to keep informed of our upcoming events!
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Presenters & Playshop Facilitators
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Playshop Facilitators.....
Rebecca Lowrie has a wealth of experience in sexuality and healing. Over the years she has helped people of all genders and sexual orientations to explore their physical, spiritual and sexual selves. Her work combines various forms of conscious and sacred sexuality to enable people to expand their possibilities of sensuality, intimacy and love. Rebecca is a warm and compassionate practitioner as well as a creative group facilitator. With her open heart and mind, she is able to hold a deeply loving and sacred space for people to explore their sexuality. She currently runs one-to-one sessions and workshops in the UK and abroad. Rebecca lives in London with her partner and teenage daughter. You can often find her out in nature mesmerised by how things grow, dancing ecstatically with friends (preferably naked) or with her nose pressed up against the window of the nearest ice cream shop.
Afternoon Playshop:
Guided meditation to clear and awaken your body’s energy system
Come be guided through a powerful and healing meditation that uses your potent sexual energy to clear, balance and awaken energy centres in your body. You will feel brighter, zingier and full of juicy vitality.
Evening Playshop: There must be more to sex than sex
Our sexuality is very personal and very potent. How well do you know the different facets of your sexual self? Are you wild and juicy, slow and sultry, quiet yet seductive, all of these things or something else all together? Are you ready to use your sexual energy to connect to life, the Universe and everything? In this workshop, we’ll be liberating and expanding our sexual selves, connecting to the erotic potential in everything and using our sexual energy to empower our lives.
Fiona Daly has been running workshops in Tantra in Ireland since 2002. Coming from the fast paced world of Film Design, Tantra sneaked into her life through an inspiring yoga teacher, Marlene Ffrench Mullen, in 1990, “it felt as if my life went from black and white to vivid technicolour!”. She trained to teach Tantra with Dawn Cartwright. Immediately after graduating in India she met her partner Edwin. Within months they immersed themselves in the 7 level SoulMate training with the School of Awakening and went on to train to teach Couples Tantra in 2009. Since then her path has brought her deeper into Tantric practice, and wider into supporting skills trainings including psychotherapy, drama improvisation, art and colour-light therapy.
“I came from a background that saw sexuality as a hindrance to spiritual expansion. In finding Tantra I have come to know myself as connected to the vastness of spiritual being and how exquisitely I can experience that in the sensuality of my human body. My joy in the expansion and love Tantra has brought to my life spills over and inspires me to share this path with others.” If you would like to contact Fiona about workshops, couples or one to one sessions, email fionampdaly@eircom.net
Deb Davis has been on the tantra journey since 2001 participating in courses with Dawn Cartwright, Jewels Wingfield, and with Sarita, including the 3year seven level SoulMate training at the School of Awakening. She has been co-facilitating workshops with Fiona since 2004. Deb is a qualified birth Doula with a focus on Orgasmic Birth and Gentle Birthing techniques. She is currently training in Somatic Studies, exploring the formative effects on the human being from pre-conception to standing. I am inspired by this phrase from Mary Oliver ''Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?'' My desire in life is to facilitate the birthing of wild and precious lives no-matter what age it happens at. Deb can be contacted at douladebd@gmail.com
Afternoon Playshop: Spiritual Speed Dating
''A sacred Puja Ritual where we experience a selection of tantric practices designed to allow deep connection with another while remaining grounded in our connection to our human selves. We interact within the boundaries of what feels right for each participant in the moment not pushing ourselves but allowing a gentle grounded unfolding.
The Tantric meditations, sometimes playful, sometimes still, use breath, movement,sound, and guided meditation to enrich each meeting throughout the ceremony. We start to experience a kind of loving that transcends the notions of attraction or ‘types’, A loving that taps into our own deep well of self-love, below all our self criticism and ''not good enough'' judgements. This self-love impels us towards life and connection and recognizes in the other the same source energy from which we spring.''
Afternoon playshop - An Introduction to Kink!
