If there’s one word that defines many people’s lives, especially over the last few years, it’s “stress.”
Melissa Duncan, adult services librarian and program coordinator at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, is looking to give an outlet to people struggling with stress and anxiety by starting a guided meditation class.
“I want to reach people who are maybe feeling a little more stressed out by life right now, who are seeking a place to be calm and to regroup,” she said.
Duncan said she originally was a skeptic about meditation, but tried it out before the pandemic and found it useful.
“I have ADHD and focusing is extremely hard for me,” she said. “I thought meditation wouldn’t help, because I’m very scattered. I went to guided meditation instead of trying to do it on my own, and it helped me refocus and become much more mindful.”
While there are places to go in Columbus that teach meditation, Duncan said she wanted to put it in a setting where it was free and available to anyone.
“This is one of those unique things that not everyone gets a chance to do,” Duncan said. “(Here at the library) the unhoused can do it, college students can do it, the elderly could do it, and they would really benefit.”
The class is led by Anna Pantano of Intentional Living. She said she teaches a non-religious style of mindfulness meditation.
“It’s basically just learning to focus or refocus your attention on the present moment,” she said. “A lot of stress is caused by worrying about what’s going to happen in the future or worrying about something we did yesterday or something that’s not happening right then in that moment.”
No prior experience is required to attend the classes, Pantano said.
“A lot of people think they could never meditate because they can’t quiet their mind,” Pantano said. “That’s not the goal. Even seasoned meditators have thoughts going through their heads.”
The group setting is good for beginners, Pantano said.
“This is an opportunity to experience a short version of it,” Pantano said. “(Participants) can ask questions and get feedback and not have to sit there for 20 or 30 minutes not knowing what they’re doing. Once they get going it’s an easy thing to start exploring on their own.”
Pantano said she has seen an increase in interest in meditation over the past several years.
“People are at a loss of what to do with their anxiety and they’re overwhelmed with stress and looking for answers,” Pantano said. “I think because of the (COVID-19 pandemic) people have been going through a really high stress time, and people are much more open to the idea.”
Duncan said she was also motivated by a desire to give adults something to do.
“I’m trying to offer an array of things that adults can do for free,” Duncan said. “I from everybody that there’s nothing to do in Columbus, and I’m fortunate enough to have a position where I can bring in some neat things.”
The first guided meditation class was held Saturday. Duncan said the next one is scheduled for July 22, and, if the interest is there, will become a regular monthly feature.
Classes last about half an hour and are free. Duncan asks anyone interested to sign up on-line.
For more information, contact the CLPL at (662) 329-5300 or email Duncan at [email protected].
Brian Jones is the local government reporter for Columbus and Lowndes County.
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