A MEDITATION class has moved to a bigger venue in a bid to keep up with the growing number of people seeking peace from the stresses of everyday life.

Sandra O’Neill launched her sessions, which aim to calm the mind, at The Market Place community hub in Kelburn Street, Barrhead, in 2018.

During the Covid lockdown, she hosted meetings online via Facebook to help people through a difficult time before returning to face-to-face classes at The Bank, in Neilston, last year.

However, due to increasing demand and the need for a larger space, she has now switched to the hall at Neilston Parish Church.

Sandra, 59, said: “ The Bank is a lovely venue but the numbers have been growing, so we had to look for somewhere bigger – and the church hall was ideal.

“I teach breathing techniques which allow calmness and help to reduce tension, as well as different types of meditation – transcendental, visualisation, guided. We use mantras and music.

“It’s quite an informal setting and coming to a group is beneficial because you have that shared energy, whereas if you try it at home your mind might start to wander and think ‘oh, I need to empty the dishwasher.’ “Within a class, you are respectful of others.”

Sandra has also provided classes in workplaces and runs the ones in Neilston in addition to her main business, the Reiki Pod, which offers individual holistic sessions at her property in the village.

She began her journey down this path after attending a meditation class in Barrhead more than a decade ago.

That prompted her to take early retirement four years ago to focus on holistic therapies after almost two decades working for East Renfrewshire Council.

“I’ve seen benefits in the people who come along,” she added. “They tell you how they sleep better, feel better and have an inner calmness.

“It was through meditation that I gave myself permission to reduce my hours at work and I’m sure I wouldn’t have done that if I hadn’t gone along to a meditation class.

“I still would have likely been on that treadmill.”

Classes are on Tuesdays, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm, with a 10% discount on offer to Barrhead News readers.

To book a space, message Sandra via facebook.com/reikipodandindianhead.