Sunday, May 1, 2011
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!!!
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!!!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
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 !!!
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 !!!
Friday, March 4, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
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
* Mindfullness
* Meditation
* Clarity
* Calm
Be.Coming Soon
* Weekly Classes *
* September trip to France *
Patricia
086 6482651
nutrishon@gmail.com
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
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.
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.
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