In our Winter 2018/19 issue, Gemma Hurditch of the College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM) shared her tips for maintaining excellent dental health, and why this is vital for overall health and wellbeing. We are pleased to share her article in full below!
In this extract from our Autumn 2018 issue, Davie Philip talks about how we can change our collective mindset to one of collaboration and openness.
By Davie Philips
Change is constant. However, recently the pace seems to be accelerating. To cope with this, and to make the transition to a healthy society based on fairness, wellbeing and sustainability, we need to shift worldviews and open our minds and hearts to fresh ways of thinking. So what kind of thinking would enable us to flourish in uncertainty?
Currently, we are locked into an individualistic worldview where reductionist or mechanistic thinking dominates. This mindset breaks everything down into parts to be analysed and measured. By understanding the parts and how they function, we presume we can understand everything important there is to know about something. This reductionism is useful for understanding inanimate things, or simple systems like machines, but can be destructive when applied to living systems. It also tends to lead to a silo mentality, which is inward looking and resists sharing information and resources.
We justify our superiority over the environment when we think we are separate and with this worldview we create fragile, linear systems. Through the diversity and complexity of their webs of relationships, and by sharing resources across their boundaries, living systems increase wellbeing and resilience. Observing these patterns and principles of natural systems might provide us with vital insights into how to redesign our socioeconomic systems to be collaborative, regenerative and resilient.
So, how might we shift our thinking?
Our current way of thinking is rooted in the industrial revolution. This period of human development was dependent on a mechanistic worldview and has dominated and influenced our behaviour ever since. In integral philosophy, worldviews evolve by including and transcending preceding worldviews. So rather than an ecological mindset replacing a mechanistic one, instead it provides a different perspective and access to another type of knowledge with which to navigate the world.
We cannot make the transformation the world needs without making an inner transformation in our thinking. With an ecological worldview we think in terms of process, pattern, flow, connectedness, and relatedness. I believe that as we become more conscious we evolve to hold an ecological worldview. According to theologian Thomas Berry, we will then realize that we live in a world which is a “communion of subjects,” not just a “collection of objects.”
Davie Philip is a group facilitator and trainer who manages the Community Resilience programme at Cultivate. Davie is collecting stories of transformational community led projects: if you are involved in something in your area, do send him an e-mail.
As winter slowly but surely begins to release its grip, what better way to celebrate than by checking out some of the most enlivening products, events and getaways the new season has to offer? We have picked out some of the best and brightest below. This Spring Vibes section is featured in our just-released Spring issue, available now at stockists around the country. You can also subscribe to have this magazine – and the next three for the year ahead – delivered straight to your door.
Delphi Adventure Resort
__________________
‘Is the spring coming?’ he said. ‘What is it like?’
‘It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine…’
Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden
Delectable Delights
If you’re in the mood for indulgence, check out the adorable Cake Room, located on 19A Main Street, Blackrock, Dublin. This popular café serves breakfast, lunch, drinks, coffee … and of course, a dazzling array of cakes. Their reputation for high quality service has earned them a well-deserved place in customers’ hearts.
facebook.com/TheCakeRoomBlackrock
All Shouk Up
For a dining experience with a difference, we highly recommend Shouk, an Eastern Mediterranean restaurant in Drumcondra, north Dublin. Shouk is tucked away in a beautiful redbrick Victorian building that just oozes character. Our advice? Try the mezze platter. You won’t regret it.
YOPE’s New Hope
Polish cosmetics brand YOPE is releasing three gorgeous new hand creams: ginger and sandalwood, tea and mint, and salvia and green caviar. ‘They contain 98% natural or low-processed ingredients, most of which are valuable oils and plant extracts,’ explains YOPE creator Karolina Kuklinska-Kosowicz. You can’t say nope to these beauties.
Naturally Cleaner Teeth
Irish brand Happy Humphry is fully committed to delivering great dental care products with excellent customer service. Their 100% Natural Activated Charcoal Powder is derived from coconuts – one of nature’s most powerful healing sources – and their activated charcoal is 100% natural with no chemicals and no fluoride. Happy days!
Authentically Irish
The Ría Organics Energising Day Cream provides essential all-day hydration. Certified COSMOS-Organic, this unique rosehip blend is packed with hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and help reduce the appearance of fine lines. Ría Organics is planting its own organic roses this spring to produce rosehip oil for its products.
Dazzling Domes
For a break with a difference, check out the beautiful Forest Domes of Finn Lough in Northern Ireland. These domes feature 180º transparent walls that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquillity of the surrounding countryside. Ensconced in the comfort of these domes, you can enjoy a night of stargazing like no other.
