July Newsletter 2015

Welcome to our July Edition of the Novara Newsletter

Officially the summer starts on June 1st and in the last few weeks we have seen definite tell-tale signs that the summer has arrived in Ireland. Whether you will be travelling or staying at home we wish you many great experiences, and relaxing and re-energizing days. For those of you who are staying local, you might be interested to know that there will be lots of activities, not just on Bray’s seafront, but also within the Novara Centre.

In this newsletter you will find:
1. Our exciting range of workshops and classes during the summer
2. Summer from an Acupuncturist’s perspective
3. Helen Ryan’s Healthy Holiday Hints
4. Welcoming new member to our Therapy strand
5. Special offers

1. Our exciting range of workshops and classes during the summer
Jun 27th Yoga ~ Mindfulness awareness afternoon
Jul 4th A Call to Adventure – Creative Writing Workshop
Jul 5th Introduction to Crystals and Energy Awareness
Jul 12th One Day Silent Retreat
Jul 19th Acu Yoga for Radiant Health
Jul & Aug Occupational Stress Management
Aug 15th Clarify the Vision for your Life
Aug 23rd Active Birth Workshop

We are starting the summer off with a variety of inspiring, enlightening and invigorating workshops.

June:
Yoga ~ Mindfulness awareness afternoon
Allow the limits of your body to soften, and like a Summer Breeze
dissolve limitations. Explore elements of restorative postures with development of witness mode. Experience the presence and the senses. Heighten awareness of form, which entails a different perception of oneself/qualities/attributes.

Date: June 27th from 1:30-4:30pm, Facilitated by Jean McDonald
Cost: 30 Euros

July:
A Call to Adventure – Creative Writing Workshop
Based on the work of Joseph Campbell, the great spiritual mentor and mythologist, this workshop will awaken you to the possibilities of your own quest, overcoming obstacles and integrating the gifts of an incredible journey THROUGH CREATIVE WRITING. The aim is to support and facilitate creative living through Creative Expressive Drama and Creative Writing practices through Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey.
Come and join us for an afternoon of creative writing and drama therapy for your personal and creative growth in our safe and fun environment by the seafront.

Date: July 4th from 2:30 – 6 pm, Facilitated by Síofra O’Donovan, published author and experienced workshop facilitator, and Eva Lindroos, Dramatherapist with a background in the Performing Arts and Education.
Cost: 50 Euro. Some concessions for unemployed
Introduction to Crystals and Energy Awareness
This Introductory Day is designed to give participants an insight into crystals and how they can be used as a tool for healing as well as in daily life. It is also an opportunity for those who are interested in professional training, but would like a taste before committing to such in-depth work. This is the first of two days (accredited) which serve as the first part of the forth coming two year Diploma Course in the North West Of Ireland.

Content:
• Meditation techniques
• Observing Energy Fields
• How to choose, cleanse and tune crystals
• Uses of crystals in daily life
• Clearing and Strengthening ones personal energy fields
• Understanding of 8 grounding Crystals
• Rose quartz in depth
• Self-Healing Technique with Rose quartz

Date: July 5th from 10:30 am-5:30 pm, Facilitated by Liam Cunningham (VHF tutor)
Cost: 85 Euro
One Day Silent Retreat
For all who have a mindful practice

Date: July 12th from 10:30am to 4:30pm, Facilitated by Kathryn O’Halloran
Cost: €45
Acu Yoga for Radiant Health
This workshop integrates two ancient holistic approaches to healthcare: yoga and acupressure.
There are 12 primary Acupuncture meridians or energy pathways running through the body. When the energy flows freely through these pathways the body, mind and spirit are nourished and disease free. Join Orla for a yoga flow in which each posture activates specific meridians or energy pathways and acupressure points, providing a needle-free way to build, restore and renew the body’s innate ability to maintain health.

Date: July 19th from10:00 am – 12:30 pm, Facilitated by Orla FitzGerald
Cost: 30 Euro for advance booking, 35 Euro on the day
Occupational Stress Management
This is an evidenced based skills development programme designed for healthcare professionals experiencing workplace stress who wish to improve their sense of wellbeing and avoid burnout. Occupational stress is on the rise as a result of increased pressure and demands at work with reduced resources and limited supports. This programme is especially suited to social workers, nurses, GPs, psychologists, social care workers, and allied health professionals. Participants will learn key skills and techniques to enhance coping ability, reduce stress, and improve relaxation.

