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Take my mothers dog for a walk most mornings and do my best to mindfully walk using VAKGO, but today because we were going to my mothers for dinner, i took him for a walk at 1700pm. Same walk but in the dark. I was more present than most of my walks in the last week. The darkness brought a natural beginners mind. It was a lovely experience to see the walk I know so well in darkness and shadows. It was easy mindfulness. Just wanted to share

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We have tested and tasted too much, lover-

Through a chink too wide there comes in no wonder.

But here in the Advent-darkened room Where the dry black bread and the sugarless tea Of penance will charm back the luxury Of a child's soul, we'll return to Doom The knowledge we stole but could not use.

And the newness that was in every stale thing When we looked at it as children: the spirit-shocking Wonder in a black slanting Ulster hill Or the prophetic astonishment in the tedious talking Of an old fool will awake for us and bring You and me to the yard gate to watch the whins And the bog-holes, cart-tracks, old stables where Time begins.

O after Christmas we'll have no need to go searching For the difference that sets an old phrase burning- We'll hear it in the whispered argument of a churning Or in the streets where the village boys are lurching. And we'll hear it among decent men too Who barrow dung in gardens under trees, Wherever life pours ordinary plenty.

Won't we be rich, my love and I, and God we shall not ask for reason's payment, The why of heart-breaking strangeness in dreeping hedges Nor analyse God's breath in common statement. We have thrown into the dust-bin the clay-minted wages Of pleasure, knowledge and the conscious hour- And Christ comes with a January flower

I came across this poem this week.  I love the mystical poems of Patrick Kavanagh.  He is trying to find space to connect and be present to the clink’s and let in the wonder, to charm back the luxury of a child’s soul to finding the magic in the ordinary.  Lovely for the season. Hope you enjoy.

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Ernest Hemingway once said: In our darkest moments, we don’t need solutions or advice. What we yearn for is simply human connection—a quiet presence, a gentle touch. These small gestures are the anchors that hold us steady when life feels like too much.

Please don’t try to fix me. Don’t take on my pain or push away my shadows. Just sit beside me as I work through my own inner storms. Be the steady hand I can reach for as I find my way.

My pain is mine to carry, my battles mine to face. But your presence reminds me I’m not alone in this vast, sometimes frightening world. It’s a quiet reminder that I am worthy of love, even when I feel broken.

So, in those dark hours when I lose my way, will you just be here? Not as a rescuer, but as a companion. Hold my hand until the dawn arrives, helping me remember my strength.

Your silent support is the most precious gift you can give. It’s a love that helps me remember who I am, even when I forget.

{PS}

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I was ‘trying’ to help my mum to calm her mind today as she was aggravated and anxious. I became very aware of my tone of voice when talking to her. I was not calmly inviting her to see her thoughts i was telling her and i was then frustrated as this is not how i want to be any more. It seems like a difficult thing NOT to just ‘tell’ someone to relax and become mindful - does that make sense?

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For the sea-swimmers amongst us :)

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How the Sea Is Good for Your Mind and Body

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Research on “blue health” finds that being near natural bodies of water has benefits for our physical and mental health.

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Worth a listen to

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Meditation has proven benefits, but the style that works best depends on a person's habits and preferences. In this episode of The Science of Happiness, we explore walking meditation, a powerful practice for feeling more centered and grounded. Dan Harris, host of the award-winning 10% Happier podcast, shares how walking meditation helps him manage the residual stress and anxiety from years of war reporting and high-pressure TV anchoring. Then, Dr. Paul Kelly from the University of Edinburgh dives into the science, explaining how walking meditation can reduce stress, sharpen focus, and improve overall well-being.

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Hi to everyone,

I've been without internet, WIFI, and hotspot for the past 3 days and couldn't leave the house to go anywhere to work as there were many promises of the engineer being en route.

So during the 3 long days I had many, many calls with both Eir and Vodafone and got to dig deep, very deep, into all my mindfulness practices!!!!

Anyhow, I'm just sharing this to let you know that enough has been restored in the last hour for me to be able to work again. I will be sending out the course material tonight and then your CYK and Meditation feedback will follow on Thursday and Friday.

Look forward to seeing you all at the weekend and it's myself who will be teaching all weekend.

Carmel

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My mom did not sleep. She felt exhausted. She was irritable, grumpy, and bitter. She was always sick until one day, suddenly, she changed.

One day my dad said to her: I've been looking for a job for three months and I haven't found anything, I'm going to have a few beers with friends.

My mom replied: It's okay.

My brother said to her: Mom, I'm doing poorly in all subjects at the University.

My mom replied: Okay, you will recover, and if you don't, well, you repeat the semester, but you pay the tuition.

My sister said to her: Mom, I smashed the car.

My mom replied: Okay daughter, take it to the car shop & find how to pay and while they fix it, get around by bus or subway.

Her daughter-in-law said to her: Mother-in-law, I came to spend a few months with you.

My mom replied: Okay, settle in the living room couch and look for some blankets in the closet.

All of us gathered worried to see these reactions coming from Mom.

