New meditation classes coming to Holmes Chapel and Knutsford in September aim to provide the 'solution to modern problems' and increase internal happiness.

Odiyana Kadampa Meditation Centre will be running the six-week course at Holmes Chapel Library on a Monday evening and Knutsford Leisure Centre on a Wednesday evening starting from September 5.

Julie Forrest, the education programme co-ordinator for Odiyana Kadampa Meditation Centre, said: “People are suffering more from stress, anxiety and low self-esteem.

“Our classes are aimed at helping people to develop and maintain a peaceful mind in this busy modern world, giving them strategies and ways of viewing things that naturally promote peace and mental freedom.”

The Northwich-based centre believes levels of human happiness are decreasing, despite the vast number of technological and digital advances which have been made in recent years.

They believe we should focus on increasing our happiness internally, rather than turning to external factors.

Julie, aged 41, said: “It is clear something is deeply wrong and manipulating external conditions will not help solve these modern problems.

“Meditation helps with all areas of our lives - both physical and mental health and well being. It helps us to develop our inner good qualities, improve our relationships and lower stress."

The centre is a registered charity and Buddhist community which offers a wide range of courses with the aim to 'help people find world peace'.

Classes will be led by Belinda Johnson, from Knutsford, who, after attending the centre in Northwich for many years, is now taking part in their teacher training study programme.Knutsford Guardian: Belinda JohnsonBelinda Johnson

Julie said: “These sessions are open to everyone. We have all sorts of people who attend, young, old, male, female - they really are very inclusive sessions.”

Classes will run from the week beginning September 5 for six weeks.

Each class starts at 7.30pm and comprises two meditations, a talk and costs £6 per person.

There are also classes in Northwich on Tuesdays and in Warrington and Chester on Wednesdays.

For further details visit meditationincheshire.org and click on evening classes, or email: epc@meditationincheshire.org