Saturday 29 April 2017

Light and Love


Yesterday was a day in the city, 'taiching'  all morning giving Reconnective Healing sessions all evening.



As I walked back to my car in the evening I felt light and full of love.







 Everything took on a special glow. It seemed as if the external light matched my internal feelings, feelings of contentment, of connection to something beyond myself.





I felt connected as never before to the world all around me and in some strange way to the world beyond. 
Reconnective Healing is so mysterious to me I have no idea how it 'brightens' or 'awakens ' me ,my client and the space all around. It is completely beyond my minds understanding but something awakens in around and between us that shifts reality to a different dimension and we are all transformed through and by the 'light and frequencies' that are drawn through us. 



Thursday 27 April 2017

Harmonious Connections Join Us And Share In The Joy





Soft connection for the kicks. from ann on Vimeo.


Imagine how your life would be if you felt really connected positively to your self the people in your life and to the world.
Imagine being relaxed and open to the gift of each day.
This is what we practise in T'ai Chi.
When we work on our own we connect inwards and become aware of our own body and energy , we get to know ourselves from thw inside out. We get to know our energy and how to keep ourselves balanced and receptive to our needs. This helps keep us relaxed, healthy and happy.
Partner work allows us to tune in to the external world in a really interesting way. 'Listening'  to our partner and learning to tune in to their responses to us helps us to recognise our own blocks and the tension we create in our bodies with these blocks. When we learn to relax with our partner and allow the energy to flow in a soft way this learning transfers automatically into our lives softening our connections and opening us to a natural relaxed flow in relationships , work and fun.
We have a few spaces on our weekend, why not tereat yourself to some relaxation and Fun you will be absolutely delighted that you did.
Looking Forward to Seeing You There  and Sharing the Joy.

A Weekend Retreat
with Ann McIlraith & Tricia Lyne
May 5th-7th 2017
200 includes classes, vegetarian meal /snacks.
Wide variety of on-site accommodation options
available separately, contact us for details.
For details and bookings contact:
 Ann: 087 661 6800 / taichimcilraith@yahoo.co.uk  
 Tricia: 086 081 2952 / patriciajlyne@gmail.com 






Sunday 23 April 2017

Turning The Ball Exercise



Here is the turning the ball exercise for beginners. It is a nice simple exercise and a great one to practise so you can get a feel for T'ai chi movement. It is so soft and really helps develop one's awareness of the energy between the hands. It also give you the experience of allowing the arms to move because of the weight shift and this helps beginners feel flowin movement that happens as one practises T'ai Chi.


Turning the ball exercise. from ann on Vimeo.


Kenmare Bay this morning.


It was so peaceful and calm,



 I just had to stop,





 And feel the quiet,





 Of this still Sunday morning.





Friday 21 April 2017

Welcome to new T'ai Chi Beginners in Blackrock and Knocknaheeny

It is always a great joy and privilege to share T'ai Chi with new beginners. I love having the opportunity to spread this fabulous method of calming the mind and strengthening the body and spirit. T'ai Chi enhances so many aspects of life, books have been written on the benefits of practising this ancient Art. I have found it to be a wonderful balm in times of distress. Time spent in practise always leaves me feeling renewed, recharged and re energised to face the world and all the daily tasks. I hope you too find the comfort and strength that this practise can bring.



Stepping like a cat exercise. from ann on Vimeo.


We worked on this Form in Knocknaheeny.

Parting Wild Horse's Mane for beginners. from ann on Vimeo.


We began the Mini Form in Blackrock

Beginning Posture of the Mini Form from ann on Vimeo.


And here is the Full Mini Form ( so you can have a preview of lessons to come).



Mini Form front view. from ann on Vimeo.



Thursday 20 April 2017

Space And Silence










Here above is one of the reasons I love my journeys West.
 I love the sense of space with the ocean and the big sky. 
Whenever we pay attention to space, when we 'feel' the space around our bodies, or when we really see the space or visualise it, our minds calm down.
The emptiness of space connects us consciously or unconsciously to that vast quiet ' empty' space that lies under the chatter in our busy minds.
Listening to the silence between the sounds around us also tunes us into that vast silent space inside of us.
Learning to listen to the silence in and around us also calms our busy minds. It helps us to recognise just how transient our thoughts and emotions actually are. This recognition can really help us deal with the ups and downs of every day life. 
We realise that we are not our thoughts and emotions but rather we are the space where thoughts and emotions can arise.
We become conscious of being conscious this is a great realisation and truly a liberating experience. We can no longer fully believe our thoughts and emotions are real, we recognise their transient nature and this helps us to let thoughts pass through without getting completely lost in them.

