Quick Update & New York Organic Farming and CHEK Institute HLC2

Happy Friday

What an amazing return to Ireland over the last week and a half.

By God hasn't the weather been amazing!

I have been lucky enough to spend some much needed time close to the sea restoring my natural circadian rhythm.  This included some Tai Chi out in Portmarnock (below), a visit to an old team mate Eddie Barrett by Waterford castle, getting some vital time in the sea in Tramore, Co. Waterford and believe it or not to a naturist beach in Sandycove (you will be most grateful I didn't take the camera out there) with a fellow Soar facilitator Joe.

I caught up with John Cantwell of slianchroi.ie for a very deep workshop on Sunday, ran in celebration of the summer solstice; worth checking out for all interested.

The Soar foundation held a Teenage Kicks workshop last Wednesday at the Chocolate Factory in Dublin to show to their investors just what inspiring work we are doing in schools.  For anyone interested to find out more about Soar you can check out their website at soar.ie and even better if you feel like you could add something, feel free to get in touch as donations are what keeps this dream a reality.  Tom (photograph below) has came over from the reach foundation in Australia to train myself and group of facilitators.  Thank you Tom for your wisdom.  It turned out to be very powerful event due to hard work of the Soar crew.

full set of photographs here

New York Organic Farming

Kilpatrick Family Farm

I spent four weeks with Kilpatrick Family farm based in Granville upstate New York. www.kilpatrickfamilyfarm.com This was incredible learning experience of what it takes to produce healthy nutritious food in a sustainable profitable practice. Michael prides himself as a steward to the land which doesn't see him as a business man looking to extract profit from the soil but to nurture the land and leave it as a fertile base for nutritious food  that's farmed in a sustainable manner. Thank you Michael for your share of knowledge in one of the busier ends of the farming season.

Here is quick video of intern Chris Thompson feeding out the layer hens and guard dog Liberty doing her thing.

(http://youtu.be/Y5rGT7vxLGk)

A few photos from around the farm over the four weeks. Thanks again to everyone that made my stay so special.

Rock Heavan Hills Organic Dairy Farm

I got the opportunity to visit a organic pasture based dairy farm. I was truly impressed by the glow/shine from the milking cows. The cows are out on pasture at present and diet is pasture grass and hay harvested on farm. On entering the farm you pass a conventional dairy, which truly stinks on contrast an absolute pleasure to walk though this farm.

The herd are very calm and content friendly animals that walk straight by you without bating an eyelid. I got a photo with resident bull Rocky. 

I got some jars of fresh raw milk that went down a treat with my rhubarb. Big shout out to Skylor and Liebig family for the tour.

Brooklyn Grange

I arrived down to New York to attend the CHEK Institutes HLC2 course which I have been looking forward to since last December.

I had a couple of days before hand to catch up with some friends in New York. I was told about some of the roof gardens that supplied some restaurants around the city. 

I was sitting on fifth avenue at 4:30 pm and had a quick google search. Brooklyn Grange was the first one that popped up and when I looked at the subway route was only couple of stations away. I jumped up and landed there for 4:50pm. I thought why not go up and have a look around as on Kilpatrick Family Farm there was open door policy for anyone that wants to visit. I reached the top and was blown away with what I seen.

  

I got talking to farm manager Bradley Fleming and with what I am putting down to the T shirt (thanks Troy) got to work on the farm the next day.

Really touched by the positive outlook from the crew, that really capped of my experience of organic farming  in New York.

Well worth looking up the history of the farm brooklyngrangefarm.com

CHEK Institute Holistic Lifestyle Coaching Level 2

I have been looking forward to this advanced training course since December after getting to spend three days with Jo Rushton in Melbourne during the HLC1 training. ( I highly recommend btw )
This course has a quite stringent prerequisite list of attending & passing exam from HLC1, attending online & passing exam of Paul Cheks program design course, an extensive reading list and actually living the lifestyle that is discussed during HLC1.

I was blown away by lecturer Angie Lustrick, her energy and passion for optimal health is overwhelmingly contagious, which spread throughout the group throughout the course.

There is more information from the main man himself Paul Chek here.

Lastly, ill be catching up with grass finished beef farmer Joe Condon soon if you have any questions be sure to let me know.

