Welcome to the gay and bi men’s group
Every Monday: 7.30-9.30pm UK time.
Welcome to this friendly online community of men. Learn how to stop stress and worry taking over and cultivate a sense of wellbeing, ease and calm through these simple guided meditations. Beginners welcome.
We connect together at the start by sharing for a few minutes. This has been so important for people over this time of increased isolation as it gives a chance to feel part of a community of men and realise that we are not alone in a lot of what we might be struggling with right now.
Mindfulness is not about escaping from the world or forcing your mind into silence, but as my teacher once said “it’s building a container to hold the chaos”. The rest of the evening explores how to build this strong container by connecting deeply into our body and using the breath as an anchor for our attention so that we can train our mind to stay more on a single point rather than drift into random thoughts, ideas and worries.
As you meditate you’re not stopping your thoughts but changing your relationship to them: welcoming whatever is present, allowing it and bringing kindness to any difficult emotions there may be connected with upsetting thoughts. In this way you’ll learn how to be more fully alive, connected and at ease.
Mid evening there’s a 10 minute break after which I introduce the theme for the session and we go into groups of 3 for 15 minutes to discuss and share.
The evening finishes with a guided Loving Kindness meditation which explores feeling a sense of good will and kindness to a friend, ourself and others.
“Nick’s Monday night meditation sessions have become an incredibly important part of my week. I have been amazed at how these have worked so well online during lockdown and hope he considers continuing an online format when life goes back to normal. It has been vital to creating a sense of community during this time as well as bringing some peace and stability into my home at the start of each week.”
About the teacher: Nick lived as a Buddhist monk for 6 years and has meditated for over 30 years. This group has been running for 11 years. Nick shares his experience in a secular format that is open to anyone.
The evening is free for those on limited income, with a suggested fee of:
£15 full price
£12 reduced (for those on a low income)
£8 concession (for students, unemployed and retired)
To book your place: https://bookwhen.com/evolvingminds
If you need a free place please contact Nick.
For guided meditations please see my You Tube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwNPLJARKKdiPa0p_DiqXVQ