Breathe Deep, Live Fully

General Questions

1. What is meditation?

Meditation simply activates the body's relaxation response and is the ideal way to counteract the effects of stress and anxiety in our lives. It is a practice that involves focusing the mind and eliminating distractions to promote mental clarity, emotional calmness, and physical relaxation.

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2. What are the benefits of meditation?

Studies have proved that meditation and the relaxation response counteracts the symptoms of the stress response and how our nervous system activates the fight or flight response when we are under stress. It has therefore been scientifically proven that meditation, for example, decreases the heart rate, blood pressure, our respiratory rate, our oxygen consumption and decreases muscle tension. Research has shown that meditation is a practice that helps people achieve balance both mentally, emotionally and physically.

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3. What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of paying full attention to the present moment, deliberately and without judgment. It involves observing your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surroundings with openness and curiosity, rather than trying to change or avoid them. In simple terms, it’s about being fully aware of what’s happening right now—instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Mindfulness is often cultivated through meditation, but it can also be practiced in daily activities like eating, walking, or even listening.

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4. What is the flight-or flight response?

Under stress, our nervous systems activates what is known as our fight or flight response. This causes our heart rate to increase, increasing our respiratory rate and elevating our blood pressure and increasing our oxygen consumption along with a number of other physiological and psychological reactions. Traditionally we may think of the fight or flight response when our ancestors were faced with danger or a perceived threat, where they chose to fight or flee from a lion.

 

In our modern world we are instead faced with modern-day predators and our fight-or-flight responses have taken on a much more extensive range of triggers and behaviours. For example, the fight-or-flight response may trigger due to anger over an email, an unexpected bill arriving, an argument, being stuck in traffic or a deadline at work. We can even be thrown into the fight-or-flight response by thinking about a situation or event from the past or imagining something that may or may not occur in the future. Many of the significant stresses we encounter today trigger the full activation of our fight-or-flight response, but we are unable, or it is inappropriate for us, to take the physical action required to release us back into functioning normally through the relaxation response.

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This fight-or-flight response has an important survival function. It helps us to escape an attack or to fight off danger with considerably more speed and power than we usually possess in our normal relaxed state. But when it is activated repeatedly and for prolonged periods, the effects are harmful and can be the cause of serious illness. Inappropriate and extended activation of the stress response in humans causes long term physiological and psychological harm  causing serious damage to our body.

 

5. What is the relaxation response?

The relaxation response is the body’s natural counter to the stress response. It’s a physical state of deep rest that changes the physical and emotional responses to stress, including a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and muscle tension. First described by Dr. Herbert Benson in the 1970s, the relaxation response can be triggered through practices like meditation, deep breathing and yoga and helps restore balance in the body, promoting calm and healing by reducing the harmful effects of chronic stress.

6. Do I need experience to join?
No prior experience is needed. Our classes are beginner-friendly and suitable for all levels and we would be delighted for you to join us on our journey.

7. What types of meditation do you teach?
We offer guided visualisation meditation for both visual and non-visual learners, mindfulness, breathwork, full body relaxation and sometimes elements of loving-kindness and body scan techniques.

 

8. What is full body relaxation?

Full body relaxation, often called a body scan meditation, is a guided practice that involves mentally scanning and relaxing each part of the body from head to toe. It helps release physical tension, increase body awareness, and activate the body’s relaxation response, promoting calm, clarity, and rest. Practicing full body relaxation daily helps release physical tension and calms the nervous system, promoting deeper rest and recovery. Over time, it can improve sleep quality, reduce stress levels, and enhance overall mental and physical well-being. Please click here if you would like to listen to a 5 minute fully body relaxation exercise that you can easily practice everyday.
 

Class Logistics

9. How long is each class?
Each session typically lasts approximately 90 minutes, and you can expect to be lying down for approximately 45 minutes.

10. What should I bring to class?
Please wear comfortable clothing, and bring a yoga mat, pillow or cushion, blanket, even a duvet, and some like an eye mask. Please just bring whatever will make you feel at complete ease and comfy, we want you to feel as comfortable as you would at home.

11. Can I join online?
Right now our classes are only in person but please watch this space as we hope to be offering classes online soon!

12. What is the class schedule?
You can find our full class list and how to book here.



Health & Safety

13. Is meditation safe for everyone?
Meditation is generally safe and beneficial for most people. However, if you have a history of mental health conditions such as PTSD, severe anxiety, or psychosis, please consult with a healthcare professional before beginning or continuing your practice.

14. Are the classes suitable during pregnancy?
Yes, most meditation classes are suitable during pregnancy, and many expectant individuals find them especially helpful for managing stress, improving sleep, and connecting with their body and baby but please us know in advance so we can provide any necessary modifications. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new practice during pregnancy, especially if you have any complications or concerns.

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15. What should I do if I feel uncomfortable during the session?
It’s completely normal to feel restless or emotional during meditation. You’re always welcome to open your eyes, shift your position, or quietly step out if needed. Listen to your body and do what feels right.

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16. Do I need any special equipment or physical ability?
No special equipment is needed—just a comfortable place to sit or lie down. If you have physical limitations, modifications can be made to ensure you are comfortable and supported, feel free to let us know before the class.

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17. Can meditation cause emotional discomfort?
Sometimes, strong emotions or memories may arise during deep relaxation. This is part of the healing process for some people, but if it becomes overwhelming, let us know and consider seeking support from a mental health professional.

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18. Is it okay to fall asleep during full body relaxation or meditation?
Yes, it’s common and safe to drift off during deep relaxation practices. If sleepiness becomes a barrier to staying present, adjusting your posture or meditating at a different time of day may help.

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19. What if I have a medical condition or injury?
Please inform us before the session so any necessary adjustments can be made. Meditation is generally gentle, but your safety and comfort are the priority.

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20. Is meditation a replacement for medical treatment?
No. Meditation is a supportive practice that can complement medical or psychological treatment, but it should not be used as a substitute for professional care.

 

Payments & Policies

21. How much does it cost?
Our classes are £20 per session.

22. What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that life can sometimes get in the way do please reach out to us should you not be able to attend the class.
 

Other

23. Can I contact the instructor with questions?
Absolutely, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out, click here for our contact details