Kink, or BDSM, is an age-old human phenomenon which only became named in the modern sense in the last 150 fifty years. Subject to much stigma, prejudice and misunderstanding, BDSM covers a diverse range of activities, tastes and attractions that can be inspiring, disturbing, funny and challenging. Studies show that at least 10% of the population engage in some form of BDSM activity.
In this introductory playshop, local kinkster C.A. O'Hara will try to convey some core ideas about BDSM; how it is more than the "whips and chains" stereotype; and how elements of BDSM have crossover potential into Energy play and Tantra. Above all, he will cover the central tenet of safe, sane and consensual behaviour between creative, imaginative and daring adults. There will be some demonstrations of kinky toys and possibly more, depending on volunteers. You have been warned!
C.A. O'Hara has been involved in the Irish kink scene since 2004. He co-organises kink education workshops under the Spreag Ceardlann banner, using both local and international presenters and sex educators to inform, enlighten and entertain kinksters (and the curious) about different aspects of BDSM.
Emer O'Grady graduated with a BSc in Psychotherapy & Counselling and has completed a post graduate training in Integrative Bodywork (also known as Bioenergetics Analysis). She is an accredited member of the Irish Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy IACP.
As a therapist I aim to provide a safe and supportive environment as I understand the need to feel safe in order to be able to explore experiences, thoughts and feelings, both past and present. I believe that people have the potential to understand themselves and the ability to solve their own problems. Therefore, I see my work as a therapist as a collaboration in which I aim to support my clients in their struggle, as they find their own solutions to their concerns and issues.
I provide counselling and psychotherapy for individuals to resolve present and past difficulties and change their lives for the better. My approach is Integrative and I draw on a background of Psychodynamic, Humanistic, CBT & Bodywork training. My professional experience includes working in social care for more than seven years and I have worked with Domestic Abuse, Homelessness and Addiction. I have further training in Addiction Counselling.
Some of the issues I work with are: Sexuality (LGBTQ) , Depression & Anxiety, Self-esteem, confidence & assertiveness, Relationships, Grief, loss, separation & relationship break-down, Addiction, Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse & Stress.
Emer is offering the following playshop with Derek McDonnell.....
Afternoon Playshop: Relationships
''The first part of the playshop on Relationships will be Intimacy With Self - Meeting Me and will include aspects of our connection with Self, and the Self Relationship. This will be followed by the second part of the playshop: Intimacy With the Other - Meeting You and will include aspects of how we relate to others, and our experience of ourselves and the other person in that.''
Glenn Sullivan is a Shamanic Healer, Counsellor, Transpersonal Therapist, Tantra & Body Awakening Coach . He has trained & lived with many spiritual mentors over the last 20 years which have enriched his path immeasurably, although he attributes one’s greatest teaching's are through Spirit, which has helped him to develop a strong authenticity and intuition to his work. His workshops and one to one sessions, bring profound healing and transformative experiences, helping people to find their own inner creative resources, enabling them to live more fulfilling and successful lives. Watch a recent video of Glenn here and here!
Afternoon Playshop: ''Alchemy of Love''
''How can we begin to manifest our Divine lover, until first we meet it from within?
This is a play-shop exploring what it means to be in divine union with our Masculine & Feminine. When we learn to embrace and surrender to these aspects of ourselves, where we can begin, maybe for the first time to live as integrated beings. One of the most important parts of this process is the Initiation into the healthy masculine & feminine. Join Glenn Sullivan as he shares his realisations & understandings around the Alchemy of Love. We will journey together in storytelling (myth), dance, shamanic journeying & ritual.''
NOTE: Please bring a blanket and cushion with you for this playshop.
Derek McDonnell B.Sc., LLM, works as a Facilitating Change consultant who promotes the freedom of expression of the self. Derek has worked for nearly twenty years in youth work, the addiction field and community development with many local and national, as well as international agencies. His education incorporates a degree in psychotherapy and a Masters in Human Rights Law. Derek brings his unique professional experience of working in both Europe and Africa to this contribution to Bliss Festival. Through his work he explores, with his clients, a bespoke response to an individual, a couple or a group's expressed need. Derek's work is always underpinned by a strong foundation in a rights based approach.