Soul Rejuvenation
SaolBeo has created an inspirational retreat this May in the beautiful Inistioge, Co.Kilkenny. This will include accommodation, freshly prepared vegan meals, guided yoga, meditation, Feng Shui classes, a Beauty Ritual workshop and of course, plenty of time to explore the breathtaking surroundings of Inistioge. For further information please contact Tara at hello@saolbeo.ie.
Unlock Life’s Magic
Jody Mountain’s new online course – The Body Consciousness Training – is aimed at awakening our bodies’ cellular wisdom. She will also offer a transformational retreat at The Boghill Centre in Co. Clare from May 26 to June 1. Here, mystical movement, music, breath and Ancient Bodywork will reignite our essential wisdom.
Davidji’s Wisdom
While training under Deepak Chopra, Siobhan McKenna of PerfectHealth.ie met Deepak’s then lead educator, Davidji. She is now thrilled to bring Davidji to the Velvet Strand, Co. Dublin, for a unique meditation workshop from April 13–15. Positive Life readers can avail of a €50 discount off a standard price ticket. Visit perfecthealth.ie and use the discount code PHPLDJI.
Delve into Delphi
In need of revitalisation? Look no further than Delphi Adventure Resort’s fantastic Spring Cleanse Retreat, a yoga weekend designed to de-stress and rejuvenate the body, mind and soul. This retreat runs from April 13 – 15. If you can’t make it, don’t worry: Delphi will hold another retreat in September!
An Evening With Anamarta
If you want to learn more about how the ancient healing practices of the Tao can help you to feel more revitalised and balanced in your everyday life – and the powerful role that sexual energy has to play in this process – then come along to our evening with the much-loved Tao teacher Anamarta. She will be visiting us at Positive Nights for a special evening on Thursday March 22nd, from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. More details are available here.
Our Mantak Moment
Grandmaster Mantak Chia will teach in Dublin for the first time in May 2018, leading two fascinating workshops: ‘Foundation/Basic Practices’ and ‘Sexual Alchemy: Healing Love Practices’. We are thrilled to be welcoming him to Positive Nights on Thursday May 17th. This unique opportunity to learn from a living Tao Master is not to be missed.
positivelife.ie/positivenights
Mind-Body Unity
Join world-leading health expert and best-selling author Dr. Gabor Maté for a very special two-day workshop in Cork, starting on June 30th. Dr. Maté will share his insights and wisdom on mental health, stress, addiction, trauma, health, ADHD and childhood development disorders. Register here: bookwhen.com/gabormate.
Erase Your Ennui
Fans of the classic synthpop band Erasure will be thrilled to hear that they have rescheduled their Dublin gigs in the Olympia Theatre, Dublin, after being forced to bow out in January due to illness. The new shows will take place on Tuesday 13th, Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th of March. Tickets that were purchased for the January gigs will be eligible for the new dates. You can book tickets and find more information via this link. The support act on the night will be Ekkoes.
Full Blooded
Linda O’Connor founded the private blood testing company Bloodworks in 2013 after undertaking years of research into phlebotomy. Bloodworks now offer over 3000 tests, ranging from basic health screenings to genetics testing, with no consultant request required. The services of a holistic doctor and counsellor are also available to all clients.
Heal with Dheai
Dheai Ilsaaid is a general Oriental practitioner and author with extensive training in acupuncture, Reiki, massage, iridology and more. He addresses health issues from every aspect: emotionally, physically, structurally, and functionally. Dheai treats children under the age of fifteen for free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Contact him on 086 077 7700 to arrange an appointment.
Improving You
Cannabis CBD Oil or CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a nutrient compound found in the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. Hemp is a source of nutrients unlike any other, containing all the families of essential fatty acids. ImproveMe CBD Oil is filled to the brim with nutritional and health promoting properties.
Chaga Cheers
For a healthy brew with a difference, try Chaga tea. It has a deliciously rich earthy flavour similar to coffee, but those who try it report feeling energised yet calm. Chaga Tea Ireland’s founder Philip says, “Chaga mushroom is known as the ‘King of Mushrooms’, and with good reason. I haven’t had a cold or flu in four years.”
Mooji’s Invitation
The renowned spiritual teacher Mooji recently released a new book called An Invitation to Freedom. If you are longing for a profoundly clear and direct guide to Self-realisation, Mooji’s Invitation is for you. In this radiantly alive pocketbook, he will lead you into the recognition of your own infinite Self.
The wellness coach and author Alison Canavan is currently bringing her fascinating health tour, The Full 360 Series, all over the country. On Sunday, February 4th, the latest leg of the tour is set to take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Northgate Street, Athlone. Tickets cost €109 and can be booked at alisoncanavan.com/the-full-360. To avail of a 10% discount for Positive Life readers, just use the discount code ‘positivelife’ when purchasing a ticket.
