”
The session began with an explanation of mindfulness, followed by a series of exercises both seated and stood up.
One participant, Jessica Complin, 31, is a teacher who often uses mindfulness in her workplace.
She said: “I practice mindfulness independently, but it was useful to come to Claire’s session to learn some movement mindfulness.
Jessica Complin (Image: Newsquest)
“I’m also a teacher, and I use mindfulness a lot in the classroom to help calm my students down, to help calm members of staff down and bring calmness to the classroom.
“I think we’re all looking for ways to find moments of calm.”
The class was also joined by people who were new to the practices of mindfulness.
Carpenter Nick Woods, 59, said: “I had no expectations and I’ve heard a lot about mindfulness, it’s obviously something that’s been in the news and press for some time. I had no preconceptions at all of what it would be like.
Nick Woods (Image: Newsquest)
“I’ve just been talking to Claire to sign up for her eight week class.”
Another participant, Jane Arnold, 63, works as an independent celebrant.
She said: “It was quite enlightening actually. I thought that I followed mindfulness, but I’ve learned some things about the practice that I didn’t know before.Jane Arnold (Image: Newsquest)
“I think our lives can be so busy and there’s a non stop feeling of information and everything happen so fats. Just taking a few minutes to slow everything down and be present in the moment. It’s got to be good, hasn’t it?”
Claire incorporates mindfulness into her timetabled classes. To learn more about joining these, click here.