Saturday 15 April 2017

Welcome Peace and the The Mini Form for T'ai Chi Class





Welcome up a sense of peace, a sense of tranquillity into your body and mind. Allow yourself to relax into this sense of calm. Allow this sense of calm to expand in and around you, imagine this sense of tranquillity extending beyond your body to fill the space around you. Now bring to mind someone who you would like to help ( maybe they are sick or just having a hard time at the moment) imagine this sense of calm and tranquillity washing over them, imagine them being washed with this energy of peace and tranquillity. Notice how they feel to you now. Maybe you see their face relax or maybe you feel the shift in their energy. Notice how you feel when you become calm and peaceful and also notice how good it feels to extend this to people we care about . Lets invite up that sense of peace and calm again, relax into it notice how it gets easier and easier to feel this peace, it is always present we just put our attention on the 'noise ' in our heads and ignore the peace which is just below all that noise. with practise we can learn to pay more attention to this loving presence and allow it to direct our lives. Allow it to heal our bodies and our minds. We will focus on this peace over the Retreat weekend. will  allow our connection to its presence to expand and enrich our lives.
I would love to see you there and share this wonderful space where it is so easy to access this peace. Where nature expands our awareness naturally and our practises bring us home to our true nature. Much LOVE Ann
Here are the Mini Form videos I promised, Enjoy ! 

Friday 14 April 2017

Just a few spaces left !






 Listen to what people have to say about our T'ai Chi and Mindfulness Retreats.

"I always come away feeling energised, calm and peaceful – ‘looking like the cat who got the cream’ (according to my sister!) after a weekend spent with wonderful people in a very special place.'
-Anne Heffernan

I was a bit unsure of what to expect when I went to the retreat last winter but have to say it was a enlightening experience. I had never taken part in mindfulness before but I have to say it was a perfect partner for T'ai Chi. I've never felt so relaxed and at peace before. The surroundings were spectacular, Gods beauty was everywhere from the rising of the sun to the setting of the sun. The accommodation was first class. The people who took part in the sessions were all so open to the experience and one another. The peace and serenity came home with me and I look forward to my next return visit.
 - Anne Kearney

I loved the sense of space and interconnection Practising T'ai Ci , mindfulness and meditation between vast seascapes and the barren hills enabled me to expand and connect to people, our amazing planet and The Universe.
 -Joan Neill

I found Ann and Tricia to be wonderfully calm, patient and inspirational facilitators. The combination of T'ai Chi, mindfulness and Dogchen Beara was like a holiday for the body, mind, and soul.
 - Riobnach Cantwell.



A Weekend Retreat
with Ann McIlraith & Tricia Lyne
May 5th-7th 2017
200 includes classes, vegetarian meal /snacks.
Wide variety of on-site accommodation options
available separately, contact us for details.
For details and bookings contact:
 Ann: 087 661 6800 / taichimcilraith@yahoo.co.uk  
 Tricia: 086 081 2952 / patriciajlyne@gmail.com 



Thursday 13 April 2017

May Retreat In Dzogchen Beara


We are all set for another fabulous weekend in Dzogchen Beara.
There are just a few spaces left.



Movement in Stillness and Stillness in Movement
We will Dance with these mysterious dimensions of our Being,
 exploring T’ai Chi and Mindfulness, following our Hearts
 and connecting with our True Nature.




 The whole place is so special with wide Atlantic views.






And silence, 




 The Care Centre is such a  beautiful space, 






 To work and rest,





 So many paths to explore,






 And time to deepen your self knowledge.

A Weekend Retreat
with Ann McIlraith & Tricia Lyne
May 5th-7th 2017
200 includes classes, vegetarian meal /snacks.
Wide variety of on-site accommodation options
available separately, contact us for details.
For details and bookings contact:
 Ann: 087 661 6800 / taichimcilraith@yahoo.co.uk  
 Tricia: 086 081 2952 / patriciajlyne@gmail.com 






Monday 10 April 2017

Kinsale Town





We came home by the town , stopping for a coffee and a stroll.







There was plenty of activity,







And bright colours to draw one's eye,




Along these old narrow streets.






But still the sea,





 
 And the boats were what filled my heart with love and joy and made
        me promise myself to come back soon.











Sunday 9 April 2017

Old Head in Kinsale






A friend came to visit, back to connect and revisit some of her favourite spots when she lived here. 
So we took a trip to Kinsale and the Old Head was our first stop.





 These stunning cliffs, 






And fabulous sea views,






Are always beautiful,






On this sunny spring day,






We climbed right down to the waters edge and found a hidden cave,






And sea pinks peeping out, 







The endless crashing of waves reminded us of the preciousness of each moment and the brevity of our time here which itself is shorter than a blink in the vast ocean's life.



Saturday 8 April 2017

Cork Lifelong Learning T'ai Chi




Thanks So Much to everyone who came to our Lifelong Learning Event in Blackrock Community Centre it was great to share T'ai Chi with all the new comers and a Big thanks to my Friday Morning Class for all your support I really appreciate your presence and help in sharing our practise.
Here is Stepping Like A Cat for you to practise and enjoy, this exercise will greatly enhance your balance. In the beginning you may notice that it feels easier on one side than the other but if you practise it for a few minutes each day you will notice it becoming easier to work both sides.


