{"id":1912,"date":"2017-11-09T01:40:19","date_gmt":"2017-11-09T01:40:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.sacredearthjourneys.ca\/blog\/?p=1912"},"modified":"2017-11-09T02:01:17","modified_gmt":"2017-11-09T02:01:17","slug":"memories-ireland-photos-video-written-reflections-two-amazing-journeys-ireland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sacredearthjourneys.ca\/blog\/memories-ireland-photos-video-written-reflections-two-amazing-journeys-ireland\/","title":{"rendered":"Memories of Ireland: Photos, video, written reflections on two amazing journeys to Ireland"},"content":{"rendered":"

Our groups have recently returned from two adventures in Ireland: The Connemara Writer\u2019s Retreat with Phil Cousineau<\/a> and The Wild West of Ireland with Phil Cousineau<\/a>. From the day the invigorated travellers landed back on home soil, we\u2019ve been receiving photos, written feedback, even a beautiful video about their journeys. As all these so perfectly capture the mood and spirit of time spent in Ireland we wanted to share them with you.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve collated some of our favourites here. For more photos visit our Flickr albums: Photos from The Connemara Writer\u2019s Retreat<\/a> and Photos from The Wild West of Ireland<\/a>. For more written thoughts about the journeys, visit our Testimonials page<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Many thanks to our wonderful participants who generously shared their photos and memories with us.<\/p>\n

The Connemara Writer\u2019s Retreat<\/h3>\n

\u201cThis has been a week full of wisdom, inspiration with all the elements of nature and spirits of Connemara aligned to bring clarity and purpose to our intention. I\u2019m indeed grateful to have had this chance to be mentored by Phil who is both soulful and simpatico. The Connemara experience, my notes and Phil\u2019s books will help sustain me to complete my manuscript. Then I can gift myself with a pilgrimage trip by Phil Cousineau.\u201d<\/p>\n

Linds Boughton, Manila, Phillippines<\/p>\n

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Our group making themselves at home at the local Irish pub! (Photo: Elaine McCracken)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Could there be any better place to write? (Photo: Sue Smith)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Students reading at The Bardic Chair, Renvyle (Photo: Phil Cousineau)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cI anticipated Phil\u2019s enthusiasm for story and myth, and looked forward to his style, which is intended to help one go deeper into the work. I expected to be inspired and embark on new adventures, while being stirred emotionally by the Irish landscape.<\/p>\n

What I wasn\u2019t expecting was the amplification of these Irish stirrings and emotional tenderness, how awake and enlivened I felt most days, getting by on three hours of sleep (highly unusual for me). Phil had instructed us from day one that Ireland itself is animated, and to pay attention to all of our experiences \u2013 the morning writing sessions, the three Irish plays, the visits to the ruins, the landscape, the conversations with locals and with one another. And most important, Phil said, was to connect these experiences, these precious moments, back to our writing. Thanks to this retreat, my story has taken on new depth and direction. I am grateful for Phil and the twelve Philgrims, for new friendships, and some unexpected healing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Elaine McCracken, Santa Barbara, CA<\/p>\n

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Making friends with like-minded travellers and writers (Photo: Tohnia Alexander)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Our trusty Retreat Leader and inspirational teacher, Phil Cousineau (Photo: Jeffrey Kiehl)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Connemara \u2013 the perfect backdrop for a writer\u2019s retreat (Photo: Thelma Sugay)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Learning from our writing instructor, Phil Cousineau (Photo: Linds Boughton)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cOnce again, Phil Cousineau has used the perfect combination of Ireland’s landscape and culture to activate the senses and lead to unexpected writing breakthroughs. I came away exhausted but exhilarated and have been writing furiously in the days since my return. There is something special about being in the company of other committed creatives who have responded to the call to attend, who hold a safe space for each other, and many of whom have become friends. Phil utilizes his wide experience with many creative projects and knowledge of history and story-telling forms to open one’s eyes to many possibilities and to gather courage to explore them. Whether a writing workshop like this (or past ones in Ireland and Greece) or perhaps a tour (I’ve been privileged to travel on his recent Cuba and England tours), I consider a chance to explore new places with Phil and his groups of like-minded seekers to be an experience not to be missed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lou Ann Granger, Valencia, CA<\/p>\n