Positive Life Autumn 2025

Welcome to Autumn 2025

“Remember, you are never alone. You are always with you.”

Akiroq Brost

Imagine if you will a one player video game, were the player is the player and also all the participants. One thing playing itself in many different guises and self reflecting back to the one. So it can see itself. Nothing is wrong, nothing is right, everything is just an experience within the game.

It never completes because its not about completion, so you can never get it done, so everything is a work in progress and can be moulded and changed by the player, the one, the creator.

Sound familiar, are you playing within this right now, have you awoken to it as yet. Relationships is our theme this issue, but there are none, just the one with yourself. Get that right and your laughing.

For now enjoy your reflections and know they are always becoming what you want them to be.

Paul Congdon, Publisher

Contentment

Publisher PC Media paul@positivelife.ie

Co-Editorial Alison McEvoy and Aisling Cronin editor@positivelife.ie

Design Conor O’Brien info@conorobrien.ie

Ad Design Caroline Hanan caroline.hanan@gmail.com

Advertising Paul Congdon paul@positivelife.ie 0861579518

Social media Taylor Grimes editor@positivelife.ie

Thanks to our advertisers, we can give Positive Life magazine to you for FREE. If you’re talking to them, let them know we sent you their way.

Please use the information provided in this publication as a recommendation only to better mental and physical health. We strongly advise you to consult your doctor regarding health concerns that you may have. The views expressed by contributors and advisors do not necessarily represent the views of the publication’s staff.

Autumn vibes

“EVERY LEAF SPEAKS BLISS TO ME, FLUTTERING FROM THE AUTUMN TREE.” EMILY BRONTË

blissful therapies

TAROT TUNE-IN

Julie Embleton is an intuitive tarot reader, meditation practitioner and ceremonial cacao facilitator who delights in helping people to tap into their creativity. She provides readings that are designed to help clients enhance their decision-making and deepen their sense of self. creativesoultarot.com

PRANIC SPACE

The new Pranic Healing Centre in Clondalkin, Dublin, is a must-see: a beautiful space that is set to host a variety of workshops and supportive healing sessions. Practitioners David and Amanda Connell are both excellent therapists of this healing modality that rapidly revitalises.

discoverpranichealing.ie

CRANIAL LISTENING

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy is a modality during which the therapist uses gentle, non invasive contact at various points of the body (typically the feet, spine, sacrum and head) to ‘listen’ to what needs rebalancing. Cranio Wisdom, run by a skilled practitioner named Val, operates in the beautiful Glendalough Sanctuary – the ideal site for a restorative session. craniowisdom.com

UNLOCK THE CODE

For a deeply healing experience, we recommend Isobel Keeling, the Wicklow Herbalist. Her clinic in Greystones offers many modalities to encourage the body back into balance. One of these is the Emotion Code – a simple yet transformative healing method, which works by detecting and releasing negative emotions stored in the subconscious mind, which can be locked in the body. wicklowherbalist.ie

beautiful teachings

MINDFUL LESSONS

This autumn, the Beehive Mindfulness School is offering a comprehensive course on modern spirituality, designed to empower students on their journeys of self-discovery. The course begins on Saturday October 18th. The first three weekend sessions take place at The Sanctuary Centre, Stanhope Street in Dublin. After these first three weekends, there are six online Wednesday evening sessions, followed by an in-person closing weekend.

thebeehive.ie

Helen Schucman

Isobel Keeling

MIRACULOUS TIMES

In a world of limitless choice, returning to the classics is sometimes the way to go – and one of our go-to books is the famed A Course in Miracles. The book, inspired by Jesus, was written by Helen Schucman in 1976 – and since then, its lessons on love and forgiveness have continued to find new readers, generation after generation.

autumn gatherings

RELEASE AND GLOW

Fascia Release & Beyond, set to take place in Dublin's Leonardo Hotel on October 2nd and 3rd, is an integrated workshop about fascia release, the integration of foam rolling, yoga positions, and stretching postures. The workshop will be facilitated by Maria Alfieris, who has been a physical therapist and energy medicine practitioner for over 40 years.

magicalhandsphysicaltherapy.com

Lynne McTaggart has become famed for her Power of Eight® teachings and her Intention Revolution – a revolution enabling us to transform ourselves through the power of focused intention. She is coming to Dublin's Stillorgan Hotel on Sunday October 19th as part of a special Positive Nights event, co-hosted with Seminars.ie. positivelife.ie

ONE WITH THE WILD

Wild Atlantic Wellness, based in West Cork, aims to empower women through natural aromatherapy, restorative yoga and uplifting retreats. Trained facilitator, Tara, offers soothing retreat experiences that blend restorative yoga and singing for wellbeing. There are a number of tantalising retreats coming up this autumn that offer a breath of fresh air. wildatlanticwellness.ie

holistic hacks

ONLINE YOGA

The Shannon Estuary Way Retreat is a sanctuary for yoga and wellness aficionados, nestled in the heart of County Clare. They are now offering convenient online sessions – meaning you can enjoy one of their restful yoga sessions from the comfort of your own home. shannonestuarywayretreat.ie

A HEMPING HAND

Hempful is one of the best providers of premium European hemp health and wellbeing products – we love what they do. We find their full spectrum CBD oil to be especially powerful at helping us to get back to sleep when we awaken during the night. hempful.eu

ELECTRIFY YOURSELF

PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) technology is proving to be a gamechanging therapeutic intervention for many who try it, improving sleep and energy levels. PEMF mats, designed for convenient daily use, are now available to buy or rent in Ireland. Contact paul@ positivelife.ie to learn more.

TRUST IN NATURE

Organic Trust is an accredited certification body that offers application, inspection and certification services for organic farming, processing and aquaculture in Ireland. They also provide assistance to those who want to transition to organic farming – everything you need to know about the process is available on their website. organictrust.ie

Tara: Wild Atlantic Wellness

Pranic Healing Centre

Maria Alfieris

Hempful

positively newsworthy

GOOD NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE.

1 The Mud Island Community

BEAUTIFYING THE BROKEN.

by Alison McEvoy

Mud Island community Garden in Dublin 3 began as a derelict site. It was overgrown and used as an illegal rubbish dump. Local residents campaigned for two years before being granted a licence to transform this neglected site into a community garden. Since its humble beginnings it has flourished into a site where vegetables, fruit, creativity and community spirit blooms.

It is host to small festivals and cultural events as well as providing a gathering space for local schools and youth groups. Anyone can become a member for a small annual fee and get involved.

The sky is the limit when it comes to what this space has to offer and it itself has doubled in size since its original opening thanks to an extension granted by the council. I recently caught sight of the repair café, hosted on Sundays at the gardens. People are invited to bring along something that needs mending and there will be a team on hand to make the repairs while you wait.

In keeping with the ethos of seeing the potential in the neglected, Mud Island is also home to a Kintsugi artist – one who repairs broken pottery with gold. ‘Kintsugi’, meaning ‘join with gold’, finds beauty in what is broken and imperfect and takes the time to bring this vision into a reality. One talented volunteer, Frederique Rantz, invites people to bring along any small broken plates or cups which can be repaired in style!

Dublincommunitygrowers.ie

“‘Kintsugi’, meaning ‘join with gold’, finds beauty in what is broken and imperfect and takes the time to bring this vision into a reality.”

2 Waste not, want not

TURNING TRASH INTO (FOOD) TREASURE

by Aisling Cronin

A landfill in Wiltshire, south west England, has unveiled innovative plans to grow fruit and vegetables using "cleaned" carbon dioxide in greenhouses above a landfill. Reclaiming land that would otherwise simply be used to store waste has been described as a “world first” action by Crapper & Sons Ltd, the company that owns the landfill. They are currently awaiting planning permission for the project.

Crapper & Sons Ltd already captures methane emitted by the waste to power its operations and send energy to the national grid. Having now started a community interest enterprise called Sustain Wiltshire, the company says it wants to use the site to grow food for the local area all year round.

The plans involve building greenhouses on the site to take advantage of the naturally generated carbon dioxide and heat to

produce food such as avocados. Avocados are not usually grown commercially in the UK and generally have to be shipped in – at a high environmental cost – but the remarkable landfill plan could be about to change all that.

The project will involve flattening a large section of the landfill site to create pits – called "cells" – which will be lined with concrete and have waste put in them to produce gases. The gas will then be captured and cleaned, so it can be used to produce electricity and pump the carbon dioxide into the greenhouses which will sit above the cells.

The plan also involves making the greenhouses portable, which will allow the pits underneath to be emptied and have fresh waste put in.

“The company says it wants to use the site to grow food for the local area all year round”

3

© DESIGNSCAPE ARCHITECTS

Find some bookspiration

WHAT DAN PELZER READ.

by Aisling Cronin

Bookworms are sure to enjoy this one. Readers around the world are finding inspiration from the story of avid book fan Dan Pelzer, who lived in Ohio in the USA. Dan passed away on July 1st this year and went viral shortly thereafter when his relatives shared his 109-page log of every single book he finished over the course of 60 years.

According to the New York Times, when Pelzer passed away at the age of 92, he had meticulously recorded all 3,599 books that he had read between 1962 and 2023, which was the year his eyesight deteriorated. While preparing for Dan’s funeral, his daughter Marci decided to create a website listing all of the books – available to guests through a QR code on the back of the programme.

Marci commented, “I just thought it’d be so cool to give people who cared, who he cared about – to send them away from the funeral with the list”. After the funeral, she decided to share the list on LinkedIn, calling it her family’s “most precious inheritance”.

When the Columbus Metropolitan Library decided to share Dan’s story on its Facebook and Instagram pages, the website – What Dan Read –started going viral.

Dan was reportedly unafraid to tackle the weightiest of tomes, though he seemed not to be fan of James Joyce’s ‘Ulysses’, telling a journalist in 2006: “Ulysess. The worst. Pure torture.” He had a great enthusiasm for Ancient Greek works, devoting himself to the tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides, before moving on to Euclid and mathematics.

His daughter Marci added, “I’ve never met anyone as curious as him. Growing up in a home that valued libraries was very important. I can’t tell you how many hours my brother and I spent in the treehouse in the children’s room of the main library downtown”.

The last book on Dan’s list was the classic Charles Dickens book ‘David Copperfield’. He also, by all accounts, kept abreast of the latest contemporary fiction. The penultimate book on his list was Gabrielle Zevin’s 2022 ‘Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow,’ a novel about a pair of video game designers.

If you’re in need of some reading inspiration, check out Dan's recommendations on www.what-dan-read.com

“I’ve never met anyone as curious as my father. Growing up in a home that valued libraries was very important”

positively newsworthy the little things

1 Comfort season

THE GIFT OF LETTING GO.

by Aisling Cronin

This season, I’ve found myself reflecting on the surprise gift that is choosing to let go. When we are faced with a choice between clinging to a familiar but perhaps stifling situation, and stepping into the void, there is immense value in choosing the unknown –however daunting that may seem at first.

I have found fresh reserves of confidence and courage in tackling interpersonal problems I had been deferring to another day. I sometimes liken

“Stepping into our creativity, our power, our visions…makes this harvest time of life an exciting and momentous occasion.”

maintaining a relationship to tending a beautiful garden: it can only remain healthy if we take the time to clear away old debris and weeds, and let the soil breathe. There is something comforting, too, about autumn being the cosy season. I don’t dread the cooling days, or the evenings that draw me inwards a couple of hours earlier than they did a few months ago, encouraging me to settle into myself and continue with my healing process.

“During the darkening season, there is great comfort in simplicity”

During the darkening season, there is great comfort in simplicity: in curling up with a mug of tea after a hectic day and watching the sun set, feeling satisfied with where you have arrived in your life. There is comfort in looking back at all you have managed to go through and saying, ‘I’m still here’.

2 The relationship harvest

BLOOM INTO LOVE.

Alison McEvoy

As we enter the harvest time of year, I am reminded of the inner harvests to be reaped.

For so long I did not know that I was reaping what was sown by others in my inner world in childhood. That relationships are the playground wherein I, and so many of us, face what was planted in us at this formative time.

For so long I lived this without fully realising it. Finally, slowly, painfully, and yet gratefully, the awareness sank in. With it came an initial surge of despair, powerlessness, grief, and anger. Why me, why this and why that…and in the wake of all the whys…when I was finally done…it was time to simply harvest what I had been given and start the earnest effort to turn it into something meaningful, good and light.

With this step comes the end of victimhood, the end of so many feelings of helplessness which were true at one point but are certainly no longer so. Stepping into

our creativity, our power, our visions of who we truly are and finding the steps to take, makes this harvest time of life an exciting and momentous occasion.

Sharing this journey with others on the same path is something I highly recommend. The Summer of Love course with Conor Creighton was a blessing on my way. Support, nurturing, inspiration and sparks of shared realisation make the journey magic. Below are a few places where you might find harvesting companions!

Conorcreighton.com/hacking-love-access Theconsciousloveshow.podbean.com

Cornucopia

spirituality & the city

THE POWER OF A RELATIONSHIP

Eileen Bray

It was 2006 and I had just moved from New York to Nashville, Tennessee. I started going to the metaphysical centre Nashville Center for Spiritual Living. I knew nobody in Nashville. The music was killer!

I met a young mother. She was also a very confident vocal coach. She and I became friends and I told her I loved to sing but had held myself back for years. I remember her telling me to affirm, “I am a singer!”. I was crippled with impostor syndrome. I admired her confidence so much. She told me to join the chorus at the Center. I joined the alto section.

I’m forever grateful to Julie, who probably hasn’t a clue the impact that brave step had in my life, leading me years later to do what I do now with my Celtic Kirtan. She was the angel who came in for a very short time, making a huge difference in my life with that gentle confident nudge.

eileenbray.com

Ronan McEvoy

The need to connect is universal. So when your main relationship fails, the grief you can experience is incredibly painful, on a par with the death of someone you love. Not just emotionally, but physically too.

It’s critical not to try to bypass the grieving process by falling into a new relationship, or trying to numb out with alcohol, etc. You need to take it full on.

I found that pain to be hugely motivating – and a real opportunity to learn about myself, and how I can bring a better version of myself to my next relationship. About what I learned about my boundaries, and what I won’t accept. About Attachment Theory (completely new news to me!), mental health, and more.

Grieving isn't linear, so you have to remind yourself to be compassionate towards yourself. This is a hard process. There is very little in life that can motivate you more than a breakup, so make the most of it.