We suspected that she had gone to the doctor and that she was prescribed some pills called "I don't give a damn”... Perhaps she was overdosing on these!

We then proposed to do an "intervention" w/my mother to remove her from any possible addiction she had towards some anti-tantrum medication.

But then ... she gathered us around her and my mom explained:

"It took me a long time to realize that each person is responsible for their life. It took me years to discover that my anguish, anxiety, my depression, my courage, my insomnia & my stress, does not solve your problems but aggravates mine.

I am not responsible for the actions of anyone & it’s not my job to provide happiness but I am responsible for the reactions I express to that.

Therefore, I came to the conclusion that my duty to myself is to remain calm and let each one of you solve what corresponds to you.

I have taken courses in yoga, meditation, miracles, human development, mental hygiene, vibration and neurolinguistic programming and in all of them, I found a common denominator in them all...

I can only control myself, you have all the necessary resources to solve your own problems despite how hard they may be. My job is to pray for you, love on you, encourage you but it’s up to YOU to solve them & find your happiness.

I can only give you my advice if you ask me & it depends on you to follow it or not. There are consequences, good or bad, to your decisions and YOU have to live them.

So from now on, I cease to be the receptacle of your responsibilities, the sack of your guilt, the laundress of your remorse, the advocate of your faults, the wall of your lamentations, the depositary of your duties, who should solve your problems or spare a tire every time to fulfill your responsibilities.

From now on, I declare all independent and self-sufficient adults.

Everyone at my mom's house was speechless.

From that day on, the family began to function better because everyone in the house knew exactly what it is that they needed to do.

For some of us this is hard because we've grown up being the caregivers feeling responsible for others. As moms & wives we are fixers off all things. We never want our loved ones to go through difficult things or to struggle. We want everyone to be happy.

But, the sooner we take that responsibility off of our shoulders & on to each loved one, the better we are preparing them to be MEsponsible.

We are not here on earth to be everything to everyone. Stop putting that pressure on yourself.

Love you.

I personally did not write this. I came upon it,found it to be powerful and in this crazy time thought it would be a good "read" to share ❤️🙏🔥

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it is so true that

"life is the real meditation".

Its great to engage the world with this awareness allowing a transformation in living .The old paradigms are being shifted which is both discombobulating and liberating.

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Hello everyone.

This infographic shows what being present has to offer us. Far better than residing either side of it in the outer part of the circles.

Aisling x

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I was at wonderlights in Malahide Castle last night. It was lovely to see all the kids around and to see how they see things. I found it was lovely to be in the moment and taking me back to some of my own child hood memories at this time of year. 

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Over the last three weeks I have been busy, really tired, celebrated a big round birthday, been on a short holiday with my partner and my four beautiful daughters. Two of which are moms themselves.

I have felt overwhelmed,

I have felt loved

I have felt a huge sense of gratitude.

I have been slow to post anything as I had such conflicting emotions and then it passed. [It may have been linked to turning 60))]

Life has returned back to a steady sense of being ok.

But it looks like this has been the experience of so many. From death to birth. Life continues to give and take.

Sending lots of love to everyone and wishing you all a great week. Take good care. 💕💕

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Hi all my fellow travellers on this journey of life. I hope you are all well and you are all receiving many blessings and life is being kind. Unfortunately I missed the last Sunday on zoom as I had family issues. Thank God my father is doing very well and mum is managing to look after him. I was admitted to hospital on Tuesday as I have really suffered after getting covid pneumonia a number of months ago. I have had terrible insomnia, unable to eat and have been getting weaker, doing too much ,caring for my parents and multitasking like mad! I think exhaustion and dehydration got me in the end. I will remain in hospital for the moment and I'm hoping to get discharged in the coming weeks. I worry about getting behind on coursework as I'm not in a very zen environment and won't be able to focus on anything but my health. I am contacting Carmel tomorrow to see if she can facilitate me in any way. I will be fine and am enjoying the course so much. I am keeping an eye on our WhatsApp group and enjoying all your posts. I feel such love and support from you all from a far...a very special bunch of people who I have been blessed to meet. I am hoping I will be well enough to join our next zoom meeting and get all your positive vibes and wisdom 🙏 ✨️ much love x p

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So sorry that i missed the last weekend but it just couldn't be helped.

I was involved in a panto that I had written and it fell on the same weekend. We had over 110 children involved in three different groups and it had been a labour of love over the past few months but took up an incredible amount of time energy and effort not just from myself but from a team of people.

The only reason that I bring it up is that the nature of doing shows like this is that they come and then they pass again. But this time with the benefit of the course content I very deliberately took some time to fully savour the experience and specific moments of it. I scored very high in the Kinaesthetic range and so the feeling of an experience is what lodges most easily with me. When i think back on similar past experiences it is the feeling that i remember most easily. But this time i took the times to try to soak in the other aspects of the experience, the sounds, sights, the smell and i really feel that it now is a fuller memory.

I would also consider it to be a flow activity for me and it was wonderful to have had a over a week with regular flow activities to revive

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Hi everyone.Tough week here in Mayo.

