# data[].attributes.body
"The true value of a human being is determined primarily by the measure and the sense in which he /she has attained liberation from the self"

Albert Einstein quote from the book Coming To Our Senses by JKZ

Wow....

# data[].attributes.body
If we think 60,000 thoughts a day, is that for everyone? Here's what I mean. I'm in work 8 to 4, 5 days a week. My job is very brain taxing a kin to doing a cross word puzzle for 7.5 hours. Not leaving much room, time for thoughts. So, who does this statement relate to?

# data[].attributes.body
1. Carmel Farnan is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting Saturday 10am to 1pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83273508128?pwd=SjBaUXg3cG1jeTlGY3hFOUZvcFhYUT09

Meeting ID: 832 7350 8128
Passcode: 985900

2. Margaret Forde is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join Zoom Meeting Saturday 2pm to 5pm Meeting ID: 515 560 4465

Password: 316000

Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5155604465?pwd=WVNtZUhvY3lXSCsrWXFxa3pYaHZYdz09

3. Annmarie Kennedy is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Annmarie Kennedy's Zoom Meeting
Time: Sunday Apr 27, 2025 09:00 AM to 3pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84648912584?pwd=D3dKRokCBq7fyb9eigcsf5ufDAyjQM.1

Meeting ID: 846 4891 2584
Passcode: 156143

_____________________________________________

# data[].attributes.body
I wanted to share a special moment from Easter. I brought my mother to a dawn Mass — her first time attending one. It was held in an old open church, and thankfully the rain held off. The setting was so peaceful, with the birds singing softly in the background as the Mass went on. It felt like nature was joining in somehow. My mother really loved it — she kept telling everyone she met that day that she'd been there. It was a simple but beautiful start to the day, and a reminder of how meaningful shared moments can be. The picture is taken from the old church and across the lake is the new church.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone, lovely to catch up on all the inputs and reflections. Just back from Lanzarote too. Just loved to watch how the little people just gravitate towards each other for fun, games and connection with no judgement, opinions or past. It was heart warming to watch and how easy it is for them to connect with each other. Beginners mind and present moment.

The senses were tickled from all directions. Back home now and feeling relaxed and recharged

# data[].attributes.body
synchronicities . i'm just wondering has anyone experienced any of these .while meditating last week a thought passed by, as they do! of a friend who i haven't seem in quite sometime when i finished the meditation i found that they had sent a "love and kindness" message to my phone while i was meditating. Also last week at work I met an elderly man i guess in his 80's who suddenly and very much off topic just started talking about his awakening. A chat and deep connection was made. "Projection" "ABC model","non judgement" "true nature" were all all discussed

He gave me this...

if birds could talk and you asked them what time of day it is they would just say "the time is now".

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone, I am so happy to be back to normal, The last few weeks have been hard for us as you all know my husband suffered a stroke out of now were, I am so happy to update you all that he has made a full recovery one or two things to work on but over all he is doing amazing, over the last few weeks I have had a lot of time to think and reflect on a lot of things and the one thing that has help both of us along this path was our Gratitude, Its funny how life teaches you every day if you are open to the lessons, I have learned when you have your health you have lots of little problems things to do, places to go, calls to make , dead lines to meet, a million things to do and when your health is in danger you have only one problem ( your health ) and nothing else matters, I believe there is a lesson there for us. I had only returned home from Cork were I was away at a meeting for work when Roy had the Stroke , We had a few things planed that weekend and so quickly everything changed, I drove like crazy to the Hospital with him and I remember saying to myself, out of this only good can come and I was right, We were meant to fly out to Spain that Saturday and if we did Roy would not be here as he had a 97% blockage in his main Artery don't need to say any more on what would of happened. They also discovered he was type 2 diabetes, I know it might seem a little strange to hear this but it was the best thing that could of happen as he now gets a seconded chance and already his life has changed for the better, I strongly believe Gods redirection is his protections.

I am so grateful I had the knowledge of how the brain works and all I have learned has massively help me in getting through this. its strange how you feel when left alone with just you and your thoughts and how the mind can become your own form of strength, I always say to people you cant serve two masters at the same time, You either serve Faith or Fear , I choose Faith and fully surrendered to the powers to be that all is well and out of this only good can come, Some days I would feel myself slipping and thinking what if this ,what if that and quickly I changed the thought and got back on track, Spent a lot of time in nature and meditation and just staying connected to myself, Life can be so much more if we just go with the flow and learn what is really important and what is best for us and how we should all learn that every day is a miracle and there is so much happening around us that we miss due to running around like crazy, Been in the here and now has become so important to me , Life is what we make of it but i feel its sad that something has to happen for us to really see that, Why wait be so Grateful everyday for all the little things, Roy had said when he was in hospital I would love to be at the beach today and have a bag of chips, at the stage he was 3 weeks in Hospital, When he was able to come home we drove from the Hospital to the beach and shared a bag of chips, He was so happy and full of Gratitude He had tears in his eyes, in the past Roy could of went to the beach any day but was always to busy and now he goes every day for a walk, He sees beauty in the smallest of things now, things that he would of missed before, Why wait for something like this to happen to change, I hope all you are well and enjoying life. Chat soon xxx

# data[].attributes.body
Hey all apologies I haven't been on in a while for a few different reasons .

I have found recent weeks extremely difficult and I must say a challange trying to stay mindful,remain in gratitude and stay in the present without becoming over shadowed by grief and yet live life and be present to those around me.

