Your Healing Arts

09/08/2026

08/08/2026

This one 😍
… I’m really looking forward to.

In September, I’ll be joining Creative Brainwaves in Ennis, a day bringing together conversations around brain health, dementia, creativity, research, caregiving and the arts.

I’ll be speaking about the importance of the arts in supporting personal growth, and later facilitating a 30-minute creative workshop using movement, art and reflection.

I feel genuinely privileged to be part of this event. Through my community work, including working with older adults, I’ve become increasingly aware of how important brain health and wellbeing are throughout our lives — and how easily these conversations can be overlooked. Events like this create space for different voices, knowledge and lived experiences to come together.

I’m especially excited to be part of a programme bringing together neuroscience, lived experience, theatre, dance, creativity and community.

And yes… the workshop ideas are already taking over my kitchen table.

Expect movement, colour, connection and definitely some laughter.

Seeing my little face among all these wonderful contributors feels rather lovely. Very happy and grateful to be part of this one.

See you there 👩🏻‍🤝‍👩🏼👩🏻‍🤝‍👩🏼

08/08/2026

“There is no healthier drug than creativity.”
Nayyirah Waheed

07/08/2026

What does joy feel like in the body?

This week at House of Stories Summer Room, we continued our conversation about emotions—this time turning our attention to joy.

Rather than talking about joy as an idea, we became curious about how it moves through the body. We explored how joy can invite openness, curiosity, enthusiasm and a sense of expansion, and how different that can feel from the tension, restriction or heaviness that difficult emotions sometimes bring.

Through a mindful journey with clay, we searched for the “secret medicine”—the inner resources, that can help us reconnect with joy, even when life feels challenging.

Our reflections also led us to communication—we learnt how express our needs with clarity, honesty and respect. How this can open conversations rather than create conflict, self-blame or blaming others.

Every group brings its own rhythm. While the programme provides a framework, it is the people in the room—their stories, questions and reflections—that shape where the journey leads next.

I’m already looking forward to welcoming my Polish Summer Room group next week, and quietly beginning to shape Autumn Room—a new season of stories, reflection and meaningful conversations. 🍂

07/08/2026

‘Each of us is an artist of our days; the greater our integrity and awareness, the more original and creative our time will become.’
John O’Donohue

27/07/2026

27/07/2026

We are delighted to welcome Kasia to Shannon Family Resource Centre for her Counselling Placement. She will be available to meet with adult members of the community who wish to avail of her services on Friday mornings from SEPTEMBER 2026.

Contact the office 061 707600 to register your interest in availing of Kasias support. Kasia will then arrange to speak with you and discuss your needs and check if you are suitable for her service.

24/07/2026

What are emotions trying to tell us?

This week at House of Stories Summer Room, we explored one of the most familiar—and sometimes most confusing—parts of being human: our emotions.

Together, we discussed:
• what emotions are
• why we experience them
• why recognising and naming emotions can sometimes be difficult
• how metaphor can help us understand emotional experiences in a gentler, more accessible way

The direction of each workshop is shaped by the group. Although the programme has an overall structure, the needs, questions and experiences of the participants influence what we explore together. This is why emotions became the focus of our second session.

As the conversations continue to unfold, I am also beginning to give shape to Autumn Room—another opportunity to explore inner landscape, creativity and storytelling in a thoughtful, participant-led way.

24/07/2026

‘Instructions for living a life:
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.’
—Mary Oliver

18/07/2026

If your hometown, or a place that feels like home, could speak to you today, what story would it tell?” 🇵🇱