Takeaway #2: Meditation

Near to 5pm the bell would ring to let us know it was time for meditation in the sanctuary up on the hillside.

Not everyone would come along, just a hardcore of attendees, some of whom told me they had been instructed how to meditate.

This visit to Erraid was my first experience of meditation and I quickly found that I could effortlessly drift off to sleep if I relaxed too much.

After working in the gardens or kitchen during the day it became a welcome way to finish the day, relax and prepare for supper at 6pm.

At first I used the sessions to think on a topic, such as the book I was reading, but went to subsequent meditations clearing out the clutter that invades moments of silence like this, harder than I expected it to be unless I let myself sink into sleep.

In an article by Dr Sigel, meditation would count as Time In or Down Time, something that I would like to repeat whenever I can. I haven't resolved how I would fit in 30 minutes if I am working, so this has to be a habit I will return to when time permits.

So if you spot me on a sunny day sitting on top of a grass mound in Battersea Park overlooking The Thames don't worry, I'm probably not asleep but having another beginner's go at meditation.