A teenager I supported for many years took her own life a few weeks back and I am finding this most difficult .She had made contact only 2 days previous and clearly was very low and finding life most difficult.

I was left feeling many feelings and thinking many thoughts but I am now only in the place of showing self compassion.

Finding peace within myself and acceptance that I did my utmost to support her life's journey but I was hit with the realisation that when we are hit with something of great difficulty mindfulness in its entirity is most difficult.

I felt fake,I felt shadowed by a force bigger than me and i felt the need to mask on and to be all we need to be in the roles we play asmother,collegue,friend and keyworker to existing children I work with .

It is a joy to read all your inputs,reflections and thoughts so thankyou 🤗

# data[].attributes.body
HOLIDAY IN LANZAROTE

I am just back from a holiday in Lanzarote.  Feeling grateful for time to spend relaxing, walking, meditating and being in the moment.  We spent a bit of time exploring the life and work of artist Cezar Manrique.  He was a really inspirational backdrop to the holiday.  He reminded me of our own John O’Donoghue or Mary Oliver who found such beauty and mystery in the ordinary every day people and nature.  Anything he created he wanted it to blend in/work with the environment or to bring out the natural beauty of the landscape. There was lots to learn from him.   It was obvious that he was deeply connected to his intention. The life in him was described like the lava of the volcanos of Lanzarote - bubbling up and pouring out of him.

# data[].attributes.body
So lovely to connect and read all your stories, beautiful snapshots too..thank u

Disconnected these last few weeks from social media platforms and needed just to reconnect more with nature and within

Embracing the present moment as much as I can-having so much gratitude in my heart right now for all that I Have in my life!!!

Was away these last 10 days-it was so empowering to step out, back and away from every day life...not a care in the world-the weather was awful-it didnt matter-it was truly a state of mind-I loved all of it-the good, the bad, the ugly

creating space really allowed what needed to be to come to the fore to be acknowledged and released with love

my mindful practise continues to grow and I am grateful for all the tools that I get to put to the test!

Every day is a school day, being in the present moment is such a beautiful gift

# data[].attributes.body
I was out last night with people who are loud and opinionated to the point of making me feel less. Although i felt small I acknowledged and saw that outer me trying to cope with it all. Authentic me took hold, retreated and tried to breathe deeply. I found it difficult to find comfort there for a while but eventually identified faulty thinking and instead saw the desperation of those people to be heard and seen. It quietened my mind and instead of feeling the need to ‘be part’ i became an observer. Ive always been a ‘chatterbox’ but mbcbt has handed me a new way of being. Its taking a bit of effort to allow this quiet to be my companion but the peace when i do is truly beautiful

# data[].attributes.body
This is a shot from Friday night in Crookhaven in West Cork, when the evening eventually settled after a very wet day. There is something so graceful about how this guy/gal is about to take flight. It struck me since starting the course and practicing mindfulness daily now, and since I have freed myself up from the weight of negative thinking that I feel so much lighter and then more graceful because of that! However I'm probably more grateful than anything else. I hope you are all having a wonderful Easter.

# data[].attributes.body
When you look at the magnificence and intricacy of a mouse's brain - how could we ever say anything negative about ourselves, considering we are designed even more profoundly in the Grand Scheme. Amazing

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
An unprecedented dataset of high resolution anatomical images of individual cells in mouse visual cortex, mapped on to their responses. This integrated view of function and structure lays a foundation for discovering the computational bases of cortical circuits.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.instagram.com/p/DIY6rKyMH4P/?igsh=azRlMjl3am1ud3pw

This message is so powerful. Clouds are like thoughts and vice versa. We only get pure clarity when we can observe our thoughts in this way. Our true self is always available to us when we can choose one thought over the other and hop off that negative train of thought in a timely manner. Mindfulness gives us this power over the thought process.

