CALM INSIGHT
Calm InSight is a response to a rapidly changing world that needs us to be as mentally and physically healthy as we can be. The ten week course brings together some of the most powerful aspects of both Mind Calm and Body Calm, looking at what it is we really want in life, why we judge as much as we do, what we’re missing by thinking so much, how the state of our mind can impact on our physical health, a simple meditation technique for closed and open eyed meditations, as well as what to expect when you meditate, and much more. Full details are included at the bottom of this page, but we invite you to read the benefits and testimonials first.
These classes are one hour per week over the course of 10 weeks. They are live sessions conducted over Zoom so that participants can ask questions and feed back on their experience if they choose to. Each session includes teaching points to inspire and motivate participants to make the most of the technique, which is practiced and built upon in each session.
Over the course of practising meditation ourselves, teaching it and reading some of the abundant research available, it has become apparent that the effects of being more present in the here and now as well as being less stressed can have truly remarkable and far-reaching effects.
Why Learn to Meditate?
The following can be positively impacted by a regular meditation practice. Which of them are significant to you?
Anxiety, Aging, Anger, Alzheimers
Brain function, Blood pressure
Confidence, Creativity, Calm, Compassion, Concentration, Contentment
Depression, Digestive disorders
Emotional Intelligence, Energy, Empathy
Focus, Fatigue, Fibromyalgia
Genes (epigenetic changes)
Happiness, Heart health
Insomnia, Inspiration, Immunity, Inflammation
Joyfulness
Kindness
Love, Laughter
Mind chatter, Motivation, Menopausal symptoms
Nervousness, Negative thought patterns
Optimism, Oxidative stress, Oxytocin production
Pain, Peace, Panic, Pessimism, Productivity
Quieting the mind
Relationships
Self-awareness, Self-acceptance, Success, Spirituality
Tension, Thinking
Understanding
Vitality
Wisdom, Worry, Weight loss
Xenophobia
Yo-yo thinking
Zest for life
Knowing others' experiences may be helpful too....
“The great news is, that I am already finding the benefits, as I am sleeping better than I have done for years and I am more productive and organised each day. Thanks so much for introducing me to Body Calm. I am promoting its effects to everyone I know.” ~ Chris Uphill, Timble Nr Harrogate
“I am delighted to provide very positive feedback for the recent Mind Calm workshop run by Annette and Graham Henry, in York. The workshop was practically based, just at the right pace and with many excellent, but uncomplicated, techniques, several of which I am already benefiting from on a daily basis. I am really enjoying the Meditation practice, even one for when you are busy with other things and with eyes open which I find stops my ‘internal chatterbox’ instantly! Also I found the Content/Context considerations very valuable. Having been a big fan of Eckhart Tolle’s excellent work on ‘Now’ I found this all an excellent form of ‘added value’ in a very practical sense, to a lot of his ideas!” ~ JU – South Yorkshire
“I was slightly cynical before starting the Mind Calm sessions, but have found that not only during meditation but for a significant time afterwards, I am noticeably calmer and relaxed.” ~ JRF employee
“Sometimes it goes better than other times, but I’ve noticed moments when the other people were all keyed up whereas I stayed calm, when my vision began to narrow and I was tensing up but was able to break out of this, even moments when I could sustain concentration for longer on things that I’d found harder to do before.” ~ JRF employee
“It was a super day! Annette delivered a wonderful workshop! I would highly recommend Mind Calm for anyone looking to create some serenity in their lives.” ~ Irene Forsyth, Reiki Master, York
“I’ve just been for tea with R….. and we were talking about your class and both agreed what a great teacher you are which we are certain made the day more enjoyable as well as you creating a safe space for us to be open about our feelings and experiences during the day. I think sharing yours and Graham’s experiences and journeys was good to hear too.” ~JK
“I liked the flexible approach the coach took to the method (‘do the bits that work for you’) and the positive but non-intrusive relationship she established with group members.” ~ JRF employee
“If we are to be happy, creative and fulfilled in our work and other aspects of our life then we need a little more Mind Calm. The benefits this course has brought me extend into relationships with my family, quality of sleep, organisation and a much needed sense of calm.” ~ Jane Loewy, PE teacher, West Midlands
“I really enjoyed the course, I thought you explained things really well and it made the book come to life! ……………. I don’t know whether it is linked, but I also found myself being very efficient this week in everything I am doing. ……………. It’s great because it hasn’t felt like a chore and I am actually looking forward to it.” ~ Anne-Laure
“I am finding it really helpful, and hadn’t realised just how up-tight I get at times, and the ten minutes just let me drop my shoulders and take stock afterwards and things can be seen in a different light.” ~ HJS Cumbria
“The world of sport offers great pleasure but can also provide many challenges, much like many other things in life. Over time, these challenges can be allowed to build, grow into problems, and we may begin to lose sight of what’s most important to our health and happiness. We were extremely fortunate to meet with Annette and be introduced to the concept of ‘Mind Calming’. With Annette’s knowledge and guidance, we were quickly able to raise awareness of our thoughts. This began to allow negativity to dissipate and allow our focus to shift back to what we find most important- happiness and health. After all, people tend to set out in life searching for happiness, be it within our hobbies, working life or relationships. The techniques we have learnt from Mind Calming sessions alongside Annette’s continued support is proving invaluable in our happiness both within our sport and in all aspects of everyday life.” ~ Jason Kilkie, Tennis Coach, Nottinghamshire
“Wednesday lunchtime was a lovely calm place to be for half an hour!” ~ JRF employee
“I think I sleep better. It has made me think differently about living for the present moment and not in the past or future.” ~ JRF employee
“I really enjoyed the day. I learnt new ideas and it also reminds you of old learning which is good also.” ~ Stephanie Lewis-Vivas, Yoga Teacher, York
“I just wanted to say thank you for a great course, I really enjoyed it and I am glad I came across it because it was something that I was looking out for. It is simple and doable, which are two things that definitely help me as sometimes I get put off when things are too complicated!” ~ Lisa, Cumbria
The two Mind Calm presentations for a Faculty Away Day were “very well received”. ~ Katie Simpson, Faculty of Education & Theology at York St John University
“Thank you, Annette Henry for an interesting, thoughtful and calming day learning all about Mind Calm Meditation. I loved the practical approach and am keen to get practising.” ~ Liz Leech, The Body Clinic, Ulverston
Taster Session
This one hour live class will start by identifying what it is you most want from life (don't worry, you will not be asked to divulge information that is personal to you). We will take a look at the role and prevalence, for better and worse, of judgement in our lives. You will learn a technique that you can use immediately both with eyes closed and eyes open meaning you will take something away with you which you can incorporate into your daily life if you choose to. Alternatively, you may opt to make this your first step towards a greater understanding of the real you by enrolling on the full course.
The 10 Week Full Course
The full live course, comprising an hour per week for 10 weeks, looks at
Happiness versus pleasure and why it’s important to spot the difference
How we know we have a mind
Where we put most of our attention and how to shift it away from stress
Why there is more to life than we often think there is
The proven benefits of meditation and other reasons to be motivated to keep going
Hidden causes of stress
Excessive thinking and what to do about it
The context of life versus the content of it
What to expect when practising meditation
The 10 Calm Thoughts that support the health of both mind and body every time we use them in meditation practice