My father in law passed away yesterday morning. He spent his last few days in the local hospice. What an amazing place. Although his passing is sad it also marks the end of a long life , 88 years . Life wasn`t always easy for Jim. losing his mother at his birth and his wife when she was only 53.

We are so grateful that our children had a wonderful grandad , who they got to know as young adults . They the most wonderful memories of him. he loved being a grandfather and his grand children filled his life with joy.

As with any illness the last few days can be difficult for the family . Tiredness and irritability set in. It was interesting to watch this with an increased level of awareness . To watch with a better understanding of lens of thought and how each family members behaviour and reactions reflected their unique life experiences and their position in the family hierarchy .

I am definitely experiencing an increased level of compassion towards others and recognising the reasons behind their specific thought patterns and behaviour .

It feels so freeing and empowering . Anyone else experiencing that ?

catherine Coyle

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Thanks for another great weekend..I am sorry I missed the Bodyscan meditation practise..I had to listen to My own body and honour its needs and wants in that particular moment!

Key learnings for me was the Hindsight Bias, not beating myself up for not making better decisions...I have to constantly remind myself that I did the best I could with the knowledge, awareness and understanding at the time, always coming from a place of LOVE.

My awareness is increasing even more around my own re-active patterns. So much growth on all levels, some resistance too and lots coming to the fore. I feel v grateful for this group and to be on this journey together walking each other home. Thank you!

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Kelly big congratulations shes a little dote ❤️

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Baby Molly Mc Mahon arrived safely yesterday morning. Feeling very blessed and grateful 💕👶🏼

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Apologies - here's the body scan script with the final paragraph

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Apologies - here's the body scan script with the final paragraph

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Sorry I don't know how this paragraph went missing - except that it was something to do with me!!!

If you have already submitted your body scan - it's fine as is. If not then you can add this on.

Thanks for noticing!

____________________________________________

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Hi everyone, I must admit I am really enjoying reading everyone's thoughts and progress . This week I was so busy in work and I was tired a little more than usual, However I continued to stay focused and stay on track, I bought my friends son who is 7 years old marshmallows for him hot chocolate, I got a voice not off him yesterday morning saying good Moring Rosanna, Thank you for my marshmallows I am the luckiest boy alive, I listened to it a few times and thought to myself how easy that child was made happy and how grateful he was for such a small gift. again a lesson for us all. everyday is a school day for us and again been with children can bring us back to the here and now.

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Hi Carmel

I am just wondering is the last paragraph missing in the handout on the body scan you gave us the last weekend . its just on week 2 on your recording of the body scan there an extra paragraph at the end which finishes the meditation of in a nice way can we use this our do we make up our own ending.

Thanks

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Apologies for my lack of input,I feel more together in myself now.I felt very fragmented in mindfulness in recent weeks due to distractions and my awareness,thoughts and feelings were so scattered .

To help with this fragmented feeling I tried my best to be present,but i was reminded each time of pins n needles in my arm and conscious of my difficulties in breathing due to the unknown of my symptoms entirely.

I too like Ruth feel grateful today as my stress test yesterday showed no very serious issues and my ❤️ is in tact !

unstable blood pressure it appears to be so this will be stabilised with the correct meds.

At all times I was aware of dipping in and out of the present and how easy it is for us to be come disconnected from ourselves .

I do not like this feeling,it made me feel restricted, unable to hike,unable to sing without running out of breath,unable to write without being conscious of how my arm felt so part of me was feeling sorry for myself and the other part very present to the reality of how things were.

I came to the realisation that eventhough things don't go as we would like or plan for we still have huge control in change and how we see things .

visualisations has re centred me to write today so I feel very grateful to feel re connected to my peaceful state.

It has been a breath of fresh air to read all your entries and feel the gorgeous positive energy from the chat .

Thankyou 🤗

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Marianne Williamson talking about the divisions in the US after the election and her ideas about not adding to the divisions. I like her idea of blasting the room with love before you go in.

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Have been listening to this audio book in the car. Its ekhart tolle answering questions put to him about existence. He has a strange accent but his voice becomes almost hypnotic the more you listen, its weirdly calm. Definitely worth listening to but stick with it. R

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I have this hanging in my hall near the front door, and when people are leaving my house, they will often read it out loud, think about it for a minute, and then say, 'oh, I must remember that one'. Our mind is healthier when we tend to it in a loving, positive way.

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I came across this painting the other day and I sent it to my son as the child bears a striking resemblance to my Grandson who just adores cats. My life has always been full of children. I was the eldest of six. Even at the tender age of 10 or 11 I was minding younger children. I know now at an older age that my relationship with children is very special. Children I had in my life in my 20's and 30's now have their own children and my relationships have shifted to them as adults and further on to their young children now. I love those connections. I have a six year old neighbour Matthew who comes to me every Tuesday evening for dinner for the last 3 years when his Mom goes to yoga. Matthew has Asperger's, he is beyond astute and yet beautifully innocent. His observations are hilarious. Recently, his mother said to me, "Martina I love the way you immediately come down to Matthews level, how you get on your knees to speak with him or read him a story, how you value what he has to say" I think it was one of the nicest things anyone has said to me. I suddenly got why I attract so many children to me. Of course I was aware of children in my life, but her comment acknowledged something in me that I hadn't seen in myself and I was suddenly aware of me having childlike qualities as soon as a child appeared on my radar so that my communication with the child is pure. It's just such a lovely realisation. Thank you for the invitation to write about it. X

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I've just started reading Flow : The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. It had been mentioned earlier on in the course. It's very interesting, I'm really enjoying it. It puts forward the importance of putting positive thoughts and feelings into our consciousness. In so doing, we can achieve deep and lasting happiness in our lives.