Keith Howell

I’ve had so many profound interactions with people over the last ten years or so through recovery, but one that really sticks out to me is when I reconnected with my wife as I had felt lost for so many years, lost in my own selfish thoughts, that I almost forgot I had a wife.

So the power of getting that relationship back not only transformed that situation, but went on to transform my life.

howellness.ie

Rawan El Habbas

Jennifer Mullaney

At an Ayurvedic retreat in Sri Lanka, my exclamation – “There’s a fish swimming in the pool!” – sparked laughter and an unexpected meeting with two German female tourists that felt fated.

Back at home in Barcelona, I followed their recommendation to try their British friend’s magical yoga class, which opened a doorway to a holistic community of women’s circles, retreats, and generous shared wisdom. These relationships arrived as my own personal relationship was unravelling and I was wrestling with the decision to return to Ireland. Through this cocoon of support, I found grounding, healing, and a deepened bond with myself. Their encouragement helped me claim my path, begin formal holistic training, and gather the courage to open my own holistic practice back home in Ireland.

What began as a surreal, hilarious moment in Sri Lanka became a lifeline and a turning point – proof that the right people enter at the right time, and that one human connection can transform the course of a life.

“ When we talk about growth through relationships, our minds tend to go straight to romantic ones. But we often overlook the power of great friendships.

A couple of years back in Dublin, I met a new friend I instantly connected with through music and a similar sense of humour. What started as a random, not so random encounter grew into a deeply impactful friendship.

Growing up in an environment where expressing emotions wasn’t encouraged, I learned to hide parts of myself. But that friend saw beyond those walls. He noticed the little kid in me, made me feel safe to open up, and by expressing his emotions openly, encouraged me to embrace mine.

I felt seen, and in that, deeply understood. That friendship helped me show up more openly and authentically in life, and for that I’m deeply grateful. Spark: Send a message to a friend who comes to mind. ”

cultures of

connection

PARENTING IN RELATIONSHIP TO LIFE

by Anna Cole PhD

“Warm

eye contact, listening, shared laughter, and patient presence are how young minds and hearts are built”

At the heart of parenting lies one essential truth: relationship is key. Our children don’t develop in isolation. Their emotional intelligence, resilience, and sense of self grow through the quality of connection they experience with us and through us, with the world around them.

Our relationships with our children shape their brains, nervous systems, and sense of attachment and security. Warm eye contact, listening, shared laughter, and patient presence are more than added extras – they are how young minds and hearts are built.

Creating and sustaining this kind of loving relationship as a parent isn’t easy especially in a culture that doesn’t always value or support emotional presence. As the authors of ‘A General Theory of Love’ write:

“A culture versed in the workings of emotional life would encourage and promote the activities that sustain health—togetherness with one’s partner and children, homes, families and communities of connectedness… The contrast between that culture and our own could not be more evident.” (Lewis, Amini & Lannon, 2000)

In many ways, parenting by connection is an act of resistance. To parent from connection is to push back against the culture of disconnection that surrounds us. It’s a way of saying: relationship matters more than speed, outward perfection, productivity, or performance.

The relationship we often forget

One of the most important – but often neglected – relationships in parenting is the one we have with ourselves. To give our children steady, attuned presence, we first need to be resourced ourselves. This means tending to our own need for connection, care, and emotional support.

When we’re depleted, unsupported, or overwhelmed, the parent-child relationship quickly strains under the pressure. We explode, snap, get scary or withdraw and shut down not because we don’t care, but because we’re running on empty and feeling scared, alone and disconnected ourselves. And children, being ‘wired for connection’, often assume they are the cause of this disconnection. Young children will often choose to believe they are the problem, rather than question the parent’s ability to selfregulate. They may internalise the belief that they are ‘too much’, ‘naughty’, or

‘not enough’, when what’s really missing is support for the parent to hold the relationship safely.

We regulate in relationship

Many parenting books talk about ‘selfregulation’, but the truth is: there is no such thing as self-regulation in isolation. All regulation is co-regulation first. We calm, soothe, and stabilise through relationship, whether that’s with another human, the natural world, or something greater than ourselves.

Dan McTiernan, in ‘Earthbound’, offers a beautiful reframe of common nervous system practices like breathwork and orienting not as solitary acts, but as moments of relationship: “Being alive as Life means you are never truly alone.”

What if, instead of viewing breathwork as a way to fix ourselves, we see it as a relational act? Receiving the air as a gift from the kelp forests of the oceans, the trees and plants of planet earth that create oxygen? What if every inhale is a moment of connection, reminding us we are part of something larger?

‘Orienting’, a practice of noticing what’s around us to help ground the body –can be reframed in relationship too. Rather than pulling ourselves back into presence, what if we allowed the world to draw us back in? The warmth of sunlight on our skin, the rustle of trees, the colour of the sky – these are ways Life invites us back into relationship with it.

Our bodies carry the memory of belonging. We are made of Earth’s minerals, infused with sunlight, and held in gravity’s arms. This is the wider ecology of relationship that holds all our relationships, including and especially the one between parent and child.

Practical ways to parent through relationship

How can we strengthen and restore our relationships—inward, outward, and with the world? Here are some concrete practices drawn from both relational neuroscience and Hand in Hand Parenting that help nurture connection:

• Special Time: one-on-one presence

Set a timer for 10–20 minutes and let your child lead the play. You follow with full attention, warmth, and no distractions. This signals to your child: you matter, and I delight in you. Just a few minutes of ‘Special Time’ can transform a day.

• Listening Partnerships: support for you

Parenting is emotionally intense. Having a space where another adult listens to you without judgment or advice can help discharge tension and reconnect you to your intentions. These simple exchanges help restore your inner resources so you can meet your child calmer and with more clarity.

• Breathe together

Take three slow breaths with your child – not to “fix” their behaviour, but to reconnect. Let it be a soft reset, a chance to co-regulate. The nervous system hears: we’re safe, we’re together.

• Staylisten: holding space for big feelings

When a child is having a meltdown, it can be hard to stay close. But by listening without distraction or correction, we allow emotional tension to move through. You don’t have to fix it—just stay connected. Your calm presence helps them feel safe in their storm.

• Come into relationship with life and let the world support you both When you're overwhelmed, orient together: notice five things you see, four you hear, three you can touch. The world offers grounding, and noticing it together is another form of shared presence.

Parent through relationship

To parent through relationship is to parent with humility, openness, and a willingness to try new things. It means recognising that we aren’t meant to do this alone.Children thrive not because their parents are perfect, but because they feel connected – to an imperfect person but one who sees them with love, and who is willing to make room for feelings and to listen and value the relationship enough to tend it and step into the adult role.

At the end of the day, it’s not about getting every moment right. It’s about returning – again and again – to notice and value our relationship. Because that’s what holds us. That’s what grows them. And that’s where cultures of connection can begin.

Anna Cole, PhD, Hand in Hand Parenting Instructor, Research & Regional Lead, UK & Ireland. Contact her at annac@handinhandparenting.org www.handinhandparenting.org

manifesting abundance

In the intricate tapestry of our lives, the most profound and influential relationship we should nurture is the one we have with ourselves. This internal connection not only shapes our perceptions and interactions, but also plays such an important role in how we manifest our desires and dreams. By understanding and applying the 12 Laws of the Universe, we can harness this relationship to manifest a life filled with love, health, abundance and joy.

The Law of Divine Oneness: Our Connection to Manifestation

The Law of Divine Oneness teaches us that everything is interconnected and an extension of Source. Quantum physicist and feminist theorist Karen Barad emphasises this interconnectedness through her concept of "intra-action." Unlike "interaction," which implies separate entities coming together, "intra-action" suggests that entities/ energy emerge through their relationships with each other. When we have a positive relationship with ourselves, we align with this law, recognising ourselves as a magnificent expression of Source. This alignment is crucial for manifestation, as it allows us to tap into the universal flow of abundance.

Self-Perception and the Law of Relativity

Our self-perception acts as a lens through which we view and manifest our reality. The Law of Relativity suggests that nothing is inherently good or bad; everything is relative. By shifting our self-perception to one of self-love and self-worth, we change the energy we project into the world, influencing what we attract back into our

THE POWER OF YOUR INNER RELATIONSHIP.

by Judith McAdam

lives. This shift is essential for manifesting our desires, as it aligns us with the positive energies needed to bring our dreams into this physical reality.

The Journey to Self-Love and Manifestation

Nurturing a loving relationship with ourselves is a journey that requires time and patience. Research indicates that it takes 28-90 days to form new neural pathways or habits. By consistently practising self-love, we transform our internal state, which is reflected in our external reality. This is a metaphor I came up with of a three-pin plug to illustrate this concept:

The Negative Wire: The Fearful Inner Child

Represents our fears and insecurities. By nurturing this part, we align with the Law of Divine Oneness, clearing blocks to manifestation.

The Positive Wire: Our Higher Self Knows solutions and aligns with the Law of Polarity. Embracing this aspect helps us to manifest with confidence and clarity.

The Neutral Wire: The Observer

Allows us to observe without judgment, so that we can rewire ourselves, maintaining balance and harmony, essential for clear manifestation.

The Impact of Self-Relationship on Manifestation

When we wire our minds correctly, we position ourselves to manifest grounded, confident, and worthy realities. This is particularly true in relationships, where self-respect attracts partners who value us.

As parents, our self-perception influences our children's vibration, teaching them to manifest positively. The Law of Vibration and quantum physics affirm that everything is energy, and by loving ourselves, we project the energy needed to manifest our desires.

The

Law of Attraction: Creating Our Reality

The Law of Correspondence states that our external reality reflects our internal state, while the Law of Attraction suggests we attract what we project. By nurturing a positive relationship with ourselves, we ensure that our internal state is aligned with our desires, making manifestation a natural outcome.

Manifesting a Life of Abundance

The journey to a better relationship with ourselves is transformative. Having turned my thoughts around to self-love, selfrespect and self-worth, it has turned my life around and enabled me to manifest a life of love, abundance and joy. By understanding and nurturing the different aspects of your own mind, you align with your true desires.

Get excited about this journey, nurture your relationship with yourself as a priority, and watch as your world transforms.

With love from my heart to yours, Judith judithmcadam.com

“By consistently practising self-love, we transform our internal state, which is reflected in our external reality”

DOWN TO EARTH

HEALTH FOOD STORE & HOMEOPATHIC DISPENSARY 73 South Great George’s St. Dublin 2

PHONE: 01-671 9702

Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 9.00am - 6.00pm

Closed sundays and bank holidays

• Acute homeopathic service

• Qualified homeopaths in store 6 days a week

• Over 800 homeopathic remedies in the dispensary

• Crystals and incense and salt lamps, also available

• Wide range of homeopathic creams and herbal tinctures

• Helios kits

• Flower and crystal essences (Bach, Healing Herbs, Australian Bush Flowers, Indigo, Crystal Light)

• Superb range of vitamin and herbal supplements

• Nature’s Plus, Viridian, Biocare, Higher Nature, Wild Nutrition, Together, Terranova

• Liposomal C

• The LifeMel Range

• A wide range of vegan and vegetarian food supplements and cosmetics available

• Selection of dried herbs

• Wholefoods, speciality foods & superfoods

• Eco-household products

• Organic skin care and body care Free delivery for orders over €40 info@downtoearth.ie homeopathy@downtoearth.ie www.downtoearth.ie Instagram: downtoearthdublin Facebook: Down to Earth Dublin

connecting in our differences

WE ALL KNOW WHAT LOVE IS… RIGHT?

by Sandy C. Newbigging

Relationships can be such a tricky terrain to navigate because there are not even two people on Earth who are exactly the same and would agree on absolutely everything.

With different upbringings, cultures, languages, beliefs, values, perceptions, opinions, preferences and even Gods – we may live in the same house, city, country or world, but we are experiencing as many worlds as there are people.

One reason we are all unique is because we all have a unique collection of subconscious internal filters that are ‘editing reality’ to create our own unique ‘internal version’ of life. As a result, ‘assuming sameness’ and being unaware of everyone’s uniqueness is a hidden cause of countless relationship conflicts.

Failing to recognise this reality – that we are all unique – usually leads to disappointment, disagreement and distance between us. We assume we are the same and run into issues when we are inevitably not. Or worse, we believe that others should think, feel, believe, behave and ultimately be the same as us. But what if we aren’t meant to all be the same?

When hosting workshops, I’ve asked rooms of a hundred people to write a list of the first ten things that come to mind when they consider ‘what love is for them’. I’ve then picked someone at random to share their list with the group. On average, only two or three people in the entire room ever end up with a maximum of two or three same things on their list.

But we all know what ‘love’ is, right? Not exactly! We all have a unique ‘love list’ – what love is to us. So, if you are in a relationship, it can be both enlightening and beneficial to learn their list, and then aim to show love to in the ways that each of you uniquely experience ‘being loved’.

To relate better and connect more, you want to: 1) always remember we are all unique, 2) remain eternally curious to ensure you are genuinely seeing, hearing and understanding the other person properly, and 3) not just accept our unavoidable differences but embrace and celebrate them.

Through my therapy work I regularly witness the transformative power of someone feeling truly seen, heard, understood and accepted. It is deeply

healing and more impactful than any advice I could give them or technique we could use on their problem.

One of my favourite quotes about this is by S. Kelley Harrell, who said: ‘We don’t heal in isolation, but in community’. In other words, connection is key and it comes from feeling that our unique self is fully seen, heard, understood, valid, accepted and entirely loveable.

To practise this vital skill in your relationships, get curious, ask questions, and check that you’ve seen, heard and understood the other person’s unique perspective and experience. “What I’ve heard you say is X, is that right?” You’ll be amazed by the response you get when others recognise your sincere desire to see, hear, and understand them. They light up, open up, share their truth, and perhaps most beautifully, they let you into their world.

Instead of the usual misunderstandings, disagreements and disconnections brought about by mindreading, making assumptions, viewing differences as a bad thing, and expecting everyone to be like you, we connect at a deeper, more intimate level. Trust is born out of feeling safe, seen and accepted.

Visit sandynewbigging.com to check out Sandy’s new Unculted Podcast.

“You’ll be amazed by the response you get when others recognise your sincere desire to see, hear, and understand them”

home truths

ENTER A SACRED RELATIONSHIP.

by Amanda Sophia

Your Home reveals the unseen, and your relationship with your home is always inviting you to raise the frequency in your life.

My favourite thing about Feng Shui is that it offers us so much more than design. It offers up a sacred mirror that gently reflects our internal world through the spaces we inhabit. Our homes become extensions of ourselves, our energy, expressions, and of course, our emotional, spiritual, and mental states.

