A WORKINGTON woman is helping her community find peace and tranquility in uncertain times.

Simone Walters a holistic therapist is running yoga and meditation sessions on Tuesdays and Fridays in Cockermouth and her home town.

Simone started the sessions two years ago at the Amethyst health and beauty salon in Cockermouth where she is now able to reopen more health and wellness sessions at the Cheeriyo studio and St. Michael's.

About starting meditation, Simone said: "I've been meditating for over twenty years now. I've always had an interest in alternative therapies because of my work."

Simone trained to be a holistic therapist when she was 19 and during her studies gained an interest in spiritual ideas and practices.

She said: "There's so many benefits to meditation - you can feel it almost instantly. The trick is actually being able to sit down and start."

Feeling the positives of daily meditation, Simone started to explore yoga and went to yoga classes with her mum in Workington, Simone said: "I've tried different types of yoga some are fast paced and require a lot of heavy breath work but there was one class in Kendal which specialised in Hatha, which is more mindful, slower, and self-revelatory. It's more about checking in with yourself and seeing how you feel."

She added: "If you're suffering with tension, stress or anxiety, meditation can clear it away."

Simone decided to make a Facebook page: IndigoMoon - Yoga and Meditation for anyone interested in the practices of yoga and meditation to explore their own inner peace.

Unfortunately the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns from last March meant that Simone had to postpone her face-to-face group sessions and therapies, but that didn't stop her.

The 43-year-old turned to technology as many did. Simone ran various sessions on the internet including sound baths, a meditative experience where those in attendance are "bathed" in sound waves - a popular Eastern tradition.

About returning in person, Simone said: "I'm so pleased I'm able to teach again. I love the energies in the room and being able to share the experience."

Find Simone's wellness page at: https://www.facebook.com/lndigoMoon