Derek is offering the following playshop with Emer O'Grady.....
Afternoon Playshop: ''Relationships''
''The first part of the playshop on Relationships will be Intimacy With Self - Meeting Me and will include aspects of our connection with Self, and the Self Relationship.
This will be followed by the second part of the playshop: Intimacy With the Other - Meeting You and will include aspects of how we relate to others, and our experience of ourselves and the other person in that.''
Misa Derhy was born in the Czech republic, former Czechoslovakia. She studied Economics under the communist system in Prague, but after the velvet revolution she left for Paris to pursue her passion and learn French. Working as an au pair in the afternoons, studying at La Sorbonne in the mornings and evenings, she discovered the beauty of Paris and the taste of freedom. She came back to Prague in 1992 but was bitten by the “travel bug”, here she met Nathan, and since then they have never stopped sharing their dreams and life. 20 years and 10 countries later with a few more languages in their kittie, 3 kids and a dog in their family, they settled down in Dublin in the summer of 2011.
YOGA IS FOR EVERYBODY. Physical practice is only a little part of the yogic way of living, and this is what I am sharing with my students. For me Yoga is for everyday life, yoga is transformation, yoga helps us to deal with our multiple roles and obligations with a balanced state of mind and with healthy body. I discovered and live it myself, and I'm teaching what I know from my own experience. So letʼs start NOW!
Afternoon Playshop: Yoga for Every Body
In this playshop Misa will speak to the benefits of yoga and how it can influence, and more importantly, improve our experience of our own sexual, or life force, energy. Misa will demonstrate and support you to experience the poses, asanas, breathwork and meditation techniques.
NOTE: Please wear comfortable and loose clothing, preferably in light layers, and bring your own yoga mat or thin rug for this playshop.
Isaac George is an internationally known channel, spiritual counsellor and teacher, musician/composer and author. After a spontaneous kundalini awakening in 1994 Isaac explored many Tantri paths and philosophies, and devoted himself to his own self-healing and spiritual awareness. Originally from the United States, Isaac resides in the UK and Ireland. Watch a recent video of Isaac here!
Afternoon Playshop: The Metaphysics of Sexual Energy - Energy Dynamics with Self and Others
''This segment will present an overview of the realm of subtle energy that is the basis for Tantric, Taoist and other practices that utilise sexual energy for accessing non-physical states of consciousness. Major topics to be discussed are:
- The power of self-pleasuring to integrate the inner masculine/feminine and to energise and heal the chakras and subtle bodies
- The sexual circuits: how they work and how to play with them to access altered states
- How to apply these techniques to intimate relationships for healing and restorative purposes
- What love has to do with it - the underlying principle of the 'spontaneous Tantra' that everyone knows at the level of their soul, and how to express it.
Some handouts are available and a brief period for questions is provided at the end of the presentation.''
Lynn Paterson is
an internationally respected and loved tantra guide and facilitator based in West Cork, Ireland. She is the creator of One Heart Tantra, through which she offers her unique form of Tantra Massage, Intuitive counselling, Tantric coaching and Professional Training in Tantric skills and Tantra Massage.
In workshops & sessions she embodies the presence of Unconditional Love through the Divine Feminine, or 'Goddess' archetype. Creating a safe and nurturing cocoon, Lynn employs her empathy, intuition, many therapeutic practices, and deep shamanic skills to re-member the Self, and reconnect to the inherent Life force within, to bring about self-empowerment and an awareness of our own true divine nature." Watch a recent video of Lynn here!
Afternoon Playshop: Tantra Massage – Opening the Door to Sacred Intimacy
''Tantra Massage is a combination of loving touch that gently soothes the body and senses while at the same time awakening the spiritual life force that we know of as sexual or creative energy. The entire experience is essentially a series of rituals that celebrates the whole being, and encourages complete letting go and melting into a state of receiving conscious touch and pleasure. (Nice!)
