Top 10 Best Meditation classes, courses, learnings kits and gifts in the UK

Take some time out to breathe, taste and get body connected during this belly calming session of meditation – and dark chocolate! This workshop is a gentle session focussed on soothing your body and helping you feel connected with your senses. It’s very easy to get swept up in the busyness of life so this is an opportunity to slow down. Chocolate is a beautiful ingredient full of aromas and tasting it slowly and with awareness is a delicious way to explore mindfulness. During this workshop Meredith will share ways you can extend some of the breathing and mindfulness techniques we’ll practice into everyday living. Not sure if this session is for you? This meditation workshop is suitable for new and experienced meditators. Meditation is a very personal experience and there’s no right or wrong way to feel about it! We won’t be aiming to transcend to any higher planes or tap into different states of consciousness; this workshop is about grounding, connecting and calming. What can you expect? – A gentle introductory meditation to calm your system and help get you body-connected (as with the final meditation, this will vary from month to month) Guided mindful eating meditation with a selection of single origin dark chocolates that engages all your senses (using the chocolate Meredith uses in her own chocolate making from beautiful bean-to-bar brand, Pump St Chocolate) A short closing meditation to help you leave the workshop feeling calm and soothed There will be time for discussion and questions if there’s anything you’d like to know more about. You’ll also receive a special chocolatey treat to take away and taste (mindfully!) using some of the techniques we’ll explore in the workshop. You’ll be most comfortable if you wear loose clothing, but do wear whatever feels best for you. Please note if you are suffering from certain diagnosed mental health conditions it’s not recommended that you take part in meditation without sign off from your supporting clinician. You'll receive a form ahead of the session to fill out so that Meredith can make the workshop as comfortable for you as possible. Medical disclaimer – as a meditation guide I’m not qualified to diagnose or treat any medical conditions. I will not recommend any changes in medication or attitudes that could potentially worsen your condition.

During this 1 hour private meditation & relaxation session you will be guided through a variety of meditation techniques and a blissful relaxation session at the tranquil Breathe Studio in the Chew Valley countryside by a qualified with distinction meditation teacher.

This weekly drop in session is for those that either already have a meditation practice or want to establish one and would like to meditate in a group setting. Jo will guide a 30-40 minute meditation based on either awareness of breath or body scan with a topic of the week to have as a focus. The topics will be based on the pillars of mindfulness according to Jon Kabat Zinn, and there will be an invitation to discuss that topic if people wish to do so. No prior meditation experience is essential as all meditations will be guided, but this is not designed for beginners so it might help if you have meditated before.

This class begins with an hour of Hatha flow yoga - incorporating pranayama (simple breathing exercises) as well as flowing, standing and seated postures to slowly build strength, stamina and to help the body feel supple and move freely. This class will be guided by Emily Matthews, www.yogawithemily.co.uk, an instructor with more than 10 years of experience teachings. The yoga session is followed by a 30 minute guided mindfulness meditation exercise that will bring attention to the bodily senses in the present - bringing a sense of calm and connection to you. No prior experience of yoga or meditation is necessary.

This is a shortened ‘taster’ version of the whole day silent retreat for those who are curious but are not yet ready to commit to a full day. It will consist of a few mindfulness practices, and time for reflection and sharing. I appreciate that six hours of silent practice may be a bit too much for some, so I am offering this half day ’taster’ so you can give it a try for yourself. As with the whole day retreat, phones will be switched off and much of the time will be me guiding practices, with time to share and reflect at the end. I am always on hand to answer any questions or concerns during the retreat. Here is a testimony from a recent slient retreat day participant: "Holding, peaceful and special/ unique. Was inspired by Jo’s passion for meditation and mindfulness practice, her generous spirit and care felt held throughout the day."

