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An “in person” morning of mindfulness for men – The importance of rest
My friend and fellow mindfulness teacher, Niall Nolan and I are both passionate about encouraging
more men to engage with the practice of mindfulness. Unfortunately, in this space, men are often in
the minority!
We have been involved with different men’s groups over the years and we have always found that
there is something very special about a group of men (of different ages and backgrounds) coming
together to speak openly and honestly about what really matters. Willing to drop some of their
armour and show vulnerability. Willing to learn from each other and support each other. Willing to
stay in the space of ‘not knowing’. Not having to rely on alcohol in order to open up. Not staying on
the surface with idle small talk about sport or current affairs. Unfortunately most male friendships
remain at this surface level.
There is often a misconception that mindfulness is all about managing stress or learning to relax.
Sure, that often happens. At the heart of it though, it’s about insight and self-awareness. Seeing our
unconscious habits and learning to respond skilfully in the moment. Learning to live consciously and
in accordance with our values.
This is the first of a series of drop-ins. It is open to anyone who identifies as male and who has some
experience of practicing mindfulness. We will experiment with different practices and there will also
be space to share in bigger and smaller groups. The theme of this session is the importance of rest.
So we definitely won’t be working hard!
If this speaks to you, we would love you to join us.
When?
Saturday 16 th July
10.00 am – 1.00 pm
Where?
The Mindfulness Centre
Cost - On a donation basis (€15 suggested donation but please don’t allow money to be an
obstacle).
MBSR Teacher (Institute For Mindfulness Based Approaches); MSC Teacher (Centre for Mindful Self Compassion); Mindfulness Based Compassionate Living teacher; Yoga teacher (2000 hours Yoga Alliance)
Barry has trained in a variety of complementary techniques – Mindfulness and Compassion (MBSR, MBCL, MSC and Awakening Joy), Psychotherapy and Yoga
He works with groups and with people on a one to one basis.
He has practiced meditation for over fifteen years. He is a member and former chairperson of the Mindfulness Teachers Association of Ireland and currently sits on the supervision subcommittee. He has trained as a mindfulness supervisor and in the use of MBI:TAC with the Mindfulness Network (University of Bangor).
Barry worked for over ten years as a corporate lawyer and has significant experience facilitating mindfulness and compassion training for organisations in a variety of contexts.
In 2017, he founded Mindfulness for Law (www.mindfulnessforlaw.ie) with the intention of bringing the benefits of mindfulness training to the legal profession. He has facilitated workshops and courses in many law firms and he works as a facilitator and student counsellor with the Law Society of Ireland.
In 2016, he co-founded Nature in Mind (natureinmind.ie), an educational organisation which aims to help people improve their health and well-being through mindfully connecting with the natural world.
BSoc Sc, MSoc Sc, CORU registered
Niall Nolan, BSoc Sc, MSoc Sc, CORU registered, is an experienced mindfulness teacher and achieved a Masters Degree in Teaching Mindfulness from the Centre for Mindfulness, Research and Practice, School of psychology, Bangor University, Wales in 2016.
Niall has a professional background as a Community Care Social Worker and now works in the area of Family Support. Niall has also worked in the private and voluntary sector and lived in Australia for 25 years and also spent time working in Indonesia. Niall has been practicing mindfulness meditation since 1988.
Niall continues to develop his practice with regular attendance at retreats and trainings in Ireland, the UK and Australia led by world-renowned teachers including Christina Feldman, John Teasdale, John Peacock, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Ajahn Brahm among others.
Niall teaches Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).