Dr. Carlson in his book Stop thinking and Start Living advises us to choose our thoughts wisely in order to achieve healthy psychological functioning. This is a mental state from which we can live our lives free from the negativity bias and conditioned thinking.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
YOGA TEACHER TRAININGS on Instagram: "Most of our lives are spent wrapped in mental noise… planning, replaying, judging, grasping. We identify with the stream of thoughts, believing they define us. But in truth, you are not your thoughts. You are the awareness behind them."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
6,543 likes, 32 comments - becomeayogi on April 11, 2025: "Most of our lives are spent wrapped in mental noise… planning, replaying, judging, grasping. We identify with the stream of thoughts, believing they define us. But in truth, you are not your thoughts. You are the awareness behind them.". 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by YOGA TEACHER TRAININGS (@becomeayogi)

# data[].attributes.body
Nice getting the knowledge and practice coalescing more and more. Mindfulness Allowing the space for CBT and P.P to expand into. Had a good old mindful walk yesterday and lost track of time.Fascinating to catch unhelpful thinking styles popping up during the day and how labelling them diminishes their power.

# data[].attributes.body
Im on teacher holidays now and am setting aside more time for formal and informal practice . I thoroughly enjoyed my walk this morning including a walking meditation and VAKGO . I` ve also made a deliberate decision to have no plans for the first few days . Im just going with the day and doing what I feel like rather than what I ought , should do etc. I spend so much time in my working week clock watching , trying to get through all the different teaching groups of the day I jst needed to slow down and ignore the to do lists for a while .Its working beautifully, I had spent some lovely time in the garden stopping and starting when it suits . Bliss.

I really enjoyed listening to a video that was posted on the whats app group - JKZ talking about the foundational attitudes . I could listen to him all day . His voice is so relaxing .

decision to have no

# data[].attributes.body
I stopped at this lake today which I would have pass previously near my home place. It was so peaceful there and to hear the birds singing and the lovely swans swimming . It really is so good being out in our beautiful countryside which I have taken for granted Previously and being to busy to even have notice the beauty around me and just being able to be present and in the moment so good.

# data[].attributes.headline
Habit Releasers / Pattern interrupts/ Saved Thought Programs

# data[].attributes.subject
Habit Releasers / Pattern interrupts/ Saved Thought Programs

# data[].attributes.body
Hi Carmel,

I have a few questions below on subject field above?

Hope all is good. I think above are related or can you explain in simple terms how we use in cbt and positive psychology.

Habit releasers like the changing of the seats is like waking up the mind and getting out of autopilot and pattern interrupts is something you do when you’re doing a negative habit like biting nails then before doing it your interrupting the pattern/habit grabbing a nail file for example.

Is habit releasers used in cbt and positive psychology and also pattern interrupts?

Saved Programs:

If 95% of our saved programs are from out unconscious mind then from your personal and professional experience how long does it take to unwire and unfire a saved software thought program and fire and wire a new one. People could have programs saved for decades so Im just curious if there is a researched answer to show how long it can take, I know everyone is unique and how long is a piece of string but just am curious to see if there is science on duration or your own experience on it. Also staying in the 5% or 1% conscious mind as much as possible shows that it’s challenging to implement but mindfulness and cbt and pp is the key to unlock it!

Thank you 🙏 😊

# data[].attributes.body
I just saw that a street near Columba university in New York has been renamed Thich nhat hanh way after the little gentle Vietnamese monk Tay, as he was known as. Such a positive and lovely thing. He attended university there. He walked this way everyday. He said as you walk, walk like you are kissing the ground. He brought peace and kindness wherever he went. The power of mindfulness. He showed us the power of just doing the simple right thing. This warmed my heart this morning. ❤️

# data[].attributes.body
There's a very energetic little robin outside my bedroom window these mornings. Without fail, he starts his merry song at 4:45 am and even though it's lovely to hear him heralding a new day, I need to sleep for another little bit. So I hear him but I don't attach to his song or make any judgement on it. If anything, I admire his tenacity and energy and just let the song go, and I find myself drifting off to sleep again.

# data[].attributes.body
I need to sit with this paragraph for a while & just absorb.

# data[].attributes.body
Can highly recommend, the man's a genius 🙏

# data[].attributes.body
Hi to everyone,

I have just watched the beginning of this. It's a hard watch so far but I feel for those who will teach to adolescents/parents it's a very contemporary topic right now.

I know from experience in Counselling of the negative effects (sometimes later on in life) from early/ use of cannibas.

For some of my clients weed use has had a devastating effect. There is a disclaimer on the video that it is not suitable for viewers under 18 y/o.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
RCSI MyHealth Series - Cannabis and young minds: what parents and families should know

# data[].attributes.body
At the moment I am really just noticing how Mindfulness Tools are becoming a real go to for me. They are simple (but of course simply profound) and it is this simplicity that allows them to be so supportive & readily come to mind. I find that so many times during the day in everything I do I pause to absorb whatever I am doing and run it through all my senses. It is just a pleasurable thing to do now and so grounding and gives me a chance to have increased awareness of when my mind wanders. I also find it is really interesting when I give myself time to reflect on a situation or some interaction with someone how much more information I absorbed that I am not consciously aware but obviously took in through my senses. Taking the time to reflect can give a much deeper and insightful awareness and gives opportunity to catch negative thoughts that might have slipped in. Even when things don't go as you may want, noticing what you can be grateful for can really help to lighten things and take the small wins as such. Finding and watering the flowers I suppose. Hope you are all enjoying this fabulous weather and all the beautiful pics you are putting up are really enjoyable to look through. Thanks all.

