Discovering Meditation: My Time at the London Meditation Centre

Edward Brooks on 11 May 2023

Meditation is often dismissed as a pretentious, self-help practice reserved for LA Influencers and hippies. However, there is no denying the positive impact that meditation has had on me and can also have on you.

I learned how to meditate at the London Meditation Centre. Owned by Jillian Lavender and Michael Miller, the centre caters to regular people who are looking to find calm amidst their busy lives.

My experience

After a brief introduction, Jillian starts the course with an opening ceremony. The ceremony involved lighting incense and chanting – seeming to spread apprehension across the room whilst some feared they may have joined a cult.

I was then taken into a private room with Jillian, where she gave me my ‘Mantra’ – a short private sound, unique to each person which is given to you depending on your stage in life. Jillian claims this Mantra to be “objective” and that every trained instructor would give you the same one.

Jillian then taught us to use our mantra and we meditated as a group. The type of meditation they teach is Vedic Meditation (VM), created by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 70s. This type of meditation has you focus your attention on a mantra, repeating it in your head over and over for 20 minutes, twice a day.

Overall, my experience at the London Meditation Centre was a positive one.

See Jillian and Michael discuss the course here: https://www.londonmeditationcentre.com/

The benefits

The reason I still dedicate 40-minutes of my day to meditation is not so I can go around boring people with how I’ve found ‘inner peace’, but it’s because of the proven and noticeable effect it has on my life.

Here are a few of the benefits that I’ve found: 

1.Reduced stress and anxiety

This is the most noticeable change in my life since I started meditating regularly, and one that continues even months later. For example, it has improved irritable conversations with housemates about the cleanness of the kitchen!

2. Improved presence

I’ve found that I am less likely to turn to scroll TikTok whilst I’m on the train or before bed and I am more comfortable being in the moment.

3. Improved sleep

Jillian claims the rest you receive is 5x the amount of sleeping. Although I was sceptical of these promises, I find that I wake up more rested even though I have slept for the same time.

How to get started?

If you’re looking to try meditation but aren’t sure where to start, there are many options available. The London Meditation Centre offers a comprehensive program, but if it’s not in your budget, there are many award-winning meditation apps and free YouTube videos that can guide you through your practice.

  • Headspace (Free 14 Day Trial)
  • Balance (Free 1 Year Trial)
  • Calm (Free 7 Day Trial)
  • Breethe (Free 14 Day Trial)

Alternatively, many free YouTube videos take you through guided meditations.

Don’t let preconceived notions hold you back from experiencing the many benefits of meditation – give it a try today and see for yourself how it can positively impact your life.

Top Restaurants to Celebrate your Graduation Success

Olivia Tait on 10 May 2023

Attention all soon-to-be graduates! With graduation dates only just recently released, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to celebrate the occasion. And let’s be honest, after years of hard work and sacrifice, you deserve to go all out. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a memorable meal at one of the city’s top restaurants? Not only will it be a great way to mark the end of this chapter in your life, but it’ll also give you a chance to take advantage of your parents’ wallets one last time before you head out into the real world and start paying for your own meals. Here are some restaurants to consider booking for your graduation celebration.

The Restaurant Bar and Grill 

In the centre of Leeds and just a short walk from the station, the Restaurant Bar and Grill offers a fancy environment in which to celebrate your graduation. The menu boasts a selection of British classics with a modern twist, including grilled meats and seafood, as well as veggie options. For larger groups, the set menu option is also a great choice at around £30 per person for three courses, providing a more affordable way to dine in style.

Salvo’s

Salvo’s is a beloved Italian restaurant located on Otley Road, serving up delicious pizza and pasta dishes made with fresh, quality ingredients. This family-run restaurant has been a local favourite for over 40 years and has even been recognized as one of the best Italian restaurants in the UK! With its cosy atmosphere and friendly staff, Salvo’s is the perfect place for a relaxed and enjoyable meal with your loved ones on your graduation day.

Home

Home is a Cantonese restaurant located right next to campus! With its minimalist decor and authentic cuisine, Home offers a unique dining experience that’s hard to find elsewhere in Leeds. The menu features a variety of traditional dishes, including dim sum, crispy duck, and stir-fried noodles, as well as a selection of vegetarian options. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal with your family and friends, Home is an excellent choice for celebrating your graduation with a delicious Cantonese meal.