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Just got the all clear. Im so grateful right now. Health anxiety was with me and when its bad its bad, this morning was bad. However! I acknowledged it, sat with it, allowed it, told myself its an old response mechanism, asked it to quieten and became Mount Ruth again. Today though was less mountain more volcano 🌋. My thoughts right now are with the people today who wont have this result. Send them loving kindness guys ❤️ and thank you for listening to me 🙏🏻

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Have started reading Full Catastrophe Living. The title of this book is very appropriate. In it John promotes mindfulness as a tool to contend with all of what life throws at us, literally all. Hence the use of the word Catastrophe.

Aisling x

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I listened to the news on the radio whilst driving. Theres a war i can do nothing about, theres a body being exhumed in monagan, none of my business, 4 kids missing from refugee centre for 15 days found again, did i need to know that, politicians promising all sorts - i turned it off 😂. Destruction, death, anguish and lies. It should be called The Gossip not The News and its in peoples lives every hour on the hour - Wont be listening EVER again - ✌️ thats a peace sign btw 🤷‍♀️

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After a challenging week full of twists n turns, Had a little cottage stay in west cork. Time was spent enjoying flow activities of music and creativity in a non striving fashion ,just for the sheer joy. Much more mindful to really appreciate the gift of being.

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Tiny changes - quality not quantity

Hi

I am finding that i am noticing the tiny changes that i have made since the journey. I think it is so important to take note of any tiny changes/ habits we have made. For me going for a walk in the freezing cold today as it was just 1 degree. I noticed that using the VAKGO I felt the cold in my face and then was so grateful for the different seasons we get to experience. I felt the warm layers i had to put on. I am counting the small blessings and tiny changes and habits to bring me along this big journey of life itself

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I found this book very good . Goes through a lot beliefs, mindset and attitudes, and even has the body scan meditation in it. 

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Emma had a day off school today and we had 2 of her friends over for a play date. Got all the arts and crafts onto the kitchen table. Well they had a ball, making Christmas decorations, painting, sticking, gluing, creating. It was a joy to watch them create and be totally in the moment with what they were doing. Engrossed. Everything on the table being looked at with possibility and excitement. Fresh eyes in everything they do. A reminder to move forward with a beginners mind in all that I do.

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Hi everyone, for the past few days I have been thinking about how the child's mind works and how they are so in aww of everything they see and full of inquisitiveness, I asked myself when was I last that way and the truth is I cant remember, isn't that sad that we have lost that, So I have spent the last few days been in the here and now and not thinking about anything just taking it all in what's going on around me and looking at tresses as if its the first time I saw one, you see so much more when you quite your mind. I always feed the birds but this week I have been siting looking at them and I saw a mammy bird breaking up the bread into small bites for the baby birds and I was like omg that's amazing I never saw that before, But then I never stopped to watch , I also have been watching how they get the worms out of the ground and its just brilliant, As if I don't have enough to do I am know studding the birds lol . been stile and just becoming present is powerful.

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I was reminded that we learned that happiness is a process not a state we visit.  We are all learning, on this course, how to be happy as we learn to be more present, experience a fuller life, reflect on all the things we are grateful for everyday and embody the foundational attitudes of mindfulness as we go about our day.  As we journey on this process of happiness we glimpse our true natures.

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Carmel i don’t really understand hindsight bias. Could you give an example please?

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I really got a lot from our last weekends course. I couldn't get over how the lemon exercise was so powerful when we were doing it. I could picture myself in a kitchen and also when tasting the lemon I could feel the bitterness of it .

I have been going over the notes and reading and one thing that has stuck with me is the hindsight bias I had a personal family situation a few years ago and I have always look back and regretted the way I handled a situation now I am able to realise that I made a decision based on the information I had at the time and being able to look at it in a better light I beginning to be able to let it go .

Dee

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Hi Guys, this is my first post in about 10 days as I was away and the WiFi connections were very bad. I posted this already in the Whatsapp chat 2 days ago, howewer in case anyone missed I really wanted to share this image. Hi Guys, The above is a pic of a natural rock formation in the Cuevas De San Miguel believed to be that of Michael the Archangel, the photo doesn't do it justice, it was such a spiritual place. The trip I was on, was a working trip, that involved others from different countries, 20 in all. Many of us with very different personalities. My awareness was very drawn to the fact that I had little or no choice in the company I had to keep and I was really put to the test. My Vakgo practise absolutely highlights the beauty in many things I can see, hear, taste, touch and feel, but what I didn't realise before is that it also highlights that which I no longer want to see, hear, taste, touch and feel, or be a part of. There was one colleague who got me at that level though, and I whittled her out immediately as I could sense her awareness. I spent most evenings I could having some alone time, and I think the others found me a little weird, but for me I was breathing or doing my body scan and very happy knowing that once you become aware and practise mindfulness it is impossible to go backwards. I am currently looking at colleagues notes and the material from last weekend and I will start submitting asap.

