Tapping power of ‘Japa’ meditation at Seanchaí

ACHIEVING happiness is such a fundamental instinct it’s even enshrined in the American constitution.

But as inherent a desire as it is, it can often prove elusive amid the myriad trials and tribulations of modern living.

However, by simply sitting quietly and focusing on our breathing we can learn to quieten these noisy minds of ours and reconnect with joy as a new course starting in the Seanchaí shortly aims to demonstrate.

“Happiness is a right, as fundamental as the right to life itself,” Ballyduff-based meditation teacher Mary Crickard said ahead of the new course she’s giving.

“One of the greatest challenges to us is achieving this feeling of being happy and fulfilled, and maintaining it once achieved.

“Many events and circumstances influence our lives, sometimes within our control and sometimes not. Commitments and responsibilities often leave us short of time to look in stillness and silence at how our lives are going.”

Mary will be guiding people in ‘Japa’ meditation which, curiously, uses sound to help strengthen the sense of stillness.

“Japa meditation is the vehicle where we access this kind of stillness and silence. It is a medicine, a healing, and a soother. It brings courage, energy and harmony to mind, heart and soul. It is a sound meditation, and like the healing power of music, this is also a healing sound.”

You can try a taster night first at the Seanchaí on Thursday, March 9, at 7.30pm, where Mary will explain Japa in full, prior to the 12-week course.