Iberica

Iberica is a Spanish-inspired restaurant located in the heart of Leeds. Known for its tapas, the menu offers a variety of small plates perfect for sharing with friends and family. From chorizo and jamón croquetas to grilled octopus and paella, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And if you’re a fan of cocktails, make sure to try one of their signature sangrias.

Bundobust

If you’re looking for somewhere a bit more low-key, Bundobust is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant that combines Indian street food with craft beer. Located in the Northern Quarter (close to the station), this restaurant is perfect for those looking for a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Their menu includes sharing platters and dishes like chole bhature, vada pav and tarka dhal, as well as a variety of beers and cocktails.

Heaney & Mill

Located in Headingley, Heany & Mill offers breakfast, lunch AND dinner. The lunch and dinnertime classics like risotto and steak are sure to go down a treat with your fussy grandparents. Their brunch options are also delicious and a good choice if you’ve got an early morning graduation.

Top Student Friendly European Travel Destinations

Claudia Watson on 9 May 2023

‘Cheap places to travel?’ 

These four words have been typed into my search bar at least a dozen times since beginning my year abroad. Contrary to popular belief, seeing Europe on a student budget is entirely possible, and it doesn’t have to involve staying in the worst hostels imaginable (although these places do make for good stories…) 

Before deciding where you are visiting, you need to be looking for the cheapest way of getting there. Skyscanner is my go-to for flights. It compares all airline prices in one place, but be warned, often the cheapest options are companies without glowing reviews. If possible, book directly through the airline. You can reduce your costs by travelling on weekdays, particularly Tuesday’s and Thursday’s, and by booking as far in advance as possible. Airlines such as SAS also offer youth tickets, which give students a discount on flights.

If you’re visiting a city, it is likely that they will have a transport app available to buy train or bus tickets. In my experience, it always works out cheaper, sometimes by as much as 50%, to purchase tickets via an app, and there is often a student discount available. Do your research before going and save your pennies for experiences and souvenirs.

In terms of affordable destinations, a must see is Prague. Known for its stunning gothic architecture and ridiculously cheap bars, Prague has a lot to offer students on a budget. Its Old Town Square, Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge are all free to see and admire, and you can hire pedalo boats for £10 an hour to see the city from the river Vltava. For a more in-depth exploration of the city, you can join a free walking tour, given by an experienced guide who talks (and walks) you through Prague’s interesting history. Hidden within the city’s beautiful streets is the Wallenstein Palace Gardens, a great spot to sit and relax. Lennon Wall is also a must see! You can find a bed in a central hostel for as cheap as £10 a night (use HostelWorld to compare prices). If there is a group of you travelling, you might prefer to rent an Airbnb. You can find flats close to the city centre for as little as £70 a night, split between 5 people.


Another incredible place to visit on a student budget is Budapest. I visited with 3 friends, and we found an Airbnb for £40 each (total) for 3 nights. Whether you’re booking a hostel or private accommodation, it’s worth finding somewhere with a kitchen so you can cook for yourself and reduce the costs of a dinner out. Budapest has so much to explore, from its beautiful castle to its breath-taking Parliament, and like Prague you can join a free walking tour. Whilst we were there, we took an unlimited (yes, unlimited!) prosecco cruise, and it only cost us £17. The famous ruin bars are also really reasonable and full of students and travellers.

If you’re looking for a place with culture and nightlife that won’t break your bank, Poland is definitely one to tick off your list. The capital, Warsaw, is home to a huge number of museums and is the perfect place to try amazing Polish food. Look out for places called “Bar mclenzy” (translating to milk bars), for cheap, traditional food. Gdansk and Wroclaw are also amazing Polish cities to see. Cheap trains run between them, but be sure to book in advance to avoid extra costs!

