A Flor Abundance

Let me share with you a true story. A story of love, hope, tragedy, inspiration, grief and joy. A series of seemingly everyday, ordinary events allowed my path to cross with an extraordinary, remarkable family. It helped to consolidate my own life purpose, allowing me to let go and grow.

One warm sunny afternoon in July 2010 this happy loving couple went into the garden to deadhead the roses. Plucking back the spent blooms, making way for next years bounty. An ordinary sting from a wasp proved fatal for this beloved husband and dad. Within three hours of the incident his spirit had been plucked from his now lifeless physical body as his family tried to accept the blow that life had dealt them.

Fast forward sixteen months and the fruit of the bereaved family’s love and devotion lives on in a literary memory. Two hundred and sixty six pages involving fifty seven contributors and the countless other members of family and friends who lent a shoulder, a heart and a hand behind the scenes.

The front cover bears a peace rose with a silent petal falling from its maternal cluster. The analogy of the intoxication scents, medicinal qualities, velvet to the touch contrasted with thorny caution is indeed the bitter sweet story of life. The elegant, ancient rose has many deep rooted traditions in popular culture. A dozen red meaning I love you, whites, pinks, event the ink fed blacks occupy a certain symbol or chapter of our lives.

And what of the names and the hundred plus species? People, places and shapes lending their names, being honoured by these hardy beauties. Civil wars from across the water being referred to as ‘The War of The Roses’.

In light of my own introduction into this abundant garden I wish to propose a new title: The Butler Legacy Rose in honour of the love, hope inspiration and joy that I have learned from Imelda and family.

We are reminded that although ‘every rose has it’s thorn’, the sweetness and joy that we savour from their presence is the calculated risk that we call life. Enriched and enlightened by their beauty, we reach the end of our own season as we subsequently make room for the next generation. Knowing that the fallen petals of our lives have created a bed of learning, loving and nurturing that is our own abundant legacy.

Be not afraid, I go before you.
nutrishon@gmail.com
086 6482651

Inspired by John, Imelda, Michelle & Maria

Happy New Year

1st November Pagan New Year

Spells and rituals, gathering and collecting, light to dark.

The first day of November signals doom and gloom to some and energy and light to others. It depends on your perspective. Down under it signals the summer approaching while up over it means dark cold days and long long nights.

Physiologically we cannot help being affected by our climate. It’s a given. What we can control though is our psychological responses by overriding our systems programme. The pagan festival of New Year gives us some food for thought, quite literally. While focusing on the harvest, the quality of our winter is about the quality of our thoughts and actions in the six months or so leading up to it. Preparing fertile soil, planting and watering, weeding and pruning. And then the harvest. Celebrating the fruits of our labour, moving from the light into the dark. Cutting our crop back to the core, trimming our ego to reflect and refocus.

We follow a calendar of a time to sow, a time to reap, a time to rest and recover. Just like a seasoned athlete we take time out. Take stock to revise our programme for living and come back in the spring stronger, faster and more resilient. This ability to bounce back and up regulate being likened to ‘a wounded oyster, he mends his shell with pearl’ physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.


Awaken The Energy Within
nutrishon@gmail.com

Give & Take

Give & Take
The Spiritual High

Autumn is the season for gathering and storing, collecting and hoarding, yet this is only intended in the most practical sense. Food and shelter being top of the list.

These days everyone is an economics expert, a financial whizz kid and a value for money bargain junkie. When we give of our hard earned currency we expect to receive. Two for the price of one, goody bags, bargain rails and endless sales overwhelm the consumer landscape. The people skills of customer service, sports and social events and education also have a value. We expect to be waited upon, served, amused, entertained, enlightened and educated. Often we expect to receive all of these simultaneously.

Corporate giants so confident in their product and services promote themselves as ‘exceeding our expectations’. We have learned to be a culture of expectant takers. Even in our quest for spiritual enlightenment we are waiting for the presenter’s magic tricks. The quick fix answers to all our deepest darkest questions on the meaning of life. The spiritual event thus becomes a quest to uncover the ‘added value’.