You know how sometimes you’re looking to rent or buy a home and one just speaks to you? In your soul, you just know that it is the right space for you, or this is definitely not the space for you. That is the connection, the relationship, the soul agreement that you have with the home that is meant for you.

Many of us on the path of ascension, healing, and self-realisation already pay deep attention to what food goes into our bodies, our meditation practices, emotional regulation, and community. We go to therapy, join in circle, practice yoga, drink herbal teas, and dive into the somatic work. And all of these are amazing steps to take, both in the beginning and as an automatic breath of habit. That being said, we often overlook our environment.

Of course, we don’t always have control over the world around us. For example, we can’t change the music in the grocery store or the lighting at the dentist's. But our homes? That is where we get to choose. We either get to build a sanctuary for our souls or a continuation of chaos.

Too often, I’ve walked into homes frozen in the past. Cluttered with objects that no longer serve, furniture that was only bought on sale, items passed down by generations that were never wanted.

When we begin to listen, our home speaks and says:

• Burnt-out light bulbs may reflect a sense of inner burnout.

• Blocked drains can point to blocked emotions.

• Leaky faucets or roofs? Leaking energy or prosperity.

• Loose door handles might mirror a lack of grip or stability.

• A doorbell that doesn’t work may be asking: Are you open to receiving?

”When you walk through the door, do you feel nurtured? Do your spirits rise or fall? ”

Which means our home so often reflects what we put inside, what we hoard, and of course, how we react to this energy. The relationship we have with our home is dynamic; it responds to us and reflects our inner landscape. When we are overwhelmed, the home will be too.

The question becomes: ‘Is your home supporting your next level of evolution or keeping you rooted in your past?’

Your home should be designed to support YOU, not others. To inspire you, ground and uplift you. When you walk through the door, do you feel nurtured? Do your spirits rise or fall? Does your home feel like a hug, or does it amplify your stress?

Even the decor speaks to your soul! White walls everywhere. Are you craving more vibrancy, colour, or joy in your life? Or perhaps you have an overload of red and fire tones – do things feel chaotic or intense in your life?

Feng Shui invites us to be honest in our relationship with our homes. To look closely and see the home not just as a shelter but a living organism filled with energy, a sacred relationship between you and your home.

As we raise our frequency through inner work, we naturally begin to change

our outer environment. As we clear, align, and elevate our spaces, we feel more motivated, grounded, and inspired. Our homes become co-creators in our transformation.

This is why i cleanse my home regularly, I update with the seasons. I always try to fix things quickly and fill the space with beauty—flowers, herbs, fresh fruit, and movement. And I can promise you, your body feels the difference.

Let your home be your healer, let it be your sanctuary.

Ask yourself:

• Does my home reflect who I am and where I’m going?

• Am I designing a space that feels like a complete “YES” to my soul?

• Is my environment aligned with my worth, joy, and manifestation?

You deserve to have a healthy relationship with your home. Feng Shui isn’t just about placement; it’s about your power, presence, and permission to create a life, home, and career.

When you begin tending to your home with presence, reverence, and intention, it begins tending to you in return. You’ll find that as you clear the clutter, you untangle old beliefs. As you repair what’s broken, something within you mends too. As you beautify your space, your self-worth expands to match it.

This is the essence of Feng Shui: not just design, but devotion. Not just placement, but presence. Not just a shelter, but a conscious relationship with your home.

Amanda Sophia joinamandasophia.com divinewomanawakening.com internationalfengshuischool.com

“A healthy relationship requires self-reflection (and) ongoing work on yourself, not to reach perfection, but to grow"

mirror love is a

Relationships have the ability to hold a mirror up to our faces – asking us to look closely at who we are, and who we have the potential to become.

They reveal the deepest parts of ourselves; the good, the bad, and the ugly. In a romantic relationship, we all bring our baggage. Each of us carries a heavy sack of flaws and asks the other person to accept it into their life. And while the people we love should accept us for who we are, there’s also an opportunity here. The beauty lies in seeing the relationship as a partnership – where each person opens up that sack, takes a look inside, and helps the other unpack it. Together, you work through what’s there so you can build a life side by side.

The truth is, in love, you can’t hide. You’re forced to confront yourself, because who you are directly affects someone else. If you’re insecure, it seeps into the relationship. If you’re selfish, your actions hurt the person you love. If you have a temper, it’s often your partner who is

RELATIONSHIPS REVEAL WHO WE ARE.

by Margot Tubbiolo

affected. When you’re deeply connected to someone, you begin to realise: if I don’t work on these things, they will shape how I love – and how other people love me. What I’m really trying to say is, a healthy relationship requires selfreflection. It takes ongoing work on yourself, not to reach perfection, but to grow. A relationship shows us, in black and white, who we are. And if we don’t like the image we see, we have the power to change it. Not just for our partner but for ourselves.

The day you realise that your relationships start with you is the day your life begins to feel whole. So often, we search for someone to love us, hoping it will prove that we matter. But if you don’t believe in yourself – if you don’t show yourself love, no one else’s love will ever be enough. That hole in yourself can’t be filled, and by searching for someone to complete us, we hand them the power to define our worth. You get to decide how much you matter. Then someone else’s love

will no longer complete you. it will simply add to your life.

You might be asking: “So how do I improve my relationship?” You're looking for tangible results. What I focus on is this: I work on making myself the happiest version of me, so I can be the best partner I can be. You can do this by focusing on your hobbies, friendships, and building your self-worth, whatever that means to you. Maybe it’s learning to speak to yourself with more kindness through meditation or affirmations. Or maybe it’s working on something that makes you feel intelligent, capable, and fulfilled.

The last thing I’ll say is relationships have the ability to show us the bad things about ourselves, but they also show us all our amazing qualities. We get to see how well we can love another and care for someone and they get to show us how much we mean to them. That is the power of love.

relationships collage to build

TIME TO PLAY.

by Aistė S. Gram

I’m writing this on the plane to Italy, where I’m going to celebrate my birthday. I’ve been thinking about this for a while - should I go solo or spend time with friends while I’m there? A solo trip can be creatively rewarding, but a birthday by myself feels a little scary. Do I really want to celebrate alone?

And it’s interesting that the theme of this issue is relationships - it fits my current mood so well. (I chose to spend some time by myself, but also stay with friends the night before my birthday - so I can at least wake up and have breakfast with those that make me feel more alive.)

Any kind of relationship matters - romantic, friendships, family. How lucky we are to have all these different kinds of people come into our lives and act as mirrors.

Here’s a little exercise that’s both fun and enriching to do with people you have such relationships with. I’ll use friends as an example, but this works beautifully in romantic, familial, or even new connections.

A Collage to Bring People Closer

You’ll need:

• ●Old magazines or picture books

• ●A few sheets of white paper (the bigger the better)

• ●Scissors and glue

How to play:

1. Sit down with a friend, or a few.

2. Gather a bunch of magazines or books with images. (The more variety, the better - different styles, topics, even old children’s picture books. Side note: Positive Life magazine is perfect for this once you’ve read through it!)

3. Clear your mind. Maybe even set an intention to enjoy whatever unfolds.

4. Set a timer for 10–20 minutes. Flip through the magazines and tear out any images that spark joy. That’s it - that’s your only task. Tear away! No deeper meaning, no overthinking. The quicker and more childlike you are, the more fun it becomes. (Do this together, but keep your images separate and personal. Whether you end up with 5 or 50 pictures doesn’t matter at all.)

5. Timer’s up! Look at the images you’ve chosen - still yours for now. Be curious. Observe. Sort them into little piles if you want. Clear the magazines and mess if it feels right.

6. Now for the collage! Set another timer (at least 30 minutes is great), or keep it loose. Start arranging your collage, use scissors and glue for this part. This is a good time to chat with each other - about the images, or about life. Keep the flow light and natural.

7. When time’s up, share your collages. Now comes the really fun part: ask your friends what they see in your collage - without explaining it to them. Talk about the images, the feelings they bring up. Use this time to learn something new about each other. Discover what brings each of you joy. Let yourselves be swept up in both personal and collective creativity and bliss.

8. Wrap it up however you like. Maybe with a small ritual to mark your time together or setting a shared intention. Maybe a bit of journaling. Or simply a cup of tea and a sweet treat. The more meaningful it feels to all of you, the better.

Enjoy playing. Wish I could be there for the joy. But for nowsending my love from Rome!

Aistė S. Gram is a writer, actress, filmmaker, and intuitive coach. Subscribe to her creative newsletter, Heron of Bath, here: heronofbath.substack.com

LYNNE MCTAGGART

THE POWER OF INTENTION

Full day workshop

Learn how to influence your life and those close to you by using the power of your intention.

Lynne McTaggart is an award-winning journalist and author of seven books, including the the international bestsellers The Power of Eight, The Field, The Intention Experiment and The Bond—all seminal works in the New Science and translated into 30 languages.

SAT, OCT 18, 2025

9:30AM TO 5:00PM

listen and attune

by Dawn Cartwright

MY LOVE FOR AUTUMN IS MY LOVE FOR YOU.

“We are connected to the origin of the universe by the sparkling ribbon of time that reaches from the Big Bang to today.” The Griffith Observatory

Early one morning, as I walked up to my garden, I noticed the light, how it leaned a little closer to the earth – and I knew autumn had arrived.

It’s this same kind of knowing that brings lovers together, essential selves meeting in the stillness of the moment. The timelessness. The love I feel for autumn is the love I feel for you, and the closeness that we share is shared by all.

Thousands of years ago, on Lughnasadh, the first day of autumn, marriageable men and women traveled from far and wide to harvest festivals to take part in handfasting ceremonies. They gathered in sacred hollows, separated by stone walls built so high neither side could see over them – the women on one side, the men on the other. One by one, the women placed a hand through a space in the gate as one by one, the men stepped forward and held fast to the hand that was offered.

The couple was married for a year and a day – just enough time to move through planting, growing, and harvesting together, their lives intimately intertwined with nature and the cycles of life. Instead of grasping for some romantic ideal, they created space for the love that was waiting in the land and each other to emerge. And while they might not have fallen in love, they became it.

At the end of the year and a day the couple would return to the festival and, if they felt their relationship was strong, they would enter a lifelong commitment. If the union had not served them both, they could dissolve it with grace, having learned what they needed to learn about attunement and belonging.

How do we create space for the relationship that wants to emerge? How do we become love?

We gaze into one another’s eyes. And see the person beneath the surface.

We breathe in synchronicity. And create space inside for one another.

We touch with awareness. And open our hearts.

It begins with small acts of attunement. Attuning to natural cycles of energy, learning when to come closer and when to give space. Attuning to the nervous system as it opens to receptivity. Attuning to simple acts of devotion that honour the relationship, inviting the essential selves to emerge.

“They created space for the love that was waiting in the land and each other to emerge”

And, we listen. We listen for the emotional currents beneath the words – the way we might sense a shift in the atmosphere before it rains. We listen for arousal that is ignited through connection rather than driven by performance. We listen to sensations in our bodies more than thoughts in our minds.

In these ways, relationship becomes our priority, filled with the kind of spaciousness that allows love to evolve organically.

In conversations: Listen. Notice when the conversation seems to have its own intelligence, leading you somewhere neither of you planned to go.

In decisions: Pause. Sense what the relationship is calling for. What does this moment need? What direction feels alive for both of you?

In conflict: Become curious. What is the tension revealing? What does this friction reveal about the deeper currents moving between you?

In daily rhythms: Pay attention. Observe the natural ebb and flow between togetherness and space, between speaking and silence, between action and rest. Honour solitude.

In intimacy: Sense. Sense when to move closer and when to give space, when to speak and when to simply be present. Allow the moment to guide the depth and quality of your connection.

This is the same intelligence that was present in the men and women who formed a familiar yet unknown bond through the gate at the handfasting festivals – we are opening to the love that is waiting to emerge through trust and recognition.

This is what we want, what everything wants, more than anything. We want to be trusted. We long to be completely ourselves. And we want to become a part of a relationship, a world, that opens us. And feeds us. It’s so unusual to be related to as we truly are. And yet it’s everything we crave.

This morning, as I stepped out into my garden, I took a deeper breath and I felt this relationship stirring inside me. I caught the scent of autumn, sweet like toasted hazelnuts – and I remembered that I am “connected to the origin of the universe by the sparkling ribbon of time that reaches from the Big Bang to today”. I am the love that was set in motion several billion years before I was born.

And so are you.

Dawn Cartwright is a NeoTantra visionary, sacred writer, world traveler, and innovator in SelfActualization-NeoTantra fusion.

Subscribe to Dawn’s “Be Fully Alive” podcast here: Tinyurl.com/DawnCartwrightPodcast

community the importance of

Human beings are inherently social creatures. From the moment we are born, our growth, development, and wellbeing are shaped by the relationships we build and the communities we belong to. Relationships and community are more than just sources of companionship – they are fundamental to our mental, emotional, and even physical health. In a world where technology often creates the illusion of connection while fostering isolation, it is more important than ever to understand why genuine relationships and strong communities matter.

At the heart of human life is the need for connection. Meaningful relationships – whether with family, friends, mentors, or partners – give us a sense of belonging. They remind us that we are not alone in our experiences and struggles. When we feel understood and valued by others, we develop greater resilience to face life’s challenges. Research consistently shows that people with strong social ties live longer, experience lower levels of stress and are less likely to suffer from depression. Relationships provide emotional nourishment, encouragement, and perspective that help us thrive.

Beyond individual relationships, community plays an equally vital role. A community is more than a geographic

HOW RELATIONSHIPS SUSTAIN US.

by Grace-Anne Kelly

group of people living near one another – it is a network of support, shared values, and mutual care. Strong communities foster cooperation and collective responsibility, making individuals feel part of something greater than themselves. When neighbours help one another, when groups rally around shared causes, or when people celebrate traditions together, they strengthen the social fabric that sustains societies. Communities also serve as safety nets in times of crisis, offering support and resources when individuals are most vulnerable.

Another important aspect of both relationships and community is their ability to shape identity. The people we surround ourselves with influence our beliefs, habits, and values. A nurturing community encourages growth, challenges destructive behaviours, and inspires individuals to contribute positively.

Relationships often act as mirrors, reflecting back not only how others see us but also helping us to see ourselves more clearly. Through these connections, we discover our strengths, confront our weaknesses, and cultivate empathy.

