Stepping stones to wellbeing

“Is i scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine  – it is in the shelter of others that the people live.”
THAT old Irish proverb is very important to Brighid Daly, an accredited psychotherapist, supervisor and health creation mentor. She is also believes that ancient Irish symbols provide pointers as to how we can lead a more balanced life.
Brighid, who is based in Oranmore, has devised an integrated programme of health and wellbeing. “Stones Across Our River (SAOR) is designed as a bridge to wellbeing in the form of four solid and safe steps that allow us to cross the deep and sometimes dangerous waters of life, with balance, understanding, creativity and grace,” she said.
“The main purpose of this bridge is to help us recognise that genuine self care is the ultimate act of intelligence. The most difficult part of any journey is the first step and when life challenges us to change and grow, it is essential we ground ourselves and find balance before further choices are made.
“I have designed a set of workshops around four stepping stones; each carved with an ancient Irish symbol: the cross of balance, Brighid’s cross, the spiral and the triple spiral,” she explained.
Brighid has been running workshops in Kerry for the last three years but has responded to requests to bring the programme to Galway and Clare.
“I have situated myself centrally so as to respond to these needs. Although these workshops are open to all, they have particular relevance for people who are living with tremendous personal struggle brought about by our insecure times,” she said.
“SAOR offers an opportunity for people to steady themselves.  Each stone allows us to explore the valuable knowledge from which an individual can begin to understand themselves more fully and discover true inner strength. It offers time to rediscover meaning and direction in our lives, even within turmoil and change.
“In life, the one constant is change. History shows us that we often extract our finest qualities when in crisis; it offers time to re-evaluate and prioritise. Ireland is going through a massive transition: anger, disappointment, confusion and a sense of entrapment have become a constant companion to many.
“People badly need time to reflect in a positive way. All endings represent new beginnings and there are many landscapes within the human being to explore. We are a brave and intelligent people living on a beautiful land with rich and unique heritage.
“We are also incredibly creative, with enormous resources and strengths to call on. This, however, cannot be done without support and guidance. We are reminded from one of our ancient proverbs that: It is in the shelter of each other that the people live.”
Brighid has received a very positive feedback from those who participated in the workshops.
“SAOR has been a wonderful light in my life – many doors can open for me now. I feel this very strong in my heart. SAOR reached me where nothing else could and brought me through to the light of my true self,” said Finola Fury from Kerry.
For further information about SAOR, log on to www.brighiddaly.com.