The spiritual equation is in fact a much more simple formula than that:
Give = Receive

In our conditioning of ‘more is more’ and ‘buy now pay later’ we have lost the currency of the heart. The sharing of hearts and minds is the true priceless riches in life. We give of ourselves, openly and honestly. Attending a prayer meeting , a satsang, a music concert or cultural event is enriched by our own participation. Joining the spiritual, emotional and mental conversation rather than standing by as disappointed customers. In the melodic lyrics of the great Lou Reid ‘you’re gonna reap just what you sow’. True enlightenment is about what we scatter not what we hoard.


Patricia Murphy
nutrishon@gmail.com
086 6482651

Sang, Sat, Saturday at Satsang

Sang, Sat, Saturday at Satsang


What raises our vibration? A sunny day, an unexpected windfall, a walk along a moonlight shore. There are so many events that touch our hearts and minds, raising us up to a higher level of consciousness. Then life starts to get in the way and pretty soon our heads are in a funk and we are hoping and wishing to regain our peace of mind.

So, what can we do to deliberately raise our vibration and keep us tuned in throughout the ebb and flow of life’s offerings? There are of course plenty of options, including the ancient rites and rituals of Satsang in the company of a guru, collectively reaching towards the highest truths. Finding ones voice to join in the repetition of Sanskrit mantras evokes a powerful personal reaction. The deep tones emerging from the very base of our being right up to high pitch vibrations at the top of the head, exciting the divine within. Hands clapping, beating time with the drums and percussion, energizing the body and lifting the spirit.

Unless you are already gifted with a good voice, sing regularly or attend a congregation, it is unlikely that you have tapped in to the vibration of song and sound and its life enriching qualities. Playing a musical instrument, joining a showchoir, chorus or belting out a tune around the house is a remedy for feeling great. Tensions dissolve away, spirits soar and pretty soon you become a beacon of pure positive energy. Ok, so maybe your singing talent doesn’t quite have the ‘x’ factor but who’s judging. Find your own song, sing it loud and sing it from the heart.

Inspired by Satsang with Sri Vasudeva
Saturday 24th September 2011 – Dublin

All New Classes & Courses

September 2011

• Yoga Fitness
• Mindfulness
• Focused Living

Combining physical, mental,
emotional and spiritual wellbeing

Awaken The
Energy Within


All New Classes & Courses
Starting Tuesday 27th September 2011
St Raphaela’s School
Upper Kilmacud Road, D18


Instructor: Patricia Murphy MSc
Health & Fitness Consultant, Personal Trainer,
Yoga Instructor, Focused Living Facilitator
Tel: 086 6482651 www.nutrishon.blogspot.com
email: nutrishon@gmail.com

‘Who looks outside dreams,
who looks inside awakens’ Jung

Awaken The Energy Within - France 2011

Vacance En France

AWAKEN THE ENERGY WITHIN

16th September to 21st September 2011


Awaken...
The vacation will focus on finding the balance of living with a healthy body and a healthy mind.

The daily activity programme includes: Varied outdoor fitness, yoga & mindfulness. A series of short presentations will also be delivered which focus on healthy eating, exercise and exercise formats.

Where thought flows energy goes, where energy goes things grow.

The practical mindfulness sessions will allow insight into developing a personal meditation practice and how to combine this with focused living. Focused Living techniques including SMART goals and the GROW model are excellent in facilitating positive life changes. These tools can be incorporated into all aspects of personal wellbeing: Health, fitness, career, finances and relationships.

Who Look outside dreams, who looks inside awakens. Carl Jung




Vacation Organizer...
Patricia Murphy MSc.
Exercise & Nutrition Science

Patricia has worked with an amazing diversity of clients and teachers in health, fitness, wellness and positive living. Having tried and tested many teachings and formats, a ‘balanced’ approach is what best describes her methodology.
‘It is important for me that my clients really get to feel the life energy within themselves as a vibrant, breathing entity'.
Her professional training and academic qualifications blend holistically to provide a teaching style which incorporates the whole person: Physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and socially.


