We were thrilled to feature Earthsong in our Spring 2020 issue recently. We wanted to share this beautiful article by Ruth Pinson, in which she discusses the values of co-operation, balance and love that the Earthsong founders share. These are the values that will help move us forward as a human society.
earthsong
As this year draws to a close, many people’s thoughts are turning towards warmer days ahead … and if you’re looking for a getaway with a difference in 2019, we have a great suggestion for you. Learn all about the magic of the Earthsong camps in this beautiful article by Ruth Pinson, which appears in our Winter 2018/19 issue.
Facebook Page| Thursday, December 7, 2017, 7:30pm | Eur 20 / 15 euros concession | Location: The Powerscourt Theatre, Dublin 2.
On this evening, we will have a Xmas special with John Bowker. Expect a lot of love in the room as it is the usual when john comes to visit us!
John describes Heartsongs as “software to open your heart, exploring intentional blessings and weaves of harmony in a playful friendly space for humans”.
We will provide some delicious fresh juices from Tutti Frutti on the night.
Click here to get your tickets or email us at positivenights@gmail.com for more info!
MORE ABOUT JOHN
John Bowker is one of Ireland and the UK’s best-known and most well-loved music facilitators. As the creator of Tribal Spirit Drumming he has ignited a passion for hand drumming in thousands of people all over the world. He now brings that unique teaching style to sharing his love of singing -with the same sense of playfulness, joy and deep wisdom that anyone who works with him has come to treasure.
Facebook Page| Thursday, December 7, 2017, 7:30pm | Eur 20 / 15 euros concession | Location: The Powerscourt Theatre, Dublin 2.
On this evening, we will have a Xmas special with John Bowker. Expect a lot of love in the room as it is the usual when john comes to visit us!
John describes Heartsongs as “software to open your heart, exploring intentional blessings and weaves of harmony in a playful friendly space for humans”.
We will provide some delicious fresh juices from Tutti Frutti on the night.
Click here to get your tickets or email us at positivenights@gmail.com for more info!
MORE ABOUT JOHN
John Bowker is one of Ireland and the UK’s best-known and most well-loved music facilitators. As the creator of Tribal Spirit Drumming he has ignited a passion for hand drumming in thousands of people all over the world. He now brings that unique teaching style to sharing his love of singing -with the same sense of playfulness, joy and deep wisdom that anyone who works with him has come to treasure.
This year sees the tenth season of the remarkable phenomenon that is Earthsong Camps. I met founder, John Bowker, to hear about their origins and how the camps continue to grow from strength to strength.
By Ann Hill
Earthsong is one of those experiences that it is hard to do justice to in a few words. For anyone who has been there, coming home and trying to explain it to your work colleagues in a sentence or two never seems be enough. How to explain that not having electricity, not being able to use your phone or have a drink and instead cooking your meals on a fire pit with ten strangers, all make everything better and not worse? But this was the vision that John Bowker birthed into the world ten years ago and these days the tickets for the main camps sell out within hours.
When asked why he feels the camps are still successful ten years later, John Bowker can only laugh.
“I would have been surprised to think we would survive after the first year we had. I think our first camp in 2007 was by far the hardest. The weather was terrible that year. Our main venues flooded and I can still remember people’s fire pits were full of water and they were watching their firewood float away. Everybody was new to it and a lot of us didn’t really know how to camp properly. I came home to a lot of hate mail after that”. However, the seed was sown and every year the camps have sold out with a long waiting list of people hoping to get their hands on a ticket.
What does he think is the secret to their survival in a world where festivals and arts events often have a lifespan of a few years at most?
“I think because Earthsong grew quite slowly and organically out of the Tribal Spirit movement. We had a team who knew what the ethos was and how to hold it.” Bowker credits the support of Angie Pinson, a long-term veteran of the UK camp scene, for her insight into how to recreate the events for Ireland. After twenty years as Ireland’s most beloved drum teacher, Bowker also had a tribe of loyal volunteers and helpers who were committed to making Earthsong work, simply because they believed in it so much. That belief also led Bowker to plough his own funds into the event, which only began to break even after several years.
What is it about the Earthsong experience that inspires so much loyalty from its supporters?