In today’s fast-paced, digital world, maintaining authentic relationships and communities can be challenging. Online communication has made it easier to

connect superficially, but true belonging requires more than a “like” or a quick message. It demands time, presence, and intentionality. Acts as simple as sharing a meal, volunteering, or listening deeply to someone can strengthen bonds and reinforce the foundations of community.

Ultimately, relationships and community are not luxuries but necessities. They provide meaning and context to our lives, offering both joy in times of celebration and comfort in times of hardship. Investing in these connections requires effort – showing up for others, practising empathy, and contributing to the common good. Yet the rewards are immeasurable: stronger health, greater happiness, and a life enriched by the shared journey of being human.

In a world that often emphasises individual success and independence, we must remember that our greatest strength lies in our interdependence. To nurture relationships and foster community is not only to enrich our own lives but also to contribute to a more compassionate and resilient society.

Instagram: @graceannekelly

“At the heart of human life is the need for connection’”

Hypnotherapist

Psychotherapist

Healer www.quantumpsychotherapy.com

eugenie@quantumpsychotherapy.com

Ph: 087 4161903

Healing Relationships

When we’re willing to embrace our emotional pain and release the energy trapped within it, great clarity can emerge in our relationships with ourselves and others

Phyllis Crystal’s Cutting the Ties that Bind is one of the great technique that I use.

nurture yourself

THE MOST IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIP YOU’LL EVER HAVE. by

Alison Canavan

The most important relationship you will ever have is the one you have with yourself. It is the only relationship that begins the moment you are born and stays with you until the day you leave this earth. Every other relationship you have with family, friends, partners, children and colleagues is filtered through the lens of how you relate to yourself.

For most of my life, I didn’t understand this. I poured everything I had into others, thinking love meant giving until there was nothing left. I said yes when I wanted to say no. I worked past my limits. I gave from a place of depletion, not abundance. Inevitably, it led me into cycles of intense burnout. It wasn’t until I stopped and truly began to nurture my own relationship with myself that everything shifted.

Here’s the truth I’ve learned: when you fill your own cup first, you have infinitely more to give. Real love and generosity don’t come from running yourself into the ground. They come from a place of overflow from a heart that is nourished, balanced, and at peace.

This ties into a universal truth known as the Law of Circulation. This law reminds us that life is a constant flow of giving and receiving. When we give freely, without expectation, without strings attached, we open the channel for energy, love, and abundance to circulate back to us. But here’s the catch: if your giving comes with conditions, or if you only give to get something in return, the flow is blocked. True giving is unconditional.

But there’s another piece many people forget: receiving. The law works in balance – you can’t just give, give, give and expect to thrive. You must also learn to receive.

And this is where so many of us struggle. Think about it – when someone gives you a compliment, do you take it in fully? Or do you brush it off with a quick deflection? That small moment reveals so much. If you cannot receive a kind word from another, chances are you’re also struggling to receive love, compassion, and kindness from yourself.

And here’s the beautiful paradox: you can only give to others what you are willing

“If you want to offer others patience, you must first cultivate patience with yourself”

to give to yourself. If you want to offer others patience, you must first cultivate patience with yourself. If you want to give love, you must be willing to sit in love for yourself – even the messy, imperfect parts. This isn’t selfish; it’s essential.

When you begin to honour your own needs, fill your cup, and truly nurture yourself, you become a vessel through which love flows more freely. Giving becomes joyful, receiving becomes natural, and relationships with others and with yourself begin to flourish.

The relationship you have with yourself is the foundation of everything else. If you are kind to yourself, the world softens. If you are compassionate with yourself, you extend that same compassion outward. And when you choose to love yourself first, you create a ripple effect that touches everyone around you.

alisoncanavan.com instagram.com/alisoncanavanwellness

Modern Spirituality Modern Spirituality

for Personal & Professional Transformation for Personal & Professional Transformation

Embark on an inner voyage of spiritual discovery

www.thebeehive.ie

Website / Contact Info: www.thebeehive.ie info@thebeehive.ie

“John Doherty is an amazing, gifted teacher… He creates a strong, safe environment… I would highly recommend…”

— Marie B.

Limerick City's longest established Independent Health Food Store offering

Refill stations for bulk dried foods, eco-friendly home & bodycare products

Fresh organic Irish produce

A wide variety of nutritional supplements & herbal medicines including CBD oil

Natural beauty & skincare

Friendly, highly trained staff including a Nutritionist, Aromatherapist & Herbalist

Expert advice on speciality diets, Gluten free/Keto etc.

Food Intolerance tests available

1 hour FREE parking with €30 spend Monday -Friday

Join us on an 8‑month experiential journey in mindfulness, purpose, and rich inner growth. Starts October 2025 Thomas Street, Limerick City Open Mon-Sat 9am-6pm 061 316693 www.eatsofeden.ie

listen to your body

THE BENEFITS OF ROLFING®.

by Judit Ruiz Onandi

Rolfing® Structural Integration is a manual method to improve posture, rid the body of tension and chronic pain, and enhance awareness and movement through fascial manipulation and movement education.

How do Rolfers® do that, you may ask?

I invite you to think about the excitement of doing something you really like. You look forward to it. If you are standing while doing this little experiment, you will probably notice that the weight of your body shifts a bit more forward in your feet.

Now think about something that you dread doing. I bet you can feel some bodily sensations that changed between the previous example and this one. You might have felt a change in breathing capacity, a tightening somewhere in the body, a difference in where the weight rests on the feet. All these potential of actions are already shifting your relation with the Earth and the space.

For Rolfers® to have a better understanding about your particular posture and the tension and discomfort in your body, we will ask you to stand, take a deep breath, walk, move the arms, etc, and ask, how does it feel for you? Each of us have a different way of sensing our breath for example.

For some of us, exhalation is very enjoyable, calming. For others, inhalation brings joy. Some feel restricted around the upper chest, while others struggle to sense a free breath. Each of us sense the body in a unique way.

As Rolfers®, we actively listen to how that experience is for you and take it into consideration while working with slow deep strokes in the fascia. We also monitor your nervous system to help you find safety while opening and releasing areas that might have been stuck for years. Feeling safe while being able to take your space (in yourself and in the world around you) is an important aspect of our work.

Fascia has more nerve endings than muscles and skin, making it a primary agent in proprioception. This is the sense that allows us to perceive the position and movement of our body parts in space, which helps us with balance, coordination and spatial awareness.

This is how Rolfing® helped me connect with the wisdom of my body. We often think of the mind as shaping the body. But we can also think about it from the perspective of the body shaping the mind: imagine living in a body that feels more connected to the ground. Able to walk lightly. Able to take a deep breath and

feel an overall expansion. Being able to rest in yourself at the end of an exhalation. This subtle and seemingly minute sensations are how we live and we perceive life.

We help our clients free up areas of their body, but we also help them be aware of their body sensations. At the end of a session, we explore together the difference in the posture they notice after vs before, so that the changes become more meaningful and lasting.

Judit Ruiz Onandi is a Certified Advanced Rolfer® and Rolf Movement™ Practitioner and a Rolfing® Ireland Contact Point Rolfing Ireland can be contacted at: www.rolfingireland.ie 086 804 5218

Judit Ruiz Onandi can be contacted at: www.jronandi.org 089 435 7976

“Imagine living in a body that feels more connected to the ground. Able to walk lightly. Able to take a deep breath and feel an overall expansion”

be restedyourself

RESTORE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH REST.

by Alison McEvoy

Sit down, make yourself a cup of something warm, find your favourite notebook and pen and prepare to explore your relationship with rest….

As winter edges in, the call of rest strengthens and asks us to listen to it. A little bit of intention setting and mentalemotional preparation can help ease us into balance with the season ahead.

WHERE ARE YOU NOW…

If ‘rest’ could talk to you, what would it say?

At this point in my life, I feel rest would say to me….’Thank you, for allowing me into your life. For allowing me to fulfil my mission of healing and rejuvenation. For trusting me with the weight of your body and bones as I lean you towards the earth. For your faith in me to cocoon and protect you in times of turmoil and despair. For preparing for me as you would to arrival of a beloved, bathing your feet and sprinkling lavender oil on your pillow. For welcoming me, inviting me in, seeing and feeling the magnitude of all I am and all I have to offer.’

WHERE DID YOU COME FROM…

What were the messages you received growing up about resting?

In my home, my mother never rested until the day was almost completely done. After 9.30pm, once everything else had been done, she might sit herself down to

read or write some notes in her notebook. That was her version of resting. A place for her mind to be free to hear herself think.

She was afraid of resting during the day. She would say that if she stopped, she might not get back up again, so it was better to just keep going...until 9.30pm when she felt permission to lay down her duties and tend to herself.

There are many reasons we fear rest. Once we become aware of those reasons, we have already created enough space from them to allow other possibilities to emerge - new ways to relate to rest.

Keep finishing the sentence below until you find no more fears arising, for today. Hold all the answers in your heart as you would a fearful child - soothingly and lovingly.

If I stop to rest, I’m afraid that………. WHERE WOULD

YOU LIKE TO BE…

If there was nothing to fear, what would rest look like in your life?

Imagine a day in your life…where would rest belong? Where would it be most needed, wanted and appreciated? How can you welcome the energy of rest more fully into your life?

What would you have more energy to embody, create, do or be in your life if you were showing up as your rested self?

Over the years, as I entered the practice of Yoga Nidra more deeply – my ultimate rest practice – I found myself

creating a Nidra nest, complete with bolsters, beautiful blankets and a silky eye pillow. I made rest a luxurious part of my day that I deeply enjoy.

Slowing down actually makes me feel I have time in abundance, rather than feeling like time is slipping away from me. My rested self is one who is more joyful and capable of side-stepping triggers. She is calm and patient with my son and she is spacious in herself, attuned to her desires and dreams amidst the bustle of life.

If exploring your relationship with rest feels like it holds promise to you, I recommend a beautiful book by Tracee Stanley entitled ‘Radiant Rest: Yoga Nidra for deep relaxation and awakened clarity’.

Radiantrest.com Restorativehealingarts.com

“How can you welcome the energy of rest more fully into your life?”

become better at

feeling

DISSOLVE NOT SOLVE PROBLEMS.

by Alison McEvoy, interview by Paul Congdon

“The absence of resistance to it is what mitigates the suffering.”

Peter Crone is widely known as a ‘mind architect’. Listening to him speak recently with our Publisher, Paul Congdon, it is easy to see why.

We operate within structures of thought and emotion which guide our actions, our understandings, and our relationship with ourselves and with others. Listening to Peter dismantles what is untrue, unstable and provides no genuine foundation for our journey through life encountering love, money, relationships and more.

THE NATURE OF LIFE

The veil many of our parents create to shield and protect us from knowing the hardships of life during our early years was abruptly pulled back for Peter. He lost his mother at age seven, and his father by age seventeen.

This encounter with loss, death and grief led him to the experience of a “a real surrender to the nature of life itself… that, as the old adage goes, ‘no one is getting out of here alive’.”

Peter forged a path through the pain and grief he experienced in the wake of these losses. He came to a profound understanding which he continues to evolve and share with thousands of people across the world.

‘CAN I BE WITH THIS?’

“Pain is an inevitable part of being human. It is unavoidable to some degree as part of the human arc…but suffering, to me… becomes unnecessary.”

Pain is a part of life which helps to mould us. Pain is often good medicine, if we can embrace it.

“Psychological and emotional resistance is necessary…we need some adversity, some trials and tribulations to be able to pull off those scabs that hide the divine, limitless, timeless, boundless being that we are… As they say, smooth seas never made a good sailor.”

Suffering, on the other hand, is distinct from pain. This is one of Peter’s core teachings. It’s one I’ve struggled with throughout life. At times I’ve managed to embrace my pain and mitigate the suffering. At other times, I’ve full on attempted to deny, distract myself from, or wage war on my pain…leading to immense suffering.

Suffering is only inevitable to the extent that we are taught to avoid our pain. Peter teaches us to be “big enough of a being to allow for all of it”. The question he learned to ask himself in the face of adversity was ‘Can I be with this?’

BEING BETTER AT FEELING

How can we ‘be with’ our pain? We can allow and feel our tears come and go, our anger rise and fall, our hurt or jealousy or insult…sting then heal. All this pain, just as with anything in our amazing human bodies, can heal itself if we create the right conditions. For emotional and psychological pains, this right condition is ‘being with’.

If you’re feeling – you’re doing it right, because “it’s not about feeling better, it’s about being better at feeling.”

“The absence of resistance to it is what mitigates the suffering. The suffering is the resistance to life…we still have feelings, but they are more natural as opposed to things we are trying to avoid or escape. That’s where you can still have the feelings, but you’re sort of ok with it because you’re not resisting it. You’re actually in harmony with life.”

BREAKING THROUGH TO ‘BEING WITH’ FEELING

One evening, after listening to Peter talk, I lay down with the sole intention of feeling what I was feeling. A summer heartache was lingering, and the situation was in the process of a ‘long goodbye’. For the first time I experienced the voices, the thought structures that were causing my suffering and keeping me from being with my pain. This, in turn, was keeping me from healing and moving on.

Listening to Peter, the ‘mind architect’, had created a temporary scaffolding in my mind that I could stand on. It stood apart from this voice and allowed for the slow crumbling of the structure. In place of it I am now building a place of self-love and self-compassion to stand on and rise from.

What lay in between me and my pain was a series of judgements and criticisms. Thoughts denying me, making me wrong, stupid or ridiculous to feel what I feel; ‘For God’s sake, how could you let ‘that’ hurt you? Why can’t you just get up and ‘be strong’? Why do you care about ‘this’ so much? Why would you go ahead and let ‘that person’ get you down?’ The berating was continuous, repetitive and circular. Untiring in fact. All this resistance to my feelings had been keeping me stuck. This emotional ‘unavailability’ to myself was living in my shadow. I implicitly understood that I had met this ‘special someone’ to mirror it back to me - which they did, splendidly so. And no, we don’t always have to learn the hard way. People like Peter Crone are dedicated

to supporting humanity in transcending as much suffering as it possible. Life will do its part and “present you with people and circumstances to reveal where you’re not free”. However, we do well to work on becoming conscious creators in our own lives at the same time as dealing the hand life gives us.

LEXICON OF LOVE

One arena in which we are presented with such opportunities for freeing ourselves is love.

Peter invites people to step into conscious creation by rising in love.