The Awaken Package...
• Transfer to/from Carcassonne Airport
• Daily classes and presentations 2.5 hours per day
• Half board: Breakfast and homecooked nutritionally balanced lunch or dinner. All food is professionally prepared on site.
• Rooms are twin/double sharing or single. En suite.
• Excursions to lakes, markets, vineyards and Carcassonne Cite (Admission prices may be extra)
• Small personal group
• Plenty of free time to socialize and enjoy the retreat



AWAKEN THE ENERGY WITHIN...

Contact Details For Information/bookings
Patricia Murphy MSc
Health & Fitness Consultant
Personal Trainer
Yoga Instructor
Focused Living Facilitator

Tel: 00353 86 6482651
Email: nutrishon@gmail.com
www.nutrishon.blogspot.com


The Venue...

Absorb the sights and sounds of this tranquil, natural environment. Le Puget is a lovingly renovated farmhouse set in 55 acres of French countryside. About 45 minutes drive from Carcassonne with splendid views of the Pyrenees from the Domaine. The spacious and comfortable accommodation is perfect for a small personal group. The farmhouse has its own pool and is equipped for outdoor eating and living. The experience is one of pure bliss. An exciting opportunity to energize and relax.

Local Queen Regains Her Tri Crown

The borough of DunLaoghaire Kingstown was once again a most majestic host to this years Focus Ireland sprint Triathlon on bank holiday Sunday. Local lady Irene Walsh stormed home to take the women’s title for the third time in four years, just missing out on the tri hatrick last year by coming in second place. Having undertaken her first Ironman in 1989 in a time just over 14 hours, she is one Irelands longest competing female athletes, well known and respected by her peers.
Her winning time of 1:14:25 mins secured her top spot on the podium along with the male top performers from Pulse tri who as ever put on an amazing show. King for the day was John Connolly with a winning time of 1:06:39 mins. The shorter Try distance male and female event was won by Brian McCann 1:16:05 mins and Alexandra Birney in 1:15:21 mins respectively.

The early start for volunteers, marshals and the two hundred competitors was all taken in good spirits as it is a good cause. According to Joyce Loughnan of Focus Ireland ‘91cent in every €1 goes towards providing core services’ for the homeless charity. The triathlon event alone has raised over €490,000 since 2005 with a target of €100,000 for 2011.

The multi sport event of swim, bike and run attracts many new to tri competitors as well as experienced athletes and weekend warriors training up for more challenging events later on in the season.

After a quick bike check by local husband and wife team Eddie and Monica Roe of Mikes Bikes, the first wave set off at 8.15am, only minutes behind schedule.
The swim conditions for the 350m or 750m distances in the east pier were close to ideal with a bit of a pull needed on the way out and somewhat easier on the turnaround. The closed road and no drafting on the bikes made it safe and achievable for all levels while the two loop run of the pier made it perfect viewing for the many spectators who had gathered to join in the atmosphere and cheer home the entrants.

The considerable cost of hosting the event is all made possible by generous donations from the main sponsor KBC Bank, promotion through Q102 and of course the participants who do a magnificent job both in raising sponsorship and training to compete in the event. A number of teams and corporate groups also signed up.

The successful running of the event is all thanks to the cooperation of local authorities, An Garda Siochana and an army of volunteers. DLR Sports partnership works alongside local groups to promote exercise and activity through various events such as this. The well established trio of MC Tighe Sullivan, Technical Officer Eamonn Tilley and Race Director Noel McCloskey, themselves veterans to the triathlon scene, gave their valuable services and expertise in making this a fun and enjoyable event for all involved.

The training advice from the experts is to focus on your weakest discipline, train each section twice per week, allowing about eight hours per week in total. The growing body of Triathlon Ireland continues to promote development of athletes, Level 1-3 coaches and Technical Officers.

