Gaelscoil Dhoctúir Uí Shúilleabháin, St Patrick’s Boys’ National School, Skibbereen Community School and 49 North St. have teamed up with Anne Crossey to introduce three new mental health initiatives to the community.
The first is to encourage men to begin meditation. A five-week pilot programme called ‘Meditation for Men’ will launch at St Patrick’s National School, on Wednesday, January 29 and everyone is encouraged to get the men in their lives involved.
“Men’s mental health is in crisis,” says Anne Crossey. “We want men to come along, not only to experience the benefits of meditation for themselves, but also to send a very strong message to their sons, nephews, and other young men in the community that there is no shame for men, in fact, men should take pride in looking after their own mental health. This is the message we want to pass on to the next generation.”
As well as reducing stress and anxiety, meditation has been proven to aid relaxation, combating anger, depression and fatigue. More than that, it contributes towards a sense of clear-mindedness and general wellbeing. Men report feeling less stressed out after meditating, and that has an impact on their relationships as well.
The five-week course runs from Wednesday, January 29 until Wednesday, February 26 (7-8pm) will cost €50 pp. All men are welcome. To book contact Anne on 085 851 6172 or at annecrossey@gmail.com, marking subject ‘Booking for Meditation’.
Because mums’ mental health matters too, and mums also get stressed out, a parallel ‘Meditation for Mums’ pilot scheme is being run at Gaelscoil Dhoctúir Uí Shúilleabháin, following the same format and booking structure. It will be on Tuesday evenings from January 28 for five weeks and all Mums are welcome! Booking as above.
Participants on both introductory courses will be introduced to simple techniques designed to relax the mind, ease stress and create a sense of wellbeing that can easily be factored into everyday life. It is designed so that you will feel the maximum benefits.
A third five-week programme, the Monday Morning Meditation, is starting February 3 from 10.30- 11.30am at 49 North St. It is open to everyone and is donation-based rather than a set fee. We hope anyone who can’t make the other sessions will come along on a Monday morning to set their week off to a great start. Again, those attending will be taught simple but effective ways to reduce stress and improve their mood.
Anne Crossey has practiced meditation for 30 years and is trained as a meditation teacher. She has studied in monasteries all over the world and was taught by Rimpoche Kirti Tsenshab, who also taught meditation to the Dalai Lama.
To book contact Anne on 085 851 6172 or at annecrossey@gmail.com
