Bringing mindfulness to the plains

REIKI teacher and spiritual healer Kara Vaina is looking to bring group meditation sessions to the Golden Plains.

After two years of delivering online exercises, Ms Vaina’s offerings will mark her in-person meditation debut, set to start from next week at Batesford and Bannockburn.

Though she initially expected about 10 people to express interest, Ms Vaina said she’s been “humbled” at the over 70 registrants.

“It’s exciting, the response I’ve had and the interest around it,” she said. “People are seeking connection and looking to have some time out to work on themselves and clear their thoughts.

“This provides a way to do that. I want to serve and help others because this has genuinely helped me so much and there’s so many people out there looking to try different mindful tools and strategies.”

Ms Vaina has been studying reiki and meditative practices for about six years, which has led to her founding her mindful stationery and gift business, My Mindful Year.

Having recently moved to Golden Plains Shire from Tarneit, she said the upcoming meditation classes will also provide a way for her to connect with the community.

“For me personally, I’m excited to meet like-minded people or those on their own mindful journey who want to give it a try,” she said.

“It’s a great way to build connections and get to know people, and this is open for all abilities, whether you’ve meditated before, or do it every day, or whether you’ve never done it before.”

From Monday, 30 May, Ms Vaina’s group meditation sessions will take place on Mondays at 9.30am and 7.30pm at the Bannockburn Cultural Centre, and Wednesdays from 8pm at Batesford Town Hall.

Sessions will begin capped at 12 people, and those interested can book for $15 at karavaina.com/book-online.