NewsBite

Bondi meditation teacher Luke McLeod is offering free classes for those who are feeling the pressure

As the pandemic stretches on our collective mental health is beginning to suffer. If you’re struggling meditation might be just what you need.

Who are you and where do you live?

I’m Luke McLeod, founder of Soul Alive, an online live-streamed meditation platform. I live in Bondi Beach. I love to teach meditation and help people relax and chill out. I’m a big nature fan, too, so you’ll often find me either surfing or exploring national parks. A very proud uncle and a book worm.

When and why did you move there? I’ve only recently moved to Bondi from the northern beaches. The main reason was my girlfriend and I wanted to live together.

Luke McLeod founder of online live streamed meditation platform, Soul alive, at Bondi Beach. Picture: John Appleyard
Luke McLeod founder of online live streamed meditation platform, Soul alive, at Bondi Beach. Picture: John Appleyard

What do you love most about living there? I love the community and active lifestyle around the beach and ocean. I am already a “local” at my coffee shop so I think I am fitting in nicely.

What does a typical day look like? It usually starts off with a 10 to 15 minute meditation, then a walk to the beach with a coffee for some reading, writing and stretching. Then it’s off to work and an afternoon workout. Dinner and then teaching a meditation class on Soul Alive.

Favourite local cafe? Gertrude and Alice. I get an almond cappuccino and sometimes a scone or old school bacon and egg roll. It has an amazing house chilli relish.

Luke McLeod founder of online live streamed meditation platform, Soul Alive, at Bondi Beach. Picture: John Appleyard
Luke McLeod founder of online live streamed meditation platform, Soul Alive, at Bondi Beach. Picture: John Appleyard

Favourite restaurant? Totti’s, which is now doing takeaway. The bread is amazing.

Favourite outdoor space? Mackenzies Bay on low tide, so I can go for a swim with Pikachu, our dog.

One thing you would change about your suburb? The amount of rubbish we throw away. The bins are full all the time. People need to be more mindful of single use plastic and packaging.

Where do you grab bread/ groceries? Harris Farm on Hall Street. Sometimes Umu Organic Grocery, too.

Luke McLeod founder of online live streamed meditation platform, Soul Alive, at Bondi Beach. Picture: John Appleyard
Luke McLeod founder of online live streamed meditation platform, Soul Alive, at Bondi Beach. Picture: John Appleyard

What is keeping you busy at the moment? Spreading the awareness of Soul Alive. We’re living in such stressful times, so I’m very passionate about helping introduce meditation to more people and help them reduce their stress.

What are your thoughts during these tough times? Hang in there. This, too, will pass. Listen to what the experts are saying and take notice but try not to get too overwhelmed by it all.

Remember to make the most of this time to take care of yourself and each other. If people need some peace, I am running some free meditation sessions on my personal Instagram and I am offering a month free on Soul Alive. I feel it is the time people need it most.

Street scene from outside Gertrude and Alice during pre COVID-19 times.
Street scene from outside Gertrude and Alice during pre COVID-19 times.

You’re finding it challenging because … I like to get out and about but, being in Bondi, I am conscious of staying out for too long as there are still a fair few people around. I also want to lead by example.

The surprise positives of the pandemic are … how many people are reaching out to learn about meditation and how to stress less. It’s nice to see that in these tough times people are still remembering to take care of themselves and their mental health.

www.soulalive.com.au

SHARE THE LOVE

What do you love about your suburb? Tell us at editorial@wentworthcourier.com.au

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/bondi-meditation-teacher-luke-mcleod-is-offering-free-classes-for-those-who-are-feeling-the-pressure/news-story/0ee657932c021419ccd1946b8f06eaa0