“...there is a falling. There’s a falling from grace at times where it becomes messy, it becomes blind and to begin with it can become quite lustful. But it is nonetheless a catalyst for our growth and whatever we needed to see. The love that I would invite people to consider is the rise in love…that we use love in the purest form which is a deep acceptance of all things to do with that other being… who they are, warts and all. It’s a profound, truly unconditional acceptance of another being.”

“It doesn’t mean we want to be with that person...but we grant beingness to other humans… If it’s not unconditional, then it’s not love.”

In a world of ‘block and move on’ this could be a wonderful way to rise in love each and every time, even as you move on from that person. Where so many of us are choosing to step out of life, out of this challenging arena of relationships, Peter gives encouragement and hope that while we may need to love and leave some behind, finding a meaningful relationship is worth it.

“I have met those who through hurt, resignation, cynicism, heartbreaks one after the other, decided that well, no, I don’t need love anymore. I’m totally happy by myself. And whilst I get it…I think the joy of life, the juice of life is through companionship… even rougher seas of discontentment and disharmony with somebody so that you can grow...I think in order to be a powerful human, you need some turbulent weather. And for sure the best way to get that is in meaningful relationships.”

Peter has a wonderful podcast, free resources and a variety of specifically aimed programs and workshops available online to delve into. Come join me!

petercrone.com

brain boosters

by Aisling Cronin

“There’s always room for improvement. The earlier you start making changes, the better you will begin to feel’”

PATRICK HOLFORD ON COGNITIVE HEALTH.

Patrick Holford is a well-known author who has blazed a trail through the field of nutrition for over four decades.

Patrick began his work in the field of psychology and became a student of two leading pioneers in nutrition medicine and psychiatry – the late Dr Carl Pfeiffer and Dr Abram Hoffer. At the start of his career, Patrick opened a health shop and clinic in High Wycombe, England, where he developed a method for treating people with nutritional therapy: a groundbreaking approach at that time.

In 1982 he took the knowledge gained from his clinical practice and began to consider that sub-optimum nutrition may be a driver of many common health conditions. This was in an era before anyone had heard of omega-3, antioxidants, zinc, chromium, magnesium or homocysteine. Two years later, Patrick founded the Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION), now degree-accredited, to train a new profession – the first generation of nutritional therapists. His mentor, twice Nobel Prize winner Dr Linus Pauling, was patron.

In 1998, Patrick left ION to focus on writing down what he’d learnt, and his first book, The Optimum Nutrition Bible, was published, selling over 2 million copies and catalysing a global revolution. He has now written over 45 books translated into over 30 languages.

Patrick’s books and teachings have helped readers around the world with various health issues. He explains that these days, his primary focus is brain health. His new book, Alzheimer’s: Prevention is the Cure, provides eight steps people can take to optimise their brain health for improved mood, memory and sleep quality.

Four

factors for better brain health

“There is plenty people can do to optimise their brains,” Patrick says, “and this is a message I’ve sought to communicate through this new book. The four main drivers of brain health are, number one: brain fats. The dry weight of the brain is 60% fat, and we build our brain cells largely out of omega-3 fats. Phospholipids – another type of fat found in marine food – form another key nutrient.

“Number two, the ability to build and incorporate those materials into the brain requires B vitamins. Specifically vitamin B6, folate, which is found in foliage – dark leafy greens – and vitamin B12. Omega-3s and B vitamins are co-dependent – they need to both be present in order to work.

“The third factor is sugar – refined white carbohydrates and ultra-processed foods accelerate our decline in brain health. So one of the best things people can do for their health is to stop consuming those foods.

“The fourth is antioxidants. In essence, when we burn sugar for fuel, we produce ‘exhaust fumes’, which produce oxidants. This process of oxidation is what makes an apple go brown when you cut it, and makes our skin go wrinkly. Having a high intake of antioxidants and polyphenols cuts the risks associated with oxidation by about a third. This is why I advocate a ‘rainbow diet’, eating at least five to seven servings of fruit and veg a day.

Nourishing the soil microbiome

In 2003 Patrick founded the Brain Bio Centre at ION, and in 2007 he founded the Food for the Brain Foundation. He has advocated homocysteine-lowering B vitamins for the prevention of dementia, working closely with David Smith, Emeritus Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Oxford, whose research has reported substantial reduction in the rate of brain shrinkage with B vitamins.

Patrick is passionate about spreading awareness of how important it is to increase our intake of vital nutrients –but he feels that individual choices are not the only factor at play. He says that a larger scale, restoring land quality must be a key component of ensuring better nutrition across wider society.

“The reality is, some fruit and veg are better than others – and how they’re grown is essential,” he explains. “I live on a farm in Wales and we grow out own fruits and veg – it’s all organic – and the level of nutrients in one of our carrots can easily be ten times higher than the level you’d find in a supermarket. The human brain is made entirely of the food we eat – the focus now needs to be on nutrient density, not just the types of food we consume.”

“The Bionutrient Institute has reported a forty-fold variation in nutrient levels, even in organic produce. I prefer to eat organic, but that alone is not enough. The first thing we did on our farm was to measure the mineral levels in our soil and then add minerals so we had the healthiest soil possible. Until you have healthy soil, you can’t have a healthy microbiome that will nourish the plants that are grown in it.

“What we do – which is beyond the requirements of organic farming – is that we soak every seed, before we plant it, in a fungal and bacterial mix that effectively inoculates the seed and accelerates its

whole root system. This is very similar to what happens to the baby before it’s born – its mother’s bacterial mix inoculates the baby.”

He says that when we find a truly healthy piece of fruit or veg, we will immediately know: “We have a built-in nutrient detector, and that is taste. Healthy food tastes better.”

Improving brain function

Patrick always encourages people to take simple, practical steps that can boost their brain health and overall health, explaining: “There’s always room for improvement. The earlier you start making changes, the better you will begin to feel.”

Patrick points to a free online cognitive function test at foodforthebrain.org, which is designed to offer a quick overview of the current condition of your brain and advise you on which dietary and lifestyle changes you can make. “Prevention is absolutely key – much better than cure,” he says. “We know that so many conditions can be prevented, not just improved, through diet. We want to help people to live well for as long as they possibly can. We get taught many things in school, but we are not taught about how our body works and how best to feed it. The reason I wrote this book, and the reason Im coming to Ireland for a seminar, is that leading scientific experts have taught me what we need to be doing to improve our brain health. And I see it as my job to pass that on.”

Patrick is leading two seminars in Ireland this October, both taking place in the Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan, Dublin. ‘Upgrade Your Brain & Prevent Alzheimer’s’ , aimed at members of the general public, will be held on Thursday October 16th from 6.30pm to 9pm. This seminar will focus on dietary and lifestyle habits people can incorporate into their lives for better mood and memory.

‘Optimising Neurodivergence’ , aimed at health practitioners, will be held on Friday October 17th from 10am to 2pm. This seminar offers in-depth nutritional and lifestyle strategies to support neurodivergent children and their parents and caregivers.

Find tickets for either of Patrick’s seminars at iinh.net/events

His book ‘Alzheimer’s: Prevention is the Cure’ is out now: patrickholford.com

Take the free cognitive test at foodforthebrain.org

the hidden energy of healing

RECONNECTING BODY AND SOUL.

by Ines Gilke

There is an invisible language spoken by our trillions of cells. It has nothing to do with words, and yet it tells the most intimate story of our lives. It is the language of energy – a quiet electric whisper that connects body, mind, and soul.

PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic fields) are gentle, rhythmic signals that nudge the body’s own bioelectric system. By mimicking the body’s own natural frequencies, they help cells hold a healthy voltage – the base note for clear communication and repair. Used regularly, PEMF supports microcirculation, tissue renewal, and the cell’s energy (ATP).

Think of the body as a city of tiny batteries. When each cell’s charge is steady, everything coordinates beautifully: thoughts are clear, recovery unfolds, and vitality returns. But under chronic stress, poor sleep, toxins, or heavy emotions, that voltage drops. Signals go fuzzy. We feel depleted and disconnected.

Here, a little bioelectric “training” helps – movement without movement. PEMF is a light daily routine, often administered twice a day for a few minutes, that reopens pathways where healing happens. It’s a companion to the foundations: good sleep, whole foods, hydration, breath, moments of stillness, and natural movement. Think of it as training for your networks – nervous, vascular, lymphatic – a small cue that can amplify what you already practise.

Scientific Insights on PEMF

PEMF is being explored in many areas (bone, nerves, sleep, performance). Here we focus on detox/flow and tissue and skin regeneration – a small, plain-language selection of studies and case reports follows.

• Collagen & stronger tissue (tendon cells). Tendon cells – the builders that make tendon and connective tissue – were given gentle PEMF for three minutes a day over five days. They made more type-I collagen, the strong, rope-like protein that gives skin, tendons, ligaments, and fascia their structure. (Medical Engineering & Physics, 2020, “A singlepulsed electromagnetic field enhances collagen synthesis in tendon cells”.)

• Skin regeneration (fibroblasts). Human skin-repair cells exposed to PEMF multiplied and moved faster – early steps of closing a wound. Better-organised repair can mean smoother healing with fewer issues. (Bioelectromagnetics, 2024, “Pulsed electromagnetic fields used in regenerative medicine: an in-vitro study of the skin wound-healing proliferative phase”.)

• Real-world healing (stubborn ulcers). Doctors reported cases where longstanding, non-healing skin ulcers in frail older adults improved within days and

went on to heal within weeks when PEMF was added to standard dressings. (Case Reports in Dermatological Medicine, 2015, “Effectiveness of an innovative pulsed electromagnetic fields stimulation in healing of untreatable skin ulcers in the frail elderly”.)

Bring PEMF into your day: Two ways to feel the “flow”

• Post-flight puffiness. After long sitting, a few quiet minutes can feel like a gentle pump for calves and ankles – heavy legs feel lighter as circulation “switches back on.”

• Desk-day reset. When you’ve been parked at a screen, take a short session, then a slow stretch or brief walk. It’s a simple way to bring light and flow back into the system.

Healing, however, is never just technical. It is relational — a reconnection. When energy flows again, the body reorganises; the mind softens its grip; the soul finds its rhythm. PEMF can help you remember that rhythm, day after day: not a miracle, but a meaningful practice.

PEMF mats are now available to rent or buy in Ireland. Contact paul@positivelife.ie to learn more.

cellvital-homecare.com

“PEMF is a light daily routine… that reopens pathways where healing happens”

Every day in our salon in Dun Laoghaire, we tranform hair colour into a pure plant based ritual. free from harsh chemicals. Our botanic dye enhances strenghtens and iluminates without altering your hair's natural integrity, the results? Vibrant natural colour with depth shine and perfect coverage while keeping hair healthier thicker and full of life.

shared rhythms

HOW CONNECTIONS BRING CONTENTMENT.

by Matt Smith

I’m Matt. I live, surf and sail on the west of Ireland with my partner and kids, and I run a nature restoration charity called Hometree. I’ve worked on boats, on farms, in community projects, and for a while, I made a small magazine called ‘Backwash’. It was rough but full of energy. We printed stories and photos from our lives: days in the sea, slow afternoons, big questions we were sitting with.

I found one of those old photos recently – from ten years ago, ‘Surfing under the Cliffs’. What sticks now isn’t the wave or the conditions. It’s the people. The feeling of moving through a day together. Quiet trust, shared rhythm.

If I’ve learned anything, it’s that relationships sit underneath everything. Work, family, land, community, none of it functions without healthy relationships holding it together. In nature work, we use the word community a lot. But what we’re usually talking about is relationship. Between people, between people and place,

between ideas and action. And it only works when those relationships are clear and cared for.

At Hometree, we’re restoring land, but really, we’re working on relationships. With soil, water, trees. With local people who live beside the land we plant. With each other, as a team. With funders, critics, neighbours. Each relationship needs something different, space, clarity, consistency.

I learned that first at sea. On a boat, relationships aren’t optional. You either figure out how to work together or the whole thing falls apart. There’s no muting the group or walking away. And land work is no different. Neither is raising kids. Or holding a small organisation together through change.

Now my days are full of tree plans, grazing conversations, meetings. The format’s changed, but the heart of it hasn’t. I’m still trying to build things with people I care about. You don’t need to agree with

everyone. But you do need to be honest about what you’re doing and why. If that’s clear, people can choose to join or not. Either is fine. It’s the confusion that wrecks it.

Whether it’s a crew offshore, a restoration team, or a messy household trying to get through the week— relationships are the work. They’re not extra. They’re the thing.

Matt Smith is the CEO of Hometree Charity. In 2013 Matt also co-founded a regenerative agriculture farm. Matt is a published writer and owns an annual ocean-based publication. For a decade Matt has been a consultant and ambassador for Finisterre, a UK ethical clothing company. Matt holds a foundation degree in Natural Science and recently completed a ‘critical leadership’ course with Cumbria University with Prof Jem Bendell.

hometree.ie

“Each relationship needs something different, space, clarity, consistency”

autumn bites

A SAVOURY AND SWEET DELIGHT.

by Tony Keogh from Cornucopia

Light up the darkening evenings with these delicious comfort food dishes. The cider braised leek, tofu and kale mini pot pies make for an ideal party piece, while the poached pears served with crunchy granola are both indulgent and healthy.

CIDER BRAISED LEEK, TOFU AND KALE MINI POT PIES

Serves 4-6

Advance preparation:

• Freeze 500g block of tofu overnight and thaw fully before use

Ingredients:

Filling

• 3 medium leeks, washed trimmed and sliced into rounds

• Few sprigs thyme

• 4 bay leaves

• 250ml dry cider

• 500ml stock

• Tbsp onion powder

• 5 cloves minced garlic

• 500 frozen and thawed tofu

• 200g cashews

• 300ml water

• Tbsp Dijon mustard

• Salt/pepper/nutmeg

• 50g blanched and chopped kale

Pastry

• 1 sheet of puff pastry

• Tsp oil

• Tsp soy milk

“The cider braised mini pot pies make for an ideal party piece”

Method;

1 Firstly, prepare the filling; heat a little oil in a large saucepan and add the leeks, followed by the bay and garlic, give everything a good stir to sear the leeks slightly and then add the cider and the sprigs of thyme [an elastic band is handy here].

2 Allow everything to come to a simmer and gently cook over a medium heat with a lid on for about 10 minutes. Remove the lid and add the stock and onion powder allow the mixture to cook for another five minutes or so.

3 Open the tofu and give it a good squeeze over a sink you will see it is like a sponge after the freezing. Tear it into largeish uneven chunks and add it to the pot along with the leeks.