Finally, I want to talk about the Balkans. This area in south-eastern Europe offers incredible travel opportunities that cater to a student budget. Mostar, in Bosnia, is host to an infamous bridge jump which has been attracting the brave since 1664. The city is extremely affordable, and you can have dinner out for as little as 5 Euros. If you are looking to explore some historical sights, Bosnia’s capital Sarajevo is your place. In its centre, you can walk through Bascarsija (old bazaar) and admire the Sebilj Brunnen Fountain – just make sure to try a traditional Bosnian coffee whilst you’re there! If you’re looking to swim, be sure to beach hop in Himara, Albania, for turquoise water and cheap hostels. Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia, also offers stunning waterside scenery, and has extremely student friendly prices.

How to Spend Summer in Leeds

Jennifer Machin on 8 May 2023

Tired of constant deadlines and exam revision? Well, summer is approaching and there is plenty to do in Leeds. Here’s a comprehensive list of fun things to look forward to this summer to get you through exam season.

FREE ACTIVITIES

If you’re strapped for cash but still want to get out this summer,  here are some ideas for you. 

If you’re still on campus and want to get some fresh air,  go and sit by the pond, next to the Roger Stevens Building, relax and watch the ducks! Campus is also inhabited by plenty of bunnies to brighten your day. 

Alongside this, picnics on Woodhouse Moor are the perfect summer activity. Grab some friends, a speaker and a blanket and sit and relax. Add drinks, snacks, and games for more fun. Alternatively, grab a blanket and book and sit there peacefully alone. Kirkstall’s Armley Beach is also the perfect spot for this, and even has somewhere to dip your toes in!

On a more miserable day, check out Leeds Art Gallery or Leeds Museum as they are completely free! Leeds museum has some amazing exhibitions and even showcases a 3000-year-old mummy. The art gallery is stunning and contains plenty of different periods and types of art for a relaxing day trip. Similarly, Kirkstall Abbey is an enjoyable excursion and is free for all Leeds Residents – but you do need to provide proof of address. Leeds Armories is also free and holds fun battle events!

DRINKING

The sunny weather means one thing…beer gardens! Or why not go all out and try one of the city’s rooftop bars at Belgrave or Headrow House?

If you’re wanting to avoid the busy Otley Run crowds, Summer is the perfect time to round up your friends, get dressed up and give it a go, particularly on a weekday. There is less chance of getting caught in the rain, and beer gardens mean more seating available. 

With the approach of summer, keep an eye out for the University of Leeds society balls, which will be taking place across May and June. Plenty of Societies are announcing tickets right now and provide tickets for non-members too. Plus, lots of them provide free drinks!

ACROSS THE CITY

Leeds has plenty of things going on this summer, with comedy shows, theatre performances and club events every week! Alongside this, there are plenty of festivals to attend in Leeds this summer: from the popular Leeds Festival to Live at Leeds, and festivals to celebrate the 2023 year of culture. There are even opportunities to attend non-music festivals, such as food festivals!

Kirkgate Market is also a fun and exotic place to visit, with all sorts of products on sale. Summer is the perfect time to visit, so you can enjoy their indoor and outdoor stalls simultaneously! They also often have fairs to attend, such as record fairs. Kirkgate Market is also right next to the Corn Exchange, which contains many small businesses and cool finds.

If you’re wanting a good view of the city, try out Leeds Water Taxis. It only costs £2 per person and is a unique experience for a sunny day.

Looking for something close to home? Hyde Park Picture House is due to reopen in the next few months and showcases indie filmmakers, alongside being a fun rainy day activity!

SPORTS

Leeds is a city full of sporting events to attend. 

For cricket fans, there are regular summer events at Headingley Stadium, with a great atmosphere and opportunities to dress in costume! The Ashes is being held there in July, alongside lots of T20 cricket and The Hundred.

Alongside this, there are plenty of home games at the Leeds Rhino’s rugby stadium for the Rugby fans as well as Leeds United games to attend for the football fans.

Leeds is also a city well placed for travel to many race courses, for example Wetherby Racecourse and York Races! These are fun events for many non-sports fans too, with a chance to bet responsibly and have fun with your friends.