Stepping like a cat exercise. from ann on Vimeo.



Here is the Parting Wild Horse's Mane exercise we worked on today. I hope you all enjoyed our Lifelong T'ai Chi session in Blackrock as much a I enjoyed sharing this Art with you all.
This practise is so amazing, it helps balance so many aspects of out life. It helps balance blood pressure, increase flexibility of both body and mind, it helps us to feel calm and centred. It is a form of self-healing available to everyone who is willing to spend a few minutes practising each day. What a gift to give to yourself and those you love. It is so good to be calm and balanced within ourselves because this calm radiates out to everyone we meet and helps to spread calm energy in the world.



Parting Wild Horse's Mane for beginners. from ann on Vimeo.



Thursday 6 April 2017

Kingman to Sedona and some 66




We stayed in an  The Ramada a Route 66 Motel !
It was a magical occurrence amazing confirmation of the power of Releasing. ln fact his whole trip is proving the power of this work. 
l had set a 'goal' of driving to Sedona via Route 66 but when we got on the road at Las Vegas it seemed impossible, so I just Let Go' and decided to enjoy the trip no matter what. Then the very first stop we made at a Gas station just  " happened" to connect us to Route 66 and
a girl we met there suggested the Remada when we ashed if she could recommend a hotel near by. 
We had not mentioned Route 66 to her as we were just discussing visiting Grand Canyon West.
So Letting Go of wanting to control the journey opened me up to a perfect trip.

Charles Eugster




Wow read about this man and be inspired I know I am. It's great to learn of people who decide that age is not a factor in living life to the full.

Dr. Charles Eugster is 97, studied dentistry at Guy's Hospital and graduated in 1948 with a L.D.S., R.C.S., Eng.  He subsequently received dental degrees from the Universities of Zurich, Switzerland and Heidelberg, Germany as well as from Northwestern University, USA.                                                            

He practiced Dentistry in private practice until the age of 75; he was an Instructor at Zurich University; was a publisher of a newsletter on clinical dentistry in 3 languages until the age of 82, was unemployed for 8 years, and then employed at the age of 90 as Fitness Ambassador for INJOY Fitness Group (Germany).  He is a book author and speaker and is recognized by the international print, radio and TV media as an expert in Successful Ageing.

His 2012 TEDx Zurich speech has earned over 550,000 hits on YouTube, and the video of him breaking the World 200m record has to date earned over 1 Million hits.  His book “96 and Loving It!” is currently in the hands of publishers.                                                                                                       
Sport: Having led a sedentary life while building a private practice and raising a family he restarted competitive rowing at 63.  In the period from1997 to 2013, he won 40 Gold Medals at World Masters Rowing Regattas.  

At the age of 95 (in 2014), for the first time in his life, he started sprinting and became British Masters Outdoor Athletic Champion for the 100m and 200m in the Male 95+ category.

He is the World Champion at 100m and 200m outdoor, plus European Masters Indoor Athletic Champion for the 60m and 200m in the M95+ category.
                                                                                                                                                         
He currently holds the M95+ British Record for Masters Indoor Athletics at 60m and 200m, Outdoor at 100m, 200m and Long Jump, and the M95+ World Record for Masters Indoor Athletics 200m and Outdoor 400m

Tuesday 4 April 2017

Dzogchen Beara, West Cork. May 5-7 A Weekend of T’ai Chi and Mindfulness





Movement in Stillness and Stillness in Movement
We will Dance with these mysterious dimensions of our Being,
 exploring T’ai Chi and Mindfulness, following our Hearts
 and connecting with our True Nature.




A Weekend Retreat
with Ann McIlraith & Tricia Lyne
May 5th-7th 2017
200 includes classes, vegetarian meal /snacks.
Wide variety of on-site accommodation options
available separately, contact us for details.
For details and bookings contact:
 Ann: 087 661 6800 / taichimcilraith@yahoo.co.uk  
 Tricia: 086 081 2952 / patriciajlyne@gmail.com 






Saturday 1 April 2017

Sedona Mago Retreat




It's about 11 miles along this dirt road to reach the Mago Retrear Center. This is the place where Lester Levenson (  who inspired and developed The  Sedona Method and Release Technique lived and is buried).





It was wonderful to spend a week here.






Working on his methods of Letting Go.







Sharing time and beautiful surroundings with others interested in dropping their limiting beliefs and becoming more loving towards ourselves , others and our planet.






The flowers,










The  vast open space.

I really enjoyed sharing T'ai Chi each morning, what a place to practise and with such great company. Thanks so much for sharing the time with me.
 
 
 
 Here is a slow Mini Form I hope this helps you all to practise.


Mini Form with postures described ( filmed from behind. from ann on Vimeo.




Mini Form front view. from ann on Vimeo.





Here is Parting Wild Horse's Mane



Parting Wild Horse's Mane for beginners. from ann on Vimeo.