4 In a blender puree the cashews with the measured water and the mustard. In the pot you will notice the tofu has absorbed a lot of the moisture. Add the cashew cream to the pot and allow it to simmer and thicken fold in the cooked kale and season to taste.

5 To make the pastry discs preheat the oven to 200 degrees, unfurl the pastry and using one of your serving bowls as a guide cut out either four or six discs of pastry. Place the discs on to parchment paper lined oven tray. Mix the oil and soy milk together and glaze the discs lightly with this mix. Place the tray in the oven to bake for approximately 10 to 15 minutes until the pastry is well risen and lightly browned.

6 To serve, reheat the filling just before the pastry comes out of the oven and divide the mixture between either the four large soup bowls for a dinner portion or for smaller lunch sized portions between the six smaller bowls. Top with a hot pastry disc and serve immediately.

POACHED PEARS WITH NO CHURN MISO GINGER ICE CREAM, CRUNCHY GRANOLA AND SPICED PEAR SYRUP

Serves 4

Ingredients:

Miso ginger ice cream

• 250ml vegan cream [I used elmlea]

• 200g condensed coconut milk

• Heaped tsp ground ginger

• Heaped tsp white miso

Poached pears

• 250 ml cider

• 500ml water

• 180g sugar

• 20g golden syrup

• 1 cinnamon quill

• 1 star anise

• 4 cloves

• 4 conference pears peeled, halved and cored

Granola

• 125g rolled oats

• 50g golden syrup

• 25g neutral oil

• Tsp pimento /allspice

• Pinch salt

Method;

1 Start with ice cream, tip the cream into a bowl and with an electric whisk, whisk the cream to firm peaks, once firm peaks form add the other ingredients and continue to whisk until fully combined, spoon the ice cream into a freezer safe tub and pop it into the freezer for a few hours to firm up

2 To make the pears; In a wide saucepan bring the cider, water, sugar, syrup and spices to a rolling boil. Once up to a boil add the pear halves cut side up. Cover the pear halves with a paper disc and lower the heat to medium for 15 to 20 minutes [the time will vary depending on how ripe they are]. Test with the tip of a knife.

3 When done, allow to cool slightly in the syrup and then remove them with a slotted spoon and set them aside. If you like, you can reduce the remaining syrup in the pot over a high heat until it coats the back of a spoon. It is not necessary, but a little syrup over the ice cream is nice.

4 To make the granola; pre heat the oven to 160 degrees. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and scatter clumps of the mixture over a parchment lined tray. Place this in the oven for around 15 to 20 minutes turning halfway through. Once ready set aside to cool.

5 To serve; place two pear halves on a plate on top of a mound of granola. Serve this along with a large dollop of ice cream and a drizzle of syrup. You will have a little extra ice cream, syrup and granola left after the four portions are served, I am sure these will find a use elsewhere though…

cornucopia.ie

short & sweet 43

Your gift to yourself

RETURNING TO THE BIOTA.

by Seán Beakey & Nika Ros

There comes a moment when you feel that inward call to return to the centre of your own Biota: the living weave of body, breath, mind and spirit that makes you YOU.

The Biota Method is that return. Not a system you must fit into, but a rhythm you already carry. We simply remind you how to listen, how to move, how to breathe yourself whole again.

Through the Biota Balm Principles, you step into a map of reconnection. First relearning your structure, then finding your flow, then feeling the pulse of vitality that underpins it all and finally, opening the door to the playful mystery of perception. This is no quick fix. It is a lived art. A path that strengthens, softens and awakens. Whether you are seeking relief from pain,

“We simply remind you how to listen, how to move, how to breathe yourself whole again”

longing for freedom of movement, striving for peak performance, or simply yearning for a quieter mind, you will find your reflection here.

A weekend immersion. A circle of curious wonderful people gathering in Wicklow. Two days that can change the way you inhabit your body & mind. That changes the way you inhabit life. Your gift to yourself – your Biota – awaits. Will you accept the invitation?

Biotamethod.com @biota.method

Womb Whispers

A JOURNEY INTO WOMB MASSAGE THERAPY.

by Jennifer Mullaney

‘When I listen to the voice of my womb, I hear a beauty prayer, a beauty prayer’ – Marya Stark, vocalist

My personal womb healing journey began in my mid-30s when I experienced a return of extremely painful menstrual cycles that I had had in my early teens. I was a decade living in Barcelona and immersed in a vibrant and wonderful holistic community, and a trusted friend’s suggestion of trying Womb Massage Therapy proved transformative.

Each session felt gentle, nurturing and profoundly grounding, yet the deep inner work that followed felt indescribable yet innately familiar, like a sense of being held in a sacred cocoon. As my cramps eased and emotional blockages released, I discovered rich insights and a renewed connection between my heart and womb, thus inspiring me to share this healing modality with others.

Now in my mid-40s, I continue to embrace Womb Massage Therapy to accompany me through the next chapter of entering perimenopause.

While often solely associated with conception journeys, this is not entirely the case. At its essence, Womb Massage

Therapy is a sacred practice that supports all stages of the womb journey, from menarche to perimenopause to menopause and beyond.

Womb Massage Therapy has long been a sacred women’s practice – passed down through generations as a rite of renewal and reconnection. Rooted in ancient healing practices from Egypt, Greece, Native American traditions, and South American and ancient Irish midwifery, this abdominal and sacral massage supports the physical, emotional and energetic healing for those navigating menstrual challenges, perimenopause, menopause, conception journeys, and postnatal recovery – including symptoms associated with PCOS, womb prolapse, endometriosis, sacral blockages, digestive issues, and more. The practice honours the rhythms and cycles of womanhood, offering compassionate care that fosters hormonal harmony and womb wisdom. The treatment itself is a 60-75 minute session that begins with a gentle external massage of upper/lower back and sacral area, followed by a nurturing external abdominal massage combining physical, emotional, and energetic

“Womb Massage Therapy has long been a sacred women’s practice –passed down through generations”

support to honour the womb space. The massage works through the areas where women often store tension and emotional experience, offering a gentle yet profound release.

The treatment concludes with a ceremonial ‘closing of the bones’ or ‘restoring of the soul’ practice; where clients are gently wrapped in traditional Mexican rebozo cloths whilst immersed in the calming tones of sound bowls and sound healing instruments. Many describe this cocoon-like finale as a profound journey back to wholeness.

Jennifer Mullaney MNRRI is a fully accredited and insured holistic therapist based in Thurles, County Tipperary. She offers Womb Massage Therapy, reflexology and combined holistic treatments, and facilitates sound bath events and wellness workshops for community and corporate settings.

facebook.com/jenniferholistic instagram.com/jennifer_holistic_therapist

Divine Torus Creates

SACRED DESIGN, SCIENCE AND FREQUENCY.

by Mary McCarthy

The journey behind Divine Torus began with a deep curiosity about the unseen forces that shape human health and consciousness. After years of exploring energy work, sound healing, and the science of resonance frequency, I noticed how many of today’s physical and emotional challenges are tied to one thing: our bodies being out of harmony with its natural frequency.

I studied Product Design, Architecture, and Photography at the Limerick School of Art and Design, where I learned to see the world through the lens of form, proportion, and function. Later, I trained as a Sound Therapist Practitioner with the International Academy of Sound Therapy based in Cork. These studies and experiences inspired me to become the person I am today— someone passionate about creating frequency tools that bring people back into balance and harmony.

This realisation led me to experiment with tools that could restore harmony to the body’s electromagnetic field.

THE My.T Φ PENDANT: THE SCIENCE OF RESONANCE FREQUENCY AND SACRED GEOMETRY

The handcrafted My.T Pendant is designed using the Golden Ratio (Phi – ) — the mathematical blueprint found in nature, from sunflowers to the proportions of the human body and the structure of our DNA. The pendant’s torus shape mirrors the heart’s electromagnetic field, which radiates outward several feet and plays a key role in how we think, feel, and connect with the world.

Each pendant contains high-grade crystals (such as amethyst, turquoise, clear quartz, or elite Shungite C60 for EMF protection and many more) set in eco-friendly resin. Bare copper wire is hand-wrapped clockwise and anticlockwise to form a closed circuit, effectively creating a functional inductor coil. As your heart pulses, it generates an electromagnetic field. The My.T pendant interacts with this field through induction, creating a gentle, stabilizing resonant frequency that supports emotional balance, mental clarity, and overall coherence.

SACRED RAINSTICKS

The handcrafted sacred rain sticks are inspired by nature, the patterns of our DNA helix structure and the sound of falling rain — one of nature’s most soothing frequencies — these transparent rain sticks create a soothing spiralling sound that calms the nervous system and reconnects you with your natural rhythm and flow.

“ [I am] passionate about creating frequency tools that bring people back into balance.”

They are crafted from the finest clear acrylic and Beechwood, secured with brass screws for longevity and a refined finish. Inside, they are filled with organically grown amaranth seeds and/or glass beads, producing a tranquil sound that gently descends through the spiral. The Sacred Rain Sticks are available in three sizes, offering 8, 12, and 24 minute continuous streams of sensory rainfall. Ideal for sound baths, holistic treatments, or simply inviting harmony into your home, they are also wonderful for soothing children with ADHD and other sensory sensitivities, while gently helping both babies and adults drift into peaceful sleep.

PEMF HEALING COILS

Building on the principle of resonant frequency, I am developing compact PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) coils designed to connect directly to your device and emit gentle, restorative frequencies. These portable coils can be placed on any area of the body to encourage relaxation and support overall wellness.

PEMF therapy works by delivering subtle electromagnetic pulses that may help optimize healthy cell function at the mitochondrial level. Since mitochondria are the “powerhouses” of our cells, producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate) — the vital energy molecule that fuels nearly every biological process — this gentle stimulation may enhance cellular vitality.

Used worldwide to promote well-being and support the body’s natural recovery processes, PEMF therapy has a long history of application. This new design brings the benefits of this technology into a more accessible, wearable, and user-friendly form than ever before.

www.divinetorus.ie

@divinetorus

The key to healthier relationships

WHAT IF IT IS WITHIN YOU?

by Helen O’Flinn

We are all connected through energy. Every thought, emotion, and belief we carry shapes the frequency we emit and it is this frequency that then attracts others vibrating at a similar level. The state of our relationships is often a mirror reflecting our inner emotional or vibrational health.

Using energy healing modalities like Bio Energy, the Dawson Program, and Theta Healing allows us to release negative dynamics and shift the energy we hold within ourselves. As we change, so do our relationships. These therapies help uncover limiting beliefs, childhood programming, ancestral imprints, and unresolved emotional wounds that influence how we show up with others.

The Dawson Program works on realigning the body's energetic blueprint and correcting distortions in communication pathways between the brain and the body. Theta Healing goes to the root of subconscious beliefs, enabling fast and deep transformation. Bio Energy clears emotional blockages, supports the release of stored trauma, and restores natural flow between people and within the energy field.

Through this healing, we develop healthy boundaries, emotional awareness, and a deeper understanding of our role in relational dynamics. As we grow and evolve, relationships often shift – some deepen, others naturally fall away. We gain clarity on where we are placing our energy and power, and begin to make conscious choices about how we relate.

Relationships shape who we are. From our earliest bonds to our current connections, they influence how we express ourselves in the world. Working energetically to heal and strengthen these relationships allows us to show up as our most authentic selves.

Helen O'Flinn is Managing Director of the Bio Energy Academy of Dublin bioenergyacademyofdublin.com

“As we grow and evolve, relationships often shift –some deepen, others naturally fall away’”

Wellness Centred

HEALING HUB IN THE HEART OF CLONDALKIN

by Alison McEvoy

Howellness is a new holistic healing and wellness space in the heart of Clondalkin. I caught up with the owner Keith recently and learned about his vision for this fabulous space.

Keith has walked a difficult journey to have arrived where he is today. When addiction issues led to the end of his marriage, Keith began to seek real solutions. Addiction is a mental health issue, he notes, “it’s not liking how you feel and trying to change that…you’re trying to cover up something that’s there.”

When we finally become aware of what’s lying underneath, we can tend to our wounds and trauma in a way that is meaningful and healing. The route to healing is incredibly varied, with different therapies working for individual people. Keith has created a space for holistic and healing practitioners of all kinds to gather and support others, featuring relaxing therapy rooms and bigger studio spaces to host group classes and workshops.

"Uniquely, Howellness is also home to a zen vibes recovery room"

For Keith, it was Pranic Healing which supported him on his journey. Through Pranic Healing he found a way to release trauma and gain a sense of emotional freedom. For the last half a decade he has immersed himself in this practice and his idea for a wellness centre began when searching for a place to offer his services to others.

Uniquely, Howellness is also home to a zen vibes recovery room which will be very useful to those with injuries, managing health conditions or in recovery. It showcases a sauna, two plunge pools of varying temperatures, compression boots and a state-ofthe-art oxygen chamber.

This is a great space on the rise for therapists, teachers and those seeking a one-stop-shop for health and well-being.

@Howellness_centre Howellness.ie

Therapy Room Rentals

Studio Rentals

Sauna , Plunge Pools & Compression Boots

Hyperbaric Oxygen

Chambers

Yoga,Pilates,Breathwork Classes

Events

1A Village Centre, Station Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, D22FW14

Howellness.ie

01- 5722004

Circadian helpers

GETTING IN SYNC

by Aisling Cronin

Regulating our energy levels is one of the most effective methods of boosting our overall wellbeing – and we discovered a quick way of doing this during a recent talk by Dr Neil Nedley, a leading physician in mental health treatment and research.

One of the most intriguing areas of Dr Nedley’s research involves examining how our circadian rhythm affects our health, both mental and physical.

The term ‘circadian rhythm’ refers to the body’s natural sleep and waking cycles, which profoundly influence our everyday energy levels. Going to sleep and rising at the same time each day is key to maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm, as is managing our stress levels. However, busy schedules can make this challenging to achieve.

This is where AYO comes in. The company’s circadian health light therapy glasses – the world’s first – are designed to work alongside the wearer’s own biology to help regulate their energy and make restorative sleep easier to achieve.

The glasses are backed by extensive research. Rigorous clinical studies carried out in the fields of chronobiology (the study of biological rhythms) and light therapy over the past 20 years, in leading institutions such as Harvard, Oxford and NASA, have shown that actively supporting our circadian rhythm helps us to lead healthier, happier and more active lives.

