Wednesday Morning – Meditation to reduce Anxiety and Stress with Vanessa Callard (Dip BSoM)

When we feel stressed or anxious, our thoughts, emotions and physical sensations can feel overwhelming. We need to find a way to free ourselves of these feelings. We may believe that we need to look for relief 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, through meditation.

Did you know that meditation is a highly effective way of reducing stress and anxiety, and that 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 simply involves paying attention to what arises in the present moment, noticing our thoughts, feelings and physical sensations, without trying to change anything, and without getting caught up in them, judging them or following them. With practice, it is possible to sit and observe them, and to find, beneath all the noise of thoughts and feelings, some peace within ourselves. It is not that thoughts and feelings disappear, but rather that, by acknowledging them, they have less of a hold on us and we learn how to navigate them with a greater sense of balance. 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. 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 clarification can be sought via email with Vanessa mail to: vanessacallardmeditation@gmail.com

 Testimonials from previous meditation sessions that Vanessa has held:

‘I would highly recommend Vanessa’s sessions. They leave you feeling so relaxed and unwound.’ (September 2026)

 ‘I personally felt held and protected by Vanessa’a wonderful energy and words. I learned more about the process of meditation in her session than in any others I have attended over the years. She is an excellent practitioner on every level.’ (June 2026)

Things to bring: It is a good idea to bring a cushion to ensure your comfort during the session as the chairs are upright and not upholstered. You may wish to bring a notepad and pen to make notes. You may wish to bring a bottle of water, though glasses of water will be available.

Venue: The Round Tower, Black Swan Arts, Frome

Date: Wednesday 11 November 2026

Time: 11am - 12.30pm

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: I qualified as an accredited meditation teacher in March 2026, after training with the British School of Meditation. I was inspired to undertake training having experienced the benefits of meditation for many years and was really excited to learn that there is a considerable amount of scientific evidence of these benefits.

I have experienced significant anxiety for most of my life, so I know really well what it feels like, physically, mentally and emotionally, and this lived experience gives me valuable insight into the struggles that those who suffer from anxiety or chronic stress grapple with and an understanding of what can help ease them. 

I am passionate about sharing with others how meditation can soothe the nervous system, quieten a busy mind, and help us find our inner peace, which is always there within us but can become submerged as a result of the challenges of life.

I feel strongly that in today’s world, meditation is a very empowering practice that helps us to connect with this inner peace, and to bring it into our daily lives and our interactions with others.

For more info on Vanessa’s work follow her on facebook - Meditation with Vanessa: Finding our Inner Peace