By surrendering action, many new experiences and states of consciousness are available. These new states may leave one feeling deeply met and profoundly touched. As we experience an integration of sexual and spiritual energies we feel more fulfilled and naturally experience more self-confidence, increased energy and an expanded capacity for pleasure as well as deep inner peace.
The playshop will be an opportunity to learn about tantra massage and what it involves. There will be practical exercises solo and with a partner. All exercises are fully clothed, and there is no sexual contact involved in today's introduction. Bring a cushion and/or blanket as there will be floor work.''
Evening Playshop: Tantra Massage – Sensual Loving Touch for Couples and Partners (not necessarily sexual partners)
NOTE: This evening play-shop will be a taster where you can dip your toes into the art and practise of tantra massage with your partner. Pre-booking is essential and you will need to bring, along with your massage partner, your favourite oil for massage, padding for the floor, several towels for the floor, or a massage table if you wish, plus a sarong to change into and use as draping. Nudity is not necessary - it is up to you to choose your level of comfort regarding clothing for the massage. Suitable for all sexual orientations - you will need to be physically able to perform this massage.
Beth Wallace has a 25 year professional history focusing mostly on issues of sexual health in mind and body from both human rights and social justice perspectives. Dying and death have also featured prominently in Beth's working life, and she spent most of her career working in the field of HIV/AIDS, her roles have included counsellor, trainer, facilitator, therapist, project manager and national director, among many others, she also has considerable teaching experience from secondary to post graduate university level in several Irish universities, including Trinity College, Dublin.
Beth is a published writer of poetry and short fiction, and she very much enjoys the expression writing affords her.
In her personal journeying Beth has explored many of the world's major spiritual paths and religions, she took Vajrayana Buddhist vows, she has also explored both 'traditional' Eastern and modern Western Tantric texts and practices over the last 20 years, and now teaches Tantric practices to women. Beth describes her current spiritual path, and practice, as simply, ''the breath of this moment''.
Beth is the founder, creator and organiser of Bliss Festival which is the joining of her professional and personal paths in life - a coming together of sexual health, freedoms and pleasures in a holistic experience of the self in mind, body and spirit, individually, in partnership and in community.
Evening Playshop: Awakening The Senses
(sponsored by: Essence café)
''Beth will offer, to a limited number of people, a fun and deeply sensuous evening playshop designed to ignite and inflame your senses, to encourage you safely into an experience of your own body unlike you have experienced it before..... to gently coax your vision, hearing, sense of smell, taste and touch awake into an enlivened state... to tantalise and excite..... into a state of tingling awareness...
Each sense will in turn be treated to lavish attention, delicate teasing and stimulation until heightened states of awareness are reached...
NOTE: The playshop is conducted clothed, those attending are required to bring a cushion and a blanket. An additional supplement of €20 per person is required for this playshop... please be advised that a decadent and succulent supper will be served.....
Performers.....
The Zoryanna are a Dublin-based Tribal and Modern Belly Dance Troupe, who perform and teach in Ireland and Europe.
Tribal Bellydance is a modern style of dance that draws inspiration from traditional bellydance, flamenco, North-African and Indian dances, resulting in a unique style. Groups dances are improvised, based on a system of movements and cues, so every dance is different. Group interaction and a strong sense of communication between the dancers whilst dancing are exciting elements of Tribal Bellydance.
Modern bellydance mixes Tribal Bellydance with contemporary, jazz, hip hop and anything you want. Dances are mostly choreographed, and most Modern bellydancers perform solo.
Charlie Sundstrom holds meditational dance spaces, her choice of music moves from ethereal to tribal then back to relaxing sounds allowing the dancer to connect with her/his body, Mother Earth and with each other.
'Dropping into dance allows a connection with myself and others on an energetic level,
without the need for dialogue that is instant and honest, its magical.'
Charlie also works with people with special needs giving massage and aromatherapy and practices acupuncture and energetic healing.
She will be playing the music for Blissfest.
Laney Elaine Yau will be using her extensive talents as a make up artist and providing Blissers with body painting during the evening gathering, Laney's work is stunning and she particularly excels at ''fake'' tribal tattoo designs, gorgeous!!!