Lorcan

What Inspires You?

I got asked this question by a medical student soft more who is very spiritual and thought out guy.

It took me time to come up with answer but it was under my nose.

Living In the moment.

Reaching for your dream.

Soaring to the best version of yourself.

Tuning into your core values.

From working with clients that work incredible hours in a job that causes them physical, mental and emotional stress, when I ask what is your dream the most common answer is,"I don't know". 

Have you taken a moment to yourself and thought about what your dream is, and then how you can achieve it.

Dream big!

From the depths of the state of New York.

Dublin Chapter. Soar - Be the Best Version of Yourself - Rock Stacking - New York

Hiho,

After a full year in Australia, I arrived back to Dublin undecided what I wished to pursue for the foreseeable future. Within four days I met with a friend that introduced me to Soar (www.soar.ie) It was quite a shock when one of the trainers had stayed next door to me the previous week in Jun Jac in Torquay. Small world hey!
I was so impressed with the first workshop, I put the thinking hat on over Christmas and after attending some school workshops and getting to know Tony and Karl I came to the conclusion this was something I could add to.
My journey in training to become a facilitator with Soar has entailed attending workshops all over the country and training with other facilitators once or twice a month. To try to explain exactly what we do is very tough and I think words (mine anyway) won't give it real justice. But to be the best version of yourself and want for the best of others would be my concept of their mission statement. But be sure to check out the website it might just give you a feel for it. www.soar.ie
Jim Stynes Every heart beats true is the reason why and how Soar was created. Its a real tear jerker but most definitely worth the watch.

Jim has now passed but his spirit is thriving.

Here is a picture from this weekends training followed by a friendly game of wall ball.

Rock stacking and morning swim
As mentioned by Donal in pod-cast titled Donal Carr health 101, I visited the forty foot in Sandycove in Dun Laoghaire with my pal Joe. We got a taste of the fresh Irish sea and played with some rocks.

                                               

When the girl of my dreams is too far away to hug its tough,but hey don't they say absence makes  the heart grow founder.

My next chapter is to begin shortly in New York. This was a massive decision for me to continue following my dream opposed to training with Soar but I wanted to be truly honest to myself and go with what I believe to achieve my dream in the most efficient manner.

I have passed my holistic lifestyle coaching level one exam and due to attend the holistic lifestyle coach level two this June. This means I can help you. I am here to offer my coaching services so feel free to contact me for further information.

With respect.

Lorcan

The Last Three Weeks - Thank you

Happy day to you!


The last three weeks have been up there with the best three weeks of my life. Is this a post accident reaction? Maybe.
Ill go through what I have been up to and then leave you with the questions I have asked myself as to why.

I moved to Torquay in Victoria three weeks ago. I left my day job which I believe was causing way to much stress on my body, mind and soul on many different levels. I picked up another job which was a bit of a drive, a lot more physically demanding and longer hours but good environment to work. I can't speak highly enough about the guys I worked with from New Zealand, Australia and Ireland.

I moved in with two great guys Damien and David that are so chilled and relaxed, living with them was an absolute pleasure. As they thought me how to play cricket and kick an aussie footie (AFL) they picket up the hurley's as if they had been playing for years. I was delighted to leave two of my hurley's with them knowing they would be appreciated and enjoyed.

I travelled up the great ocean road to Lorne twice to enjoy the pier and sea, we got some footage and spent the days playing games on the beach. I have put together a couple of Gopro clips that I am sure I will always remember and relish the two days with great company.

I visited a close friend in Daylesford which I worked with on Mt Buller. He has been a very big influence on me with photography, skiing, rock climbing, rock stacking, fishing and gymnastics. We enjoyed a great quality meal which all but the butter had been grown and raised on the farm.

I had my work colleague and friend Benny drop out for a quick visit, who was unfortunately in the crash with me. Before heading to Torquay he insisted in giving me swimming lessons. Thanks Benny.
This guy has an incredible history with sport and health and one of the most powerful minds I have encountered.

 My pal from Dublin, David dropped out for a night. We spent our time catching up, relaxing and got a fresh dip in the sea. David then travelled over three hours to Melbourne to see me off and drop me to the airport. What a generous gesture which I am very grateful for.

