'We had the weather': See pictures of Laois Mindfulness Walk for positive mental health

It is one of many events running around Laois as part of Laois Connects 2024.

The walk was guided by Neil Dennehy of Highest Potential, a Clonmel based hollistic and physical therapy clinic.

"It was fantastic, it was excellent day with a great turnout," Mr Dennehy told the Leinster Express/Laois Live.

"We had about 30 people, with an age range of 20 to 80. We did several mindfulness practices as we walked the grounds. We were blessed with the weather," he said.

The mindfulness activities involved grounding yourself using your senses, and included the physical therapy of a relaxing walk.

Pictured: The mindfulness walking group guided by Neil Dennehy at Emo Court and Parklands on Thursday October 10.

"We began with some mindful movements, a series of movements to ground and connect in with the body," Mr Dennehy explained.

"The aim is to bring your awareness down from your head and into your body. We did some listening practices down by the lake, where we were silent and took in the sounds of the water, the birds and the trees. It was beautiful," he said.

"The feedback I got was that the participants found it hard to be quiet for a while!" Mr Dennehy laughed.

Pictured: The group took in the gorgeous surroundings of Emo Court and Parklands as they practiced mindful exercises.

"This was followed by a visual practice, what I call 'the photographer's eye. The group walked around the parklands looking for views that would make a great picture. The beauty is all around you, and participants were finding visuals that were beautiful, strange, peaceful and invoking a sense of wonder," he said.

The group then undertook some breath work activities in the walled gardens, where breathing exercises helped to relax the nervous system and ground the participants to their surroundings.

"There was some more mindfulness walking, and at the last stage we walked in silence," Mr Dennehy explained.

Pictured: Mr Dennehy guiding the walk.

"We brought together all of the elements we had practiced throughout the walk, and focused on listening to our surroundings and checking in with our bodies. We took in the beauty of what was around us, and focused on our breathing at the same time," he said.

"It really was a gorgeous day, and the weather made it perfect. Laois Connects provided participants with some lovely goodie bags, with some reusable water cups and a natural fibre bag," Mr Dennehy said.

Pictured: The walk was undertaken in conjunction with Laois Connects Week 2024.

This mindfulness walk was organised by Laois Connects, in Partnership with Laois Public Participation Network, Laois Sports Partnership, Emo Court and Parklands, Laois Partnership and Mental Health Ireland.

Neil Dennehy provides a range of workshops and workwalks, practicing mindfulness with fitness and physical therapy.

Those interested can explore what Mr Dennehy's clinic offers here.