This podcast is not about politics...I'm releasing a quick episode on the eve of the American Election because I felt a lot of energy needed to be transmuted into joy and love (as best I can). I'm reflecting on the turning into Fall, releasing expectations to focus on the process, Samhain, and how nature is a mirror.

You can take the American out of the American, but you can't take the American out of the American.

Visit www.aquietvoice.ie to learn more about men's circles.

Online and in-person men's groups start in Winter, so reach out for a call to learn more.

12-week New Year Empowerment Men's Course starting Dec. 1 & Dec. 30th with only 12 seats maximum.

Visit www.aquietvoice.ie to learn more.

In this episode, I chat with Carl J Ashley who shares an incredible journey from a life of addiction and indifference to one filled with mindfulness, spiritual awakening, and creative expression. Reflecting on his suburban roots and transformative experiences, including a life-changing near-death encounter and the disciplined practice of self-reflection, we discuss how writing and creativity helped him to heal and grow.

Join me for an inspirational conversation about resilience, exploring our true selves, and the transformative power of embracing one's creative and spiritual journey.

Find more about Carl J Ashley, The Write Coach:

writecoach.ie/

www.youtube.com/@CarlJAshley

If you are interested in learning more about A Quiet Voice Men’s Development:

Instagram @aquietvoicepodcast

Email: colin@aquietvoice.ie

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00:00 Welcome to Episode 50

01:12 Introducing Carl J. Ashley

02:22 Carl's Journey to Spirituality

04:31 Sacred Sites and Personal Transformation

17:04 The Power of Writing and Healing

25:52 Overcoming Addiction and Self-Discovery

28:52 Embracing Authenticity and Self-Love

32:03 The Role of Meditation and Mindfulness

39:28 Overcoming Negative Influences

40:40 Spiritual Teachers and Their Impact

43:11 Healing Through Writing and Letting Go

45:20 The Power of Positive Self-Talk

49:39 The Role of Sacred Sites in Spiritual Growth

50:40 Avoiding the Ego Trap in Spiritual Practice

01:01:16 Personal Stories and Glitches in the Matrix

01:08:33 Connecting with Ancient Spiritual Sites

01:13:05 Resilience and Finding Strength in Adversity

01:14:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Quick episode reflecting on what I've learned from being in men's groups for a year now.

(BTW the cover art is the picture I refer to of me from 2019...Hungover on a Spanish mountain)

If you want to become a member of an online or in-person men's group, then DM me on Instagram @aquietvoicepodcast or email aquietvoicemedia@gmail.com

New Men's Groups will start In-Person & Online in Mid-November.

Discover more from Carmel at:

www.sagewellbeing.ie

Instagram @sagewellbeing_irl I chat with Carmel Hughes, a mindset and breathwork practitioner, about methods to alleviate stress through mindfulness and breathwork.

I get some help on how to interrupt negative thought patterns and Carmel brings a lot of knowledge from neuroscience, positive psychology and breathwork to help me manage stress.

The episode highlights practical strategies for calming the mind and body in everyday life, particularly for those who might struggle with overthinking and anxiety. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:17 Meet Carmel Hughes: Mindset and Breathwork Practitioner 00:45 Personal Wellness Journeys and Social Media Insights 03:14 Diving into Mindfulness and Neuroscience 04:14 Understanding Unhelpful Thinking Styles 04:57 The Importance of Awareness and Interrupting Negative Thoughts 07:44 Connecting with Others and Self-Awareness 12:30 The Mind-Body Connection and Stress Management 19:27 The Evolutionary Brain and Modern Stressors 23:50 Mindfulness and Mindset Journey 24:14 Personal Experiences with Meditation 26:23 Discovering Breathwork 26:52 Challenges and Adaptations During COVID 29:56 Tailoring Techniques for Individuals 33:13 Men's Approach to Emotional Work 41:20 Practical Tips for Daily Calm 43:17 Upcoming Events and Workshops 46:08 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

On a warm, sunny day in the west of Ireland, I watched spiders. It made me reflect on the deep link between our place and our identity. This episode explores the wisdom of August, the second harvest. It features a chat between Irish writer and philosopher John Moriarty and comedian Tommy Tiernan. Moriarty links place and identity. He stresses the need to be present and connected to our surroundings. I also share insights from leading men's groups. I discuss the value of empathy, and my nature experiences that teach patience and presence. I explore, through reflections and readings, the works of Moriarty and John O'Donohue, and personal anecdotes. They show that being present in nature helps us find our true selves and connect with others. Join me as I share these thoughts and a poignant encounter with a spider that taught me about life and presence.

