A COURSE to help people struggling with life's ups and downs is about to get going in Northwich.

Starting on Tuesday, November 12, and lasting five weeks, it focuses on developing patience by shifting students’ mindsets from negative to positive through meditation.

The course is run by staff at the Odiyana Kadampa Meditation Centre on Chester Road under the guidance of resident teacher, Gen Kelsang Dema, who is a real monk as well as a meditation expert.

Dema explained why Kadampa Buddhists believe meditation can help people lead better and more fulfilling lives.

“It is impossible to avoid life's difficulties, but if we learn to transform these, there's no need to become unhappy when things go wrong,” she said.

“A person with no patience has no stability of mind and is upset by the slightest obstacle or criticism.

“In contrast, when we develop real patience, our minds will be stable as a mountain and calm as the depths of an ocean.

“With such a strong, stable mind, it will be easy to develop all other good qualities.”

The sessions all take place on Tuesday evenings and run until December 10.

For more information, visit the Centre’s website, or call Julie Forest on 07724828131.