Yesterday was a quintessential Brisbane day—beautiful one day, perfect the next.
I had just arrived from a cold and rainy Sydney, and the contrast was striking. The sky was cloudless, and a gentle breeze made for an idyllic setting for our meditation workshop at the Botanic Gardens, right by the Brisbane River. The luscious green grass and tall trees created the perfect backdrop for a serene and reflective experience.
Our workshop was designed for university students in the midst of their exams—a time when a bit of mindfulness can make a world of difference.
We structured the workshop in two parts: I led the first half, focusing on exercises to release bodily tension, and Steven, a helper from Brisbane Meditation, led the second half with a guided meditation.
We began with a brief introduction, explaining who we are and outlining the workshop structure. I started with simple exercises aimed at releasing tension in the body, preparing the students for a deeper state of relaxation. Following this, we did an activity called the Gallery Walk. We had set up pictures around the workshop area, and I asked the students to choose two pictures: one that depicted the current state of their mind and another that represented how they wished to feel.
This simple yet powerful exercise encouraged them to reflect on their mental states naturally.
Paired up, the students shared their thoughts on the pictures they chose. This activity underscored a universal truth: everyone struggles with worries and negative thoughts, and everyone desires happiness and a calm mind. The Gallery Walk facilitated a meaningful discussion about these shared experiences.
In the second part of the workshop, Steven delivered a concise talk on transforming the mind to achieve true happiness. He then guided a 20-minute meditation, focusing on letting go of stress, especially related to school matters. His soothing guidance helped the students find a moment of peace amidst their hectic schedules.
After the meditation, the students were eager to learn more about the mind. Some, who were studying psychology, found the workshop particularly intriguing. Having studied psychology myself, I was delighted to discuss how understanding one's mind can bring clarity to psychological concepts.
We provided information about Free Online Meditation for those interested in exploring further. Seeing these young people enthusiastic about finding true happiness within was incredibly heartwarming. It made my heart sing, and I am eager to conduct more workshops to spread the benefits of a happy mind.
Here’s a one-minute snippet of the workshop—hope you enjoy it!
Thank you.