Free Mindfulness in Nature Course in Helsby

Residents in West Cheshire can benefit from taking part in an eight-week free Mindfulness in Nature Course in Helsby this autumn.

As part of The Mersey Forest’s Natural Health Service, using the natural environment to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities, two eight-week courses will start on Monday 20 September at Helsby Community Centre.

The courses will be run by Bob Wheat, a qualified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, with one session running on a Monday morning and the other on Monday afternoon during the eight weeks.

Mindfulness in Nature is all about giving your body and brain the opportunity to rest and relax, taking in all the wonderful surroundings of the natural environment. Each session will involve using breathing and listening exercises, plus gentle Tai Chi movement to encourage feeling both present and calm. The sessions are open to all adults and are designed to be welcoming to complete beginners.

The practice of mindfulness has become much more popular over recent years. There is a now a growing body of evidence to support its benefits for health and wellbeing, including improved stress management and reduction in the risk of experiencing depression.

Elizabeth Mason, Co-ordinator for the Natural Health Service, explains: “The mindfulness in nature sessions encourage people to be more present and mindful, not just within the sessions, but in everyday life. So many of us find ourselves caught up with the constant stream of thoughts and business in our minds without really allowing the time and space for our minds to rest. Practicing mindfulness can have really positive effects for mental health which is so closely linked to our physical health, leading to other positive change in the way we see ourselves and our lives.”

Bob Wheat explains how beneficial the course is for attendees: “All those that have been stressed through Covid and the last 18 months would definitely benefit from taking part. The comments from previous participants have been very positive and have improved their life in many different ways. From increased confidence to improved sleeping, enjoying nature to feeling more relaxed and less anxious.”

To find out more about the Mindfulness in Nature sessions in Helsby contact either Elizabeth Mason on: 07541 691504 or e-mail:

Elizabeth.Mason@merseyforest.org.uk

or Bob Wheat on: 07507 013283.

The Mersey Forest is a growing network of woodlands and green spaces spread across Cheshire and Merseyside, which has been creating 'woodlands on your doorstep' for more than 25 years.

The Forest is one of the leading environmental regeneration initiatives in the North West. Through community and partnership working, we have planted 9 million trees - equivalent to five new trees for every person living within the Forest area.

The Forest helps our towns and cities adapt to climate change; creates woodlands that 20% of local people visit at least once a week and helps improve the image of our towns and cities.

We achieve all of this and more through our partnership of Local Authorities, landowners, the Forestry Commission, Natural England, the Environment Agency and businesses.

www.merseyforest.org.uk