A woman who teaches mindfulness in Argyll is holding a charity event in Oban on Monday December 17. Claire Hartley is running the event in aid of Enable Scotland, and it will be held in the Rockfield Centre from 10am-11.30am. It is open to beginners and those who practise mindfulness already.
Claire will be demonstrating a new way to access mindfulness. She said: ‘This event will provide beginners with an introduction to mindfulness through doodling as people can often find this an easier way to be present than using traditional mindfulness practices. We will learn practices that can be used at home to help us let go of worries about the past and the future.This event is for those who feel they can draw – everyone can draw if they can hold a pencil – as well as for experienced artists who want to rediscover instinctive drawing. We will focus on the experience and not the finished product in the same way that with mindfulness we are present with the journey rather than concentrating on the destination.
‘It will be an interesting class where people will experience how mindfulness helps us and shows us that if we are present we can have richer experiences and get more enjoyment out of everyday life.’ Scientific studies show that mindfulness reduces stress, anxiety and pain. It lowers blood pressure and improves memory and concentration.