Ways to Support International Women’s Day 2023

Lottie Passmore on 8 March 2023

Even if you aren’t aware now, you will be on 8th March when your entire Instagram feed consists of the following:

  1. Groups of girlfriends on a night out
  2. Celebrity women, probably Beyoncé, perhaps the Kardashians
  3. Someone’s mother doing amateur modelling in the 80s

All will be unified by something resembling “my women #IWD”. Once upon a time, International Women’s Day became nothing more than an opportunity to show your otherwise apathetic followers that you too are a girl-power loving, feminist queen. For one day a year, if you don’t post anything with the eponymous IWD hashtag, you are a woman hater and may as well join an Andrew Tate fan club. With the stakes this high, chances are you will come across a post of a girl you know full well to have famously and consistently slandered her friends, now aligning herself with the upper echelons of feminism. Herein lies the fallibility of ‘clicktivism’ and why a hashtag does not make you a supporter of International Women’s Day. Instead, you can show your support all year round and avoid becoming victim to an, albeit annual, micro internet trend.

Despite the above, there is obviously no problem with honouring your friends online, IF you are going to love them on the other 364 days as well. University can be a tricky time for comparison, when others are getting internships and job offers, and you seem to be faced with rejection after rejection. Excitement for them can sometimes be overshadowed by your own disappointment but it is really important, both for them and for the longevity of your friendship, if you can give them the praise they deserve. Equally, when you’re enshrined in success, don’t forget about those that are not having the best luck.

If we consider feminism to be the raising of women to reach an equilibrium with men, then it is essential that women are bolstering one another along the way. Not putting other women down to elevate yourself and being nice to your friends are things we should be doing every day, regardless of whether you are posting about it. The International Women’s Day campaign theme for 2023 is #EmbraceEquity, a hashtag with an impact. This year there is a push towards equity for inclusivity amongst all genders, with an emphasis on the fact that feminism that isn’t intersectional, isn’t feminism.

LGBTQ+ women are subjected to a double burden of sexism and sexual-orientation discrimination. A 2021 University study, conducted by Stonewall, showed that nine out of ten LGBTQ+ students have a positive or neutral Uni experience. As a reader of The Gryphon, the likelihood is that, in one way or another, you contribute to Leeds student culture. Think of your words and actions as the microbiome of the university environment and continue to make a conscious effort to make everyone’s Uni experience the best it can be; be vigilant, call out offensive jokes, challenge stereotypes and confront bias. Although LGBTQ+ experiences tend to be far improved than they once were, there is still a long way to go, so if you are wondering whether we still need International Women’s Day, the answer is YES. And if your annoying male housemate asks, “when’s international men’s day?” you can tell him it is the 19th November.

Building Healthy Habits in 2023

Jessica George on 22 February 2023

At the start of the New Year, it is typical for most people to create New Year’s resolutions in the hope of making the new year better than the old. These News Year’s resolutions are often overly complicated, and it is always disappointing when inevitably you fail at keeping them. Rather than create these resolutions, I would like to offer a few simple healthy habits that you could introduce into your life to build a better 2023.

1.Creating a good sleep pattern

The first healthy habit to introduce into 2023 is a healthy sleeping pattern. Sleep is one of the most important things to keep your mind well and to encourage good habits during your day. While getting the full 8 hours of sleep is not typical for a university student, there are a few good habits you can introduce to your life to get the right amount of sleep, to be both rested enough but also in the right mindset to start your day. Setting an alarm every morning is a good first step to take. Waking up at the same time each morning gets your body into a good routine and helps create that healthy sleeping pattern.

2.Eating well

Eating a balanced diet is important for both the health of your body and your mind. While eating five fruits and vegetables per day may seem daunting, introducing just a few healthier foods into your diet can make all the difference. Replacing just one snack per day with a fruit or vegetable is a good way to start and can make all the difference! Starting small and then building up is the best way to introduce healthy habits into your lifestyle. Another helpful step, to make food easier, is to meal prep and make multiple meals at once to help ensure that you always have dinner available even after long days of studying!

3.Planning

One habit that will make 2023 so much easier is to have a weekly plan. This includes writing down classes, study time, nights out with friends and meal plans. Having everything written down is a simple way to take the stress out of the week and make your life easier. It also means that you will not forget any important assignments or tasks because everything is written down. This is a healthy habit that can make life at university much less stressful. Producing a daily checklist means you can plan a reasonable amount of work to get done every day by setting achievable targets.