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So delighted to understand the process of thinking. What we give our attention to grows and what we think creates our feelings. I get it, that we have a choice in every moment as long as we are aware of that choice we have. This course has brought that awareness to me now and I've used it in action many times now which is amazing. It feels good to let go of thoughts that you know are not helpful to continue to think about. Get back in the present moment. Wisdom may come on the subject. This awareness and this choice keeps the second arrow of suffering away as long as we choose to drop the thoughts. I walked around up to attending this course, believing my thoughts and looking for something to blame if i wasn't feeling good. So to finally get the thought process is just amazing. How to manage the thought process. Now to further my experience of getting more into the present moment in more areas throughout the day. Gratitude is what i'm feeling.

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Good morning 🌅 all I have been doing the body scan meditation every day since our last weekend ,

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Good morning 🌅 all I have been doing the body scan meditation every day since our last weekend ,

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I find it a different experience each time ,my attention can wonder but each time I do it ,I find it quite emotional ,it can be when the attention is at the heart area ,I am surprised how much emotion is stored in the face .

Reading Mary Oliver this morning

Praying

It doesn’t have to be the blue iris,it could be weeds in a vacant lot,ora few small stones,just pay attention,then patch

a few words together and don’t try

to make them elaborate,this isn’t

a contest but the doorway

into thanks,and a silence in which

another voice may speak .🙏💐

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Hi everyone. I was in Cork city for the weekend and I took myself away for a little wander around and through St. Finbarr’s Cathedral when I stumbled upon the Labyrinth in the grounds.  Labyrinths are a single, winding path that leads to the centre.  Labyrinths lead to a central visible goal unlike a maze.  They are ancient and associated with Christian worship but today are being widely used again for meditation.  On a wild winter’s day in Cork, I took time to walk with a grateful heart one step at a time to the centre, stopping from time to time, breathing and being present to myself and my surroundings.  I walked to the centre, and the idea is to leave your troubles behind you, and then mindfully I walked back to the start feeling refreshed.

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great weekend guys thank you.Really realising the immense complexity of the mind and our human experience,"AI, as Mc hammer says "cant touch this"!. I've been reading the course material on "stress", "reacting verse responding." and moving from unconscious to more conscious stress reactions. Been practicing more "beginners mind." Its so refreshing to be more open to other possibilities and phenomena previously closed off from. Will def get the book "Stop thinking, start living". sounds fab. Also Trying to be non judging more to others but also to myself.A wee success its 3 months off coffee,Been drinking it since 1982!! .It Definitely creates more calm and focus.

Mark

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Last weekend clarified something for me. I think it was Kathryn who raised it .

The difference between the mind wandering and the then processing events/life .

I would often mull things over when I`m out walking , not necessarily experiencing negative thinking but just processing events. And I struggled as I was supposed to be being mindful etc

So am I right - time to process , and think things through in a clear and positive way is ok.

Also Ive had a few times recently when meditating that I`ve experienced colours , purple and today was green . Quite lovely .

The second arrow of suffering concept really resonated with me. Its a behaviour I often resorted to in my previous school where the environment created by senior management was not healthy .

I recognise my behaviour was prolonging the pain of certain incidents . Repeating events to colleagues was feeling the pain all over again. Thankfully I left in the summer and couldn`t be happier in my lovely new school. The difference is incredible .

That change brought about other positive things , I enrolled on this this course and Ive just recently started a childrens choir in my local town. The response has been super. We sang at our first event on Friday evening , a Christmas market . Positivity spreads positivity .

I wish you all a lovely week ahead .

Catherine

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hi everyone, this week I found myself in the middle of a conversation about a family member and one person was saying you would imagine they would of done this and that, I found myself not making any comment just listening and I start to see it from a different point of view, I started to thing about that statement the person said and I thought to myself how often we say that about a lot of things, When you say you would imagine a person should say or do something different than the way they did really what you are saying is I am disappointed they didn't do or say it the way I would. How often are we disappointed when people don't do as we thing they should, lesson here for me was not to expect people to see things the way you do or do things the way you would, Its amazing what you hear when you practice listening.

