Free meditation classes will return to the city centre from Tuesday 2 November, as the City Renewal Authority’s ReNewYou program restarts after lockdown.
The ReNewYou program provides free outdoor activity classes to encourage people to get up from the desk and out of their apartments and enjoy the city.
The Mindful Movement (mindfulness meditation) classes will run 2 November 2021 – 21 December 2022, every Tuesday 7:30 am in Glebe Park near the Gandhi statue.
In the Mindful Movement classes, participants will have the opportunity to stretch, de-stress and learn the basics of mindfulness meditation – all while enjoying the peaceful Glebe Park setting.
The classes will be led by mindfulness expert Megan Layton from Simply Mindful.
“Mindful Movement sessions are great for newcomers and experienced meditators alike, and you can join us for any of the classes in the 8-week block,” said Ms. Layton.
“We will begin each class with some gentle mindful movement including yoga and walking meditation to nourish and care for your body and settle your mind. The second half of the class will be a guided mindfulness meditation.”
“I can honestly say mindfulness is the single most important skill I’ve come across in my life, so I would encourage everybody to come along.”
Simply Mindful helped pioneer mindfulness in Australia and is the first organisation in Canberra offering a full 8-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program – recognised as the world’s gold standard secular mindfulness program.
“Over the eight weeks we’ll move through a range of practices to help you make a fresh start and move into your day from a place of greater awareness, clarity and centredness.”
Malcolm Snow, CEO of the City Renewal Authority, said that in addition to being great for the health and wellbeing of participants, the classes are also a great way to improve social connectedness in Canberra’s CBD.
“Low-cost and free activities are important ways to encourage participation in civic life and getting more people to visit the CBD.”
“There are many great public spaces in the city for people to use, and ReNewYou provides an extra incentive to get out and enjoy them.”
All classes will require a booking via Eventbrite, and participants will need to bring a water bottle, yoga mat, a cushion if needed, and wear comfortable clothing.
These are all COVID-safe events. Participants will need to check in via the Check In CBR app and follow all ACT Health directives.
ReNewYou is made possible by the City Centre Marketing and Improvements Levy.
