A BUDDHIST nun is hoping to help stressed-out Scarborough residents find their inner calm by teaching a series of mindfulness and meditation classes.
Ani Tselha believes there is a real need for people to take time out and think about their health and wellbeing during these fast-paced and busy times.
The sessions, which are held at Yorkshire Coast Business Enterprise Centre, in Auborough Street, are aimed at relieving stress, anxiety, depression and enhancing health and wellbeing.
Ani, who has been a Buddhist for 16 years and a nun for two, said: "We have a real mix of people coming along, from all walks of life.
"Everyone is looking for some mental peace and I think people are really seeing the benefit."
Ani explains that the process is non-religious and very gentle. She says its about resting the mind and allowing and accepting your thoughts.
She believes that people also benefit from meditating in a group setting, saying: "People find it's very supportive.
"At home there are so many distractions. Being in a group is an encouraging way to practice."
Ani has had positive feedback about the sessions and says the main thing is that people keep coming back.
She said: "It creates a positive attitude and changes you at a very deep level.
"People find that their normal reactivity changes and that their stress levels are lowered."
Ani adds that it's not a "quick fix" and it's something people need to keep doing, either at home or at a class.
She said: "If you go to a group once a week and do 15 minutes a day at home, you will find your whole life changes. We're all going so fast.
"We're doing more and more and our minds are getting out of control. "This is a way of coming back down to who you are."
Any profits from her classes are being put towards a fund to set up a more permanent base in Scarborough.
She is also going into schools to teach youngsters about the benefits of meditation.
Ani's mindfulness and meditation classes are held at Yorkshire Coast Business Enterprise Centre, Auborough Street.