Alison Canavan’s Full 360 Series has made its mark in Dublin twice: first in September 2017, and again in January. The Full 360 tour aims to empower attendees to take control of their own health by showcasing a large variety of natural products and simple everyday self-care tips. The tour has also hosted many expert exhibitors and speakers such as David Gilna, Jennifer Rock (a.k.a. The Skin Nerd) and Miriam Kerins.
If you missed the Dublin shows, the good news is that there are three more scheduled events set to take place in Athlone, Cork and Kilkenny over the next few months. The Athlone show is just a few days away, on Sunday, February 4th. This short video will give you a taste of what you can expect at the event.
People who attend the event will receive a nutritious lunch, a goody bag of natural products worth over €100, and the opportunity to learn a wide range of wellness tips that can help them to lead more productive and positive lives. There will also be a wide variety of talks on subjects such as gratitude, meditation, mindfulness, healthy eating, and stress reduction.
“People are more stressed and busier than ever,” Alison explains on her website, “and we all put enormous pressure on ourselves to be everything to everyone, often treating ourselves quite harshly and negatively. It’s time to practice self-care to cope with the demands of our busy world. The Full 360 is about joining the dots with our health and wellbeing and having fun along the way.”
Event sponsors include natural make up company Couleur Caramel, Eskimo-3, Wild Nutrition, Dr. Bronner’s, Dr. Coy’s, Pukka, and the Eden Beauty Group. These companies, and many more, will be present on the day to display their amazing products and offer their guidance on how customers can enhance their health. If you cannot make it to the Athlone event, don’t worry: two further event dates are scheduled for Cork and Kilkenny later this year. These dates are below.
March 25th at the Radisson Blu, Little Island, Cork
April 15th at the Lyrath Estate Hotel & Spa, Kilkenny
Visit alisoncanavan.com/the-full-360 for tickets and booking information. Tickets for the Athlone show are €109 each. Early bird tickets, which cost €99, are still available for the events in Cork and Kilkenny. To avail of a 10% discount for Positive Life readers, just use the discount code ‘positivelife’ when purchasing a ticket. You can find out more about Alison’s work at becomplete.ie.
Here is our action-packed Winter Vibes section from our new Winter 2017 issue, available in our stockists across the country now. You can also subscribe to receive this magazine – and the next three for the year ahead – direct to your door.
“Ah, World, what lessons you prepare for us, even in the leafless winter, even in the ashy city.” Mary Oliver
Be the Super You
Dr Joe Dispenza’s new, spellbinding book is just the read to transport you away from the winter gloom and into the
sublime, inner realms, where anything is possible. Becoming Supernatural guides us towards the realisation that we are naturally supernatural beings and, through wisdom ancient and cutting edge, enhances the creative and mystical capacities that make us so.
becomingsupernatural.com
Ecological Education
Eager to heed the call towards a more sustainable life? The Jungle Oasis of Goa awaits you; home to hands-on,
internationally renowned, certificate courses in Permaculture Design. Join individuals from all over the world this
March 2018 to build sustainability skills and learn to design according to Nature’s own principles.
thejungleoasispermacultureproject.org
Find Meaning
Activate your grey matter through some meaningful inquiry this winter as nationwide Schools of Practical Philosophy offer introductory courses; exploring the meaning of wisdom, truth and consciousness – the most essential elements of our human being-ness. Drawing from the teachings of East and West, they offer innovative inquiry into age-old questions.
practicalphilosophy.ie
Holistic Business
If you are a fledgling holistic business, take this winter to nest on ways to build solid foundations and sky-high visions for the business you love. Christine Judd is here to help with her new book Clarity; Create a Holistic Business You Love – providing step by step, practical guidance and the necessary skills to establish a prosperous holistic business.
christinejudd.com
Plot your Purpose
Brainchild of lead-coach James Parnell, the Well Being Gym is a virtual gym for mind, body and soul; delivering top-class navigational tools to guide you towards optimum, personal well-being and professional performance. Online and offline, you’ll find coaching, training programmes and workshops on topics such as mastering your workload,
managing your energy and activating a personal sense of happiness and meaning.
thewellbeinggym.com
Christine Judd
Muscle Methods
Become adept at the art of muscle testing and develop the ability to decipher vital information on the needs of the body, mind and spirit. The Academy of Systematic Kinesiology offers training courses around the country for both beginner and advanced practitioners of this wholistic healing art. Check out their website for more.
kinesiologyzone.com
Super Immune Boost
Boasting unparalleled ‘Bioavailability’, award-winning Better You™ Turmeric oral spray is designed to deliver. Research has revealed that where digestion is impaired, spray is superior when it comes to transporting the immune-supporting superpowers of Turmeric to your body.
betteryou.com
Essential Pick-me-up
Smell, inhale or diffuse them – each aroma of essential oil is a mini-messenger of uplift or unwind. Karl Murray, founder of Kotanical, is Ireland’s first hand-distiller of home-grown Irish essential oils. Check out his range online, from laid-back Lavender to festive Frankincense.
