DUMBARTON Meditation Group has spoken about how mindfulness and meditation can help with the negative mental effects of lockdown.

The group, which met every Wednesday in St Augustine’s Church prior to the lockdown, has moved its classes online to Zoom web chats.

Carolann Johnstone Ramsay, a former secondary school teacher and Mindfulness Association trainee, is one of the teachers at Dumbarton Meditation Group and focuses on the mindfulness aspect of the classes.

She said: “Mindfulness is a mind training, where we are training to meet the moment, to be with it exactly as it arises.

“The attitude that one brings to these practices is crucial, so there is a focus on cultivating loving kindness and compassion, especially self-compassion.

“In these times, this is critical when we are all going through what could be described as a collective trauma

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The stress of lockdown can be much more dangerous for youngsters who may not understand or deal with their feelings in a positive way, and this is something that Carolann is keen to focus on – offering free sessions for local youngsters through the Dumbarton Meditation Group Facebook page.

“I’m very concerned about the mental health of Dumbarton’s youngsters in particular,” Carolann said.

And she has a special message for those struggling with the effects of lockdown: “You are not alone. Reach out for support – it is always there. There are many resources and things you can do. Mindfulness and meditation are wonderful but if that’s not your thing - go for a walk, speak to a friend, watch something really funny or uplifting on the TV. We’ll all get through this.”

For more information and to join in on the online classes, visit Dumbarton Meditation Group on Facebook.

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