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WOMEN EMPOWERMENT | MINDSET | QUOTES on Instagram: "🤍 if you needed this today. Share with someone who needs this too 🫶

Take a moment to look at your body. Really look. See the arms that have embraced your loved ones, the eyes that have witnessed the beauty of this world, the legs that have carried you through your longest journeys, the feet that have supported you on your toughest days, and the smile that has lit up a million moments of joy. This is your body, not just a vessel of curves and textures, but a vessel of memories and experiences. So next time you look in the mirror, don’t criticize, appreciate. Love yourself for all that your body has allowed you to do and be. You are beautiful, inside and out. ❤️ 

Save as a reminder and follow for more ✨

👉 @successfulfemalemindset 
👉 @successfulfemalemindset 
👉 @successfulfemalemindset 

Sign up to my email list and get my free workbook to help you reframe your thought patterns, be gentle with yourself and unlock your success mindset. Link in bio 🔗 

Quote credit @lexyflorentina 

#bodypositivity #selflove #appreciateyourself #loveyourself #inspirational #loveyourbody #appreciateyourbody #growth #mindsetreset #contentement #hapinessquotes #selfcare #pricelessblessings #itsthesimplethings #gratitude #selflovesunday #appreciatethelittlethings #appreciatethemoment #selflove #embraceyourself #celebrateyourjourney #luxuriesmoneycantbuy #unlimitedpotential #inspirationalquotes #affirmations #grateful #littlethings #blessed #reallifeluxuries"

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15K likes, 158 comments - successfulfemalemindset on October 6, 2024: "🤍 if you needed this today. Share with someone who needs this too 🫶

Take a moment to look at your body. Really look. See the arms that have embraced your loved ones, the eyes that have witnessed the beauty of this world, the legs that have carried you through your longest journeys, the feet that have supported you on your toughest days, and the smile that has lit up a million moments of joy. This is your body, not just a vessel of curves and textures, but a vessel of memories and experiences. So next time you look in the mirror, don’t criticize, appreciate. Love yourself for all that your body has allowed you to do and be. You are beautiful, inside and out. ❤️ 

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👉 @successfulfemalemindset 
👉 @successfulfemalemindset 
👉 @successfulfemalemindset 

Sign up to my email list and get my free workbook to help you reframe your thought patterns, be gentle with yourself and unlock your success mindset. Link in bio 🔗 

Quote credit @lexyflorentina 

#bodypositivity #selflove #appreciateyourself #loveyourself #inspirational #loveyourbody #appreciateyourbody #growth #mindsetreset #contentement #hapinessquotes #selfcare #pricelessblessings #itsthesimplethings #gratitude #selflovesunday #appreciatethelittlethings #appreciatethemoment #selflove #embraceyourself #celebrateyourjourney #luxuriesmoneycantbuy #unlimitedpotential #inspirationalquotes #affirmations #grateful #littlethings #blessed #reallifeluxuries". 

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The snow in Mayo is beautiful these days. I went for my walk last night and literally stopped in my tracks several times in awe of how stunning everything in nature appeared. Nature is healing on every level. Everything looked so different with the covering of white and it made me realize on my walk how everyone looks at things so differently in life and that life experiences determine the view for so many. It gave me an empathy for a few people i have found draining or hard to listen to in the past few years and I called and spoke with one of them after the walk and we had a laugh and a nice conversation. I was so grateful for that. Simple things x

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I had some PT clients today and a robin flew in near me. I love this time of year as they are so plentiful. I always think it’s my Dad looking down on me or giving me a sign to say hi. The robin has a meaning of re-birth and happiness and I always feel joy when I see them.

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I have been reading the 7 foundational attitudes of mindfulness again and again and again. Reading and re-reading and i feel it is beginning to sink in for me. I also bought the book 'Stop thinking start living' by Richard Carlson and started to read it last night before going to sleep. Amazing book so far. I woke up in the middle of the night and I felt something had shifted for me re my thinking. I felt happy and light going to the bathroom. Things seemed clear. Then i woke up this morning and like dreams, I couldn't remember what that experience was about. Anyway, i really feel reading and re-reading the 7 attitudes is really helping me to absorb and understand and feel I'm getting a clearer picture on the thinking process and how it can benefit and sabotage us. Will proceed with an open mind and heart....Awareness is growing.

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Hi all. Ive been happily posting on last months board, talking to myself as usual 😂. This weekend was challenging for me. Im currently changing hrt and having some tests so my headspace is compromised. The second arrow of suffering concept is truly a revelation for me. Too often i use many arrows over the same issue. Since learning new skills im finding that that second arrow is missing me a bit more. Not feeling the need to beat myself up ALL the time. Having said that ive pierced myself a few times having become upset during the lemon story, felt so very embarrassed but im blaming hormones. Following the instructions to the kitchen i ended up in the most safe, most comforting place i could be at this turbulent time, our little kitchen at home when i was a child, it was Christmas, the cloth boiled pudding was hanging on a nail and i could smell it, this year for the first time mum cant make one and thats the end on an era! Everything was sooo real and i could hear my dad chatting away to my mum in the next room - he died in 2013 and i could do with one of his bear hugs right now - that coupled with my vulnerability at the moment brought on the tears. I really apologise for bringing the mood down. Carmel your story about the book publishing episode was so relateable and i think we could all recognise the ‘thought torment’ that came with it. Although you did nothing wrong during that episode, your subconscious mind had a field day and your second arrow definitely wounded you. A great learning experience for us thanks. Theres so much more but I’ll be back 👍🏻🙏🏻❤️ With learnings on happiness and stress