Full results and further information:
Focus Ireland www.focusireland.ie
Triathlon Ireland www.triathlonireland.ie

Awaken The Energy Within - September 2011

~ Vacance En France ~

Friday 16th September 2011 to
Wednesday 21st September 2011

Cost:
Twin Room Sharing €550 all inclusive.
Single Room €650 all inclusive
**SPECIAL OFFERS AVAILABLE**

Excluding Flights

Ryanair Fly To Carcassonne:
Friday 16th September:
Depart Dublin: 07:00hrs
Arrive Carcassonne: 10:00hrs

Wednesday 21st September:
Depart Carcassonne: 10:35hrs
Arrive Dublin: 11:50hrs

Cost of flight at 8/6/11 is €95. Great Value!!!

An exciting opportunity to enjoy a luxury health break in the typical French village, near Carcassonne. *Five full days*

Daily Activities Include:
• 2.5 hours of combined fitness, yoga and mindfulness
• Nutritionally balanced homecooked food
• Trips to Vineyards, Carcassonne, lakes and local markets

Stunning walks with the Pyrenees as a backdrop.

A feast for the mind, body and soul in a stunning tranquil location.
Small personal group.

Cost includes: Transfer to/from Carcassonne Airport. Accomodation in 55 acre demense. Single or sharing comfortable twin/double room with en suite. Breakfast and one other meal daily (lunch or dinner). Wine with evening meals. Soft drinks and refreshments all day. Daily programme of 2.5 hours instruction and information in health, fitness and wellness

Vacation Organizer: Patricia Murphy MSc Exercise & Nutrition,
Personal Trainer, Yoga Instructor
Phone: 086 6482651 email: inspiretrainers@gmail.com
www.inspire-patricia.blogspot.com

Motivation

Motivation
Could you be bothered?
No matter how we glamorize it, package it or sell it, making lifestyle changes is always going to require a big effort. What do you want? What makes you tick? Is it realistic and achievable? These are some of the questions you should be asking yourself before you even start to jump feet first into new routines only to beat yourself up weeks later having tried but failed. We have all been touched by a moving story or lost a loved one through illness and swore that we would turn some of our negative habits into positives – swapping the fags and the pizza for a pair of runners and a healthy salad.

Motivation is the emotion that tugs at your heart strings and gets you fired up for action. Success though is all about discipline and not motivation. Starting with the end in mind and setting well formed goals is the first step. What exactly are you trying to achieve and how are you going to get there? It’s about keeping your focus and building on your strengths, step by step. Every day reinforcing new and healthier habits.

Of course there are days when motivation seems a million miles away and you are left feeling deflated and vulnerable. Just do it! Push through the invisible pain barrier, like an ultra marathon runner on their last ten miles. Go for that walk or run that you promised yourself, get to the gym or just walk up and down your stairs twenty times. Have just one biscuit instead of the whole pack and then pat yourself on the back for overcoming the urge to accept setbacks and replace it with discipline and self belief.

Observe a wire cable or strong rope. It is not built with one single strand. Many, many individual fibres are twisted together to give it strength and resistance. And even if one or two fray or break the strength is still intact. Build on your strengths with discipline and courage. As they wind and twist together to form the new lifeline that is you, any temporary lapse in motivation will serve as a chance to let go and grow.

We build our lives one thought at a time and include discipline as the backbone to our success – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Show 'Closure' The Door

On Emotional Healing

Our experience of difficult life events provokes an array of emotional states. Most of us are aware of the stages of grief: Sadness, denial, anger, bargaining and acceptance. We may also be aware of how we recycle back and forth through these emotions in search of closure.

Even the concept of closure can be a struggle. The word suggests an end or final conclusion to our emotional upset as if we were signing a contract on a business deal. There is sometimes pressure from family and friends urging us to move on, knowing that it is for our own good but forgetting that closure is a process and not a single act.

Relationship breakups, loss of a job, financial losses and death itself are real and relevant life experiences. With these losses comes the pain and uncertainty of the future. We flit through past memories, present feelings and future projections in an attempt to find comfort and make sense of our world. Even when we think we have served our time in one of the emotional stages, it is not unusual to experience those feelings all over again further down the healing process. Days, weeks, months and even years later.

So the attempt to define closure is slightly misleading when we are referring to our emotions. Our self talk wags it finger and tuts at us in disappointment if we feel we just haven’t got it yet. The ‘it’ being closure.

