Thank you and happy Christmas.

As the end of 2022 approaches, I believe that it's important to reflect on the year gone past, to acknowledge the growth and deep learning we've all experienced so far and to set intentions for next year too. I'm not one for resolutions as such, however I do like to set goals, strengthen boundaries and to reflect on dreams too, after all, it's important to dream.

One of my dreams and indeed goals is to have more fun, to enjoy the little pleasures of life whatever they may be, to laugh with family and friends and to challenge myself by pushing myself out of my comfort zone too. How can challenging yourself be FUN I hear you ask? Well, I might be a bit unusual, but I get a huge sense of satisfaction from achieving gals and that rush of happy hormones counts as fun in my book! What are your goals and dreams for 2023? Are they family, career or fitness based? What about lifelong learning? Would you like to learn a new skill, a new craft or even change career? If yes, what's holding you back?

Oftentimes the only one holding us back is ourselves and possibly fear of failure, but what if you actually succeeded? What if this time next year you were reflecting on a new goal achieved? Food for thought. And finally, thank you so much to everyone who supported my business in 2022 and I look forward to seeing you all again next year.

Happy Christmas. Pat @blarneywellnesscentre

New beginnings at Blarney Wellness Centre

As we near the end of 2022, I find myself reflecting on the year gone by and the enormous changes and growth I've experienced thus far.

The greatest changes are that I moved from my room of 5 years to a larger and brighter one just next door and I'm so glad that I took the risk AND that I decided to begin a degree of which I'll speak more about at a later date. Suffice to say that it's enormously challenging yet deeply rewarding so far.

I'm delighted to bring back guided meditation classes on friday mornings and I have 3 evening dates coming up very soon too (see list below). Expect relaxation and beautiful candlelight.

I am deeply grateful to my incredible clients and yoga students for booking again and again and I thank you too to those who've booked in for next year.

Dates:

Morning meditation: Friday 18th November & 16th of December 10:30am-12pm.

Evening meditation: Friday November 25th 7-8:30pm. Check out my Insta & Facebook pages for further details.

Thank you so much.

Pat xxx

Meditation: an essential part of the wellness formula.

During what seemed like our millionth lockdown, I embarked on a wonderful journey through the myriad of meditation styles, not just to appease my inner hippy but to deep dive into a scientifically proven method of wellness and as I dove deeper into the science of the brain and the chemical reactions caused by chronic stress and it's impact on our physical bodies also, I realised that while there's no "one size fits all" solution, that there is an actual formula to wellness albeit tailored to the individual.

And meditation plays a huge part in that formula. The image of a meditator sitting in lotus pose, chanting in Sanskrit has been replaced by mindfulness, being in our bodies, writing, humming, singing, cold water swimming, creative visualisations and so many more, however, if lotus pose chanting is your thing, that's utterly wonderful.

When we "mindlessly" scroll through social media or find ourselves watching the news with all of it's negativity. our bodies and senses are not engaged. Coming back to our bodies with a simple "body scan" technique can take a huge difference, allowing our para-sympathetic nervous system to work it's magic (rest and digest).

What are the various types of meditations?One of the most powerful methods of meditating is journalling, get those thoughts, hopes, dreams and worries onto a page, when they're in black and white they might make more sense and a solution might arise more quickly than if our thoughts remain muddled in our minds. We also have zen meditation, creative visualisation, silence which can be one of the most difficult types to master within our noisy worlds, sound baths and so many more.

The joy of teaching meditation.I adore teaching meditations, they allow my creative mind to flow and the energy in the room is always palpable. I feel immense joy when my fellow meditators look so completely relaxed, in fact, their yawns are a giveaway sign and an even greater joy is the knowledge that there is something for everyone, whether your'e a visual or sensory learner.

And to sum up my little meander through the mind, I've heard that some medics are "prescribing" meditation, yoga and reflexology to their patients.
And to that I say......OM!!

Thank you for reading.

Check out my Instagram and Facebook pages for details of upcoming events.

