Monday Morning - Meditation to reduce stress and anxiety, with Vanessa Callard
In today’s busy world, where the focus is often on action, speed, and productivity, and where we receive constant information and updates in the form of news, advertisements, social media and messages, it can feel hard - if not impossible - to find a moment of peace and quiet when we need it. Stress and anxiety are increasingly common, with both adults and children experiencing debilitating levels of both. We may have a sense of missing or needing something in our lives, but are not able to articulate what that is, because the world around us is too busy. But what if, instead of trying to find peace in the world around us, we were to find a way of looking for that sense of calm within ourselves?
The ancient and beautiful practice of meditation offers exactly that: a quiet form of contemplation, that involves paying attention to the present moment, without trying to change anything or achieve anything. We notice sensations in the body, thoughts and emotions, without getting caught up in them, judging them or pursuing them. With practice, it is possible to sit and observe, without judgement, and to find, beneath all the noise of thoughts and feelings, some peace within the self. It is not that problems, fears, judgements and emotions disappear, but rather that, by acknowledging them, we find that they have less of a hold on us and we learn how to navigate these challenges with a greater sense of balance and stability. Just as during a storm at sea, when the waves are wild, peace and calm can be found deep down at the bottom of the ocean, so too, during times of stress, anxiety, and crisis, we can find our sense of inner calm, strength and resilience. It is there within us, it is just that sometimes we need to take the time to uncover it. Just as the lotus flower blooms beautifully even though it grows in mud, so too can we rise from adversity and shine our inner light.
This session will be gentle and suitable both for beginners to meditation and those who have some experience and wish to deepen their understanding. There will be the opportunity for participants to practise a few different types of meditation. Vanessa will explain how beneficial meditation is for body, mind and spirit, and how it can make a significant, very positive difference to our daily lives, in particular in reducing anxiety and stress. The session will include some of the amazing scientific evidence of the benefits of meditation. Vanessa is very much looking forward to sharing her passion for meditation with participants.
Health:
If you have any ongoing medical conditions or mobility issues, please let us know before the event, to ensure that we can meet your needs. In addition, please note that, whilst meditation is a safe and effective way of reducing stress and anxiety, if you have a mental health difficulty, it is important that you let us know and also that you check with a health practitioner that attending this event will be appropriate for you. Further information/clarification can be sought via email with Vanessa.
What to bring: Anything that you would like to feel more comfortable when seated (cushion, blanket)
(Chairs will be provided)
A notepad and pen to make notes during the session (optional)
Venue: The Round Tower, Black Swan Arts, Frome
Date: Monday 15 June 2026
Time: 10.30 - 11.45am
Price: £12.50
Places: 8
We never want cost to prevent anybody from attending our events so please reach out to the practitioner if you require a subsidised ticket.
Biography: Vanessa has practised meditation for more than 25 years and can testify to the amazing benefits that it brings to daily life.
She finds that it is when meditating that she feels most in touch with her true self and most calm. Through meditation, she has learned how to live more in the present moment. By acknowledging and accepting her emotions, rather than resisting them, she feels freer, more confident, and more peaceful. She has also noticed the positive effect that regular meditation has on her interactions with others.
In 2025, she felt inspired to train to become an accredited meditation teacher. She attained the British School of Meditation Diploma in Teaching, with distinction, in March 2026. Through her training, she significantly deepened her knowledge and understanding of the benefits of meditation and found it inspiring to learn about the considerable scientific evidence of these benefits. She is looking forward to sharing her passion for meditation!