Date: Tuesdays 28th July, 4th, 11th, and 18th August 2015 from 7:00-9:00pm, Facilitated by Shirley Gleeson
Cost of course: €125, early bird price: €100 if booked before 30th

August:
Clarify the Vision for your Life
For many of us making the leap from a “successful” corporate career to a soul – fulfilling professional pursuit is terrifying. It could take years to identify what you would do in an ideal universe, let alone to figure out how to actually go about doing it. In the meantime you find yourself expending valuable energy living an unsatisfactory life and getting more frustrated by the day! This powerful ONE DAY WORKSHOP is designed to help you connect with your soul purpose, and so CLARIFY THE VISION FOR YOUR LIFE, through a creative process. It will be a very enjoyable and fun process, including guided Meditation and Visualization, Colour including Aura Soma, Spontaneous Painting, Essential Oils and Mind Maps.

Date: August 15th from 1:30 – 5pm, facilitated by Sinead Wyse
Cost: 30 Euro
Active Birth Workshop
This workshop is aimed at helping expectant mothers and their birth partners to prepare for labour and birth. Participants can expect to leave the workshop feeling empowered and excited about the journey ahead.

Date: August 23rd from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Cost: 80 Euro per couple, please bring a birth ball

2. Summer from an Acupuncturist’s perspective

Summer is here! You may be noticing yourself having more energy,
feeling more social, or experiencing all-around better moods.
This is normal for this time of year, when, from an acupuncture
perspective, the Yang—extroverted, lively, enthusiastic, active –
aspects of a person are at their peak.

In acupuncture theory, humans are viewed as microcosms of the natural world that surrounds them. Weather and climate, particularly during the transition from one season to another, factor significantly into diagnoses and treatment plans. Each season is linked with a natural element, organ and emotion. The element, organ and emotion of summer are, respectively, Fire, Heart and Joy. So, how does this influence the way you feel in summertime? And what can you do about it? The acupuncture perspective on seasons is that during each season, the associated element should shine a bit brighter than it does in other seasons. So for example, in summer, Fire qualities tend to be more strongly expressed. Over the next three months, it’s normal to feel an extra pep in your step. You should feel a bit happier, freer, more spontaneous, energetic and connected. You should want to stay up a little later, talk a little longer and run a little farther. If you’re someone who tends toward under-expression of the Fire element, you’ll want to pay extra attention to encouraging these qualities in yourself throughout summer. However, if you’re a Fire type, someone for who Fire qualities come naturally—or perhaps have a tendency to be overpowering—your focus should be on appreciating these things but remembering to keep them in check. Elemental qualities can more easily become excessive during the time when they are naturally in bloom. (Source: acutakehealth.com)
3. Helen Ryan’s Healthy Holiday Hints

Going on holidays should be exciting, lots of fun, relaxing and
energizing. However, for some, travelling and holidays can put a
slight strain on their health – bug bitten, upset stomach, sunburn,
diarrhoea, constipation, etc.

Here are a few tips to help keep you healthy whilst away:

1. Do your research before you go
There’s nothing like spontaneity and enjoying the freedom that can come with that, but if you’re gluten sensitive, celiac, dairy intolerant or just want to eat as healthily as you can then a little planning ahead will go a long way on holidays. Explore the city or area you are visiting on the internet before you embark on your trip. Look for:
– a nearby juice or smoothie bar (if possible)
– when the local food markets are on
– the closest natural foods or health food stores
– nearby Asian, Indian, Thai or Vegetarian restaurants. These are often the best bet for finding fresh veggies in an unfamiliar city or resort.

2. Stay hydrated!
For every hour you spend flying, or waiting in an airport, drink at least 1 cup of water. This will help keep you hydrated, alert, and energized on your way to your destination! Also try to increase your water the day before you travel and the day after you arrive. For extra taste and liver benefits squeeze some lemon into the water. If you don’t like water try an unsweetened coconut water instead.

3: Wash your hands!
One of the biggest challenges of air travel is guarding against colds and flues. Being on an airplane with people coughing and sneezing is a great way to get sick. But frequent hand washing (or use of hand sanitizer) can make a real difference and help keep you well. Keep some hand sanitizer in your bag for those times when water and soap aren’t available.

