Festivals, fasts and celebrations all connect with the Full Moon. It is of huge significance to many cultures.
Full Moon
Flower of life
The Flower Of Life symbol is a geometric form that turns up in Sacred Geometry. The flower of life is an ancient symbol in many cultures.
Prayer flags and their meaning
You may have seen prayer flags on your travels or in photos. They are often placed outside temples, in the high mountains, across bridges, buildings and trees. What is the significance of these prayer flags? What do they mean?
Why Practice Yin Yoga?
This slow moving, floor based session will improve your flexibility, mobility and body mind connection. This practice can be used as a moving meditation and it works with our meridian energy channels. Feel freer and more relaxed!
The Celtic Calendar wheel
The Celtic Calendar was and is still used by the Celts - in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. Like any Calendar - it divided up the year into natural cycles. The Celtic Calendar Wheel is based on the connection the Celts had to the Earth. It is dictated by the seasons, the darkness and the light.
Bealtaine
Bealtaine is an Irish word meaning the month of May. It celebrated on May 1st, at the end of the darkest half of the year, becomes the lighter half of the year and ushers in the beginning of the harvest season
Imbolc
Imbolc marks the beginning of Spring in the Celtic Wheel of the year. It is also called St. Brigid's day. Lá Feile Bríde. Imbolc falls on February 1st. Imbolc (i mbolg- modern Irish) means- in the belly - referring to lambing season, when ewes are pregnant. Imbolc falls roughly half way between the Winter Solstice... Continue Reading →
The importance of Savasana in Yoga.
Savasana is the integration phase from all the physical work you have done in practice- to skip it means that you don't receive the benefits of adaptation and integration from your physical work. So if you want to get the most from your workout - you are simply not doing that by skipping Savasana!
Samhain
An tSamhain or Samhain is an Irish word (pronounced sow - wen) meaning the summers end. It marks on the Celtic Calendar the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It was and is celebrated to welcome in the dark part of the year when the days shorten in light. Celebrated across... Continue Reading →
Ikigai
What is your Ikigai? What is your reason for being?
Where your thoughts go, your energy flows
Concentrate on all the bad things in your life and that's what you see. Concentrate on all the good things in life and ..... you know where I'm going...
The Elements.. a reflection of connection.
What are the elements? The traditional elements of Air, Fire, Water and Earth.To have balance in your life a connection with these elements will see you on the right track. How do you connect with them?
Common misconceptions of meditation – debunked!
For many people the idea of meditation might be a way for them to relax and destress. They're right. The trouble is there are also many ideas around meditation that might prevent people from starting in the first place or to give up because it's another thing that they "can't do" or don't have time for Here are some common meditation misconceptions debunked - it may help you reevaluate your current practice or encourage you to start your meditation practice!
Yoga; The 8 Limbs of Yoga. Ãsana.
While it is good to strive to improve and master a pose, the Yoga is happening on the inside -when you notice your habits and judgements to the obstacles that the pose presents to you. Once you master a pose - there is always another one to challenge you.
Yoga; The 8 Limbs of Yoga. The Niyamas.
The Niyamas are guide lines for ethical living through Discipline.
Yoga; The 8 Limbs. The Yamas
The Yamas are guide lines for ethical living
What is Yoga?
There are 8 limbs to a full Yoga practice. Each limb prepares you for the next one. They are all a life path of learning and practice. To have a full Yoga practice all 8 limbs will be incorporated into your life.
What is the difference between Yang Yoga and Yin Yoga?
You need both Yin and Yang in your life to create balance but it also depends on what other activities you have going on in your life. Too much Yang will lead you out of balance. Too much Yin will also lead you out of balance.
What is Yin and Yang?
Yin and Yang co exist, they move, they temper each other to create balance.
A Closer Look at the Chakras – Crown Chakra
The Crown Chakra relates to consciousness as pure awareness.
A Closer Look at the Chakras – Third Eye Chakra
The Third Eye Chakra is known as the brow Chakra or Third Eye Centre.
