What's Happening at Meditation in the Park 2011...
Many things to do from 12pm on. Start planning your day...
Meditation in the Park is like a village fête with different stalls with things to do. Activities run for about 20 minutes unless otherwise stated, and there will be several happening at any given time. You create your own day by choosing which you'd like to do.
Final details will be confirmed as the 26th June draws nearer. Below you can get a sneak peak at some of event stations, prize categories, weather contingency plans and other useful earlybird information so you can create your own amazing day...
Activities
Below is a list of some of the events that will be at Meditation in the Park 2011. Click here to see detailed descriptions...
Yoga and Meditation
- Men's & Women's Masterclasses
- Sun Salutations
- Yoga for Cyclists
- Walking Meditation
- Silver Age Yoga
- Breathe & De-stress Workshop
- Fruit Meditation
- Guided Relaxation
- Poi
- Yoga for Sleep
- Children's Yoga
- Sat Kriya Meditation
- Power and Poise - Quick and Potent Yoga for Everyday
Food, Craft and Nature
- Cheese Making Demonstration
- Ecology Park Nature Tours
- Fruit Smoothie Making
- Muesli Tasting
- Flower Garland Making
Ideal for Children
- Children's Yoga
- Smoothie and Muesli Making
- Flower Garland Making
- Meditation in Motion
Learn more about the various events »
For those just getting started...
Try Silver Age Yoga, Breathe & De-stress, Sun Salutations, Power & Poise
For those looking for a challenge...
Try an hour or more at the Continuous Meditation (below). Try Men's or Women's Masterclass with Guru Kaur or the Fruit Meditations. Also hang around after the prize giving for a special full yoga class with Guru Kaur.
Special: Continuous Drop-in Meditation
A sublime meditation that begins at 12:30pm and runs continuously until the Group Meditation finale. Drop-in anytime during the day, read the posted instructions and try it for however long you wish. Stay for 3 minutes to get a taste or 31 minutes to have a powerful experience. Experienced meditators can challenge themselves to 2.5 hours to really have an amazing experience!.
Group Meditation Finale
At 3:30pm the Continuous Meditation ends and everyone comes together for the finale Group Meditation led with Guru Kaur. At 3:45pm prizes are awarded for the best picnics.
After the Event: Yoga Class with Guru Kaur
End the day with a bang with a full Kundalini Yoga class with Guru Kaur on the green. All are welcome. Just hang around after the prize giving and await further instructions...
Prize Categories
Come to Meditation in the Park with nothing but your most delicious homemade picnic and there is a good chance you'll leave with a prize such as premium blenders and appliances, bottles of local English fruit juice, gourmet olive oils, gift certificates to local markets, a free meal at local restaurants and much much more...
The prize categories are...
- Most Delicious Healthy Picnic
- Best Homemade Picnic
- Best Picnic Made By Children
- Best Picnic Presentation
- Best of British Picnic
- Best International Picnic
(NEW!) Best Collaborative Picnic
Organise to come along with a group (social clubs, work colleagues, neighbours, etc.) and together make a big group picnic and you'll be eligible for a very special prize...
What you need to bring...
They're predicting a very warm sunny day so sunscreen is a must. Even though Tesco Surrey Quays is providing water, please bring some of your own. Bring a blanket and anything else you need to have a lovely picnic, and if you have children please bring appropriate shade. Mats are provided for the yoga and meditation activities.
Bike racks are available on the green (see the map link below) and well behaved dogs with well behaved owners are welcome (we'll have some water bowls out for them).
Finally, there is absolutely nothing to buy (but much to be gained!) so you can leave your valuables at home.
Getting there...
Detailed directions by tube, bus, car, bike and foot are available on the website here »
When you arrive...
Even though you've registered online, be sure to visit the registration tent to receive your ribbon and welcome pack. Everyone must have a ribbon to be allowed into the activities. There will be a fast track queue if it gets busy. If you've registered on anyone's behalf, encourage them to add their email to the provided list so they get news of the downloadable meditation music and other goodies that are being created for this year's event.
Then set up in one of the designated picnic areas (see the map link below) and please don't eat your picnic until the judges have seen it! Pre-registered groups have allocated areas so please let registration know...
From then on, the day is entirely up to you. Below are some links to help you plan an amazing day...
In the meantime...
Meditation in the Park is like a village fete with lots of activities from which you can choose. You'll receive everything you need on the day, but here are some helpful links to give you a head start.
- Welcome Sheet and Activity Schedule & Descriptions (2 pages) »
- Layout map of The Green, Russia Dock Woodland »
- Guided Relaxation and Guidance Notes from last year »
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
What if it rains?
Meditation in the Park 2011 will still take place even if it rains. Depending on the turnout and severity, several options exist to allow the events to continue under shelter. Pre-register so we can keep you informed of any last minute contingency plans, and pray for a delightful sunny day!
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
Download Free Gifts...
Sign up to our list to receive the latest news and download free music and other yoga and meditation goodies...
BBC Radio London
"Woodpeckers, butterflies...poppies...
It's just idealic..."
"Giving people real skills they can use..."