Each one of us has a different set of healthy coping skills and timeframe to bring about real and lasting changes. Incorporating exercise, nutrition, positive psychology, socializing, hobbies, family and friends are the tools, the ‘how to’ get from where we are to where we want to be.

Our new goals of ‘Acceptance’ and ‘Healing’ have a far more appropriate feel to them and match our emotional vibrations with compassion and understanding. As we treat our emotions with respect, getting the help and support that they need, we allow ourselves to ‘Let Go and Grow’. Moving forward step by step with health, happiness and true understanding of the human condition and our lifes higher purpose.

Patricia Murphy
Inspire
Awaken The Energy Within
Email: nutrishon@gmail.com
www.nutrishon.blogspot.com
Mobile: 086 6482651

InSpire... Awaken The Energy Within

 

Views of Dartmouth Square

 

Dartmouth Yoga 30/4/11

Every teacher needs a lesson. Every teacher needs to update their skills and experience and look outside the microscope of their own classroom. I had to remind myself why I had set my alarm clock for 9am on a bank holiday Saturday. Today I was the student.

The novelty of an outdoor yoga class in Dartmouth Square needed no real persuasion for me. Hook me in to mother earth and I am as happy as any yogini. Even a spring downpour did not dampen the spirits of the enthusiastic thirty or so participants who showed up waiting for the signal to get started.

We chose to work out and tune in under the natural protection of the vines, twisting their way up and around the wooden structure overhanging the path, opening into the large circle in the centre of the park.

Elbow to elbow we kept our balance and moved from downward dog to plank pose to cobra. Our mats filled with organic debris from the vines above, the birds tuning up around us as the odd shower of rain penetrated our safe little canopy of union. Breathing, stretching, strengthening and relaxing. A happy bunch of guys and gals moving in time and tune to the directions of Sinead our instructor. Collectively we appeared to be a perfectly coordinated group while individually we were all in pursuit of our own nirvana.

The twelve o’clock chime of the nearby church bell signalled that our practice was coming to an end. Indeed, the vibrations of the whole experience were felt and heard long after midday. The feeling of being elevated and energized rang in every cell in my body. Long after midnight the lingering feeling of a day well spent is still with me. Physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually I have worked my day to its potential. I am grateful for the lessons that I have learned today: Keep it simple!!!

Never Too Late To TRI

Never Too Late to TRI

Have YOU caught the wave yet? Are you brave enough or crazy enough to take on your first triathlon or adventure race this year?

If so, I want to hear from YOU !!!

I am interested in hearing from anyone who is taking the plunge for the first time in 2011 or who has limited experience in the event. If not you, perhaps someone in your family. Maybe you are taking on a charity challenge because you are so passionate about the cause. Maybe you are middle aged and need to feel the fear and do it anyway.

I would like to record your progress over the build up. The highs, the lows, the wisdom you can share with other newbies. Hopefully I can share some of my experience and knowledge with you in exchange for your time.

Contact Patricia 086 6482651
Swim . Bike. Run
Gotta Tri !!!

Stomp 2011

Hand clapping, finger snapping, toe tapping. I’ve been stomped.

My first visit to the Grand Canal Theatre was indeed a memorable one. A gift of show tickets from me to my 23 year old son and 11 year old daughter was well worth waiting the two months from Christmas until Thursday night.

This easily accessible show with no dialogue and no overpowering sound or lighting effects includes dancing, acting, mime and music using simple everyday objects. Sweeping brushed, lighters, plastic bags, newspapers. Everything including the kitchen sink. A fusion of energy, humour and creativity is brought to life by a cast of eight stompers whose characters draw you in from their first appearance.

The audience of the night was indeed a very mixed bag of age, gender and nationality. Throughout the show I was aware of my own childrens’ reactions as well as the reactions of a group of French girls, aged twenty something, sitting right behind us. One thing was quite clear, we all go it. We laughed, we clapped, we clicked and we stomped. Stomp 2011, 30 years in the making. Well done.

Be.Coming

An opportunity to immerse your mind, body and spirit in pure joy.