# data[].attributes.body
HI all

I was away with family abroad for last few days as my sister is getting married this summer . She decided to do hen party in Spain and I found myself naturally including the mindfulness informally and formally. I made a habit to include my formal meditaiton in evening before bed time . I noticed in awareness simple things using my senses while away. The smell of food was obviously amazing as i love the spanish seafood. I noticed i ate my meal much slower and enjoyed it using my taste sense . But also the sounds of birds outside and the people chatting . The sight of the beuatiful summer colurs and flowers in small streets was captivating. Even though my wind did begin to wander i notcied it and used my senses to nring me back and awareness of my feet on ground whilst walking in company.

At times the conversation did go negative as this is life but i recognised this and did not add to the stories or even perhaps jump or make judgment. Lots more practice and plan is to get better every day and holidays time inlcuded xx

# data[].attributes.body
Hi all. Grief is a beast. I now fully understand why an mbcbt course is inadvisable for the first year. My brain is full to overflowing and i am so grateful to have learned so much so far. I am plagued by the 6 weeks of hospital and ICU but when it gets really bad I sit with it and allow it. I can feel the surge of it through my body, my heartbeat like a raging drum, shallow breaths….until i mindfully breathe, talk to my grief and say its ok ‘do your thing’. Trying not to trod the well worn path of extreme anxiety but rather stepping onto a new path of gratitude. I cant change the past but i can change my mind! It does really help, what a gift. I feel sad because im falling behind with my coursework. Ive been so invested but am finding it difficult to just sit and do what i need to do. Im not berating myself about it just a bit sad. However i will keep trying, i will keep breathing, i will try to be the mountain and mostly i will try to be grateful. Sending loving kindness to everyone ❤️.

# data[].attributes.body
The beautiful weather brought meditation to the beach. i had to walk through lots of tall grass to get to the spot.So apt as the old patterns (neural connections) and the associated thoughts are beginning to become fainter

Mark

# data[].attributes.body
Took myself outside this afternoon to do a breath meditation which followed on into sounds and sensations after this. Explosion of the senses as I could feel the warm wind blowing by my ears and neck. The song from the birds was beautiful and the buzzing of the bees on their merry little way. Nature at its best. Was uplifting. And when in a new environment for this meditation, there was little thoughts popping into my mind. As i am now in a routine of doing my meditation from 0600am while the house is quiet, I find myself sneaking in another meditation here and there.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi Carmel, the second topic of the week introducing the idea of habit releasers, is this a big area to discuss or just the core fundamentals that having habit releasers break us away from your Autopilot mode on a daily basis and if you have currently have poor habits your looking to break the cycle by introducing a new more positive habit. We are all creatures of habit in our own way and some habits are good but others may be bad so it’s about changing these and our AP software programs and wiring and firing new habits into our programs. By doing this it will help our mindfulness practice also. It’s about awareness of what we are focusing on each day and knowing that poor use of habits trigger negative thoughts that trigger more thoughts . Habit releasers will break cycles and awareness to more mindful within our life’s and help as a stress reliever and mood booster.

Is there other concepts to include here ?

Thanks

# data[].attributes.body
Enjoyed the loveliest weekend in.Donegal. This is just one of the walks we had in nature . So lovely taking in the blue sky , spring flowers and of course the water. The sound of running water is magical.

I find time beside the water always energises me and soothes away any worries.

# data[].attributes.body
This message offers us a mindful solution to combat the negativity bias and ruminatory thinking we can fall victim to. Mindfulness provides the tools to release those thought patterns one by one gradually elevating our mood and installing more helpful relationships with our thoughts. Observe and release. Aisling

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
2,410 likes, 61 comments - positivethoughtsandmore on April 5, 2025

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Positive Thoughts (@positivethoughtsandmore)

# data[].attributes.body
Incredible morning yesterday views at the top were amazing. Definitely in the present moment.

# data[].attributes.body
I've been finding it hard to stay motivated the last few days. I kept getting caught up in overthinking and negative thoughts, which made it even harder to get anything done. Eventually, I pushed myself to just get out of the house, and over the weekend I went for a few walks. The weather was beautiful, and I’m so glad I made the effort.

I took this photo in Trim beside the river. For the last two days, I’ve been sitting there to meditate, and it’s been such a powerful experience. Being outdoors while meditating brought a whole new energy to it — peaceful, grounding, and freeing. I genuinely felt like a different person afterwards.

