Experienced meditation instructor Trudie Ann Moore knows first hand that meditation techniques can not only improve physical well-being, but also mental health, particularly for people with early stage dementia or symptoms of memory loss.
The Springwood resident, who cared for her late mother who was diagnosed with dementia, is running a six-week introductory course in meditation from October 9 at Springwood Neighbourhood Centre.
"Recent medical studies in the USA show that people who meditate are less likely to develop brain disease and can benefit from improved memory and physical, mental and emotional well-being," she said.
"Those that did meditation were found to have a larger and healthier hippocampus, which is the part of the brain that is important for memory and emotion."
Ms Moore, a member of the International Meditation Teachers Association and founder of Soul Surgery, got involved in practising meditation through a friend when she was a 20-year-old UK resident, drawn by its spirituality.
"In the 1980s while working as a teacher's aide I thought meditation techniques would be beneficial for my students so I developed a recording called Quiet Time, which was recommended at the time by high profile paediatrician Dr Christopher Green.
"I've found meditation can help people of any age to relax and de-stress, especially those who suffer from anxiety or depression."
Topics covered in the course include the calming effects of deeper breathing, using a mantra (a chosen word or sound) in repetition to relax the mind and organise thoughts into a better order, the benefits of relaxing music and different colours on mood and being, the body's seven energy points and the alpha technique.
"A lot of people have the impression that to meditate you have to blank your mind, but that's not true because doing that completely is impossible.
"Meditating helps people to relax the muscles of the body and become more aware of their breathing using a variety of techniques.
"It is used commonly today in hospitals and is taught in schools."
Ms Moore said the course will suit people who have not meditated before.
"The step-by-step nature of the course will give people, or their carers, the tools and resources so that they can practise it at home.
"They will feel empowered to keep meditating.
"It's also something that people at all levels of mobility and physical health can do, because it can be done sitting down in a chair.
"I'm really excited this course is coming to Springwood and I'm looking forward to being able to help people."
The course will be held on Thursdays (from October 9) between 10.30am and 11.30am.
Class numbers are limited so bookings are essential by calling Springwood Neighbourhood Centre on 4751 3033.
