What is Meditation?
Most people think of meditation as calm tranquillity or entering into a state of bliss. In practice, that is rarely how it begins. As soon as we sit quietly, thoughts arrive — persistent, repetitive, sometimes unsettled.
Meditation is a learned discipline. Over time, it helps us develop a steadier relationship with our thoughts rather than being carried along by them. In the Rinzai Zen tradition, this training begins with simple seated practice (zazen), cultivating attention through posture, breath, and awareness.
The same clarity developed in seated practice gradually carries into everyday life — not as a technique layered onto activity, but as a more direct way of meeting experience as it is.
Once established, meditation can be practised alone. However, most people find it easier and more consistent when practising with guidance and in the company of others.
For this reason, I lead two Zen meditation sessions each week, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Our sessions start with an introduction, and the meditation itself is usually guided and lasts about 25 minutes with time to settle, reflect and relax with a coffee after the session. Some students attend regularly as part of an ongoing commitment; others join when circumstances allow. Both are welcome.
Meditation Small Group
I currently hold a regular sitting group on a Tuesday and Thursday morning. No prior experience is required as these are standalone guided meditations lasting about 25 minutes, and a session usually starts with an introduction or reading for discussion after the meditation. We start at 8am and finish by 9am, and those who have time stick around for a coffee afterwards
Zenways 8 Week Introduction to Zen Meditation
Alongside the weekly group, I run a more comprehensive eight-week course introducing the foundations of Zen meditation and mindful awareness in daily life. The course was developed by Julian Daizan Skinner, the first Englishman to complete formal Rinzai Zen training in Japan and receive authorisation to teach. It offers a structured and accessible introduction to practice, grounded in traditional Zen training while expressed in contemporary language. Across eight 90-minute sessions, participants are introduced to: Seated meditation (zazen) Foundational mindfulness practices Ways of integrating awareness into everyday life The course is suitable both for beginners and for those with previous experience who wish to deepen and stabilise their practice. It provides a clear framework for developing regular meditation and for bringing greater steadiness and clarity into work, relationships, and daily activity. If you are interested in joining a future course, please get in touch via the Contact page.
Online and Individual Sessions
If you want to explore meditation at your own pace either on a 1-2-1 basis or with a group of friends, please email me through the Contact page to set up a bespoke arrangement.
How to prepare for a Meditation Session
It is important to feel comfortable and warm, so I suggest you wear loose clothing and also bring a shawl or jumper in case you feel cold.
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There are many ways of sitting, and generally I sit on a chair or use a kneeling bench. Chairs will be provided, but if meditators prefer to sit on a cushion or kneeling bench, they are welcome to bring these and a meditation mat with them to each session.
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Most of us were never shown how to adopt a good meditation posture either on a chair or on the floor, and I will demonstrate this as part of our session.
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If you have specific requirements, please let me know in advance of the session.