If you're looking to reduce stress and improve your overall health, let a Coldstream woman be your guide.

In today鈥檚 fast-paced world, practices like yoga, mindfulness, and meditation are gaining popularity for their ability to reduce stress and enhance well-being. Among them, Vipassana stands out as a simple, yet effective technique offering deep insights into the mind and body.

Vipassana, meaning 鈥渢o see things as they really are,鈥� is a method of self-exploration through non-reactive observation of your breath and body sensations 鈥� the reality happening inside you. This ancient practice develops focus, emotional resilience, and inner peace by training the mind to remain calm amid life鈥檚 ups and downs. Over time, it gradually dissolves deep conditioning and habits, leading to greater freedom and happiness.

Vipassana is a secular practice open to all. Whether you seek relief from anxiety, freedom from unhealthy habits, or deeper self-awareness, it can be life-changing.

Local artist and meditation practitioner Heidi Thompson invites you to an Introduction to Vipassana Meditation presentation on Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at her art gallery, 9905 Coldstream Creek Rd.

Thompson's Vipassana journey began in 1984 with her first 10-day silent retreat in White Rock. Since then, she has experienced its transformative benefits, including reduced stress, better sleep, heightened creativity, and enhanced self-awareness.

In 1996, she introduced Anapana, meaning Awareness of Breath (the first step of Vipassana and appropriate for children) to K-12 students in Vernon and Vancouver. Teachers observed improvements in students鈥� thinking, writing, creativity, and confidence after just a few sessions.

Thompson published Calm Focus Joy 鈥� the Power of Breath Awareness in 2012, which offered a practical guide for adults to teach breath awareness to children. The program was endorsed by Daniel Goleman (author of Emotional Intelligence), David Suzuki, and Deepak Chopra.

Vipassana is also practiced by renowned historian Yuval Noah Harari (author of Homo Sapiens), who attends a 60-day Vipassana retreat yearly. In 2013, Thompson was invited to present Healing Pain with Breath Awareness at TedX 琉璃神社.

During her introductory talk, Thompson will explain Vipassana鈥檚 principles, benefits, and how to sign up for a free 10-day course. If you're curious about meditation but unsure where to start, this event offers valuable insights.

Additionally, for those interested in experiencing sitting in silence, an All-Tradition Silent Meditation will be held earlier that day at 5:30 p.m. at the same venue. You do not need any former training to participate and may practice a technique familiar to you.

To receive a schedule of weekly meditation sessions in the gallery or to ask questions, email Thompson at . For more information on Vipassana courses, visit .