My cousin from Laois visited for a night and surf lesson. It turned out to be such a calm day on the beach they refunded us our lesson even do we spent two hours learning and enjoying ourselves. Thanks to our instructor Billie for making the lesson so remember-al and laughing at me every time I fell of the board. We then spent the day on the beach catching up with some hurling swimming and rock jumping. Here is some footage of me teaching Damien how to back flip.

I was delighted to catch up with my team mate Darren "Rusty" from De Le Salle in Geelong before heading home. We always get on so well we don't notice time passing. I look forward to seeing him next year.

The week before heading home I decided to take the week off and enjoy the surroundings of Torquay. My pal Nick (mentioned above) came down for a night. This was when we returned to Lorne and worked on our handstands, photography, rock climbing, working in and working out. Here is bit of footage and images with Nick, myself and Damien.

I got to test run Lacrosse when Kelly kindly brought down her collection of sticks. The motor schools being similar to hurling had me energized and excited by the grace required to catch and toss the ball. My house mates thoughtfully held a going away party in my honour which we enjoyed great company and much fun.

Then, it happened. I met one of my hero's; Ido Portal, and he lived up to my expectations. This weekend was made extra special by my friend Elly a gymnast instructor inviting me to stay at her place in Hawthorn. I cycled in along the Yarra River and enjoyed the more scenic areas of Melbourne.
Here is the group photo from the movement X two day workshop in West Melbourne, a video of some of Ido's movement.

A thirty hour flight ensued.

Back to the mother land.

A big thank you to all who have made the last three weeks so so good.

What has caused this?
Great company?
Great sleep?
Great education?
Great movement?
Great food?

Or all combined which don't add but multiply.

Its been amazing,

Lorcan

Car Crash Game Changer / Steiner Intro

Saturday morning the 9th of November on the way to work I was in a car crash. I was in the passenger seat when the car I was traveling in broke the lights such that we collided with a truck coming from the left. Both car and truck were travelling at about 40mph. I seen the lights where red and said twice, 'red light-red light'. All three people (two in the car and one in the truck) came away injury free. T

To say I am lucky to be alive is an understatement. The car was a 1995 4l Ford Falcon that somehow pushed the truck further then we went. The car was instantly deemed a write off and the truck may well be as well.The engine/engine block took the blunt of the momentum and sent the truck about 15m across the road. I took a picture of the car I was in which you can see. The truck couldn't drive after words and was towed away while police blocked traffic. If we had being going any faster I would certainly came of a lot worse and any slower we would have went below the truck.

So to say I am feeling extremely lucky at the moment is an under statement. It has made me question more apparent/immediate situations in life and question looking inwards to the daily choices I make, or don't make. I have listed some and deem this as a very good chance to learn from my experience and consider them for yourself.

If I had been more alert could I have prevented the accident?

Do I enjoy my job? 

If I had died would I be proud of my influence on the world?

Am I living my dream?

What is my legacy?

What have I learnt from this accident?

What is GOD (I) trying to say to me.

I am not going to make any rash decisions straight away, but to say I am lucking forward to spending three weeks in Torquay is a understatement. Bring on the summer!

Rudolf Steiner over the last few years has come up many times in different areas of my research. I decided to read a couple of his books and further research some of his work.

Last Thursday I went to the Steiner HQ in Victory for one of three Gabriel Talks. I was behind schedule and when I arrived into a room I seen biodynamic farming methods on the projector screen. This was in fact the wrong lecture I walked into but with my interest in Biodynamic farming I decided to stay put. Ill fill you in in more detail what the lecture discussed and benefits of biodynamic farming and what I took away from it. (Cheese & Yogurt)

For anyone who hasn't got a minute to listen to the podcasts I recorded, I really can't stress enough fitting them into your day. If you got a moment to catch up with them I would be very happy with some feedback and/or if you would like to suggest anyone for me to approach to interview in the future feel free to drop me a mail lorcanmulhern(at)gmail.com or via private mail on Facebook.

 Getting a sneaky handstand in on Saint Kilda Beech in preparation for Ido Portal's Movement X workshop next month.

Love and respect.

Lorcan

Day Off and a Catch Up

Its Sunday,

Wow - what a busy two weeks I have had. This has been my first day off in two weeks with my day job and HLC course last weekend, and it feels goooood!


