Peterborough’s flash mob meditation

Flash mobs are becoming increasingly popular – you’ve probably heard of flash mob dancing through various YouTube clips. But on 31 January 2017, Peterborough held a very different kind of flash mob… A quiet, humbling and special kind. A flash mob for meditation!

This epic gathering of souls on a freezing cold January evening happened to also be in the pouring rain (not your usual recipe for wanting to sit outside, or meditate). Yet everyone from all ages, races, religions, world views and backgrounds gathered en masse and were smiling in anticipation. They were ready to launch into their mass meditation.

According to event organiser Kim Coley – who is Managing Director of the new not-for-profit wellbeing centre Soul Happy – the 30 minute public event is the start of a new movement for Peterborough; a ‘movement of peace and unity, a movement to help upgrade the energy and vibe of the city, and everyone is welcome to join in…’

‘Flash mob meditation events happen in highly visible places with the intention of exposing and inviting the world it benefits. The collective unification of intent has even been proven by numerous studies to increase personal health and lower social stress – and it is even claimed it can lower crime. Mass meditation is something very different for the city,’ says Kim, ‘yet a lot of people are starting to understand how much good these events now create! And just by being there, you can tell there is something very humbling and very positive about it on a number of levels!’

The vision of the #SoulHappyTribe is to create a true heart for the city and to help people be their best. This vision was really embraced and shared among many throughout their peaceful yet powerful launch gathering. The end of the event was signified by a gong and some welcomed hugging, then, in true flash mob style the group quickly dispersed (yet were found warming up in Bewiched, a local coffee shop that had stayed open late for an after event optional social).

Afterwards, Kim said: ‘We are creating a movement and this is just the beginning! This is the start of something very special for Peterborough. And what a fantastic turnout we still had! These Flash Mobs meditations are going to be bi-monthly, and by the time that summer comes around, I see us with easily over 500 people peacefully assembling in public places across the city. Let’s do this Peterborough!’

Pay it forward day

27 April 2017
Create the ripple effect – with random acts of kindness!
This is the 7th year that the UK is officially celebrating Pay It Forward Day! The day is designed to encourage people to give to others, particularly those less fortunate than ourselves. One good deed doesn’t seem like much, but if everyone did something good for someone else, then the cycle of generosity and kindness can help us all to become better people. People are invited to join the worldwide movement in performing random acts of kindness to 3 or more people, and then asking those people to do the same. Whether you want to buy a stranger a cup of coffee, clear out your old clothes to give to charity, buy someone in need a massage, or volunteer your time or skills to your local community group, there are thousands of ideas! We encourage you to ‘Be the change you want to see in the world’, give unconditionally, and make someone smile on this day!

Join the #SoulHappy Tribe for the day!
If you want to take part in Pay It Forward and officially join the #SoulHappyTribe to be part of their first phase of social experiments for this fun, engaging and heart-opening day, you are all welcome. Kim adds: ‘Also, please share with us any of your own stories and random acts of kindness too, send them in to or @SoulHappyCentre (our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages). Let’s share best practice and use our positive activities to inspire others! We may share the best stories from this in the next issue of The Moment magazine!’

soulhappy.org.uk

Image: www.freepik.com/free-photo/group-of-people-doing-meditation-on-exercise-mat_975940