Many of us living in busy urban environments can forget the importance of slowing down. Slow & Flow is designed to help you relax and reconnect with an uplifting blend of fast and slow, and sweat and chill, alongside a delicious mindful sipping of hot chocolate. This special session is brought to you by meditation teacher and chocolate crafter, Meredith of Food At Heart, and food-lovingyoga teacher, Svetla aka Ashtangi Who. It is being held in a beautiful light-filled studio in Clerkenwell and is the perfect Saturday afternoon escape. To kick things off, Svetla will lead you through a traditional Ashtanga yoga practice. This ancient method connects movement and breath. It is designed to help you find peace in your mind by flowing through the sequence of demanding postures. But don’t worry about your strength or flexibility; Svetla will be there for you to give you personalised verbal and physical guidance whatever level you are at. She will help you get into challenging postures in a safe way. Warning: people at Svetla’s classes are often surprised at what their body is capable of! The yoga will be followed by a grounding meditation session, again focussed on connecting with your breath and your body. Meredith will guide you through some gentle breathing techniques, then a mindful sipping of calming and uplifting dark chocolate, using her special dairy free Slow Chocolate blend. This meditation will engage all your senses and help you explore the beauty of pausing. There will be a short break between the yoga and meditation, and we will provide herbal teas and fruit to revive and refresh. Everyone attending will receive a special Slow Goodie Bag to take away at the end of the afternoon, so that you can take some of the techniques from the session back out into your everyday life. There are a maximum of 15 spaces available as we want to ensure we can provide you with sufficient individual support. Health Note: Please note that meditation may not be suitable for you if you suffer from certain mental health/health conditions. If you have been diagnosed with epilepsy, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or a dissociative personality disorder, please ensure you check with your supporting clinical team before taking part in meditation. We will provide a form ahead of the session for you to complete just to make sure we are aware of any personal requirements you have so that we can make the session as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

A regular short class for anyone who wants to try meditation, or come to a led meditation session from time to time. Meditation can help us develop mindfulness, kindness, clarity, positivity, and can enable us to gain a bigger perspective on life. Whether online or in the same space, meditating together can help us feel connected with others, whatever our situation. There's usually a bit of time at the end of the session to ask questions or talk about how it went.

Alexandra's classes explore various traditions and techniques including conscious breathing, affirmations, mindfulness, relaxation therapy, visualisations and chakra clearing. Each week is centred around a theme which will prepare you for a calm, productive and joyful day ahead. So rise, take the time to live your life with intention by beginning your day with a morning meditation. As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist and Transformational Coach, she works with you to uncover your true values, your purpose in life and help you to fall deeply in love with yourself and this world. She draws upon many therapeutic traditions, including Meditation, Mindfulness, CBT and Presence Intelligence. The space that she holds for you is a safe, trusting, nurturing and holistic place. She will be there to guide you at each step of the journey.

Mara from Simple Sophistication and Daniela from Women MAKE Stories are so excited to run a mindful journaling and embroidery event on Saturday 1 October at 10 am at Cafe Med in London. Over this 3 hour workshop, you’ll be guided through some gentle meditations, journaling prompts and you’ll learn how to hand embroider and draw your favourite mantra on a tote bag. Don't worry if you don't have any prior mindfulness, journaling or hand embroidery experience! Just bring a journal, a pen and an open mind and we’ll take care of the rest and make it fun too! Come as you are and leave feeling nourished, inspired and with a new set of tools for your wellbeing that you can use in your everyday life. This workshop is the perfect way for you to: ·feel more grounded and fully present ·connect with other like-minded women in real life ·learn new tools for your wellbeing that you can use for life ·discover the relaxing power of making and creating with your hands Venue: The event takes place at the lovely Cafe Med (images above) in London. The closest tube stations are: St Johns Wood (Jubilee Line) only 8 minutes away and South Hampstead (Overground) 12 minutes away. Important info: You’ll receive an email confirmation as soon as you book your place. We’ll then send you an email reminder the day before the event. Please note, that we’re unable to offer you a refund at this stage. And if you have any questions about the workshop, please reach out to us. We’re always happy to chat! hello@maragirone.com womenmakestories@gmail.com