4. Eat well and pack some snacks
Eat a large meal before you travel, especially if you know it’s going to be a long travel day. Have a really good breakfast and/or lunch before making your way to the airport.
Bring snacks with you. Load up your lunch box or containers (get one with the separate compartments like Lunchbots stainless steel containers) with pre cooked chicken or turkey, hard boiled eggs, macadamia nuts, berries, olives, avocado, chopped carrots/celery/peppers
and hummus, and some dark chocolate or homemade chia energy balls. Snacks really can be a life saver as they will keep your blood sugar levels stable. If your blood sugar levels drop you end up feeling irritable (think queues at the airport), tired (long delays), moody (children!). Apart from the blood sugar dips you’ll be saved from some of the airport food!
So don’t get ‘angry’, get organised with good snacks!

5. Mosquitoes and other biting insects….help!
– Quit the sugar! Years ago mosquitoes would bite me from head to toe, but since I substantially cut down on the sugar they really don’t come near me anymore!!
– Garlic. Start taking 1-3 cloves of raw garlic daily or a high strength garlic supplement.
– Citronella and tea tree oil in a spray
– Bug X – a natural insecticide to repel mosquitoes, gnats, blackflies, ticks, ants. Safe even for children, babies and pets.

6. Preventing prickly heat, sunburn and sun damage
– Viridian S.P.F (skin pro-factors)
It’s great for strengthening the skin against sun damage. Start using 2 weeks before you head away into the sun. It’s not a sunscreen though, so you would also need to use sunscreens that are free of parabens, artificial perfumes, colourants etc:
– Aloe Pura – quite thick but lasts all day. Cheap too!
– Green People natural sun lotion – great if you’re prone to eczema or psoriasis
– Jason Sunscreen

7. If you get diarrhoea:
– Stay away from all foods for 24 hours
– Start back on foods such as boiled rice and grated apple
– Take probiotics to help build up good bacteria in the intestines

8. If you are prone to constipation on holidays:
– Drink plenty of water – 2-3 litres daily
– Bring whole flaxseed/linseed with you. Soak 1 tablespoon flaxseed/linseed overnight in a glass of water. Swish and drink first thing.
– Take probiotics to normalise balance of gut bacteria
– Take some exercise. Avoid lying or sitting in the sun all day as this in itself can be constipating.

9. Jetlag
I haven’t tried this but have heard it works. As soon as it’s mid-day after you arrive, spend a minimum of 30 minutes walking around outside. It resets your circadian rhythm and minimizes jetlag. Let me know if you try it and if it works!

10. My Go To Supplements before and during travelling:
– Probiotics – get one that does not need refrigeration and have cultures that can survive warmer, humid climates. I particularly like ‘Optibac’s for Travelling Abroad’.
– Oil of Wild Oregano P73 – a potent antiseptic to keep some nasty fungi and pathogens away. A must if you’re jungle trekking in Peru or swimming in the Amazon!
– Germ-a Clenz – wonderful antimicrobial spray that can be used on work surfaces in public toilets, on airplanes etc

11. Most importantly….have a great happy and healthy holiday!
4. Welcoming new member to our Therapy strand

We are delighted to welcome Frances Burns to our team.
With a background in Primary School Teaching & Special
Education, Frances went on to receive an M.A. in Humanistic &
Integrative Psychotherapy & Play Therapy & is an accredited
member of I.A.P.T.P.

She has experience of working in therapeutic capacity with the H.S.E., in Child & Family Centres, in private work, parental training & support, with a keen interest & further training in attachment disruptions, regulation difficulties, latest research in Neuroscience and others.
5. Special offers

Our therapists and teachers have exciting offers this month.
– Avail of three massage and reflexology treatments for the price of two
– Share the experience and double the fun by bringing a friend to any of the pilates classes and you can get a free class yourself
Please visit our website www.thenovaracentre.ie if you would like more information on any of our services or contact us by phone 01-2761745 or email info@thenovaracentre.ie. We are always happy to answer your queries with no obligation to make an appointment or a booking. Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/novaracentre

Thank you for sharing part of your journey in 2015 with us.
Wishing you all health and well being this summer.
From everyone at The Novara Centre
A SUMMER BREEZE
The wind it blew in through the trees.
Along the leaves a summer breeze.
At length the branches slipping down,
Until it reached the open ground.
A sparkle lit the open air.
The summer breeze blew in her hair,
Hidden deep within the leaves,
This magic web the spider weaves.
Out from clouds a sunburst shone.
A radiance lights up the sun.
Magic is this life we weave,
Each new day a summer breeze

By Sinead Tynan