Disciplines and insights from these studies form the cornerstone of the emerging science of circadian health. As one of the pioneers in this field, AYO itself is currently taking part in over 20 scientific studies – two of which have already been finalised and demonstrate that AYO’s glasses help to improve sleep quality, reduce sleep disturbances and improve wearers’ everyday performance.

The glasses work by making it easier for the wearer to get properly timed light.

Like sunlight, the AYO glasses' gentle blue light enters your eyes and stimulates sensory cells in the retina called photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells (ipRGCs). This sends a biological signal through the optic nerve towards your body’s master clock located in your brain, a natural mechanism essential in supporting your circadian rhythm.

Professor Dr Thomas Kantermann, Chief Scientific Officer at AYO, says: ‘The human body functions based on finely synchronised biological processes. Desynchronisation between social and biological time [frequent shift work is a common example] constitutes a regular challenge for many people nowadays. As a result, serious consequences for sleep, wellbeing and health can follow. Daily provision of timed light and dark exposure with additional “time cues” to the circadian rhythm will help maintain restorative sleep, wellbeing and health.’

A robust circadian rhythm has many health benefits, including the promotion of deep restorative sleep, a more efficient metabolism, longevity, a better mood and improved energy. The use of AYO’s light therapy glasses represents a quick and efficient way to unlock these benefits – and they look pretty cool, too.

“Like sunlight, the AYO glasses' gentle blue light enters your eyes and stimulates sensory cells in the retina”

goayo.com

Sound Therapy 1:1

BRINGING THE BODY INTO HARMONIC STATE FOR CALM AND TRANQUILITY

TREAT YOURSELF TO THIS HOLISTIC APPROACH IN RESETTING YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM

USING CRYSTAL AND TIBETAN BOWLS, CRYSTAL HARP, KOSHI CHIMES, TUNING FORKS AND MANY MORE INSTRUMENTS

Take back control with EYMER NOLAN HYPNOTHERAPY

unique map of our constitution. It can reveal inherited tendencies and areas that may need support long before symptoms appear. For me, it’s a beautiful tool for prevention. When we know ‘the hand we’ve been dealt,’ we can make choices that truly support our wellbeing.

I offer iridology both as a standalone session and as part of wider herbal

Based in Dublin 2, Greystones, Wicklow & Zoom

and naturopathic care. It helps me see the fuller picture of someone’s health, from the

before any weaknesses are allowed to set in.

strengths and support their weaker areas. It builds resilience and self-awareness that will stay with them for life.

If you’re curious, come and let your eyes speak. You may be surprised at what they reveal.

Thymeandtime.ie

“When we know ‘the hand we’ve been dealt,’ we can make choices that truly support

Press ‘reset’

PANCHAKARMA TREATMENT IN INDIA

by Sandra Lawes

Recently, I travelled to the Ayurveda Health Point Clinic in Pune, India. Under the care of the wise and compassionate Dr Nisar I did a Panchakarma - a deeply restorative Ayurvedic detox and rejuvenation therapy that works on every level of being. Rooted in ancient tradition, Panchakarma is designed to cleanse the body of toxins, calm the mind, and bring us back to a natural state of being. Each day began with yoga and pranayama breathing techniques followed by gentle abhyanga massage, herbal steam baths, and Basti - this involves introducing herbal oils into the colon via the rectum, like a warm enema. ‘Yikes!’ Was my first reaction, but I was surprised how quick I got used to it. Basti deeply nourishes, clears toxins (ama) and restores balance in the nervous system, supporting healthy elimination, immunity and energy.

“Panchakarma - a deeply restorative Ayurvedic detox and rejuvenation therapy that works on every level of being.”

One of my favourite treatments was Shirodhara, where warm oil streams steadily across the forehead, melting tension at its root. It works directly on the nervous system, calming an overactive mind, easing stress and anxiety, improving sleep, and supporting emotional balance.

Stepping into this slower, more conscious way of living was like pressing a reset button. After moving past the initial overwhelm of India’s intensity, I found myself opening to its colour, kindness, food, and culture. The whole journey was a reminder: when we pause, when we listen deeply, and when we live in alignment, body and mind can return to their natural state of harmony.

I now offer Shirodhara treatments at Oscailt, Dublin 4. As we move into autumn, Ayurveda’s Vata season, our bodies and minds can often feel dry, restless, and unsettled. Shirodhara is the perfect antidote: it nourishes and grounds the body, calms the nervous system, and invites a deep sense of inner stillness. For me, it feels like sharing a little of the balance and clarity I discovered in Pune.

Dr Nisar will be in Dublin from the 11th-16th of October doing Ayurvedic consultations and workshops. Contact: sandra@nurturewithin.ie for appointments.

Healing vibrations

BIORESONANCE THERAPY

by Alison McEvoy

Justyna’s story is one of tenacity and finding natural cures against the odds.

In 2011, as Justyna’s son was turning three months old, he developed eczema which grew to cover his entire body. A time that should have been filled with joy and bonding, turned into a battle. The GP’s, doctors and specialists which Justyna spoke to told her was this was going to be with her son for life. Her only option was to apply steroid cream to her infants’ entire body, and vast amounts of moisturisers three times daily, for an indefinite period of time.

Justyna began looking for alternatives. She came across bioresonance in Poland, a short distance from her hometown.

“I checked if there were any side effects…There were none –except that it might not work…At this point his skin was peeling off when I took off his clothes. It was just shocking for me…After four to five weeks of treatments his face was completely healed.”

Justyna struggled to get time off work to continue her son’s treatment. It was then that she and her husband decided to bring bioresonance to Ireland. After another 4 months of treatment at home, her sons’ skin was completely clear.

In 2014 Justyna left for Germany for a complete training in bioresonance and decided to offer treatments from Cork where she lives with her family.

Bioresonance therapy uses the body’s own electromagnetic vibrations, boosting the healing signals of the immune system and supressing the signals of allergens, toxins and stressors. In this way, the body’s’ natural healing mechanisms are supported from the inside out. This is strengthened by the individual’s willingness to make simple lifestyle adjustments to facilitate the body’s healing from the outside in.

Bioresonance has helped countless people with food intolerances, allergies, skin problems, parasites, chronic conditions and so much more.

Bioresonance.ie

Gut health heroes

SUPPLEMENTS BACKED BY A SHARED VISION.

by Aisling Cronin

Digestive health can be a tricky thing to get right – but achieving the correct balance is easier when you find products that work for you. We’ve recently tried out three supplement offerings from ARK Fusion: FIT Pro, Hydro Pro, and Soothe Biotix. Each product offers slightly different types of nutritional support, depending on each person’s individual needs – and the company’s website provides a Supplement Selector Quiz, so you can find the one that suits you perfectly.

ARK Fusion is based on the shared vision of husband-and-wife team Amanda and Rowan Kearns: to offer real solutions for optimal gut health.

Amanda is a PhD researcher in digital health user experience, as well as a registered nutritionist and founder of gut health clinic Inner Angel, which is dedicated to bridging the gap between science, technology and wellness. Rowan is a PhD researcher in probiotic innovation, specialising in the gut-brain connection, microbiome health and inflammation.

Experience Pranic Healing

A non touch energy healing technique to promote Physical, Mental and Emotional wellbeing.

Developed by and popularised Master Choa Kok Sui in the 1980’s, drawing from ancient energy healing traditions and modernised into a structured system.

The results are astonishing.

Treatments available on line or in person.

To hear more Contact: Joan Hunt 087 6443217 - joanhuntpranichealing@gmail.com

The pair’s wealth of experience in helping people to improve their digestive health has been brought to bear in ARK Fusion’s impressive range.

Amanda and Rowan’s backgrounds in clinical nutrition, digital health, and gut microbiome research form the backbone of their work. They believe in a concept they describe as “precision health”. This is a tailored approach to gut health and overall wellness that incorporates decades of research into microbiome science, clinically tested strains and functional ingredients and real-world insights from health practitioners and patients.

Thanks to the commitment of this dynamic duo and their ongoing research, every ARK Fusion product is crafted with purpose – prioritising efficacy, bioavailability, and purity. They firmly believe that optimal health begins with the gut.

arkfusionpro.com

“ARK Fusion is based on the shared vision of husband-and-wife team Amanda and Rowan Kearns: to offer real solutions for optimal gut health”

Connect over tea

A SIMPLE CUPPA SOOTHES THE MIND.

by Karin Mueller

September is all about setting the tone. A warm cuppa allows for moments of pause as work and school routines get back to full swing.

The act of sharing tea as a vehicle for connection and conversation is a ritual as old as time itself. Organic botanical infusions lend themselves to finding shared moments to pause and time to breathe. The warm aroma of freshly crushed spices, as well as floral scents of whole flowers and tea leaves unfurling slowly in your cup, invoke a ritual of grounding and presence in the moment.

“The ritual of shared tea invites all your senses to be present, coaxing a busy mind back into the body”

The ritual of shared tea invites all your senses to be present, coaxing a busy mind back into the body. The familiar whistle of the kettle, water splashing against the cup, colours swirling as the tea unfurls, and finally the warmth of the cup against the skin as the aroma of freshly infused botanicals drifts to meet the nose.

All of this can invite us to be more present in our busy lives, more present in our own bodies, and helps us to cultivate a felt sense of embodiment. From here, we can practise being more present in our relationships, whether it's your partner, best buddy, family or child – one sip and breath at the time.

Solaris Tea is a family owned business, located on the west coast of Ireland. It specialises in the blending and distribution of whole-leaf, organic botanical infusions and teas, free from artificial aromas and flavours.

Solaris Tea combines the therapeutic effects of essential oils and the synergistic effect of herbs and spices into organic botanicals. These delicious teas can create a sense of calm, help alleviate tensions and foster a feeling of community.

The unbeatable society

APPRECIATING THE NETWORKS WITHIN.

by Enrique Bored López

Have you ever wondered what true collaboration looks like? Every moment of your life, 85 to 110 trillion cells are interacting, connecting, and working together in perfect harmony. This invisible teamwork is what I like to call “the miracle of living.”

In spinology, we embrace a principle grounded in pure physiology: there is an innate attention and alertness for every vital need. Our cells communicate and coordinate effortlessly because they are guided by the innate wisdom of the body, operating through the remarkable neuroendocrine system.

This constant communication maintains homeostasis, the delicate functional balance that keeps us alive. Of course, for these relationships to remain perfect, the body’s communication pathways must stay clear and pristine.

When we compare this to our human world, the contrast is striking. Earth’s entire population – about 8 billion people – is tiny compared to the society of your cells. If maintaining harmony between two people can be challenging, imagine achieving it between countries and cultures. Sadly, our global relationships often fall far short of the model our body demonstrates every second.

Perhaps this unbeatable society within us is the perfect template for how we might live together—cooperative, responsive, and always aligned to a common purpose. Meanwhile, as you read this, the community of your cells continues its tireless, perfect work. Cherish it, nurture it, and protect it.

spinologia.eu

“Spinology embraces a principle rooted in pure physiology: there is an innate alertness for every vital need”

Enjoy Endless Fulfilment

AN ILLUSTRATIVE FERTILITY CASE.

by Alison McEvoy

Emerging from the couples’ sound bath with Attila, I felt such a sense of peace and openness in my heart. The sound and mantra symphony created by Attila is deeply harmonious and profoundly peace-full. The space itself oozes spiritual devotion, creativity and love. Attila and his wife Andrea’s artwork fills the walls and shelves of their beautiful garden-studio. Afterwards, Attila invited us to see some more of his artwork, and I felt like a valued guest, invited so warmly into their home.

Later, I learn of the individual life paths of Attila and Andrea and the moment at which they intertwined with one another. For Attila, it was Reiki which created shape for his spiritual path to unfold. Subsequently, he found Tibetan Buddhism and together these became “the two very strong, stable rocks in my life where I can connect when I have troubles.” They orientated him away from the ego and into the realm of heart and soul, where he remains rooted today.

Upon meeting Andrea, sparks flew when they realized there both share a love for the practice of Reiki. “I still think Reiki helped me to find Attila. One of the first

questions I asked him was ‘do you know what Reiki is?’ He laughed…He said, ‘I’ve been practising Reiki for twenty years!’”

Andrea had been struggling to find a partner and felt the need to look inwards, to “fix me”. It was Reiki which opened her up to her intuitive self, her energetic self, and began to shape her interaction with the world around her. As her journey with Reiki deepened, “everything started to unfold”. She felt she had outgrown her career in the corporate world and took the leap into working for herself as a reiki practitioner, teacher and life & love coach.

Andrea’s coaching skills came in handy when Attila was looking for another string to add to his bow. Taking a break from brainstorming, they were on a holiday in Hungary visiting a small Buddhist temple famed by the Guinness Book of World Records for being home to the largest Tibetan singing bowl. After a sound healing Attila felt inspired and confident that this was something he could do! Therein began the journey to fulfil Attila’s vision of combining the Tibetan healing mantras he knew with sound therapy. Together they sought out the specific sounds and

instruments which were part of Attila’s vision. Fulfilling spiritual and creative visions is very much a part of this couples’ life. Sharing this fulfilment with others is what they love about their work.

Together, Attila and Andrea offer individual and couples sound baths, reiki and sound therapy. I found this aspect of their offering unique - their ability to work with couples in such an integrated way. It is hard to put into words what is so fascinating about this couple, who work together, contemplate together, create together and heal together. It is beautiful, inspiring, and healing in itself to witness.

Their business title ‘Endless Fulfilment’ comes from the Tibetan Buddhist symbol of the Endless Knot. What is fleeting does not provide fulfilment it reminds us. Only that which is abiding can bring us true joy.

“I hope we can do what we do for a long, long time because we really enjoy what we do. Anything we do we do it with joy.”

(Attila)

Endlessfulfillmentcoachandreiki.com

“this couple…work together, contemplate together, create together and heal together.”

Focus on Fascia

FASCIA AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH MERIDIANS

by John Sharkey, Clinical Anatomist (BACA, AS)

Fascia-focused dissection has opened a new window into understanding the potential anatomical correlates of the meridian pathways described in traditional Chinese medicine. Conventional dissections, which privilege the removal of connective tissue in order to isolate “discrete” structures such as muscles, nerves, and vessels, obscure the very continuities that are most relevant to the study of meridians. By sparing fascia, my dissections preserve the integrity of intermuscular septa, fascial planes, and neurovascular conduits, revealing uninterrupted connective tissue pathways that traverse the body in patterns strikingly reminiscent of classical meridian maps. These investigations demonstrate that fascia is not a passive wrapping but a dynamic, sensory-rich continuum. Within this continuum, longitudinal fascial lines house vessels, nerves, and interstitial spaces that provide both structural and communicative capacity. When viewed in situ, the continuity of these fascial trajectories aligns with regions historically described as meridians, lending biological plausibility to what was once dismissed as metaphor.

