General News
24 April, 2025
Mindfulness evening brings calm to Gilgandra
Gilgandra residents are invited to slow down, reconnect, and find a sense of calm with a new initiative designed to help manage stress and promote mental clarity.
Held fortnightly, these relaxed and welcoming sessions include guided meditation, gentle relaxation techniques, and simple, practical tools for managing stress in everyday life.
The evenings offer a space to pause, reflect, and breathe deeply - something that’s often hard to find in the busyness of day-to-day life.
The sessions are led by local woman Rachel Kirsop, who has organised the events in response to the growing need for mental wellbeing support in the district.
Rachel is a certified Reiki master and mindset coach with 30 years’ experience as a registered nurse.
She’s recently launched her new business, Enrich Your Life with Rachel.
With a passion for holistic health and personal growth, Rachel brings a gentle and grounded approach to her work, helping people reconnect with themselves and find balance in their everyday lives.
“Everyone’s lives are busy,” said Rachel.
“These evenings are simply about making space to take some deep breaths and find stillness for yourself, and also about learning a few techniques that can make a real difference in your everyday life.”
“Mindfulness and meditation have become buzz words over the last couple of years, but for very good reason, as the benefits can be amazing.
“Using mindfulness and meditation techniques can help with stress relief, improving sleep and also in helping you to find clarity in your own problem solving.”
The sessions involve exploring different mindfulness and meditation techniques, and Rachel has a program planned to assist with everyday mindfulness, such as mindful movement and eating. So far, Rachel has held two evenings and received a positive response from those who’ve been along.
Chantel Chandleris, who has attended both sessions, said: “They provide a lovely space in my busy week to take some uninterrupted deep breaths. I’ll be going again.”
The sessions are held once a fortnight, open to everyone, and suitable for beginners - no experience with meditation or mindfulness is necessary.
Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and bring along a yoga mat or blanket for laying on.
In addition to the mindfulness evenings, as part of her new business Rachel also offers one-on-one Reiki sessions and mindset coaching, supporting clients to shift limiting beliefs, reduce anxiety, and embrace a more intentional way of living.
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply looking for a moment of peace in your week, Rachel’s Mindfulness Evenings offer a gentle reminder that it’s okay to slow down.
