Meditation is often presented as something mysterious and complicated that is out of reach to the average person. Although this presentation may make it seem more exclusive, attractive and interesting, it is just as likely to cause people to dismiss meditation as too hard or a waste of time.

This is a great shame. Because like other forms of esoteric practice, meditation can profoundly improve health and well-being and is worthy of your full and undivided attention.

If you have been searching for information on meditation, you’ve likely seen images of beautiful people sitting on pristine beaches wearing angelic smiles.

Most of this is for show, as the thoughts inside the heads of these models are more than likely the same as your own. Busy, distracted and far from the bliss shown in the brochures.

While it’s true that advanced practitioners can experience blissful states, this is not the primary goal or point of meditation.

Thoughts are not you. Not every thought has value. Focussing your attention on the random nonsense popping into your head from moment to moment will make this abundantly clear.

We need to reassess our relationship with the mind. A good place to start is by thinking of the mind as a ‘Butler’ rather than a source of wisdom, or self. This is a useful way to visualise the mind in its proper place.

Think of meditation as a tool you can employ to begin to tame an unruly mind. After all, your mind ought to be doing your bidding, not be your master.

Strictly speaking, meditation is a state of being, rather than a thing you do. However, in practical terms, we use meditative practices to learn how to move towards states of being that are not dominated by excessive thought.

If you want to learn more about how the mind works and how you can better control it, this beginner-friendly workshop is a great place to start.

• Learn simple and effective practices to calm a busy mind.
• Understand the proper role of the mind and the ego.
• Learn about the nervous system and how to work with it (not against it).
• Discover how to take your health and well-being into your own hands.

• This workshop consists of video lessons totalling around 90 minutes.
• Brief discussions and explanations are followed by hands-on practices where you will experience what was presented for yourself.
• This workshop provides a solid foundation from which you can explore longer courses and related subjects.
• Supplemental materials include worksheets, self-assessments and suggestions for complementary study.