Mind Your Self

The Mind, Body and Spirit Festival takes place in the RDS on October 27-29.  It's spread out over 3 days and features guest lectures on mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. I'm really interested in the mental side (that sounds funny!) I think a lot of us tent to get quite stressed these days and if we paid more attention to mental wellness we can live a better life.

So here is what I'd be most interested in at the festival;

Positive Psychology Skills: Character Strengths & Values – Michaela Avlund €8 

Psychology has made a shift to the development of positive skills that help build up resilience. Spiritual fitness depends on being able to identify core values, having access to resources that facilitates the practice of these in times of adversity and being able to experience a connectedness with other people.

I am guilty, as are lots of people I know, of focusing on the negative rather than the positive in life.  This is a habit which takes a lot of work to break so I'd be interested to hear what this speaker has to say. The above is listed as a paid workshop but I spot another by the same speaker for those of us on a tighter budget!

Positive Psychology – Michaela Avlund 

Gratitude energises and leads to kindness. Learned optimism facilitates positive relationships with other people while physical activity can help combat depression. These positive life skills can help us to flourish in our daily lives.

Okay I've heard of Yoga and the more intense forms but this one sounds awesome; 

Laughter Yoga – Michelle Major 

Laughter Yoga combines the concept of ‘laughing for no reason’ with Yogic breathing (Pranayama). Laughter Yoga shows us how to manage the stress in our lives in a positive fun way! Unconditional laughter strenghtens our immune system, reduces the stress hormone, is a natural pain-killer, and can make us feel and look younger – the natural botox!

^Totally want to try that out!

Followed by some Reflexology, relaxing if nothing else; 

Reflexology for Better Health  – Sr Brega Whelan 

Reflexology is a holistic therapy which promotes and maintains good health and releases blockages of energy. It is also helpful for skin related problems, insomnia, anxiety, digestive problems. Reflexology can change your life/health.

Now there are lots of things at the fest I don't necessarily believe in or I think are down right silly but man I would go in for a bit of Dousing - just for the fun!  Crystals that have powers?  I'm not so sure but they are super pretty and are bound to make you feel good by looking at them.  And Past Life Regression, OMG remember that programme on tv? It was with Philip Schofield, I used to watch it with my mother the womans' voice was so funny :D  
Yes I want to try all of these things for the fun :D

Going back to more serious issues, I do believe the mind has huge influence over the body so this is of great interest to me;

How Your Mind Can heal Your Body – Dr David Hamilton   

Learn how believe heals and how visualization impacts the brain and can target specific parts of the body. David will also share evidence for  the effects of meditation on the brain and body and how attitude affects the heart and blood vessels. Best -selling author, David’s talks are world famous. he appears regularly in the media.

How to Think Less for Serenity and Success Using CALM – Sandy Newbigging €8 

CALM offers techniques that allow you to let go of the constant chatter in your mind. In doing so, CALM can help you to worry less, sleep better, improve your relationships and feel more confident. Sandy will give guidance on how to use CALM in the most effective and enjoyable way.

I can't be the only one who has felt I can't stop thinking! It can ruin your sleep and make you forgetful during the day.  It would be great to get some tips on how to avoid that.
Do have a look through all the lectures and workshops listed and see if anything appeals to you.  It's not too expensive for one day but out of my budget for a 2 or 3 day pass

Admission: 1 day pass- €12.  2 day pass- €20.  3 day pass- €30

Last update 26th September 2012- |Lectures are free (45 mins)|Workshops €8

All workshops and lectures are on a first come first served basis.

Enjoy,