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I really enjoyed the weekend and meeting people in the breakout rooms, it is so nice to connect this way and start getting to know people, so thank you all for that. One of the main things of interest for me this weekend was the term the Second arrow of suffering which accurately depicts the feelings and state that can arise from our emotional responses to events, and Carmel your step-by-step description of your process in relation to your book was a brilliant example of this in action. The pain from the first arrow is bad enough but the unnecessary torture ensued with the second arrow is incredible, and to think that we actually do this to ourselves. So many battles are also fought and won/lost from this mindset as you will always find someone who will agree with what you are saying ‘out of context’ and on and on it goes.  It is really interesting to have it framed in this way and I will certainly use this ‘arrow imagery’ as an anchor point going forward when I next find myself shooting arrows as myself 😊. Life always throws curve balls, for that is the nature of life, and we all experience this.  So just like in meditation, when the mind wanders, it is the awareness that it has done so that is the key to keep bringing it back. So too when life challenges us, the learned awareness at least allows us to regulate more quickly after a stressful event.

Another interesting point for me is that we feel the effects of the emotions we feel toward others in our bodies first. So be mindful where we spend our energy!  When reading the Meditation I find it very soothing and relaxing on myself, this is my intention for the receiver of the meditation, so it is a great bonus that I enjoy this benefit and therefore this is a good thing for me to do. But equally if I feel angry at someone, I will feel the feelings of anger firstly as it generates and passes through me, so, the question presents, is this another type of 'arrow of suffering'?

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HI Everyone,

I really enjoyed both days this weekend. I did find i was very tired after Sunday as there was alot of theory do sit with.

I am really sitting more confortable doing the meditation and realising its okay not to have it all perfect and high expectations. I will only improve as time goes by. Thank you lovely people for the sharings in the small break outs groups. I felt very at home listening to the valid feedback

I find I am at the stage of my learning where it is okay to have days where it the routine falls out the window as long as i get back on the wagon as they say..

I am resonating with the fact that the flow activities really get me few those days and once

I am aware of my autopilot thoughts in the workplace and bring it back to the present with even drinking my tea and eating slowly..on my breaks

I know the next few weeks will be busy with exams and I am eager to see and learn how my mindfulness routine will take place amongst it...

best of luck to everyone on their journey.. this month and thanks for all powerful learning

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I am finding the breath meditation hard at the moment, even though it is the one that I practice the most.  As I watch my breath, I seem to exaggerate it which causes a frustration.  I note that you said Carmel that we focus on the words being delivered in the meditation which is my intention.  I notice an unease as I sense the full breath in and out of the body.  When I come to the part of feeling the whole body and sensations arising, I seem to experience a sort of letting go and more ease in the body.  I hope that makes sense and I would appreciate any comments.

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Before I scurry into the details of this day,
let me touch that web of timeless peace
and drape it gentle on my shoulders.
Let me gaze from the leaded window
and watch light dance upon the apple tree,
and swell with tears of gratitude
for the miracle of life.

This is from the book, Wild Love by Gill Edwards. It's a beautiful book. I wrote this piece out into my journal in 2008 and I happened to come across that journal the other day. I just thought I'd share the piece because it's very relevant to our Mindfulness journey now.

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I really enjoyed the course at the weekend and felt I got a lot from it. I liked learning about the fight and flight response and how we respond and react to certain situations. This resonated a lot with me and I am going to try to take a breath before I respond to certain stressful situations.

I laughed to myself when we discussed sharing a story to numerous people and watching how the story escalates and intensifies in our minds , this showed how the second arrow of suffering can be worse than the initial event. I am definitely guilty of this and by doing it I am prolonging the suffering and stress. This is something I am going to be more conscious and mindful of in future.

I enjoyed the body scan meditation and didn't feel as nervous delivering it this month. It felt like a safe and encouraging space which was lovely. Looking forward to putting all of these things into practice and continuing to learn and grow on this mindfulness journey.

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I printed this of from last months papers and I thought it was so pretty I framed it and put it up in my mediation room. Its nicer than in the photo. it is very clear and look as if it was bought.

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I would just like to say a Massive Thank you to everyone for an amazing weekend. I learned so much again this weekend, I was thinking to my self how much my life has got better since starting this course, I was well on this road before and wanted to do this course for myself and to grow more mindfulness. Anything i knew was self thought from books and podcasts and really surrounding myself with like minded people, As the course goes on I am loven how much I am learning and I am applying every thing to my life, Having the guidance and facts to help is great. Having Carmel and Margert on your side given us the information is great, what I found to be an eye opener was when Margert asked us to list what we thought happiness was , We all did great as a group, when Margert started to tell us what happiness was I think we were all O didn't look at it like that. She really opened our eyes to another leave, Thank you Margert. Also I enjoyed the body scan. I have been doing it ever day and I have to be honest I am developing a deep sense of gratitude for my body and really connecting to my body in a whole new way, Thank you Carmel. The 2nd arrow of stress wow again never thought of the impact of going over it and replaying it in the mind again once explained it was so clear . I have put this also into practice since the weekend, I feel like I am deprograming the downloads that no longer serve me and reinstalling new programs of my choice instead of the conditioning environmental ones that was download into my subconscious mind through out life. Thank you all for the weekend cant wait for the next one.