Pat

The Power of the mind.

I think we sometimes underestimate the incredible power of our minds and indeed the power of either negative or positive thinking and mindsets.

What if we were to change the inner script? What could possibly go wrong? Well, nothing. In fact, did you know that by creating and practicing positive statements about ourselves, we CAN actually become more proactive, productive and happier and this can even impact the physical self, deepen sleep, improve digestion and so much more.

We are not separate from our thought processes, our physical bodies are intrinsically linked with our minds and with some subtle yet consistent habit changes we can positively impact our health in every way. How powerful would this be for children too, they've been through so much in the last 2 years and teaching them some wonderful positive affirmations would be an incredible gift.

Positive affirmations do not need to be complicated or long winded to be effective, my advise is to keep it simple because the mind likes uncomplicated, well, most minds anyway 🙂 There are countless examples online (Please note that if you choose a sleep meditation that I'd advise listening to it while awake first to ensure that it really is suitable for your needs) or you can create your own too depending on your requirements. Here are a few examples:

I am calm, relaxed and in control.

I am very capable in my life.

I am loved by my family and friends.

I love my body and I'm grateful every day for the amazing things it does for me.

I approach every task with enthusiasm and I ask for help when I need it.

One of the most powerful brain training exercises is to record affirmations and listen daily, your own voice is the one YOU best respond to, it empowers you. I wish you the very best.

If you're up for some related and definitely not light reading I'd recommend The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk.

Pat xxxx

Reflexology Lymph Drainage in Blarney.

I think we'll all agree that it's been yet another extraordinary year, with many highs and lows, with covid and other expressions we never expected to become part of our daily vocabulary from case numbers to PCR and antigen tests and so forth. And what a year it's been here at Blarney Wellness Centre too, I'm delighted that I had the opportunity to deepen my knowledge of the benefits of a dedicated meditation and mindfulness practice with my new qualification as an holistic counsellor and I recently qualified as a Reflexology Lymph Drainage Practitioner (RLD).

This groundbreaking and indeed game-changing therapy is incredibly supportive of lymphatic function and immunity and can give those who experience treatments a new lease of life and the results experienced by clients so far are amazing. I treat the person and not the condition and at each visit we discuss lifestyle including stress, pain and sleep issues and so much more.

Using this invaluable information I intuitively know what to work on to help balance body and mind and RLD falls beautifully into this. You can avail of a blended treatment OR exclusively RLD. Reflexology Lymph Drainage is suitable for most people except if you've active cellulitis, kidney failure or a heart defect.

I was also delighted to teach in person yoga classes again and I look forward to classes next year.

But more importantly than any of the above, I could not work in my chosen career without my wonderful and loyal clients and customers. You've booked again and again, recommended me to your friends and families and kept me going in the toughest times. A very special thank you also to my zoom Yogis and Yoginis who showed up week after week despite some technical difficulties.

So as we say goodbye to 2021 and a hopeful hello to 2022, I wish you all the happiest Christmas and a peaceful new year.

Thanks again. Pat

Ps please forgive the shameless advertising image!! 🙂

Pregnancy reflexology at Blarney Wellness Centre

There is nothing more wonderful than treating pregnant women with the sublime reflexology and I'm so happy to offer it to clients throughout their pregnancies. I've worked with hundreds of women and their partners over the 2 plus decades that I've been a therapist and it never ceases to inspire and amaze me.

Watching the body as it changes, being able to help with swollen ankles, morning/all day sickness and discomfort is wonderful and the excitement when baby arrives is truly a gift. But above all I'm there to support every woman.

When is a good time to begin treatments? If you're a client of mine before you fall pregnant then we carry on with adjustments to your treatments, if you're new to my practice, I'll see you at approx week 32+. I treat the woman and not the pregnancy, it's a wonderful natural process and is truly unique to each woman, as are their feet!

If you'd like to begin treatments or purchase a gift voucher you can contact me at 087-9721149.

Thank you for reading.

Pat

Clinical reflexologist at Blarney Wellness Centre