Activities for Meditation in the Park 2010
Many things to do from 12pm on. Start planning your day...
Meditation in the Park is similar to a village fair, with different stalls with activities in which to take part. The final times are being confirmed and will be uploaded soon, but below you can get a sneak peak at what activities are on offer. Activities run for about 15 minutes unless otherwise stated, and there will be several happening at any given time. You are free to create your own day by picking and choosing which you'd like to do. Also, each area will have a group of large gym mats to sit on.
Frogs and Trees
Frogs and Trees is a mini workshop to learn two simple and effective yoga postures which anyone can do to strengthen the body and calm the mind. Do them first thing in the morning to kick start your day.
Sleep Masterclass
Join expert teacher, Guru Kaur, as she discusses the key factors in getting a consistent good night's sleep and shares basic yoga postures and meditative techniques to sleep more soundly and wake more refreshed.
Children's Yoga
A favourite from last year - Children (and parents too) buzz like bees and grow like trees, imitating the wildlife that surrounds them in the park to stimulate, stretch and relax young bodies and minds.
Sun Salutations / EZ Sun Salutations
Sun Salutations are a series of postures that flow into each other and serve to wake up, stretch, and circulate fresh oxygen throughout the body, especially first thing in the morning. Join this workshop to learn two versions of Sun Salutations - one regular version and an easier alternative.
Ecology Park Nature Tours
The space surrounding Meditation in the Park is an exquisite ecological sanctuary featuring rare wildlife that normally never ventures this close to Central London. Come along with Ben, for a leisurely 45 minute tour, to learn what makes this area so special.
Guided Relaxation
Let the tension melt from your body as you are guided through a deep relaxation aided by the sound of our resident birdsong chorus. Instructors guide you to become aware of the tension in your body and how to release it. Afterwards you'll be surprised at how much more alive and beautiful everything has become...
Children's Smoothies Making
This is a chance for children to discover and explore the vast collection of sweet fruit tastes including the apple, orange, and banana basics but also delving into more tropical delights, like mangos.
Fruit Meditation
The quality of the food we eat is only half the equation. Our state of mind when we eat and our attitude to what we are eating are also major contributors to our health. Come join this challenging and incredibly enjoyable 11 minute meditation after which you'll experience a peach like you never have before. Nice ripe peaches provided but feel free to bring your own fruit too...
Flower Garland Making
Add some festivity and colour to your day by making your own Flower Garland with Debbie.
Continuous Drop-in Meditation: Kirtan Kriya
This stall begins at 12pm and runs continuously until the group meditation at 3pm. Detailed instructions are posted on how to do this simple meditation and participants can drop-in and try it whenever and for however long they wish. Stay for 3 minutes to get a taste of it, or stay for 31 minutes to have a powerful experience.
Meditation in Motion
Adults and children alike are welcome to enjoy this unique experience. In this workshop, Mariana guides you to create a simple movement and sound which you repeat and connect with the next person in the group and so on. By the end you experience the fascination of being part of an intricate meditative dance which is greater than any of the individual pieces.
Sat Kriya Meditation
This is a simple exercise, with little to no movement but which has enough positive effects to fill pages. Kneeling or sitting with the hands together above your head, you use the navel to powerful yell out 2 basic sounds. Come learn the nuances of this technique which wards off illness, eliminates fatigue, remedies sexual frustration, sharpens the mind and gives your eyes that brilliant, healthy shine.
Children's Craft Activity Table
Children (of all ages) create and decorate cut-out models of animals and other nature related delights.
Breath, De-stress, Relax
You can dramatically improve your quality of living by improving your breathing. Through this workshop you'll gain a toolchest of simple and powerful breathing techniques which you can use to gain clarity in many of life's challenging situations.
Walking Meditation
Come along to another favourite of last year with Hari Karam Singh. Learn how to transform your routine perambulations into a soothing meditative practice. Each of the two 45 minute sessions begins with some instruction, a few easy warm-ups, and a 20 minute walk, followed by a some warm-downs and a short guided relaxation.
Poi
Poi is a performance art in which balls, suspended from a length of flexible fabric, are held in the hand and swung in circular patterns. It's a technique of creative expression originating with the Māori people of New Zealand. Come have a blast learning the techniques to put the body in rhythm and dazzle the crowd.
Group Meditation Finale
At 3pm we'll begin to come together for the finale group meditation led by Guru Kaur. Prizes for best picnics to follow...
Meanwhile, judges surveyed the green in order to find the most worthy homemade and healthy delights. Fresh local fruit and juice, homemade breads, exquisite olive oils, blenders and smoothie makers were kindly donated by Tesco Surrey Quays, Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, and Borough Market stallholders, and were awarded to the winners. The surplus was then distributed along with goodie bags and no one went away empty handed. 