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Hi 👋

Is anyone else finding other peoples unnecessary behaviors annoying? Its so pointless and this newfound knowledge is making me sooo aware. Im trying to embrace it all but it’s difficult and i feel wound up and know I really shouldn’t be - mindfulness is simple but not easy - is that the quote?

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I was held beautifully last Sunday afternoon as I embraced the Body Scan. I would have done this meditation quite often and while I always enjoyed it I never really got it. On Sunday I experienced a situation where I really noticed my body and how it felt. I felt a release in my body and even had a few tears. It was amazing and emotional. Teaching points from this experience are: It didnt matter how experienced my teacher was, and she had an "L" plate on. I had the most amazing experience. This too could happen to any one of our clients early on in our practices. As Carmel mention a few times about the girl who 'left her body' during her first meditation in a corporate group.

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Firstly, i want to say how great the weekend was in terms of learning and sharing of experiences.

The main point which has resonated with me is in the paper on stress. I had never considered the 2nd arrow of suffering in such terms before. This facet of stress is more destructive than the initial activating event. We must be mindful of this to reduce its impact before it becomes chronic.

I also enjoyed Margaret's presentation on Happiness and the contemplations on this human disposition.

Aisling x

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Thank you all for the weekend ,it feels like a very special space we are held in where we can be honest and show our humanity ,

Thank you Carmel for all your honesty and sharing ,it helped make it all so liveable ,and to stop striving for this perfection .

What I have taken away from the weekend is accepting my humanness ,my emotions, my thoughts ,learning to protect my energy ,to be more aware of what depletes me ,and what gives me life .

And to know that living a mindful life ,that in every moment we can begin again ,and to offer ourselves plenty of self compassion as we continue on this journey .

Thinking of you all .💐🙏

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Thanks everyone for a great weekend was so much learning in the weekend 🙌 Carmel I loved your honesty around your on thinking as sometimes we can look up at teachers/mentors and think they have it Al together and don't think the way we do. I feel when you spoke about that we all connected to you more and reminds us even as mindfulness teachers we wil have them thoughts tiggers etc.. I have something I would like to share as a group and as a learning for me and everyone else.. the last 3 months when we come on for Margaret's class I feel very overwhelmed don't wanna talk judging myself telling myself don't say that or don't say this as it will sound stupid or tell myself people are judging me when I no there not I spoke to Carmel yesterday and we got to the bottom of it and it does steam back to my child hood as I would have a learning difficulties as in hate reading out loud or can't say the words etc.. the 2nd month this happened I did tell myself stop this is your journey and your learning and I leaned in and over came it I was nervous but I done it but Saturday it happened again and I couldn't over come it. I gave into that old program that thinking patterns and I want to over come it.. and I feel when talking about myself I find it harder..

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Thank you everyone for a very powerful weekend.  Thank you, Carmel, for all your honest teaching and inspiring story telling.  I struggle with detailing my own experience and remembering earlier experiences.  With practice I will expand my detailing in line with my experience using all the pillars of mindfulness like beginners mind.

I tried the body scan while lying down for a change and I found it a different experience.  I seem to have found it easier to move my awareness to different parts of the body.  It was very restful while at the same time I did not fall asleep.

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Learnings from your experience (Hay House)

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Learnings from your experience (Hay House)

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I found the weekend really powerful.

Listening to you Carmel explain so honestly that we all can get caught up in life. How the pendulum swung from being ok to not being ok. How telling someone the story can make it grow. It made it more real. You are our inspiration but also someone that is real and human

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Hi Carmel, i was wondering if it was okay between now and end of course to design my own meditations, body scan for example and use existing parts from the current script but also implement my own wording that is more natural to me when teaching the meditation and have a different format maybe while delivering all the key parts etc.

I was also wondering along with the meditations we are learning, in our own practice and I'm not sure if you do this but this, but just sit in silence for a period of time without any type of meditation but just be in silence while practising meditation etc.

Thanks

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Really enjoyable weekend. My biggest learning is that it is ok to be 'human' whilst surrounded by all that we are learning.

I don't live in the Himalayas, I'm surrounded by the busyness of life and its exciting.

Felt I put a lot of stress on myself from the start of this course in wanting to get it right. Wanting to change positively and then feeling like it wasn't working for me.

Located the all or nothing thinking pattern in myself.

This weekend has shown me that even in practicing all that we are learning, there still might be a day/week where we easily get drawn back to unhelpful thinking patterns, but that thankfully we wont stay in these negative patterns for too long thanks to the practices that we are learning.

Pressure is off for me to enjoy the rest of this journey.

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Hi to everyone,

1. What are some of the learnings that resonated with you during this weekend's teaching?

2. Have any questions arisen for anyone around any aspect of the teaching?