* Mindfullness
* Meditation
* Clarity
* Calm

Be.Coming Soon
* Weekly Classes *
* September trip to France *

Patricia
086 6482651
nutrishon@gmail.com

A Prayer to St Bernard

A Prayer to St Bernard

Deciding to take a detour to buy coffee on my way to work gave me more than a caffeine boost. It gave me a financial boost.

You can imagine my initial dilemma when I heard the recorded voice announcing ‘notes are dispensed below the scanner’. I looked down to see a crisp new red tenner and its rightful owner long gone. My attempt to run after her was futile as she had already disappeared up the elevator, none the wiser.

A quick flash of guilt came over me. Should I give it to a staff member? Deciding that it may never be claimed I choose to put it in my pocket. God knows I could do with it.

The short walk back to the office gave me time to reflect. Had I done the right thing? What were the implications? It certainly made me think about being more careful of my own resources. In a time when personal outgoings and debts may exceed income, it pays to be prudent.

I have appeased my mixed emotions of optimism and guilt by making a compromise. It’s going to be a 50/50 split. €5 is going to the feel good Trish fund and €5 will go to the closest I can get to St Bernard. Even this is a dilemma though. Should I donate this portion to a dog rescue charity or a Benedictine order in the name of the saint himself? I guess I will just have to look for divine inspiration on that one.

Take Me Out

‘A dog will take you out’, my Aunt is fond of saying. Her wise words never made much sense to me until the arrival of our family mascot last autumn.

Feeling the winter blues, recent life changes and the pinch of the recession but determined to stay afloat, our little Belle arrived to rescue me. Focusing on her issues from an unknown past but obvious neglect, she became our family project. Allieviating some of our collective sadness, bonding us in joy and love.

Days when I felt unable to put one foot in front of the other, I walked on. In wind and rain, snow & ice. My concern for the dogs welfare overriding any hint of my own self pity. Out walking on dark winter nights I feel safe with her by my side. At home, she dances and barks along to our songs and laughter. Hugging, joking, chasing, even shedding a tear together.

So we started to gain momentum. Going from walking to wunning to running. Both of us getting stronger, fitter, happier and healthier. My canine BF has taken me out on more than just 10k runs. She has helped me to feel more love and joy in my life and an excellent reason to put my running shoes back on again.

Lost In Translation

Having endured an intense few months of media coverage regarding our countries financial affairs I am still confused. What is the correct pronunciation of the word ‘Finance’?
Is it FY-Nance or FIN-Ance?
Ironically its root comes from the Latin and old French ‘Fine’ or ‘Finer’ meaning to end. Used to describe the paying off of a debt thus rendering it finished but more popularly it is understood to mean resource management , usually money. If only either of these definitions were true in our case.

Apart from the correct phonetics of one of the most common words in our vocabulary at present, the question is, who will put an end to our despair? Who will veni, vidi, vici?

Without prejudice, I wish the parties and independents every success. As a citizen I embrace the lines ‘Soldiers are we, whose lives are pledged to Ireland’. Let us hope that this is a brand new start and that our national passion is not aimsir caite.

Jimmy Who?

Jimmy Who?


They come in all colours and covers, sizes and shapes. The brand new ones from the high street, this month’s best buys proudly displayed in shop windows. The once loved but now unwanted ones from charity shops. Browsing the shelves, touching, feeling, searching for the perfect fit. And then you find it. As you hold it eagerly in your hands, you’re just waiting to dip in. Looking at the content and flicking through the pages. Index, date of publication, back cover review. Skimming and skimming. It’s just perfect.

Ah, books. They are the fetish of many a respectable girl. Whether the choice is fact, fiction or special interest. The bizarre, the inspirational and the downright hilarious. The only difficulty is having enough shelves to house them all and enough time to read them all. It’s the promise of what’s inside written on those pages. Sometimes it’s an escape from reality. Other times the effects can be life changing after only 300 pages. And just like a favourite pair of shoes, some books can be enjoyed over and over again. Sometimes they just don’t fit. Try as you might, you persist, cramming your head into the content of the pages but still it pinches. So you give up on that one, moving on, knowing that reading is trial and error. Personal taste is personal.

