Enjoy the benefits of meditation
The Ham Meditation Group meet at The Annex of Ham Library monthly on the first Monday of the month, or the second Monday after a bank holiday, from 8pm till 9.15pm. Please arrive from 7.45pm; we regret that we are not able to accommodate late comers as it may be too disruptive to the group.
People from all spiritual paths or no paths are welcome. There is no need to have meditated before.
Meditating in a group offers a peaceful space to connect with others. Breathing and relaxation practices can calm the mind, improve focus, and help us respond to challenges with clarity and care. By nurturing mindfulness in daily life, we can contribute to a more peaceful, fair, and sustainable world.
The environment
We’ll be meeting in the Ham Library annex as usual. Chairs will be available, and we’ll also have a rug out for anyone who prefers sitting on the floor. Feel free to bring cushions, yoga mats, blankets or anything else that makes you comfortable. We just ask that shoes are removed on the rug — socks and slippers are absolutely fine.
The structure
The evening will include a welcome introduction, a guided meditation, time for mindful activities, and some shared reflection. We’ll then move into a non-verbal meditation with gentle background music or a sound bath, and close with a short loving-kindness meditation.
We’ll begin promptly at 8pm and finish by 9:15pm.
What are Mindful Activities?
This part of the evening is completely personal. You’re invited to bring along any activity that helps you feel calm and present — colouring books, pens or pencils, knitting or crochet, a book to read, crafting, Lego, or simply sitting quietly or having a gentle chat. The possibilities are endless!
Please come with whatever you need for the activity you choose.
What is Sharing?
This is a gentle, optional moment to speak if you’d like to. It’s a safe space where you can share anything that feels meaningful — how you’re feeling that evening, something you’ve noticed, or any updates or thoughts that matter to you.
Donations
The group is run entirely by volunteers, and our only expense is the venue hire. To help cover this cost, we kindly ask for donations. A suggested contribution is £5 per session, which can be given in cash on the night—no need to book in advance. Online donation details are also available.
Your support is essential and helps us keep this welcoming community space going.
Disclaimer
1. Pregnancy
Pregnant individuals should consult with their healthcare provider before participating in a sound bath, particularly during the first trimester. Please let me know what stage of pregnancy you are at so that I can make any adjustments needed and ensure you have a comfortable experience during this session.
2. Heart Conditions
If you have a history of heart conditions or have a pacemaker, please consult with your healthcare provider before attending a sound session.
3. Metal Plates or Implants
Please check with your health care provider to see if a sound bath is safe for you.
4. Mental Health Conditions
Sound used in this way can be incredibly beneficial for mental health, helping to release emotional blockages and promote relaxation. However, if you have any severe mental health concerns, please speak with your health provider in advance to make sure that a sound bath experience will be safe for you.
5. Epilepsy
Individuals with epilepsy or a history of seizures should consult with their healthcare provider before participating in a sound bath. Certain frequencies or patterns of sound vibrations may trigger seizures in those with epilepsy, so it's important to get advice on whether or not a sound bath is safe for you.
The benefits of practicing in a group
The Fertile Soil of Sangha, Thich Nhat Hanh on the importance of community.
"A good community is needed to help us resist the unwholesome ways of our time. Mindful living protects us and helps us go in the direction of peace. With the support of friends in the practice, peace has a chance."
https://tricycle.org/magazine/fertile-soil-sangha/
The Buddha himself, again and again, stressed the value of spiritual friendship as a support for the Buddhist path throughout the entire course of its practice.
“Spiritual friendship is not half the spiritual life. It’s the entire spiritual life!”
https://bodhimonastery.org/spiritual-friendship.html
Join our mailing list
Please join our mailing list to receive a fortnightly reminder of the sessions and related information.
For the avoidance of doubt, we are not a therapeutic group.
With some mental health issues, ie depression, severe anxiety, schizophrenia it may not be helpful to engage in meditation.
Please discuss this with your GP before coming to the classes.
Our classes have a minimum age limit of 16.