# data[].attributes.body
Last week, I decided to a give a talk to one of my class groups on mindfulness, CBT, and PP. They are students studying in university. I covered the basic concepts in these areas and shared some information that I felt would be relevant to them. I did it to give the group some insights into mindfulness which many of them have never experienced or fully understood. In the room, I could see that some of the content really grabbed their attention and they could also see how aspects of mindfulness, CBT and PP can impact their personal growth, well being and stability in life. Some of the takeways from the students was the PP 3:1 ratio, the ability to watch/ dismiss thoughts, how we can use different stratagies/tools to relieve stress, and the different levels of flow activites to come into the present moment. It was rewarding to share the information, trusting that it may be benefical to them somewhere in their life.

# data[].attributes.headline
Easier to be in the present moment when away

# data[].attributes.subject
Easier to be in the present moment when away

# data[].attributes.body
Just returned from a night away In Seafield, Gorey with the girls. Love how easy it is to be present when in a new environment. All the senses were tickled. Presence is much easier when in new locations.

# data[].attributes.body
Hope ye all getting to enjoy lovely sunshine ,was driving in Dublin earlier ,near Christ Church ,lost in thought ,was stopped at lights ,heard the bells of Christ Church ringing out ,rolled down the window ,and luckily the lights stayed red for a few minutes ,I got to hear them ring out ,for those few minutes I was just in the present moment as the sun was shining ,🙏🌞

# data[].attributes.body
From Carmel - Update - Il Corvo booked for 1.30pm on 8th June - they need table back in 2 hours Hi Carmel,

We had a discussion in the WhatsApp group, and many people would love to meet up on the last day of the course. For those who can’t attend in person, would it be possible to arrange a Zoom session like in previous years?

Would you be able to post this on the discussion board to see if everyone is okay with meeting at Marino Institute of Education? We were also thinking of going for lunch or dinner afterward. Since we’re a big group, you would have a better idea of the day's timelines to help coordinate this.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

Kind regards,
Deirdre

# data[].attributes.body
I am catching myself at different stages of the day keeping calm in stressful situations and having more understanding of others. I really notice a shift in how I respond to things rather than how I react.

I think I am finally understanding the power of non-striving, of non-doing and just letting things be just as they are. Perhaps this is coming from having more self-compassion and positive self-talk.

I guess as your awareness and your practice deepens it all just clicks and comes together. Feeling very grateful for the calmness in my mind and inner peace.

# data[].attributes.body
So this is something to bear in mind for keeping your mindfulness practice going after the course,

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Imagining that new habits will stick quickly and easily isn’t necessarily realistic, as new research suggests.

# data[].attributes.body
Grateful today to have the emergence of lovely weather allowing me back doing meditations in the garden.Happy days.

Although some days are more mindful than others my overall intention to be mindful is really present.The teachings are certainly getting embedded more and more.This is allowing not just for better wellbeing but is also inspiring growth in areas like empathy and compassion,

Mindfulness is exactly like "Pringles " once you pop you cant stop"

Mark

# data[].attributes.body
Spring is definitely in the air. We have been talking about decluttering over on the whatsapp chat and lots of areas in need of decluttering are looking at me here everyday. I have often heard "start with three minutes". This is what I did today and guess what - I did about an hour of decluttering. It feels great and I feel more flow of energy in myself and in the house. If I started with three minutes everyday I would have my spring clearing done in no time!!

# data[].attributes.body
Its great to see finally that a lot of content or mindfulness practices are now becoming the autopilot for me. Repetition, repetition, repetition.... how we learn.

# data[].attributes.body
Carmel is the aim with mindfulness to be the same person to everyone you meet in life?

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1611dAYCzB/?mibextid=wwXIfr

# data[].attributes.body
I am truly lerning the improtance of self compassion and kindness. I am opening up to using my begineers mind with other mediiattons as the body scan has been my go it so far. The loving kindness and lake meditatioh are all great for me in busy time and release tension. I am observing my self talk alot more and more aware of it when i am hard in myself. Lots of learning from last week and practice of kindness is so important and i am blessed with all the knowledge so far

Thank you

# data[].attributes.body
I'm so glad I attended last weekend's course! Even though I wasn’t feeling great and hadn't prepared for the teaching practice, I learned a lot just by listening to others in the group. It's starting to feel real now that we're so far into the course, and I’m excited about all the opportunities ahead after completing it.