Such is the demand for the write stuff that local libraries are upgrading to an automated system. A system that not only speeds up loans and returns but also frees up librarians valuable knowledge of their domain. You name it, they can find it or suggest something similar. What better place for one to indulge in their literary fantasies, guilt free. The only cost being the odd fine for returning a book late.
Even this has been overcome with an incredibly simple online service. Browsing reserving, renewing and reviewing. It’s all there. The virtual world of the community library is as sophisticated as the real one. Inside the warm, calm circle of the Deansgrange Branch on a Wednesday morning, seniors are being put through their paces. They stretch their minds as they learn hands on computer skills. I overhear the lesson, attended by a majority of ladies. Learning some email basics.
To: Subject: Send:
For a moment I marvel at these incredibly brave women for undertaking new learning skills. A whole world is opening up to them to enquire and communicate in WiFi.

It’s then that I consider, in fact, necessity is the mother of invention. These learners are striding forward into a world of education through technology and keeping up with the younger generation. Moreover, they are exploring a more economical option to stay in touch with their children and grandchildren. Loved ones who have had no option but to uproot and explore the globe for themselves. Once a week or every day, Skype and MSN afford us sound and vision into another world, cost free.

In these superstores of information we can borrow, buy, sell and download books and e-books. Talking books and ipods allow individuals to access novels and plays regardless of reading skills and abilities. The voice of a narrator and the sound effects brings the whole experience to life. Connecting with the characters, we feel their joy and their pain, their hopes and their fears.


The whole experience of hunting and gathering our paperback and hardback prizes to feed our minds and imaginations is a joy. However and wherever we acquire our fixes is as varied as the subjects themselves. Perhaps taking the opportunity to interface with the experts in bookshops and libraries or more randomly in charity shops, church fetes or online. Whatever our method, one thing is for certain, being Irish we all love a good story.


Patricia L. Murphy
086 6482651
nutrishon@gmail.com
7/2/11

How Does It Feel !!!

Blue Monday. Thankfully I was blissfully unaware of it being the third Monday of January. Officially the most depressing day of the year. Says who? Well, says some Welsh scientist who though we all needed another reason to feel depressed. Actually, I am much more aware of moon cycles and happy Mondays. Is it a media conspiracy to exert its power over us to ignore the other real issues that are unfolding within our own countries leadership? Oh yes, they really do have the power to alter our mood states if we are not super vigilant. Even local and national radio stations have an active role in brainwashing us. Take for example the playlist of lyrics that occupies peak time listening.
'I would catch a grenade for you.... I’d jump in front of a train for you.’
All set to a catchy tune to disguise the undertones of love, pain and despair. And that’s number one! Even lines like ‘do you ever feel like a plastic bag’ have a happy ending.

I’m surprised that we don’t use this as an excuse to head to the pub or send each other cards, flowers, chocolates, cuddly toys and all that good stuff. Maybe we can make a national event of it, take the day off and go and do something uplifting and motivational instead. Or is it a really useful day to empathise with the masses about feeling pretty crap, having ditched the exercise plan and eating for three again? It’s certainly a great slot to promote support groups, positive psychology and lifestyle choices.

So, having somehow managed to avoid all mention of the big blue until about 4pm I had already decided that it was a most productive day. In fact, a great start to the week. Instead of joining the whinge fest, I washed my cares away in the little blue. Nothing better than a few lengths of the pool to get the head into the right space. Kick, pull, breath. Kick, pull, breath.

I consciously choose not to buy into mass mood manipulation unless it is of a positive kind. Celebrate your humanness which means not being perfect. Work your way bravely through the paperwork and bills that need your attention. Get help if that’s what it takes.

So how does it feel now? Well, the sun is shining and the moon close to 100% tonight with beautiful clear skies. All is well in my head and my heart. I hope that my positive mood will have a ripple effect on all those I come into contact with today. Happy Tuesday !!!

Blue Monday

Mood Warning: If you listen to the churnalism you are sure to be depressed.

Cure: A dose of Vincent Browne

In Fitness . In Health