Ebru Evrim, who runs wellness studios in Harrogate and Skipton, writes about why it’s important to take some time out of our busy daily lives
We have noticed an increase in the number of people taking up meditation and mindfulness as life slowly returns to ‘normal’ after two years of flux due to COVID. ‘Normal’ brings with it all the old stress factors plus a few new ones, but the benefits of mindfulness and mediation are manifold in helping to reduce stress, tension and panic attacks.
Some of the most successful people on the planet are harnessing these tools. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates says “mindfulness is simply exercise for the mind, similar to the way we exercise our muscles when we play sports”, while celebs from Oprah Winfrey through to Lady Gaga and Beyonce routinely practice meditation.
It is interesting that many young adults are discovering their inner selves using these ancient techniques practiced by monks and spiritual leaders for centuries and which have now reached the mainstream consciousness. Our lives run in phases, and it seems the late 20s are a pivotal time for many people. Throughout our childhood and teens we tend to naturally be herd animals, forming peer groups at school and college. By the time we reach 27 though, we begin to develop a new self-awareness as we find our feet in new environments away from those groups. Meditation, particularly guided meditation, helps young adults to grow in emotional stature as they learn how to centre themselves, quiet their minds and find inner peace away from the new demands of working life and social media pressure.
You’re never too old to learn and people of all ages and from all walks of life can discover the physical and mental benefits of mindfulness:
- live in the moment
- remain calm
- practise leaving the past behind
- practise not worrying about future scenarios that may never happen
- behave rationally not reflexively
- be less critical and judgmental of yourself and others
- find your own inner peace
- enhance your relationship with others
- help reduce blood pressure
- improve sleep
The key to success with both meditation and mindfulness lies in concentration; focussing on your own senses or something in your environment you might not otherwise study in detail – a leaf, a blade of grass, a rose petal. Early morning is an optimum time, but you can do it anytime and even just two or three minutes at a time can make a significant difference. It’s about open-ness, escaping labels and finding the freedom in connecting with your inner zero point.
If you’re starting out we recommend trying a workshop or class online or in a studio initially, as a guided session will teach you the basic mindfulness and meditation methods you can adopt. Remember it takes time and needs practise to learn the technique as with any other new skill.
Making meditation, yoga and Pilates accessible across the world, Ebru Evrim is an entrepreneurial woman at the forefront of spreading the magic of spiritual wellness. She opened her second Yorkshire studio this summer in Harrogate, has her own brand of Activewear fashion, runs luxury retreat holidays at home and abroad, and has an enviable Instagram following worldwide at realebruevrim (photos by Heidi Marfitt)
