meditation

It has been a long, long time since the Lido complex has offered a straight meditation session ... let alone an affordable one. I'd peg that back to Western Order "dana" (generosity) bowl Buddhist meditation in the days BEFORE the Lido refurb. The kind of participatory session where people paid what they could and if they couldn't, brought in biscuits for the halftime tea break ... and if they couldn't do that, helped set up and serve the tea from the huge electric tea pot and helped clear off cushions. Meditation is finally back at the Lido and affordable and happening Thursday evenings 7-8 in Whippersnappers. This session isn't run like those in long-gone Western Order days but has a similar kind of vibe, thanks to Dan Levitas who leads it. The Whippersnappers space exudes calm with controlled lighting. Dan takes everyone through instruction - equal measures of science and ritual - before setting off to sea. And at the end he's almost too embarrassed to remind people "it's a fiver, so I can pay for the space." Reinvent your Thursday nights down the Lido! Questions? Ring Dan on 07944 812 943

Yoga doesn't have to hurt. Too many yogis suffer in their hips, knees, shoulders and necks. Yoga with Chris applies modern therapeutic techniques to the ancient practice of Hatha Yoga. Learn simple but effective yoga postures that increase mobility and build core strength. Physical postures and movements combine with breath and meditation to make classes to nourish body, mind and spirit.

See what students say about Yoga with Chris.

Yoga with Chris
Weds 10-11.30am at Yoga Point, 122 Dalberg Road, SW2 1AP.

£9 to drop in. £45 for block of 6 classes; £84 for 12 classes. Concessions available

Also at Streatham Hill, Wyatt Park Road, SW2 3TP:

Mons 6.30-8pm and 8.15-9.45pm

Tues 8-9.30pm

Thurs 10-11.30am

Fri 9.30-11am

Former drug smuggler Nick Brewer helped lead the first ever Brixton Yogathon on Sunday 26th February.

Some 13 yoga teachers and students participated in the Yogathon – 108 sun salutations  over the course of three hours - raising nearly £2000 in sponsorship for the Prison Phoenix Trust, which supports yoga and meditation in prisons through the UK and Ireland.

Nick Brewer, who grew up in Tulse Hill, got into yoga while serving a ten-year sentence in an Argentinian jail. He now teaches yoga in west London and told participants: “I know how important yoga is in prison and what a difference it can make. I was out of control, a monster and yoga saved me from myself.”

Yoga teacher and former Talma Road resident, Chris Holt, who organised the event, said: “A huge thank you to all the participants and their sponsors and to Yoga Point for giving us the space.

Yoga Point in Dalberg Road, hosts a charity Yogathon on Sunday 26 February, raising money to support yoga and meditation in prisons.

Participants will practise 108 sun salutations (a flowing series of about 10 yoga postures) over the course of two hours - and have each pledged to raise £108 in sponsorship for the Prison Phoenix Trust, which provides yoga workshops, books and CDs for prison inmates and staff throughout the UK and Ireland.

Among those taking part is Priscila Diniz, who teaches yoga in Brixton Prison, and former drug smuggler Nick Brewer, who grew up in Tulse Hill and got into yoga while serving a ten-year sentence in an Argentian jail.

Don't forget that the second in a series of relaxation classes for carers of disabled children and young adults is happening at Brockwell Lido on Monday May 23rd from 11am - 12:30pm. This second class on May 23rd will feature 'Introduction to Yoga' and will focus on Hatha Yoga.

 If you're interested in these free sessions or know someone who could use some respite, ring Contact A Family Lambeth on 020 7326 5270 to hold a place, or you can do so by speaking to Lido staff on 020 7274 3088. Alternatively you can contact CAF Lido project leader Kate Burman by email: kate.burman@cafamily.org.uk

After the yoga session parents can discuss their response to the SEN Green Paper. This Green Paper could mean the biggest reform in the education and health support for children with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities in 30 years! Opponents say there has not been sufficient consultation!

"Great compassion penetrates into the marrow of the bone." -- Nagarjuna

Are you a carer in the community of a child or young adult and feel overburdened and overwhelmed?

Two charities, in association with Fusion, are offering three free relaxation classes for carers of children and young adults. These will happen at Brockwell Lido on Monday May 9th, Monday May 23rd, and Monday June 6th. Every class is on from 11am - 12:30pm. The sessions are designed as respite for people who care for children or young adults who are frail or ill, or have a physical, mental health or learning disability, and do so without receiving financial compensation. The sessions will be about helping people learn some wonderful survival skills.