Wednesday Morning – Meditation to reduce stress and anxiety with Vanessa Callard (Dip BSoM)
When we feel stressed or anxious, our thoughts, emotions and physical sensations can seem overwhelming. We need to find a way to free ourselves of these feelings. We may feel that we need to look for relief from stress outside ourselves, perhaps by going to a quiet place in the natural world. Whilst this can be helpful, it is not always possible - and in fact we can find the peace we crave within ourselves whenever we choose.
Meditation is a highly effective way of reducing stress and anxiety, and what is more there is considerable scientific evidence of its benefits. Meditation is not a strange, hippie practice nor does it involve trying to empty your mind. It has very ancient origins and it simply involves paying attention to what arises in the present moment. We notice our thoughts, feelings and physical sensations, without trying to change anything, without getting caught up in them, judging them or following them. With practice, it is possible to sit and observe them, 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 through meditation. It is there within us, it is just that sometimes we need to take the time to uncover it.
This session is suitable both for beginners to meditation and also those who have practised it for some time. There will be the opportunity for participants to practise a few different types of meditation, including simple breath meditation, a cornerstone of meditation practice. 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 check with a health practitioner that attending this event will be appropriate for you. Further information/clarification can be sought via email with Vanessa.
Testimonials from previous meditation sessions that Vanessa has held:
‘Vanessa is an excellent meditation teacher: gentle, clear, affirmative, boundaried. She held the space gently but so well. I liked the ease of the meditation practices.’
‘You have a very soothing voice for meditation’
‘The meditation session was very calming’
Things to bring/materials required: Anything that you would like to feel more comfortable when seated (cushion, blanket)
A notepad and pen to make notes during the session (optional)
A bottle of water if you wish, though glasses of water will be available
Venue: The Round Tower, Black Swan Arts, Frome
Date: Wednesday 16 Sept 2026
Time: 10.15 - 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!