yesterday was the first time I was out walking since I had been sick and I really had missed this . It was such a lovely day and just getting in all the VAKGO senses. I felt so good after doing same. Looking forward to getting out more this week and doing some more mindfulness.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi Everyone, What a wonderful weekend we had. I feel more and more blessed to be part of the course and of all the other journeys besides my own. I love the teaching exercises and observing how different we all are at delivering and being able to pointers away from peoples different styles. Sharing the teaching really boosts my confidence as we go through the lessons, particularly when my good points are highlighted, I think it's a really good way to go. I was nervous going into the weekend, and I was sick and a little anxious about the wedding, however I cam away so much more grounded on the Sunday afternoon and I was so energised for the week ahead. Part of this are my ongoing and increased daily practises of gratitude, VAGKO, my body scan, and an ever increasing awareness of negative thought and pulling away from these all the time.... I so have stopped allowing others negative thinking affect me. I love that I have learned to recognise it quickly and just do not let it in. This served me so well over the few days of the wedding, I wonder what I did before. The different tools I have learned and refer to now all the time are invaluable. I genuinely have a new sense of peace. In the pic above is my Mom looking up at her Grandson and as proud as punch. Because of dementia, she is only ever in one place at one time mentally. Here she is just in love with him and she told him that. She also told him she was paying for his wedding lunch and that I had all her money, so you can guess what happened there. I truly didn't care, I had to allow her the privilege of doing that. For, as removed as she can be from reality, she knew what she wanted to do for him and that was wonderful. We had the best day. Thank you all so much for your good wishes and support xxx

# data[].attributes.body
Hi Carmel, how long is each (long pause) on the expanded awareness meditation? Is there a minimum or maximum length for the pause? 🙏

# data[].attributes.body
Hi Carmel,

At what week/stage of the course would the following be implemented and explained in detail?

How the Nervous System responds to Trauma (image)

Fight or Flight Response

Stress Responding Vs Reacting

The Introduction to Neuroscience (amygdala, hippocampus, the prefrontal cortex)

I was thinking of doing a section in week 6 explaining above before moving into Worry can sabotage mindfulness practice etc?

Any suggestions on this?

Thanks

Noel

# data[].attributes.body
We did a beautiful walk in the Burren in north Clare yesterday. If anyone is in this neck of the woods, the Lough Avalla loop walk is a beautiful one to do. It's 7kms long and there are spots where you have to climb up over the karst limestone rock but it's very manageable. I've done this often but I did it very mindfully yesterday, despite having to encourage and cajole our 6 year old every now and then into staying with it. I got creative with him and made it into an adventure. I felt my calm, mindful state had a good effect on Cathal and our little fella.

I was getting Jude to do VAGKO but not calling it that, just getting him to be present to what he could see, hear, smell and touch. It was a really lovely trek.

The loop ends at farmer Harry's house where him and his wife have opened their door to walkers. He always has tea/coffee and their latest baking (rhubarb, apple tart or brownie's - all with cream, of course) ready to serve up to walkers. He loves the chats, the stories and the questions that people have for him. It's by donation and this Loop Walk just wouldn't be the same if you didn't pop in to Harry afterwards.

I was so happy arriving home because I really feel I put our course into practice and lived it fully.

# data[].attributes.body
Have a lovely weekend with lots of opportunity to up the VAKGO experiences. We did a beach walk yesterday on a new beach ( embracing something new ) and Ive had both a sea dip and a lake dip.

Im also trying to increase my formal and informal mindful practice during the day .

I enjoyed the body scan this morning and felt very relaxed after it . Whilst queuing today I took the opportunity to really take in my surroundings and the people ahead of me .

I hope youve all had a lovely Mothers Day .

Have a good week everyone,

Catherine

# data[].attributes.body
Happy Mothers day everyone.

I have intentionally put away my phone for periods of time every day and my intention is not to look at news items at the beginning of the day. One morning I slipped and read news reports. In my meditation later I noticed these same news items were playing out in my mind again. What can be playing in my mind when my observation is not awake?

# data[].attributes.body
I have begun to do the body scan meditation before i fall asleep. I find i get into such a deep state of relaxation i am almost asleep before i get to the end. I have always done the 10 finger gratitude exercise as an informal practice at bed time and am now combining this with the body scan. Such a beautiful way to end the day.

Aisling x

# data[].attributes.body
I began with 1 whole day absorbed in Mindfulness ladt Monday. It wasn't easy but it was good.

This week I am planning on doing two days back to back. Easier This way for me I think.

Learnings. People have commented on my behaviour on the planned day of MFN attention. Your more relaxed. Calmer. Quieter.

I found this powerful as I wasn't aware myself of being different.

I am now super aware of times that I am not being mindful or gettingcaught in a negative thought cycle.

# data[].attributes.body
I got so much out of last weekend with everyone (so thank you all!), from the presentations in the breakout rooms to discussing self compassion. This week I've been excited thinking about a business plan. I was inspired by Sunday's session concerning setting up as a mindfulness teacher. It is a whole new venture and very exciting to me to plan. I loved the different scenarios presented to us that could arise in our classses last Sunday with Carmel.I really learned a lot and now feel more confident that, when teaching my mindfulness classes in the future, I will be able to respond appropriately in a given situation.

