In today’s bustling world, connecting to some gentle movement, meditation and the soothing sound of crystal bowls – against the backdrop of a beautiful Margate Beach sunrise – sounds like just the ticket.
What’s more, is that these monthly events, aptly titled Sunrise, Sound and Stillness, continue to be free to the public.
According to organiser and somatic experience practitioner Brent Elton, the events are the result of wanting to make a difference for people in terms of mindfulness and wellness.
“I love teaching movement and meditation and wanted to find a way to give back to the community that was sustainable for me,” Mr Elton said.
The events start early and include a two-minute TED-type talk followed by some light movement and meditation, interspersed with the soothing chime of sound bowls.
“Mix in some humour, warmth and a group photo and you have Sunrise, Sound and Stillness in a nutshell,” Mr Elton said.
Free Mindfulness Events at Margate Beach
Mr Elton said that after spending a year abroad, he and his spouse came back with some ideas on making the events bigger and better and that attendance and support had been amazing.
“The numbers quickly grew from 30 to 130 participants and counting, and one of the most helpful things for us has been the sound system donated to us by a participant,” he said.
According to Mr Elton, his primary role as a somatic experience practitioner has allowed him to assist individuals in recovering from PTSD, anxiety and trauma, and this informed his own mental health journey – a process he was only too happy to share with others.
“Whenever I run these sunrise events, I try my best to give people small, digestible lessons on how to regulate stress, process trauma and digest emotion,” he said.
His advice for participants was to bring a yoga mat or towel, to be kind (to yourself and to others), and, for first-time attendees, to arrive a little early.
For information on the next event (including a map of where to park and where to meet), join the Sunrise, Sound and Stillness group on Facebook here.
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