Paul Bibby
The Byron Shire is known around Australia as a place of healing, offering a wide array of services and modalities to help people become healthier and happier.
But many members of our own community miss out on these opportunities because they don’t have the disposable income needed to take part.
A group of local meditation teachers have decided to do their bit to address this situation by offering a free weekly class at the Mullumbimby District Neighbourhood Centre beginning on June 28.
The class will feature a particular form of meditation called iRest Yoga Nidra, which is specifically designed to promote physical and psychological healing and wellbeing.
It has proven to be very effective in the treatment of trauma, providing tools to help people release stress, relax deeply and build resiliency.
‘The practice has been transformative in my life, and it’s such a joy to have been sharing this meditation practice with many clients and students locally and around the world over the past six years,’ said Dr Lauren Tober, one of the teachers providing the free class.
‘I’m excited that we have a talented and passionate team of iRest teachers locally who are volunteering their time and wisdom to offer this meditation practice at the Neighbourhood Centre.’
The teachers are asking the community for donations of yoga mats and clean blankets so that participants in the class can practice in comfort if they don’t have their own items.
These can be donated through the neighbourhood centre.
Centre Manager Leseera Kai said the meditation class was part of a growing collection of free classes and services being offered to the community at the centre.
‘I really passionately believe that everyone should have the opportunity to heal and to grow,’ Ms Kai said.
‘The Centre isn’t just a place to come when you need a feed or a shower, it’s a place to learn and to participate in great classes like meditation, yoga, music and art.’
The class will take place each Friday from midday to 1pm from June 28.
Participants are asked to arrive early so the class can start on time, and to bring a mat and a blanket if they have one.