A new way to relax at Bendigo

1 Feb 2019

The hospital is offering 20-minute meditation sessions to help patients and their loved ones relax and practice mindfulness.

The trial of free meditation sessions started in January.

St John of God Bendigo Hospital Pastoral Care Coordinator Lynda Wyles said she was inspired to launch the trial after seeing the positive effects of similar programs at other St John of God Health Care facilities.

She hopes the initiative can add to the already diverse ways that people can draw on their inner resources while in hospital.

“I would like people to be able to experience the benefits meditation can have on a person’s wellbeing,” Lynda said.

“From this experience, I hope that participants are inspired to use meditation to enhance the healing process, or as a way of dealing with the challenges of illness and hospitalisation.”

Pastoral Practitioner Nic Aunger who has practised and studied meditation for many years, facilitates the sessions.

“The benefits of deep relaxation and meditation are well known,” Nic said.

“Learning how to relax the body and mind not only assists you to feel calmer and more focused, but also benefits healing and overall health.”

The sessions are run on Wednesdays at 1.00pm in the hospital’s rehabilitation ward.

The trial runs until August 2019.