I hope that this note finds you well today and that you have started the new week off on a good footing!
As you know from my weekly messages to you, it has been my intention now for a while to send out a short note to you every Sunday. Yesterday was the first day that that did not happen. Unfortunately life's adventures took over yesterday and I honestly did not have the energy to sit down at a laptop last night. The tank was empty and an early night was needed.
Hiking the Urris Hills
Yesterday I challenged myself to hike from Crummie's Bay in Dunree across the Urris Hills to Glenevin Waterfall in Clonmany. I have hiked sections of this route before but never the full traverse. We were on the hill for approximately 8 hours but add to this limited visibility, saturated ground and slippy rocks, you will understand why full focus, energy and concentration was needed.
The views out over Donegal when we reached the summit of Raghtin More at 502m were amazing. You could see right out to Lough Swilly and along the coast to Malin Head - the northernmost point of Ireland. My friend took the photo above as we ascended up Mamore Hill from Mamore Gap. A challenging but amazing day.
Be excessively gentle with yourself
I wonder what you do when you are exhausted or have over-stretched yourself?
When I experience this, I try to remind myself of the line from John O'Donohue's Blessing "For One Who Is Exhausted" - be excessively gentle with yourself. Perhaps this might resonate with you too and offer an option to manoeuvre this feeling?
Last night gentleness, for me, meant unplugging from devices and an early night. And then, whilst I was up early this morning leading our online April Adventure of Meditation and Journaling, I continued the gentleness with a nourishing breakfast and a gentle mid-morning yoga class.
I now feel refreshed and re-energised - ready for the week ahead and a whole range of Wellbeing Program Facilitation.
Guided Walks and Adventures
On Saturday morning we hiked our base mountain Binevenagh in the glorious spring sunshine. We even had a herd of feral goats greet us or is that bleat us (I know - bad joke lol) as we arrived at the parking. Whilst the ascent and descent proved muddy, it all added to the fun and sense of adventure as we explored this majestic mountain.
I have included below a few of our upcoming Guided Walks and Adventures along the Causeway Coast, in the Sperrin Mountains and the Mourne Mountains. Lots to look forward to. Make sure to book and get in the diary now.
Our next walk is a coastal walking adventure this Saturday from Dunseverick Castle to Ballintoy Harbour. It will be Earth Day and I’ll be incorporating some litter-picking along the way should you wish to join me.
Have a great week ahead and remember to be gentle with yourself - always.
Be well.
Nuala x