The 21st. Global Inspiration Conference in Ireland had the theme Mo Chroi do Do Chroi [My Heart to Your Heart] and it certainly created a most loving and supportive community. The Celtic imagination articulates the inner friendship that embraces nature, divinity, the underworld and the human worlds as one. Dualism is a concept alien to the Celtic culture. In particular, in the ancient Celtic way of life, anam chara [soul love] was a special element. It is a special friendship which forms a bond, a sense of belonging, a love for each other’s soul. The anam chara relationship is graced with affection. Real friendship awakens affection and the heart learns a new way of feeling. When affection is kindled, the world of the intellect takes on a new tenderness and compassion. Looking , seeing and understanding take on a new character and ideas and affection are no longer separate. A new deep sensitivity and capacity for love are developed in the eye of the beholder…..an end to fundamentalism, violence and oppression. The anam chara relationship is also extended to all of nature . For the Celts, nature is the direct expression of the divine imagination. The visible and the invisible are linked and move in and out of each other.
`it turned out to be a unique, inspiring and joyous experience in Galway Ireland held at the Delphi Mountain Resort in Galway Ireland in July 2014. Meeting old friends and making new ones all connected to the conscious breathing network. Many workshops from different breathwork styles, networking groups, dance and yoga, shamanism and rituals, firewalking and sweat lodge! The weather was of course up to form with more rain than sun but the countryside and land is truly wonderful. Some highlights included keynote speakers Leonard Orr [the founder of Rebirthing], the eloquent Catherine Dowling, the committed Tilke Platteel-Deur, the entertaining Wilfried Erhmann, the determined Alicya Heyda [working with cancer patients in Poland]. All their wisdom and experience was truly inspiring. We also experienced Irish dancing and traditional ballads. The “Talent Show” on the last evening was as usual highly inspirational and entertaining. On most nights we also had great disco dancing with DJ Robert Moore. The staff at the Resort were also more than willing to participate in the spirit of the conference. Even if “conference” maybe should be substituted by the word “gathering”! A meeting of like-minded souls.
