brave & blissful

03/03/2025

Mindfulness Meditation & Relaxation Classes

My intention is to create a sangha, a spiritual community in Invercargill to share Western Buddhist Psychology & dharma or teachings.
The teachings of the first Buddha are possibly even more relevant today as they were 2500 years ago, as we struggle to live in a world of turmoil and uncertainty.

Many people are responding to the turmoil with anxiety, depression, aggression and confusion. Instead of being helpful, these states usually make the situation worse, creating more suffering.
By looking to Buddhist psychology, we can learn new ways of handling those feelings & thoughts by developing self- awareness & presence.
When we feel more in control of our own lives we have freedom to be more creative, productive and happier. Turmoil and agitation are replaced with calmness and peace.

When we do this it produces a ripple effect and our closest relationships, families and whanau all benefit.

We don't have to "become Buddhist", to experience relief from our human problems/ suffering. Nor does Buddhism conflict with Christianity, Jesus Christ understood meditation & encouraged followers to look inside themselves to find peace.

Learning some simple mindfulness meditation & teachings can be enough to transform the way we think, feel and act- we experience calmness, clarity and equanimity.

Being in a community with other people provides a sense of belonging & opportunity to learn from, & gain strength from each other.

When we meditate together on topics such as Loving Kindness, Radical Acceptance & Self- Compassion; we give the world a healing gift of presence & peace.

If you feel called to discover or enhance your spiritual path, please join us in person:

* Thursday evenings at 6.15pm- 8pm
(NB: there is no class on March 20th )
151 Gala Street, corner of Jed Street.

First class introductory investment is $20 Sliding scale available $20-$40

Spaces limited to 12, please let me know you're coming
by texting Sally on 0211316656 or emailing me at braveandblissful@gmail.com

I look forward to meeting you!🙏
Sally

24/02/2025

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION & RELAXATION CLASSES

You're right, it is all about you!

Are you struggling with an overactive mind or juggling all the family/ relationship/ work/ tasks/ situation balls that demand attention, leaving you frazzled, exhausted, grumpy, tearful & drained; with no time in the day to look after yourself?

What if I told you Life isn't meant to be this hard? That we're actually meant to enjoy ourselves? We are meant to be happy- does that seem impossible to you?

I invite you to invest some time to explore other ways of being by learning self awareness.

Taking time to listen to our thoughts, feelings & bodies, teaches us so much about how we're showing up in life- for ourselves and those closest to us, as well as the wider community. Letting go of whatever is holding you back, leaves room for creativity, resourcefulness, productivity and a greater sense of purpose & meaning in our lives. Calm, peace & joy can all be yours.

As Henry Ford said, "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got".

It's already almost March, is this the year, you'll choose you?

Classes start Thursday March 6th
at 151 Gala Street, Invercargill.

* simple, enjoyable Yin yoga stretching
* discussion of a self awareness topic
* insight meditation to explore the topic
* relaxation focussing on breathing after meditating

Full instructions will be given. These classes are suitable for anyone!


Each session will be from 6.15pm- 8pm; please arrive early to get settled, classes start at 6.30pm

You will need- comfy non restrictive clothing, a cushion & a yoga mat. You may also like to bring a journal & a pen.

$40/ session cash or bank transfer

Space is limited to a small group, so please
register before March 4th

text Sally 0211316656 or email braveandblissful@gmail.com

10/02/2025

Haere mai Invercargill,
Are you wanting to be healthier, happier, more at ease with life? But not found what you're looking for?
I offer one on one Well-Being sessions & workshops for groups.

'Being in touch with oneself is the meaning of meditation, to be aware of what is going on in your body, your feelings and in your mind'. Thich Nhat Hanh

"When we change the way we see the world, the world changes." Wayne Dyer
Learning to apply mindfulness techniques to everyday life situations is transformative. Release anxiety, fear, anger- whatever obstacles are holding you back from being your authentic self.
One on one sessions are available in Invercargill or online & the course below is live & starting soon!
This is an opportunity to develop self- awareness & life skills in a completely safe & interactive environment.
Be empowered to live the life that right now may seem like an unreachable dream- turn the dream into reality by joining us 🥰

04/02/2025

"When we change the way we see the world, the world changes." Wayne Dyer
Learning to apply mindfulness techniques to everyday life situations is transformative. Release anxiety, fear, anger- whatever obstacles are holding you back from being your authentic self.
One on one sessions are available in Invercargill or online & the course below is live & starting soon!
This is an opportunity to develop self- awareness & life skills in a completely safe & interactive environment.
Be empowered to live the life that right now may seem like an unreachable dream- turn the dream into reality by joining us 🥰

03/02/2025

The beginning of a new year doesn't mean you have to continue living in the same way, doing the same old things that no longer serve you.
I offer one on one Wellbeing therapy in person or online & in a few weeks courses are available that can potentially transform the way you see & experience the world.
I'd love to have you join us.
Please see my website for more info.
Sally Avison 🪷

22/01/2025

Is 2025 the year for you to invest in yourself?
Wellbeing courses start in a few weeks in Invercargill!
Therapy sessions are also available in person or on Zoom.
Full Celebrant services also available.
Please contact me via my website braveandblissful.co.nz
I look forward to hearing from you 😊
Warm regards,
Sally Avison 🪷

18/09/2024

Waking up to the suffering of others- and having an inkling of what it feels like to be Jon Bon Jovi

And having an inkling of what it feels like to be Jon Bon Jovi- who knew!

16/09/2024

The eyes have it

07/07/2024

Living in the present moment- the fine art of slow...

The fine art of slow

25/06/2024

I’m writing here quite simply because I am on a mission to create a joy loving community! Not a superficial happiness kind of joy, though there’s nothing inherently wrong with that- other than it won’t last and you might think of that as a problem. The joy I’m referring to is a deep sense of...

04/06/2024

🪷 Life Celebrations/ Funerals can be meaningful and affordable and there are Funeral Directors available who are working in a less traditional way and are open to discussing reducing costs whilst still honouring the life of the person who has died.

If you would like help and/or support with honouring your loved one, please get in touch:
www.braveandblissful.co.nz

28/05/2024

🥘 “Let food be thy medicine”

There are at least 14 lifestyle factors that contribute to our overall well-being. Today, in this blog, I focus on the need for purposeful nutrition.

Discover my hacks for purposeful nutrition:
www.braveandblissful.co.nz/whole-person-well-being-nutrition/

What are your favourite hacks when it comes to purposeful nutrition?