My informal practice has greatly increased of late..bizarrely, due to severe back pain. I am very aware of my body at all times and all the different sensations. Things I used to do habitually now have to be modified due to restricted movement. It normally takes me minutes to get dressed. At the moment it takes me ages...with very much a beginners mind to see how my body cooperates! I am using visualisation and distraction techniques like counting my blessings on my fingers at times when the pain is really bad. I keep visualising myself before my back injury at work and enjoy the memory of being pain free and feel the gratitude. I am trying to be self compassionate and kind to myself at the moment as day to day is challenging. The positivity Toolkit provides me with practical ways to keep away from unhelpful thinking styles. Revisiting my Flow Activities was lovely...I am trying to do them more. Being off work has given me more time on my hands, therefore my flow activities are important at the moment to keep me occupied. P

# data[].attributes.body
Another fabulous weekend with you all and lots of new learning took place. I really enjoyed the presentations from the weekend and it was lovely to see how each of us present it in our own unique style even though we all have the same material. We learn so much for others. I am definitely going to include more group engagement in my next lesson to include the participants more and get more input from them.

I really enjoyed the self-compassion part which is an area I definitely need to work on more but throughout the week I found myself offering words of encouragement and self-compassion to myself to steer away from negative self talk. It's a work in progress but my awareness is greater now. Hope you are all having a wonderful week.

# data[].attributes.body
I had a chat with my husband Declan and daughter Emma (5) to ask for their support in me practicing my mindfulness with them which started yesterday. Emma is aware that I am studying and hoping to get back to work come September as a Mindfulness teacher and therefore would really appreciate her support in allowing me to practice with herself and Declan. I asked Declan to remain mindful and not add to distraction as this is new for Emma. So no giggling Declan that may distract Emma.

Anyway, we practiced the 'The Mindful Body' for a minute with our eyes closed in silence and then went on to practice Mindful Breathing (Kids version). It was lovely. We have commited to do this at least 5 days a week. Only takes 7 minutes. Emma went with with a little moving around on the chair, however in seeing her dad going with the process as I read the instructions she did remain still mostly. Amazed, as she is normally all over the chair in movement. So really looking forward to seeing how this goes over the next few weeks and months with an open and non judgemental mind. Curious, beginners mind and delighted to have these tools at hand.

# data[].attributes.body
Until this weekend, the triggers for mindfulness never absorbed for me. I always looked on triggers as negative, having learnt about triggers back in 2005 when doing an NLP course in India.

I get it now, and its funny, everytime i walk up the stairs in my home and down the stairs, i come into the present moment of feeling the steps and ground beneath my feet. So the staircase is an automatic trigger for me to come into the present moment. Also brushing my teeth is now a trigger also for me. And my mindful walk with my mothers dog every morning for my mindful walk. But the understanding around this for me has sunk in for me deeper and now to increase all the other areas like eating, drinking and cooking. Might take a while for things to settle in my understanding, but then when it does, its fabulous. Positive emotion.

# data[].attributes.body
Us using our newfound skills!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHqxCgkpHWY/?igsh=MWpxYWJyOWRtaWV4bg==

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Science | Facts | Knowledge on Instagram: "It showcases a clever and unconventional method for escaping a pit or a similar confined space using principles of physics. It might involve utilizing leverage, momentum, or other physical concepts to overcome the obstacle and reach safety. This creative approach highlights the practical applications of physics in everyday life and the potential for problem-solving through scientific understanding.

Let's appreciate the ingenuity and resourcefulness demonstrated in this escape method and the power of physics to overcome challenges."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
thesciencebunker on March 26, 2025: "It showcases a clever and unconventional method for escaping a pit or a similar confined space using principles of physics. It might involve utilizing leverage, momentum, or other physical concepts to overcome the obstacle and reach safety. This creative approach highlights the practical applications of physics in everyday life and the potential for problem-solving through scientific understanding.

Let's appreciate the ingenuity and resourcefulness demonstrated in this escape method and the power of physics to overcome challenges.". 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Science | Facts | Knowledge (@thesciencebunker)

# data[].attributes.body
Although knowing about 0.1 % poetry! !the phrase "he chose the road less travelled" from Robert Frost popped into my mind this evening, following a mindful jog on the local gaa pitch.It was great using the senses to immerse in the present like listening to the kids play hurling or feeling the grass under the feet. This new road we're on away from the old habitual one is certainly bringing us to a better place.

Mark

# data[].attributes.body
Another fabulous weekend of learnings and insights. Thank you all. Ive taken away the idea of having a day where i deepen my mindfulness and then 3 days and then 3 weeks. I have started with today as 1 day and i must say, it is working. Im definetly in the present moment a lot more today. I have also found a few flow activities that are quick and easy to do if required to get me out of my head. I find lighting a small candle and just observing the flame with no thought to be a great exercise with no thought during this time. The case studies were excellent and look forward to completing the rest of these and it really helps for all that we have learnt to fit into place. Feel energised again after the weekend and feel the meditations are resonating with me more. I feel they are getting deeper the more i learn. Really enjoyed the expanded meditation this morning and also the mountain meditation meant more to me this morning than any other time so far. So feel they are going deeper for me at last. Great weekend.