Most people describe it as a kind of magic that can’t be found easily elsewhere. For Bowker that magic is carefully cultivated – a mixture of being in the natural world, removing distractions, openness to our shared humanity and the very deliberate use of music to create spaces for ritual or play. Although much of the drumming and ritual practices come from other indigenous traditions, Bowker feels that people have an affinity with them and that what is shared is more like a ‘world heritage’ that most people instantly feel a part of. Earthsong allows people to peel back the layers to uncover a simpler version of themselves and for many people it is the high point of their year. In the early days, however, Bowker’s vision often took a bit of explaining on site. Many people assumed that the camp’s rule of ‘no drink, no drugs, no smoking, no phones’ was just a polite nod to clean living and were surprised to find it is strictly upheld throughout all his events. “People were shocked that we were really a no-alcohol camp. I was called all sorts of names because of that! People said I was trying to control their lives and personal choices. But I would explain that Earthsong isn’t for their whole life, it is just an event. It is like going on a longhaul flight and there are certain things that aren’t permitted to make the space safe for all the passengers. Earthsong is like that, because people are on a journey together and that kind of sensitivity keeps it safe for everyone.”
What else would Bowker suggest is the secret to Earthsong’s longevity?
“It is all about the team,” he replies. The camps are run by a team of facilitators called the Core Group, some of whom have been by Bowker’s side for twenty years. “We have a rule that supporting the team comes first. Most people might think, ‘the customer comes first’ but because the weeks of the camps are so intense and demanding, what works best for us is to make sure the team is in good shape. If the team is doing well, the camp does well too.” And what advice would he give to anyone thinking of bringing a similar vision into the world? Bowker’s answer is fast and simple. “Be careful!” he says without hesitation. It’s clear that the mixture of inner work and play, unwrapped joy and deep stillness that go to make up Earthsong would be classed under very advanced magic-making.
Positive Vibes, Magnetic March: The Mag’s Spring issue, Jack Harrison at Positive Nights and much more!
Spring is coming, we promise! And with this lovely season filled with beautiful beginnings, cherry blossoms and a wonderful fragrance in the air, we bring you awesome news, recommendations, healthy life suggestions, events and more! Our Spring issue will be coming out on March 9th including an exclusive interview with the most hilariously spiritual man on earth: JP Sears, Plus Earthsong, Rick Hanson with a fab piece on how to get the most of your brain and of course our always wonderful regular writers. Sign up here to get a copy in your postbox!
Delicious Kimchi at Cultured Kitchen
Cultured Kitchen delicious and super healthy, has been growing more and more since their auspicious beginnings. They are now bringing us a delicious Turmeric flavour Kimchi to live for! You have to try it!
Check out all their products, recipes and more here!
Health & Celtic Nutrition
Celtic Nutrition comes with a wonderful “Body Balance for a Healthy Heart” product that has been developed following 16 years of research to support the heart and circulation. It contains the necessary components to maintain a, well, healthy heart.
Check this wonderful product here
Positive Nights events coming up!
Positive Nights is having a wonderful March! Here are the first two events coming up (Click on the links to learn how to book!):
March 2nd: Jack Harrison in Concert On this evening Jack will bring us his amazing concert of yoga music integrated with Irish music and inspiration from the Celtic School of Yoga.
March 9th: Andrea Hayes & “My Life Goals Journal” Paul will be chatting with TV Producer and Personality Andrea Hayes on this Positive Nights about her journey, her work as a hypnotherapist, helping others to set up goals and her upcoming journal where she guides you, with the help of a twelve-step strategy to help you identify your goals and create a better life for yourself.
They will be fantastic! We promise.x
Tea at the Secret Garden!
The Secret Garden in Galway is a tea shop, cafe, gallery for art exhibitions, gigs,workshops and more! They have an Exciting tea menu, coffee, treats and Shisha full of character! Our very own Paul visited and found the place marvellous! If you find yourself in Galway, make sure to stop by for one or a few cups of tea!
Galway Wellbeing all in one stop!
Urban Wellbeing Centre Galway was another one that caught our eye while in this fantastic city! Located just 1 km away from the centre of town its a one stop place for Beauty, Health, Hair and Fitnesswith some lovely Bikram yoga. A fantastic concept well worth the visit!
Check out more details on the centre here!
Wild Nutrition Supplements
Wild Nutrition was launched in 2013 by Charlie and Henrietta Norton. This is a unique Food-Grown supplement brand providing bespoke formulations for all age stages of life.
We just interviewed Henrietta for our Summer issue about the process, the supplements and their special qualities. Coming soon.
Want to try their products? click here for more info!
Summer Days Summer Vibes: 2016 Summer edition, Events, amazing food & Healing Tips!