I had a chat with Michael Kilpatrick of www.kilpatrickfamilyfarm.com/ this week. We discussed his farm, the health of the soil, many different aspects of the CSA (community supports agriculture) scheme and even the potential to visit his farm. Michael interned with Joel Salitin who I have mentioned quite a bit. His passion for real food and good farming practices reflect his energy in his produce. I am looking forward to that visit.

On this point, to find out all you need to know about real food get on board this free online event over the next week or so.

I caught up with a client via Skype that is truly smashing every task I have laid out for him. The rewarding feeling of assisting someone with the information for them to reach their goals and get healthy gives me great satisfaction.
In my coaching, I strive to teach rather then tell and believe this will have livelong effects on my clients.
"To give a man a fish feeds him for the day, but teach a man to fish and feed him for life," comes to mind.

I spent the majority of today catching up on notes from the HLC 1. It was truly three days packed with fantastic information which I can't highly recommend enough. Here is the group photograph from the three days. A big shout to Cathy, Jo and Tanya for making the event possible and everyone who attended.

I will be attending Movement X in December  hosted by Ido Portal. I have been focussing my movement sessions on strength and balance, to be more exact handstands. I was delighted today with a seven second freestanding. For anyone thinking sure a little girl can do that , (which is true of course) I hadn't been able to do a handstand my entire life until six months ago.

I have been reading The Coconut Oil Miracle by Bruce Fife, C.N., N.D. and am delighted that I have been a big coconut advocator for over three years now. Before I go any further yes coconut oil is approximately 90% saturated  fat, which is why its so good for you.
This is from the back page so I am sure Bruce won't mind.
When taken as a supplement, used in cooking, or applied directly to the skin, coconut oil has been found to;
-Promote weight loss
-Help protect against heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and many other degenerative diseases
-Prevent premature ageing of the skin
-Improve digestion
 
Here is a link to purchase.
Sean Croxton interviewed Bruce as well which you can find here.

Warm regards,

Lorcan

Holistic Lifestyle Coach 1 & Real Food Con

Hello All,

I was about to dive in and tell you what I have been learning during the Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 1 (HLC1) with the Chek Institute in Melbourne but instead I highly recommend you catch up with my last podcast were Donal Carr who runs many CHEK courses in Australia, New Zealand and the USA discusses in great detail many topics covered in the course. 

How you act and behave can be influenced heavily by love and fear. When I say heavily I mean totally so let me bring the idea to you, are you living with fear or love? Does this effect your decisions with relationships, daily living, activities, well being etc? In the experiences I mentioned on the 26th of September I want you to consider the parents emotions, either love or fear and then for the children while racing.

My instructor for the HLC1 is Jo Rushton, she has been extremely enjoyable to learn from. One point that she has discussed is the importance of the quality of food. This has really hit home with me after working on farms and investing into real food.

Getting your J-E-R-F on! "Just Eat Real Food".

If you don’t know who Sean Croxton is -- I assure you -- nearly all the top natural health experts sure do. 

Because he’s been consistently bringing the very best, brightest minds in alternative medicine together for YEARS. 

The problem is, very few people know how to unlock the incredible health, fat-busting, all-around transformative power of real foods... 

But Sean does. And he’s just announced an amazing new event -- bringing many of the world’s leading real food experts together -- to deliver cutting-edge online presentations. 

Whether you’re looking to burn fat faster... heal candida... cook healthier meals for your family... increase your energy or libido... fix your digestion -- or pretty much ANY other health challenge -- this event is for you. It’s called... 

Real Food Con <<<-- CLICK HERE >>

And when you register (which costs nothing!), you’ll get exclusive access to online presentations from NY Times best-selling authors, leading doctors, top chefs and other experts who want nothing more than to help YOU get healthy. 

(Or if you prefer, you can grab the lifetime “All Access Pass” to the entire program and get an incredible Real Food Cookbook as a gift.) 

Either way, you’re in for an incredible experience as Sean consistently over-delivers on everything he does. 

He lives, breathes and shares this stuff every day... and nothing makes him happier than helping people change their lives -- beginning with the foods we put in our bodies each day. 

To register, go to -this page now-, 

With Love,

Lorcan