It was a beautiful, (very) warm, sunny day on the Green at Russia Dock Woodland. Over 2000 people came out to share in the fun and sun.
View the photos here »
Meditation in the Park 2011 is made possible by many volunteers and supporters who come together because they believe in the values which inspire the event - Green Spaces, Good Food and a Clear Mind.
The prizes for best picnics come from the generousity of Tesco Surrey Quays, Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, many stallholders from Borough Market and Maltby St. Market, Alara's Mix-Your-Own Muesli, Lily's Kitchen, Neal's Yard Remedies and more...
We're featured second in a list of 10 events in the UK this weekend!
Get a head start planning your day with these links:
Welcome Sheet & Activity Schedule (2 pages) »
Layout map of The Green, Russia Dock Woodland »
Over the past few weeks Guru Kaur and John Woodhouse have been meeting with 90 children and their teachers from St. John's Primary School for a series of meditation lessons.
Most of the lessons took place in Stave Hill Ecological Park but on the last session at the school building, Guru Kaur and John were deeply touched by this display board and by how easily the children were able to enjoy the benefits of meditation.
This activity station begins at 12:30pm and runs continuously until the group meditation at 3:30pm. You can drop in anytime and join in the meditation for as little or as much time as you like.
The particular meditation is called Kirtan Kriya, literally "Singing Meditation", which uses basic sounds and pressing together of the fingertips and thumbs to stimulate the brain. Don't worry if you think you "can't sing". The key is in vibrating the sounds and their effect on your body, not in getting the perfect pitch!
Kirtan Kriya goes back thousands of years and modern medical research, particularly by the Alzheimer's Foundation, has confirmed its powerful effect in reducing stress and improving memory.
TimeOut has kindly listed this year's event. Please help us make the most of it with a Like and a comment on their listing page...thanks!
The prizes for the best picnics (see here for categories) are beginning to arrive, as well as 25,000 flyers and the banners which you'll see going up around Russia Dock Woodland this weekend announcing Meditation in the Park.
Millie-Pup, Guru Kaur's little white fluffy dog, was most delighted to see that the purveyor of her favourite Borough Market Standard dog food has also very kindly donated some prizes, so her well behaved four legged friends will not go away empty-handed either.
If you would like to help hand out flyers, including in the local Tesco Surrey Quays, we can definitely use the assistance. Please reply and let us know...
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. Come learn them direct from our experts at Meditation in the Park this year or get an early start with these guidance notes: regular version | lite version.
Community Making Days are every Monday & Friday at the SHED building in Stave Hill Ecology Park (see map). Drop-in anytime between 2pm and 7pm.
On the 8th May 2011, local resident and professional photography Nick Fleming conducted a free photography workshop, funded by the Lottery's Awards for All, in and around the old converted docks and ecological park of Russia Dock Woodland
Many people came from near and far to the morning and afternoon sessions where Nick gave a short presentation of some of his pictures and the rest of the time was spent in Russia Dock Woodland photographing scenes from this local ecological oasis. A short critique period ended each session.
See some of the results on the Flickr group, including the beautiful photo above of the St John's footbridge by Susi Petherick. We may be doing another session in the Autumn so keep an eye on the this webpage.
A quick look at this photo shows Steve Cornish, co-organiser for Meditation in the Park with Boris Johnson receiving the Mayor's Safer Parks Award on behalf of Russia Dock Woodland. A closer look at the bottom right reveals the Meditation in the Park flyer which Steve very tactfully handed him!
Steve is receiving the Silver Safer Parks Award which was given in recognition of the 75% decrease in anti-social behavior in Russia Dock Woodland in the past 5 years - wow! Well done Steve, for championing this...
Will Boris come along and try out the Cyclist's Yoga? Will he survive the Fruit Meditation? Will he bring City Hall and go for the Best Collaborative Picnic prize? Finger's crossed!
"Woodpeckers, butterflies...poppies...
It's just idealic..."
"Giving people real skills they can use..."
It is the hope of the Meditation in the Park organisers that the event inspires you to see your world a bit differently and make changes that allow you to enjoy it more. The links below will help you remember what you learned (or missed!) on the day and to take the new experiences from Meditation in the Park further...
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.
SNEAK PEEK: Download the PDF document with the 2010 Schedule. »
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.
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 YogaA 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 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.
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.
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.
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...
Add some festivity and colour to your day by making your own Flower Garland with Debbie.
This stall begins at 12:15pm 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.
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.
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 (of all ages) create and decorate cut-out models of animals and other nature related delights.
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.
Transform your routine perambulations into a soothing meditative practice. Learn this special technique to harness the rhythm of your mind and breath to experience more physical fitness and mental clarity.
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.
At 3pm we'll begin to come together for the finale group meditation led by Guru Kaur. Prizes for best picnics to follow...
