At this fun, creative workshop, Jen (one of our ASMY volunteers) will teach you, step by step, how to make a beautiful, colourful set of Japa Mala or meditation beads. Your Malas will be knotted between each bead like ancient, traditional malas. We will be also teaching you how to practice Japa meditation on your beautiful new creation and enjoying a delicious afternoon tea and our famous slow brew chai. This casual, friendly relaxed workshop is a great way to meet like-minded souls, tap into your creative abilities, meditate and relax!

Meet your Facilitator Jen

Hi, my name is Jen, some of you may know me by my other moniker "The Dessert Lady"Ive been involved with ASMY since 2021, starting with Chantelle and Amit on the Northside attending Mantra Meditation evenings. Initially I wondered what had I really just attended, having no previous knowledge of this practice! I have to say, at the same time, I was drawn to the amazing feelings of peace it gave me and that is exactly what I was seeking!With Chantelle's blessing, I involved myself by preparing sweets and thats how my volunteering started. Cooking for me is an absolute joy, everything I do is focused and contains the most important ingredient of all - Love.

I now cook every week at West End on Wednesday as well as some Friday nights, an occassional Sunday, Workshops and Special events. My calendar gets pretty hectic, so between ASMY and caring for my Son, life is busy and keeps me out of trouble, my mind is willing to do so much more but this faulty body keeps me in check. Being at the Centre brings me a feeling of peace and acceptance that Ive never experienced before, ASMY is a little bit of magic shining through in our otherwise mundane world. This year 2024 Im branching out and presenting a fun Japa Mala Workshop, I've been stringing beads for a while and hope I can share what I've learnt so far.

Like Mantra Meditation, the pratice of Japa soothes the soul and helps us to focus on whats really important in this life, for me, that is loving service.