4.Taking time for yourself

The most important healthy habit to introduce into 2023 is taking time for yourself. Making sure you schedule time to do the things you love – whether it be reading, watching television, arts and crafts – is important to a healthy balance in your life. Carving out time during your busy schedule to just simply do something you love is a healthy habit that everyone should be introducing to 2023! In my opinion, taking care of yourself is the most important habit that you should keep this year.

50 acts to make someone’s day on Random Act of Kindness Day 2023

Felicity Haslin on 22 February 2023

Following ‘Random Act of Kindness Day’, we can all think about one small way to show kindness to those around us, our environment, and ourselves. It doesn’t necessarily mean going out of our way, but the smallest act could make somebody’s day – or even change their life. Here are 50 ideas; pick a few you think you could swing and make a difference today.

  1. Compliment a stranger
  2. Litter pick
  3. Pay for someone else’s thing
  4. Text someone that you haven’t heard from in a while
  5. Give flowers or chocolates to someone
  6. Get a vegan dessert – trust me, they’re hard to find
  7. Make a meal for your flatmates/housemates
  8. Bake something for your neighbours
  9. Tell your friend something you admire about them
  10. Offer to body double for someone struggling with exams
  11. Leave a nice note
  12. Give your favourite person a hug
  13. Tip the server that’s working hard
  14. Give to a charity shop
  15. Play the UN’s vocabulary game at freerice.com to help feed those in need
  16. Send a care package to someone who needs it
  17. Remember something that bothered you about the system at university or work and draft a proposal to change it
  18. Lend your ear to a colleague having a tough day
  19. Download the Finch app and send your contacts some anonymous support from an adorable bird!
  20. Offer to give someone a lift
  21. Tell someone that you’re thinking of them
  22. Send a handwritten letter or postcard
  23. Arrange a potluck dinner with friends
  24. Bring water, tea or coffee to people working or studying with you
  25. Send a jigsaw or book you’ve finished to a family member or friend
  26. Download the ‘Thought Catalog’ app and use CBT techniques to tackle your negative thoughts
  27. Send a thank you card to a medical professional or surgery that helped you out
  28. Email an old teacher that inspired you or made a difference
  29. Tell your lecturer that you found their lecture interesting
  30. Pick up a piece of litter as you pass on the street
  31. Sign up to donate blood
  32. Re-rack weights lying around at the gym
  33. Give snacks to mail carriers and delivery drivers
  34. Write a kind comment
  35. Order an extra side next time you get takeaway and give it to someone struggling financially
  36. Help people feel less alone by interacting with the community on the HeadHelp app
  37. Check on elderly neighbours
  38. Let someone know you support them when they’re experiencing a conflict
  39. Be a courteous driver
  40. Put a kind sticky note on a mirror in a public bathroom
  41. Leave a message in a library book
  42. Leave a pack of sanitary products in a public bathroom
  43. Smile at an anxious-looking stranger
  44. Download a Kindness Calendar for daily ideas 
  45. Make an extra portion of dinner for someone you know who is feeling overwhelmed
  46. Start a candid conversation with your mates about mental health
  47. Learn what goes in your recycling bin
  48. Get yourself some of your favourite food and share it with friends or family
  49. Take 30 minutes for yourself today
  50. Ask someone how they’re doing – really

A small act of kindness can go a long way. So, why not give one (or more!) of these suggestions a go today, in honour of Random Act of Kindness Day 2023.

A New Year’s Guide to Journaling

Amelia Averis on 9 January 2023

To reflect, remember, and be creative. Easy ways to ease yourself in journaling in 2023.

‘Journaling’ can sound pretentious, exclusionary, and convoluted, so forgive me. It does, however, seem the fitting word to combine a daily-happenings-and-routine-diary, with rants, song lyrics, and missing chunks – and it’s becoming popular.

Sometimes, all it need be is a list of memorable bits from the week prior, functioning simply to separate moments from monotony in retrospect. Each year, however, a journal will accidentally become more developed and complex as we do more and desperately want to remember it all. Nonetheless, starting the snowball can seem like work.

These are easy ways to ease yourself into full-blown, obnoxiously religious journalling.

