New stillness sessions are being run weekly in Oxford city centre, for those needing a moment of stillness in their lives.

You may be interested but not too sure what a stillness session entails. Trevor, one of the facilitators of the sessions explains: “Stillness is not the same as being quiet and doing nothing, or even relaxing and calming down — even though you may be doing (or appear to be doing) any one of these things when you sit and stop.

“Nobody can stop thought completely, and we don’t need to. But we can slow thoughts down. The gaps between thoughts reveal a free space to flourish beyond our internal running commentary or mental drama.

“From here we are free to direct our own focus and energy more meaningfully, more calmly, and often more productively; we can direct our minds, and our minds, our thoughts, stop holding us to ransom. “We also open out to the ‘possible’ beyond our inner selves, fears, hopes and so on.”

Candles, incense, bells or other tools may be used at the enabler’s choosing during the sessions.

However anything making a sound or distracting movement will only happen on either side of the silence. Nothing is used in the practice that is identifiable to one particular religious tradition.

Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action (OCVA) ask that you please arrive promptly for the benefit of the group and please respect the personal space and needs of others.

So, without referring to prayer, meditation, mindfulness, contemplation, or any other label, OCVA is providing simple stillness sessions in central Oxford every Wednesday lunchtime at 1.05pm, open to the public free of charge.

OCVA is situated close to the courts and police in Floyds Row, just off St Aldates, and anyone is welcome to this calm space. Any questions about the sessions email admin@ocva.org.uk

  • If you are interested in contributing to the Voluntary Voice column please contact Maisy Ash at OCVA by emailing maisy.ash@ocva.org.uk