Guru Kaur at Stave Hill Ecology Park with a group from Albion school, explaining the values behind Meditation in the Park
A lot of people think that meditation is about sitting on a mat and going "ommmmmmm", but really it's about something much more fundamental to every moment of our day...
Listen to Guru Kaur explaining meditation to the children of St. John's Catholic Primary School in London (3m 30s):
Click here:
...on a fortuitously beautiful and sunny day, people convened on the Russia Dock Woodland Green - one of London’s best kept secrets - from the local community and across the city with appetising delights in their picnic baskets. Friendly teachers greeted the picnickers and gave free tuition in the basics of breathing and meditation while children imitated animals in the children’s area and everyone tasted new delights at the free smoothie booth.
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.
As featured in The Times, TimeOut, and LondonTown
"Meditation in the Park is a place for families and friends to come together and learn something new. It's a lovely day to chill and just be."
- Michelle Momsen, N1
"Brilliant day, lovely people. Couldn't believe everything was free! Will definitely come again next year. "
- Anonymous, SE16
"This is the third event my husband and I have attended, and we anticipate its arrival every year. It is run by wonderfully conscious people who seem to spread their light over everyone...We would not miss it for the world."
- Julia and Ret, SE16
"Meditation in the Park is the remedy to modern life in London. Step back from the rush, breathe, learn new things and meet (and make!) your community. "
- Lindsay, N4
"A simple way of solving some big life problems."
- Anonymous, N1 0JF
"Beautiful time-out from the hectic London we're so used to."
- Lisa, E14
"The event was well organized. There was something for everybody: kids, elderly, men, women.. We had a lot of fun, met lovely people and enjoyed the activities altogether!"
- Anonymous, SE16
"A very valuable learning experience. I am definitely going back when the next session comes up. "
- Arniel Habac, NW11 9LD
"A truly inspiring, enchanting, enjoyable day in a great location with lots to learn and reflect on. Simply wonderful! Keep it going!!"
- Muriel, UB7
"It was a beautiful day, so nice to see people relaxing and enjoying themselves, learning valuable techniques."
- Anonymous, SE16 2HS
"I would very much recommend meditation in the park- a lovely atmosphere and a great chance to try yoga or meditation for the first time, try a different version or just join in with a bunch of like-minded people."
- Karen Cain, TN14
"delightful and inspiring. great to have a break from consumerism etc."
- Rose, SE16
"Meet your friends and neighbours in lovely relaxed settings and see how much more friendly we really are! If we don't use our parks and participate we may not always have them."
- Alma Boulton, SE16
"I enjoyed the atmosphere... Meditation is a subject I wanted to learn more about and the extra events (eg cheesemaking) were well thought out and made for a relaxed and special afternoon. Well done everyone! "
- Louise Clement, SE17
"A well organised yet chilled, laid back event in a beautiful environment involving the whole community. Well worth a visit."
- michelle oconnor, SE16
"Enjoyable, relaxing, FREE, socialable, interesting, fantastic. Thank You to all the volunteers."
- Joan O'Connell, SE116EZ
"It was a good atmosphere. I overheard nothing scary or negative from the crowd and didn't feel any imposition to my heart or mind. It was relaxed and felt friendly and genuine - a lovely event in beautiful surroundings."
- Nancy Sarre, SE14 5TW
"A day of sunshine and peace in the middle of a busy life."
- Eddie Doherty, WV3 8LY
"To experience complete calm in a city like London is close to a miracle, and I could hear the blood in my veins and the heartbeat of my friends, the leaves and the peace were whispering to me all day."
- Ursula Dekker, SE23
"It was a really great experience which taught me how peaceful and positive it is to meditate with other souls."
- Aimee Alfieri, BN1 3RB
"Excellent group effort of the event, well coordinated, brought families together to spend quality time together engaging in the activities and learning about being with nature and at peace with all in a community."
- Dr. Rohinin Kapur, SE16 6QN
"Loved it - great classes, nice people, friendly relaxed atmosphere and food for thought! Many thanks for a wonderful day!"
- Leonie, E1W
"Meditation in the Park has a very special atmosphere - and you cant quite believe that something this good could be free and so enjoyable. It's a great way to get in touch with your spiritual side (everyone has one!)."
- Ian Morton, W1U 6BT
"The world of meditation seemed shrouded in mystery, complicated, and impossible to learn before the event. I'm so glad I went. I learnt the importance of breathing, could actually feel my stresses washing away and I learnt so much in a friendly, supportive and...not *too* alternative environment. A perfect beginners guide to relaxation and meditation. " - Catherine Hall, N1
"Excellent chance to get the family together, do something out of the ordinary and have the kids enthused about being out in the sun, doing yoga and learning. Brilliant as per last year. "
- Nicola Hobbs, SE8
"Bringing the community together. Getting to know your neighbours."
- Linda Manley, SE16 7DH
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...and many others"Woodpeckers, butterflies...poppies...
It's just idealic..."
"Giving people real skills they can use..."