Andrew's 2025 Challenge

Thank you to everyone who supported my 2024 challenge - it was a great success, raising funds and awareness for some amazing charities. So now what for 2025? I've done challenges relating to drink, food and clothing - this year my challenge is about action, or more specifically inaction. In these modern times of increased awareness of mental health issues, I will be doing 30 minutes of meditation every day throughout 2025, to raise funds for charities and also to raise awareness of the benefits of taking some time everyday to calm the mind. I have never tried meditation before (well, except for about 10 minutes at school a few decades ago when we were meant to be saying "om" but couldn't help giggling). Some research online and in books, as well as information from a charity (Kagyu Samye Ling), indicates that it is not just about sitting still, but also about encouraging the mind to be still too, by reducing and focussing thoughts, even for just a few minutes. I am fundraising for the charity mentioned above as well as the Rainbow Room at St Mary's Hospital, Manchester (more info on the latter can be found at my long-term fundraising page: kindlink.com/fundraising/KindLink-Foundation-Fundraising/4456). Thank you in advance for any support you can give me for this challenge, financial or otherwise. Best wishes, Andrew