If you enjoyed this podcast, then it would mean the world to me if you would rate it 5 stars wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Men's Workshop in Westport

Anam Croi House

August 31st

Write to aquietvoicemedia@gmail.com for interest and questions

DM @aquietvoicepodcast on Instagram

-- 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 00:52 Exploring the Wisdom of August 01:50 John Moriarty and Tommy Tiernan's Conversation 06:53 The Importance of Community and Empathy 09:56 A Day of Reflection and Connection with Nature 14:06 The Profound Lessons from a Spider 23:27 Childhood Memories and Nature's Magic 25:28 John Moriarty's Reflections on the Countryside 26:48 Reflecting on Marianne Danny 28:06 The Mystery of Nature and the Human Soul 30:20 The Power of Presence and Compassion 32:13 The Spider and the Lesson of Fear 36:51 The Dark Harvest and Self-Reflection 52:49 Embracing Fear and Curiosity 56:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

I almost fell off a cliff, but luckily, we learned a lot from it...luckily.

In this episode, I share a powerful personal story and reflections on finding sacred spaces in nature as a means of grounding and self-awareness. From my recent experiences leading men's workshops in Ireland to a near-miss on a cliff's edge, I explore how a deep connection with nature can guide us from overthinking and into presence. We delve into the ancient wisdom of stone circles, the importance of silence and solitude, and the transformative power of darkness.

Join me as we navigate these topics and learn to embrace the quiet, reflective moments that offer us true clarity and purpose.

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Support the podcast!

Use CODE: "VOICE" on namawe.ie for 10% off

-- 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 00:58 Reflecting on Past Episodes and Personal Growth 01:52 Leading Men's Workshops 03:29 A Transformative Beach Walk 11:52 The Power of Nature and Sacred Places 22:47 Historical Context of Land Protection 23:15 Modern Restrictions on Open Fireplaces 24:27 Technology and Disconnection 25:48 The Power of Darkness and Solitude 27:07 Highland Bards and Visionary States 32:57 Colonialism and the Loss of Sacred Spaces 37:16 Reconnecting with Nature and Darkness 40:41 Men's Workshops and Personal Growth 43:14 Final Reflections and Farewell

Discover more from Maria Mayorga, her herbal skincare business, NAMAWE by visiting her shop in Westport Ireland.

Follow her on Instagram @namaweskincare

www.namawe.ie

Support the Podcast!

Use Code "VOICE" for 10% off on www.NAMAWE.ie --

In this episode, the Colin sits down with Maria Mayorga, his partner (now wife) and the founder of NAMAWE Herbal Skincare in Westport. They discuss their journey from creating a business together to opening a shop in town. The conversation delves deeply into Maria's unique relationship with plants and how it inspired her to create natural remedies for sensitive skin. They explore the importance of creative habits, the simplicity of making herbal infusions, and the value of reconnecting with nature. The episode also touches on their upcoming wedding and how their partnership has grown stronger over the years. 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 00:11 The Journey of Creating a Business Together 00:28 Launching a Shop and Creative Energy 00:38 The Inspiration Behind the Podcast 01:17 Meet Maria: Founder and Creator 02:54 Maria's Connection with Nature and Plants 05:05 Discovering the Power of Cleavers 08:21 The Healing Properties of Plantain 13:20 The Art of Making Herbal Infusions 19:21 Listening to Plants and Intuition 24:56 The Power of Gratitude in Nature 27:25 Disconnecting to Reconnect 28:09 Balancing Work and Creativity 35:49 Rediscovering Traditional Practices 36:25 The Journey of Tallow 43:49 The Significance of Marriage 57:44 Supporting the Podcast and Future Projects

In this episode, Colin Ward delves deep into the nature of dreams and the significance of love in our lives. Starting with his reflections on capturing fleeting ideas, he transitions into discussing the tensions perceived in the modern world, influenced by constant media bombardment.

He emphasizes the importance of dreams as guiding forces and shares a personal dream involving the spiritual teacher Ram Dass, exploring the question of self-love. He discusses Guy Debord's idea of the concept of the 'spectacle' and its impact on our perceptions, juxtaposing this with the purity of dreams and the invisible guides they provide.

The episode concludes with reflections on how love and a dream-like perspective can transform our waking world.

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A Quiet Voice is organizing in-person and online men's groups for support, fraternity, and accountability. If you or a loved one is interested in learning more about this work, then write to me on Instagram @AQuietVoicePodcast or via email aquietvoicemedia@gmail.com --

Sources:

Guy Debord's "Society of the Spectacle"

Jon O'Donohue's "Eternal Echoes: Exploring our Hunger to Belong

Ram Dass': "Here & Now"

-- 00:00 Introduction: Capturing Ideas in the Moment 00:56 The State of the World: A Palpable Tension 02:21 Catching Dreams: A Guiding Force 07:02 The Dream Classroom: A Spiritual Encounter 11:31 Self-Love and Spiritual Realizations 15:41 Navigating Reality and Dream 18:01 Mastering Lucid Dreaming 18:56 The Power of Positive Thinking 19:50 Introduction to Guy Debord's Spectacle 20:17 Understanding the Spectacle 22:30 Commodity Logic and Its Impact 23:56 The Overwhelming Influence of Screens 28:17 Connecting Back to Dreams 32:57 The Role of Invisible Guides