Rather than reducing meridians to mere connective tissue tracts, fascia-focused dissection suggests a more integrative interpretation: meridians may be embodied expressions of the body’s fascial continuity, incorporating mechanical tensioning, fluid dynamics, and sensory transduction. By progressing from gross anatomical abstraction to fascia-preserving exploration, these dissections have advanced dialogue between biomedical science and traditional models. They offer a common ground where meridians can be appreciated not as mystical constructs but as experiential realities emerging from the body’s connective architecture. This perspective fosters interdisciplinary respect while inviting new research into how fascial continuity might underpin therapeutic approaches that engage meridian pathways.

“Meridians may be embodied expressions of the body’s fascial continuity…”

To learn more about fascia focused courses visit the National Training Centre at www.ntc.ie

therapy cleansing

THE BENEFITS OF COLONICS.

by Aisling Cronin

Colon cleansing, also known as colonic hydrotherapy, is a process that involves flushing out the large intestine with liquid such as water, usually administered through the rectum. The practice is commonly performed before certain medical procedures, so that healthcare professionals can see inside the intestine. It has also been hailed by many as a game-changer for health and vitality –particularly in terms of easing digestive discomfort.

Colon cleansing has a long history, practised by humanity for thousands of years and described in many written sources of the ancient world – the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all utilised some form of bowel cleansing as an important therapeutic procedure. As far back as the 6th century BC, the celebrated Indian Ayurvedic physician Sushruta described in his treatise ‘Sushruta Samhita’ a total of 121 surgical instruments, including a rectal speculum.

The enema piston syringe was in use from the 15th century. During the 17th century the Dutch physician Regnier de Graaf simplified the apparatus, inventing an intermediary flexible tube through which fluids could be injected without any pain or

danger to the patient.

The practice of colonic irrigation has evolved throughout the ages, from the simple tube of ancient times to the more sophisticated equipment used by present-day practitioners. Modern colonic hydrotherapy equipment forms a sealed system that carries away all the waste cleanly and hygienically.

Safety is of paramount importance, so modern equipment constantly maintains the water temperature and pressure within safe limits.

Most of the bowel’s important, health-promoting bacteria are present on the bowel wall and are not removed during a colonic hydrotherapy session. On the contrary – because these good bacteria breed best in a balanced environment, a colonic cleanse may improve their breeding environment and increase their numbers. However, if a therapist thinks that your bowel bacteria could be out of balance, they may suggest a probiotic after your treatment.

Colonic hydrotherapy now serves as a powerful addition to any wellbeing toolkit. This form of therapy – when administered under the guidance of a trained practitioner

– can bring a host of benefits. Many people who try it report positive results for their digestive health and overall energy levels.

One person who offers this service is Anny O’Neill, founder of the Art of Health holistic clinics in Kildare and Galway. She offers colonic hydrotherapy in the context of a wider digestive health assessment, with a specific focus on how to optimise digestion, absorption, detoxification and the elimination of body waste. Her consultations also involve an in-depth holistic assessment of diet, lifestyle, medical history, family history, sleep, energy patterns and stress levels.

Anny specifically concentrates on defining areas in her clients’ overall health that may require attention, to help determine whether colonic hydrotherapy will suit them. Based on her findings, a plan that prioritises a pathway to health is then outlined using diet, lifestyle, life mentoring and herbal medicine.

artofhealth.ie

“Colonic hydrotherapy now serves as a powerful addition to any wellbeing toolkit”

Miriam Hussey

A TOOLKIT FOR BODY, MIND AND SOUL

by Taylor Grace

After spending a decade in the world of pharmaceuticals, handing out thousands of medications, Miriam Hussey had her epiphany moment. A qualified pharmacist, integrative health and wellness coach, yoga and meditation facilitator, and author of her upcoming book Light Up, Miriam realised her true calling was on the other side of the counter, guiding people toward integrative health, preventative medicine, and holistic living.

In 2018, Miriam and her husband Gerry founded Soul Space, a movement dedicated to raising consciousness, awakening inner potential, and inspiring greater health and performance. Yet, as Miriam reflects, this calling has always been within her, drawing her deeper into the mind, body, and soul.

Her work is rooted in experience. From retreats to workshops, she experiences first-hand the profound transformations that unfold. “It’s not about us, we just hold the space for people to do the work.” Through practices that calm the nervous system, participants release, soften, and reconnect with their essence. Many leave looking lighter, brighter, and feeling more aligned.

Miriam’s upcoming book Light Up is an extension of her mission. Divided into three main pillars, Body, Mind, and Soul- it offers a toolkit of simple, free practices to restore balance and reconnect you to your inner light. Miriam describes her writing process as deeply personal and healing, inviting divine inspiration throughout. The name of the book coming to her in a meditative state one night with her daughter, deeply embodies her purpose. With endorsements from Marianne Williamson, Miriam sees this as both a personal milestone and a gift to others, a reminder that we are all in this together. Her message is clear, by honouring our essence, especially here in Ireland where many fall into dimming their light, we can step into truth, wholeness, and pure joy.

Join Miriam at her upcoming events and retreats, pre-order Light Up, and learn more, head to soulspace.ie

@miriamhussey_

The Art of Health

Ireland’s Leading Colon Hydrotherapy Clinics

Locations: Galway & Kildare

Anny O’Neill

With over 35 years of experience in both conventional and natural healthcare, Anny O’Neill is recognised as one of Ireland’s most experienced colonic hydrotherapy practitioners.

At The Art of Health, our clinics provide thorough assessments and personalised treatment plans designed to support digestive wellness and long-term health.

Additional Services

Herbal Medicine, Nutritional Therapy, Iridology, BodyTalk

W: www.artofhealth.ie

M: 0863898050

E: artofhealth@icloud.com Insta: artofhealth_

talking points

BRINGING IRELAND’S ACUPUNCTURISTS

by Shane McMunn

Big things can sometimes have very small beginnings, and this is the case in the story of the hopeful reunification of acupuncture in Ireland.

My part in this story began in February 2019. I had recently joined the executive committee of the Acupuncture Foundation Professional Association (AFPA), and one of my first tasks was to attend the general assembly of the European Traditional Chinese Medicine Association (ETCMA) in Portugal.

In Ireland, there are two large acupuncture associations: my association, the AFPA, and the Acupuncture Council of Ireland (ACI). At the time, our two associations were working independently of each other. As it was my first time as an official AFPA representative, I met my ACI counterpart with slight nervousness. We were both new to our committees, inexperienced, and open to change. What I learned after meeting him was that we weren’t that different, and fundamentally, we both had the same aspirations for acupuncture in Ireland. From this small encounter, our two organisations resumed communication for the first time in years. Slowly at first, step by step. And then, just as things were building, a new problem emerged: Covid.

Covid became the defining moment in the relationship between our two organisations. The existential threat to our profession galvanised our work together. One voice communicating to government

organisations and politicians, drafting policy, and employing legal advice all enabled us to get acupuncturists in Ireland back to work as soon as possible, and stay working through the subsequent lockdowns. It proved we could work together, and that we were stronger together than apart. There was the feel of a tide shift among the membership. There was an appetite for more.

“Our increasing cooperation was leading us on an inevitable trajectory: amalgamation"

As a result, in 2023 we held our AGMs on the same day and asked for a mandate from our respective memberships to work closer together. Initially under this new mandate, we attended the Ploughing Championships, screened an acupuncture movie, ‘Journey to the West’, and created a joint register of acupuncturists in Ireland. Our increasing cooperation was leading us on an inevitable trajectory: amalgamation.

Now we come full circle. In February 2024, I was once again in Portugal at an ETCMA general assembly. I was sat beside that same ACI member I first met five years ago, Keir McNamara. Both of us now serve as Chairs of our respective associations. The time had come to move

TOGETHER.

from cooperation to amalgamation, and so over that weekend, we drew up a plan of how to achieve our goal. Since then, we have met regularly, especially in the last year, and have now completed all the documentation needed to run a modern and professional acupuncture association. One that holds our members to the highest standards, gives reassurance to the public that our acupuncturists are professional, competent, and accountable, and champions the cause of acupuncture in Ireland.

Only one thing remains – our joint AGM this November.

This year, both the AFPA and the ACI will be holding their AGMs on the 8th of November, and we will be putting the amalgamation to a vote by the membership. I believe we will get a “yes,” and that this will be a true boon for acupuncture in Ireland.

The register of acupuncturists in Ireland is available at acupunctureireland.org

Shane McMunn is an acupuncturist based in Sligo and Chair of the AFPA. He is also completing a degree in Chinese Studies and is active in national and European acupuncture policy. You can contact him at info@sligoacupuncture.ie

building biology

CREATING A

HEALTHY HOME.

by Laura Canavan-Hayes

Could a healthy, natural home be the missing piece of your holistic health journey?

In a nutshell, Building Biology is the art and science of healthy buildings. Think of your building as your second skin, breathing like an organism.

I found Building Biology after years of searching for ways to reduce my inflammation. I had severe eczema, lifethreatening anaphylaxis and major allergies to foods, products, chemicals, dogs, cats and mould. I had seen doctors and healers of every sort and I couldn’t get to the bottom of what was going on in my body.

I turned a corner after finding functional, or root-cause medicine, and integrated functional food and movement into my life after doing my first elimination diet - a powerful thing for anyone to do! I also developed a spiritual practice (an ongoing journey!).

A close friend of mine became a Building Biologist and after applying many changes to my first home, an enormous shift took place!

I had vitality again, weaned myself off antihistamines and my IGE went from 1403 to 542 (it should be <80!). I eased into a beautiful pregnancy and natural birth, feeling the best that I had ever felt! Before I knew it, I was training to become a Building Biology Environmental Consultant. At the time, I was finally having success as a screenwriter though I had a huge realisation that my purpose was to help other people to create healthy homes. Our mission, as a global community, is to help create healthy homes, schools, and workplaces free of toxic indoor air,

tap-water pollutants and hazards posed by electromagnetic radiation. We care deeply about human health and the ecology of the planet. Everything that we create, wash down the sink and use, goes back into our soil. We are all the guardians of the earth’s precious soil, which is more depleted now than ever.

I would love to share my top three tips for the beautiful ‘Positive Life’ community -

1. Our walls cover a lot of space in our homes, so natural paint goes a long way. I love Auro, clay and lime-based, with earth pigments and so natural as to be compostable! We favour natural varnishes on wood and other surfaces with ingredients like beeswax, linseed oil and orange oil. The kids can help because they contain no harmful chemicals!

2. Natural furniture - I work with Dormiente because they test for over two hundred harmful chemical residues twice a year at a high-end lab in Germany. Their materials are organic and harvested sustainably They use rubber latex, hemp, organic cotton, organic pure new wool, bamboo and coconut coir. My favourite is Eri non-violent silk - a butterfly that exits the cocoon before harvesting. Monks in India have been using this small family farm’s silk in their garments for thousands of years.

3. Minimise Electromagnetic fields as much as possible, especially while you sleep. Your phone is the biggest

“Our mission, as a global community, is to help create healthy homes, schools, and workplaces free of toxic indoor air, tap-water pollutants and hazards…”

exposure so turn off mobile data, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when you don’t need it and hardwire if you can.

4. Ventilation, ventilation, ventilationmanaging moisture to prevent mould and use natural ventilation and sunlight where possible.

thebioweavermethod.com

Laura is the creator of The BioWeaver Method, a Building Biologist at Dormiente Ireland, Functional Medicine Health and Wellness coach and yoga teacher.

Navan Acupuncture Clinic Market House, Timmons Hill. C15N525 Mondays and Thursdays. Dublin: Roches Centre 153 Kimmage Road Lower. D6W RD30. Tuesdays and Fridays.

The Apple Farm Cider Vinegar

embracing freedom

WHAT URANUS IN GEMINI MEANS FOR YOU

by Mariana Saad

Outer planet sign changes hold a deep archetypal power. Uranus is the last slow planet to move into a new sign this year. It officially opens the doors to a new astrological era, unlocking a new sevenyear cycle of unpredictable energy and breakthroughs.

Uranus moved into Gemini on July 7th 2025, where it will remain until November 7th when it will dip back into Taurus. Uranus will then return to Gemini in May 2026, where it will stay until 2033.

This is the start of an exciting period. Uranus, the cosmic awakener, likes to shake things up, promises sudden shifts, and prompts us to open up our minds and step into greater freedom. We may notice a growing sense of curiosity, a strong desire to do things differently, and break free from patterns and societal conventions that hold us back from expressing our authentic selves and free spirit. What felt comfortable and stable can become boring under this transit and compels us to take a different direction outside the status quo.

Ruled by Mercury, Gemini is the

sign of invention, versatility, and intelligence. Uranus in the sign of the Twins is progressive and futuristic. It has a fast tendency to call us to learn and connect in new ways. Expect acceleration in how we process information and think. Current systems of education risk becoming quickly outdated, while Artificial Intelligence plays a more significant role.

In our daily life, Uranus in Gemini is asking us not to follow our regular routines anymore. You can start with minor changes to help you navigate the bigger shifts coming our way starting next year. Whatever change you undertake might not get you social acceptance, but it can bring you closer to yourself.

Over the next seven to eight years, Uranus in Gemini can bring changes to the way we creatively express ourselves. New looks, new trends, will appear. A drive for greater space and freedom will play a big part in people’s lives. The energy of protest and revolution can widely expand to overthrow specific political or societal structures. A sense of acceleration and speed can be noticeable, and we might not be able to catch up with it.

Thinking outside the box and the ability to be flexible and adaptable in all circumstances are the best ways to navigate this transit.

At a personal level, it is the Gemini part of your chart that is going to be mainly affected by the change. You are going to have a fresh reset in that area of life. What felt stagnant or stuck can be re-energised over the next few years.

Take the time to journal on what you would like to change. Don’t worry about how things might come together, but instead focus on your intentions. Uranus in an unbounded Air sign promises us endless possibilities. If you find yourself on a road less travelled, remember to pause and celebrate your personal revolution.

Mariana is a Dublin-based astrologer offering one-to-one chart readings and personal astrology forecasts online through Zoom. Learn more about her at

marianasaadastrology.com @mariana_saad_astrology

“Uranus, the cosmic awakener, likes to shake things up and prompts us to open up our minds”