# data[].attributes.body
HI all

I really found it magical this weekend and even though my wifi came in and out. I am at stage where i feel more relaxed at presenting the weeks presenttion and relaise it is so impirtant to be ourselves in it. The information is the same and i found i like to bring some time for relfection and like others said open up experience to group and ask quesitons is important in the delivery. thank for lovely session on self compassion and it cannot be sadi enough how the self talk can be so damaging. I loved the part where Annmarie mentioned to use QUACK quack as a way of humour to over come the harsh innner critic we some times have.

Thank you all

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone.  Thank you to Carmel, Margaret and everyone for a wonderful weekend.  I think what I am learning is that our weekends are made very experiential in the way that the presentations are given, break out room time, mindful breaks, in the asking of questions and listening to the answers and also doing mindful moments/meditations together.  This is what I want to focus more in giving a class.  I think, for me,  less information and more experience, space for checking in and being is the way.  Remembering the inner work of the teacher is ongoing important work.

The whole weekend was spent growing our toolbox to allow us to practice and live at a higher vibration.  To be that light that truly changes things and quietens my mind to be alert to all that prevents me being our true self.  This will allow me to hear the nudges and messages that will come to guide me.  Martina your story of letting go of what is not working to allow new life to come and grow will stay with me.   This toolbox contains all we need to address different life issues.

After the weekend I have revised and updated my flow activity list, paying more attention to what I love and revisiting my positivity time line to help the ongoing task of connecting with the positive.  I am going to revisit character strengths next.  We were reminded that everything is about deepening our attention and a suggestion was given that we could do a day, days or even weeks of being intentional about going deeper in all that we do.  Paying attention to present moment to lesson power of past/future worries.  Pausing, questioning and not believing all that I am thinking is part of my hourly check in with the help of the chime.  This has been my intention since the weekend and of course I have been constantly bringing myself back to that intention since.

The class on compassion was lovely.  Being reminded of the difference between empathy and compassion was helpful - Empathy is the awareness of and sharing in the feelings of others and compassion is directing love to oneself and others.  Directly love to myself includes seeing how we treat/talk to ourselves and asking the useful question ‘is this making sense?’

These are my thoughts so far and hope not too long.

# data[].attributes.body
It was a lovely weekend with you all ,such a safe space ,I am Learning to trust myself more ,relax back some and trust that I am enough ,went with the mindset I want to enjoy delivering the twenty minute on week three and four ,and make it enjoyable ,I found myself a little anxious at the start ,but with the lovely Mary Alice and Sandra in the break out room ,I found myself enjoying the experience ,I suppose the uniqueness of everyone and really enjoyed listening to both of them .

Going through the case histories ,the similarities and all the time looking to our Mindfulness tool box ,

Compassion with Margaret was very interesting and it highlighted the importance of self compassion for me ,

Thank you all 🙏💕

# data[].attributes.body
Wonderful weekend with numerous takeaways. Margarets' teachings were brilliant, full of common sense techniques that we can bring to our own lives and to our classes.I'm going to delve more into NLP as its merits are quite evident. i did a bit of research today on the 60.000 thoughts per day and found that they are not part of our sleeping time so those 60,000 thoughts are packed into an average of just 16 hours when we are awake,thats a lot of thoughts in 16hours. Today as Carmel suggested i started to go deeper into presence by consciously "switching" much more frequently into the present. i'll do the same tomorrow as i'm off work,this gives a great opportunity to embody the mindful practice with longer meditations, longer flow activities and increased focus on moving again and again into the present.

The case studies are like gold in creating "go to" references that will enable the competent dealing of real life scenarios

Mark

# data[].attributes.body
I will see if zi can get my head around the administration side of it this month. That will be great learning for me. Lots of opportunities to be mindful over the next while.

# data[].attributes.body
The content that we have covered can deal with any issue. You just have to know and understand it and be comfortable delivering it to different groups and situations.

# data[].attributes.body
With regards to the Case Studies, I feel that now I understand that no matter what the problem is for people, they will all come away with the tools to 'catch' their minds at work and redirect to a better place enabling them to live happier lives. I wont lie, Im also very excited at the prospect of earning again after many years as a stay at home mum just doing a bit of admin for my hubbies company. Its doing wonders for my esteem (faulty thinking I know I know). Altogether a lovely experience and great to spend time with you all.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi All. The big takeaways for me this weekend is prep prep prep until I dont need to prep any more! At first I was feeling a bit daunted by the different courses available to us to offer potential students, however, I think as long as I do the right prep all should be fine.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi to everyone,

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

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

Carmel