“Some of the Best Memories are Made in Flip Flops” Kellie Elmore
Events, Workshops, Training, Inspiration, Treats & More for Summer 2016
Attending an event or trying a product or workshop listed here? Tweet your experience to @PositiveLifeMag
Picnic Basket
Fermented Flavour
This is an Irish fermented food company run by a couple of food fanatics. Aoife began making kimchi for Dominic, refining the recipe with each jar. Within no time friends and family were tasting the kimchi and asking for more. With that, Cultured Kitchen was born.
culturedkitchen.ie
Philosophical Food
Irish superfood brand Iswari’s instant raw gluten-free breakfast: ‘Buddha’s Awakening’ was awarded best raw gluten free product of the year at the Free From Food Awards last April in London and deservedly so. We love their philosophy of using “health, taste and wisdom” to guide them.
iswari.net
A Kinder Egg
It’s getting easier and easier to practise veganism in Ireland these days. Follow your Heart have just gone and created the Vegan Egg. It’s Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairyfree, Non-GMO and totally delicious. You don’t have to be a vegan to enjoy this one.
artofzenfoods.com
Side Tracks
Great name. Great food. Best coffee in Dublin. Meet Me in the Morning is becoming one of Dublin’s worst kept secrets. If you’re looking for a little hideout on a summer’s day to read a book and grab a bite, this café has got to be the place to go.
facebook.com/meetmeinthemorningcafe
Energy Boost Basket
The Real Amazon
Croton Lechleri (Dragon’s Blood) is a bio-information preparation that has amazing healing properties and myriad applications. It has been used to treat everything from stomach problems to receding gums. Remarkable stuff.
dragonsblood.eu
A Place of Healing
Phil King founded The Holistic Centre of Ireland in order to help people to optimise their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and wellbeing. The centre offers a huge range of alternative healings and therapies.
holisticcentreofireland.com
The Vital Ingredients
Vital Greens has selected the six finest greens found in nature to create Just Greens – a blend of spirulina, chlorella, wheat grass, barley grass, kale & broccoli. This certified organic raw greens blend is filled with pure wholefood nutrients and is sure to give your summer a boost of vitality.
martinandpleasance.com
Burning Bright
If you’re looking to stay cool, calm and collected this summer, or finding it hard to get a full night’s sleep, magnesium might just be the answer. Mag365 is a good place to start. Rock into your local healthstore and ask.
mag365.co.uk
Supercharger
Nature’s Plus do some great organic energy supplements. Their Ultra Juice Greens are supercharged with global algae and packed with enough green energy to run the national grid. On your marks, get set, go!
naturesplus.co.uk
Come Together
Spirit of the Tribe
24–26 June, Co. Clare
Earthsong tickets are becoming a bit like Willy Wonka’s Golden ones. If you missed out, don’t fret. The people who brought us Earthsong will be running a short camp with all the fun and magic of trance drumming, Native American chants, fire dancing and loads more.
earthsong.ie
To The Manor Born
19 – 21 August, Killyon Manor
Another Love Story is a bespoke weekender of music, art, whimsy & fun, nestled in glorious surroundings. With a soundtrack provided by some thrilling artists and a host of fun events, this is
one festival to book early. See you there.
anotherlovestory.ie.
Deepen Your Awareness
9 July, Glenstal Abbey
The theme of this retreat is ‘Listen with the Ear of the Heart’. The wisdom of the ancient Celtic Calendar will inform and enhance each day. Simon Sleeman OSB, Nóirín Ní Riain PhD and other members of the Glenstal Community will facilitate.
glenstal.com
Nature Spirits
2 – 4 September, Dunderry Park, Navan
“The Nature Spirits are waiting to be reunited with us, and as emissaries of higher spiritual beings, they wish to be of great assistance to us at this time, but we have to step into their world and meet them in their own territory.”
dunderrypark.org
Predicted Talks
29 September – 1 October, Dublin & Galway
“Thomas John is by far the most authentic medium I have ever met.” Caroline Myss. For the first time in Ireland, international medium and psychic Thomas John will be giving two evening talks in Dublin and Galway and a full day workshop.
seminars.ie
Women Together
5- 7 August, Gormanston Park
Wise Woman Weekend offers women a chance to explore creativity, spirituality, health, wellbeing and to celebrate nature and nurture. The weekend begins and ends with ceremony and ritual, creating a sacred space for all that unfolds.
wisewomanweekend.ie
Garden Party
17 July, Leitrim
Each year Neven Maguire attracts a huge crowd for his cooking demonstration at The Organic Centre in Rossinver, Co. Leitrim. Visit the gardens and polytunnels in full bloom and enjoy fabulous food in The Grass Roof Café.
theorganiccentre.ie
Energy Matters
The Life Particle Centre in Dun Laoghaire is providing a ‘Meridian Exercise for Self-Healing’ workshop and an ‘Energy Management: from Health to Spirituality’ workshop. Based on ancient Korean Yoga- Qigong principles, these workshops are suitable for any level of practitioners.
lifeparticle.ie