A free course in Auckland will teach the meditation and relaxation techniques our community might need as we prepare for the silly season, says OUTLine's general manager Neil Denney. Christmas and summer holiday times are traditionally happy festive occasions, but for some LGBT New Zealanders the season means dealing with family dramas, relationship stress, loneliness, or 'coming out' experiences. "Depression, stress and anxiety effect up to 20% of the LGBT population in New Zealand, and a significant number of them have no real support or techniques for dealing with the effects," says Denney. Relaxation and meditation for even a few minutes a day can have significant health benefits, he points out. “The health and healing benefits of regular relaxation and meditation are well documented, especially for the stressors we as LGBT people face in everyday situations." It is well documented in research both here and overseas that LGBT people prefer to have support from LGBT professionals and therapists, as they feel that they do not get the appropriate support from non-LGBT practitioners, Denney explains. “Michael Owen, one of our OUTLine NZ volunteers is trained in yoga and alternative therapies and will be running an introductory course on relaxation meditation starting on Tuesday 27 November until Tuesday 18 December. “We hope to create an environment for people to learn these techniques in a safe and peaceful area of our meeting rooms. It will be like relaxation and meditation for beginners, sort of a Meditation for Dummies format." OUTline NZ are interested in hearing from anyone who would like to be a part if this initiative in a safe and supportive environment. Contact the Auckland office on 09 309 3268 to register.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Thursday, 8th November 2007 - 10:59am