Start with a sentence a day

What happened today that separated it from any other day? What is a weird memory you’ll pick out in a year? Not ‘I ate breakfast’ or ‘I went to the gym’. ‘Called mum and spoke about a specific job interview’, ate a meal you don’t usually eat, and someone’s dog came to stay.

Furnish memories

I still so clearly remember an economics lesson that I wrote about because I retold a joke one of the boys made. By writing down that joke, I captured the whole lesson in my memory. You can do this with anything. Pick bits out of conversations, or mental images you’ll want to remember, which table you sat at in the pub, outfits you wore, specific games you played at pres; you’ll be surprised what your brain can remember when it is told to.

Soundtrack

An easy way to journal and capture moments in time is to leave notes to yourself on the music you’re liking at the moment. Just let yourself know, jot it in the margin, it’s an easy time capsule.

‘Things I’ve thought about recently’ and ‘stuff I liked’

…and you don’t have to elaborate. If you don’t want to sit and ‘ponder’, don’t. Podcast wisdom that you liked, a TikTok quote, a realisation you had about your hobbies, ‘I’ve got so much closer with x recently’, I’ve been really liking 70’s music, eating so many olives. You’ve journaled without the faff.

Photos without photos

Capture where you are writing from by drawing your view, or just describe the moment in detail. ‘I can still really taste the garlic from the bruschetta I made, I can hear a house alarm and my incense smells nice’.

Everything goes in

Quotes you like, write it down, receipts, tea-bag packets, notes people left you, fleeting tattoo ideas. Stick in writing you did on other pieces of paper when you had the chance like on the train, copy out stuff you wrote in your notes and when you wrote them.

Let other people do it for you

On holiday I often give my diary to my friends. They write about the day or just say hey, but they sign it and write that they are excited or drunk or tired and it captures a moment without having to recall it the next day.

You can miss days out and then do or don’t binge-write. Don’t be afraid to have chunks missing. Using a blank notebook rather than a diary makes this easier. Just don’t stop! Bullet point the missing chunk in moments you can remember, and carry-on writing.

Five Staple Winter Warmers for the Festive Season

Livia Garrod on 9 January 2023

As I am sure we’ve all noticed, the days are getting shorter and the temperatures are really dropping. But, let’s romanticise these cosy evenings in with five staple winter warmer meals to get us through the colder months!

These meals are all centred around utilising seasonal fruits and vegetables, to limit costs and to try to limit our carbon impact. With this in mind, these meals can all easily be adapted into vegetarian or vegan options.

First up, we have a warming butternut squash soup. This is something that really takes me away from cold, damp Hyde Park, and transports me back to my cosy family home! I love the roasted flavour, with a touch of chilli to add some heat and all it takes is a simple stick blender. In my opinion, some crusty bread is a must with any soup. Why not support a local business and take a wintry walk to @leedsbreadcoop (on Instagram) to pick up some freshly baked sourdough to elevate the soup!

Nothing quite says comfort like pasta. Why not try a creamy mushroom pasta or push the boat out a bit with a pumpkin and kale pasta bake with, of course, lots of cheese! Fill your kitchen with the smell of a baking garlic baguette for optimal cosy vibes.

On a similar note, although it might be lengthy, a lasagne is always worth the time! I make mine using quorn mince and add marmite to enhance the “meaty” flavour. In true Yorkshire (and not very Italian) style, I also add a splash of Henderson’s relish. If you’re a Southerner who has never heard of this sauce, you can thank me later! I prefer to make the bechamel sauce using oat milk to add extra creaminess.

Mash and gravy… need I say any more? Sausages and mash with some peas on the side to add some vibrancy is an easy hit and sure to give you all the wintry feels.

And finally, unsurprisingly, we have the roast. Undoubtedly better had in a pub on a Sunday after a long walk and accompanied by a pint, but nothing beats the satisfaction of making your own. A dried stuffing mix comes in at under a pound and couldn’t be easier and the vegetable prep shared between friends just adds to the wholesome environment. Roast potatoes should only ever come golden and crispy. Make sure to boil them in salted water and shake them up to make them nice and fluffy, before moving them to a tray of hot oil to get the ultimate crisp! 

So, whether you’re cooking for one or clubbing together with housemates, you’ll be sure to warm up your soul with these tasty, and, surprisingly nutritious recipes!