A Closer Look at the Chakras – Throat Chakra
The Throat Chakra is related to self expression, creativity
A Closer Look at the Chakras – Heart Chakra
The Heart Chakra is related to love..
A Closer Look at the Chakras – Solar Plexus Chakra
The Solar Plexus Chakra rules our personal power, self confidence, willpower, and autonomy as well as our metabolism.
A Closer Look at the Chakras – Sacral Chakra
The Sacral Chakra is related to the element water, and to emotions and sexuality.
A Closer Look at the Chakras – Root Chakra
The Root Chakra forms our foundation.
Yoga. Aesthetic v’s Functional alignment.
In order to analyse yoga postures from the perspective of aesthetic versus Functional alignment. I would first like to identify what each means. Aesthetic alignment is based on how a pose looks - in the mirror, to the student or teacher. They are often initiated at the distal areas of the body - for example... Continue Reading →
Commonly taught meditative instructions that may cause difficulties. How a Yin approach could help relieve these conflicts.
Traditional ways that meditation is taught would be classed as a yang approach to meditation. Yang methods direct the meditator to have a particular focus in their meditation and to return to that effort, whenever the mind wanders. 4 commonly taught meditation instructions include; Focusing on the breath - e.g. at the point of entry... Continue Reading →
The importance of layering for Mountain Expeditions.
Preparation is key Before you go on your trip of a life time spend a few moments deciding what’s really important to you. I appreciate the hidden dreams in the recesses of your brain that you’ve been harbouring - secretly or not - for a week- or for years. To ensure you have an amazing... Continue Reading →
An introduction to 432hz, 528hz and Solfeggio frequencies…
432hz, 528hz and Solfeggio frequencies Modern music is tuned to 440hz when in 1926 a standardised system came in. Most ancient greek and Egyptian instruments were tuned to 432Hz, Himalayan Bowls, old music - mozart, Verdi. Gregorian Chants are based on the Solfeggio frequencies. Music based on 432 Hz is said to transmit beneficial healing... Continue Reading →
Everest Base Camp Expedition 2018
I lead an expedition to Everest Base Camp this April & May. I got a good vibe from this group straight away in Dublin Airport when we met. They all knew each other very well & they’d even met our doc on their training weekend - I was the only “outsider”. They took me into their... Continue Reading →
So what are Chakras anyway?
Chakra means wheel in Sanskrit. The Chakras refer to the energy centres in the body. We have many thousands of them, there are 7 main energy centres in the body. Energy flows through the Chakras, but when they are blocked or imbalanced, there is an effect on our emotional, mental and physical wellbeing, which can... Continue Reading →
What is Reiki?
Originating in Japan Reiki is an energy healing technique which can allow you to reduce stress, clear your mind and balance body, mind and spirit. It is not a religion or dogmatic in anyway. You do not have to " believe" in Reiki for it to work.
Yoga has many benefits for both training for expeditions and while on expedition itself. Whether you’re off to Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp or skiing the Haute Route - Yoga has a place in your pre expedition training and while you’re on the mountain!
The many flavours of Yoga….
Yoga is like ice cream.... With so many flavours to choose from, it can be difficult to decide what style is right for you. Yoga is thousands of years old, so many styles have been developed over the years. Here's a simple short guide (in no particular order) of what some of the Yoga styles have in store for you....
What is Sound Therapy?
Sound healing has been around for thousands of years and has been used in may different cultures as a form of healing. Just think how music can effect your mood when listening to it as an example. It can move us to tears, lift us out our depths, or raise our spirits for joy, battle or focus.
A Sacred space.
A sacred space is a space that is free from distraction , to allow yourself to be truly present in the moment. This makes you aware immediately of your place within the universe and the power that comes with that from the universe. Taking the time out to put things in context; reality, humility, contemplation and spirituality. This can be in a dedicated space within your house or taking the time out to make a space that is available to you sacred - this can be inside or outside in nature. It needs to be a conscious process to take us away from the everyday things that distract us from the connection with ourselves.
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