kotanical.ie
Kotanical
Plant Power
Sun Chlorella has just unveiled a new supplement starlet – Sun Eleuthro. Traditionally acclaimed by its use in Chinese Medicine, this East Asian plant is now also scientifically acclaimed to be anti-aging, aphrodisiac and a strong support for the liver. Check out more of its plethora of healing powers online.
sunchlorella.co.uk
Winter Glow
Gain and maintain a glowing complexion this winter with Wild Power Wheatgrass. This cold-pressed, organic, liquid
life-force is brimming with vitality, anti-oxidants and alkaline power to keep you shining all winter long. Available in stores in Ireland and online.
squeezewheatgrass.co.uk
Seasonal Support
This turn of season, why not invest in lifestyle guidance to come out the other side of winter a healthier and happier
you. For motivational insights on small changes of diet and daily ritual that yield big rewards, talk to Chiara on all Matters of Nourishment.
amatterofnourishment.com
A Matter of Nourishment
Future of Vitamin C
Promising ‘site-specific delivery’, ultramodern Lipsomal Vitamin C is packaged and protected to bypass the digestive process and get straight to the heart of immune system cells. Give it a try and ensure your efforts to keep yourself primed against pesky winter bugs hits the high-tech mark.
altrient.com/liposomal-vitamin-c
Vegans Galore
As foodie fate would have it, Dublin is now home to the Serendipity Vegan Café. Sit down to breakfast, brunch and lunch vegan on raw salads, nori wraps, vegan treats and what is hailed as the ‘best vegan burger ever’!
instagram.com/serendipity_vegan_cafe
Sustainability is a Virtue
Time to rethink your toothbrush? Small steps pave the way to sustainability where “everything counts in large amounts.” Think VirtueBrush; a plastic-free, bamboo-handled, charcoal-bristled toothbrush with a conscience – this
Dublin-based company plants one tree for every VirtueBrush sold.
virtuebrush.com
James Parnell
Yoga round the clock
YogaHub has recently sprouted a new bud, this time in Castleknock at Junction 6. From high-flying Acro to low-lying Yin yoga, there is something to suit all yogi tastes – every day of the week!
theyogahub.ie/castleknock
By Orla Bass
James French is the founder of the Trust Technique, a simple technique derived from the understandings of Animal Communication and Reiki healing, that he and his partner Shelley teach to animal owners and rescue centres around the world. James’ dream is that all humans learn to treat animals with mindful regard, using trust rather than fear as their point of connection.
The Trust Technique recognises that animals and humans share feelings, and is based on the belief that through mindful interaction, anyone can learn the simple skill set to communicate with their animal and create a peaceful, confident and trustful relationship. James’ connection with animals began at an early age. He admits he was incredibly fortunate to have had a challenging childhood. His family experienced a lot of pain and upset. However, for James, this meant that he discovered a healing connection with the animals that surrounded him on the family farm. These animals were his lifeline, supporting him during those turbulent times. He now believes that the Trust Technique was first shown to him by the compassionate support of the animals through these childhood connections.
Our emotions impact theirs, and their behavioural issues can result from a lack of understanding of their needs. The Trust Technique is about teaching people to help their animal. For James, “you can’t just go and mend an animal. If you don’t change the environment, the animal will revert to its old behaviour.” They have a saying that “sensitivities never leave but they can be transformed.” Through mindful regard and unconditional love even the most troubled soul – animal or human – can find solace.
By Katherine Clements
Recently, the public conversation around periods has thankfully been changing, gaining new ground from tampon tax debates worldwide to Olympic medallist Fu Yuanhui’s comments about her period’s impact on her performance. At the forefront of this growing willingness to attend to the realities of our cycles, psychotherapist Alexandra Pope has been calling us to listen to their intimate message for many years. “Our menstrual suffering – so often passed off as ‘normal’ – is neither normal, nor our lot,” she says. “The menstrual cycle is the stress sensitive system in women. When we experience distressing symptoms, it’s a signal to attend to our overall health and place in the world.”
The very act of observing the menstrual cycle, and how you feel throughout its different stages, can help you become more authentically embodied and present. As we grow to act in alignment with the inner promptings of this innate personal coach – urging us towards space, creativity, rest or productivity – we may also find greater empowerment and relief. Charting our cycle using a period tracking or Fertility Awareness Method can support us in tuning in to our rhythms.
The Mooncup® menstrual cup also aims to assist this process by respecting the vagina’s natural balance, in contrast with other products that can cause vaginal dryness or leave fibres behind. Mooncup® users worldwide praise it for helping them to tune in to their menstrual cycles and reconnect with their bodies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More