064 - Confronting the Inner Critic

I recorded this episode as a way to process grief and share stories surrounding my Dharma teacher, Sheila Wharton. Lessons about love, service, grief, and I share lessons from conversations with Sheila, as well as the magical story of visiting her home. Dedicated to Sheila Wharton and all the beings who live service-oriented lives to help us along the healing path through divine grace. May all beings be happy, may all beings live in peace, and may all beings be free from suffering. If you feel so inspired, A GoFundMe account has been set up for Sheila, and you can donate by clicking on this link:  Honouring Sheila Wharton: A Life of Service and CompassionSupport the Podcast by:Boosting the algorithms by commenting, leaving a review, or sharing on social media.Purchasing NAMAWE Skincare: Use code “VOICE” at ⁠www.namawe.com⁠ to get 10% off your natural tallow-based skincare  Follow on Instagram @a.quietvoice_Contribute on Patreon: www.patreon.com/aquietvoice_Retreats:Men's Day Retreat Westport NOV 23rdEmail your interest [email protected]

Part 1 of a pilgrimage to Mary Magdalene's Grotto. Reflecting on the spiritual path, fatherhood, lust, service, and Christianity, all while going up the sacred Irish mountain, Croagh Patrick, also known as Cruachán Aigle. Support the Podcast by:Boosting the algorithms by commenting, leaving a review, or sharing on social media.Purchasing NAMAWE Skincare: Use code “VOICE” at ⁠www.namawe.com⁠ to get 10% off your natural tallow-based skincare  Follow on Instagram @a.quietvoice_Contribute on Patreon: www.patreon.com/aquietvoice_Retreats:Men's Day Retreat Westport NOV 16th & 23rdEmail your interest [email protected]

In this episode of A Quiet Voice Podcast, Colin sits down with Aminatà Fofana, founder of African Ning Meditation, bestselling author of The Moon That Followed Me, and a teacher whose journey bridges the ancestral wisdom of West Africa with modern healing practices.Born in a small village in Guinea and granddaughter of a traditional shaman, Aminatà’s life has spanned the fashion runways of Europe, the recording studio as an international singer, and ultimately a profound return to her roots. After losing her voice through thyroid surgery, she embraced the path of meditation, ancestral memory, and deep presence — creating the African Ning Meditation technique that she now shares worldwide.In this conversation, Aminatà shares her story of transformation, the importance of ancestral connection, and how each of us can reconnect to soul, nature, and presence.Connect with Aminatà Fofana: Website: www.ningmeditation.comEmail: [email protected]: The Moon That Followed Me (available on her website)Ning Meditation: https://open.spotify.com/album/2WBaxabYRFKicG4rVLj4WF?si=usyem9ewTf2EsD3jBDlYIwSupport the Podcast by:Boosting the algorithms by commenting, leaving a review, or sharing on social media.Purchasing NAMAWE Skincare: Use code “VOICE” at www.namawe.com to get 10% off your natural tallow-based skincare  Follow on Instagram @a.quietvoice_ Contribute on Patreon: www.patreon.com/aquietvoice_Retreats: Men's Day Retreat Westport NOV 16th & 23rdEmail your interest [email protected]

I break radio silence to talk about the inner critic, identifying it, labeling it, and confronting it. Talking about how we have to feel it to heal it. Support the Podcast by:Boosting the algorithms by commenting, leaving a review or sharing on socials.Use code “VOICE” at www.namawe.com to get 10% off your natural tallow-based skincare  Follow on Instagram @a.quietvoice_ 

Thank you for your patience as I work on some projects behind the scenes. www.aquietvoice.ie

In this episode of 'A Quiet Voice,' host Colin Ward sits down with Benjamin Reynolds to delve deeper into the archetypes of sacred masculinity. Following on from a previous episode, this discussion explores the benefits and transformative power of men's circles. Benjamin shares his journey, from growing up in a dysfunctional household to his spiritual awakening, including his impactful experiences in Africa and his struggles with low self-worth and addiction. Colin and Benjamin also discuss the broader implications of such spaces for men and the community. Men's groups and facilitation services:www.aquietvoice.iePatreon: patreon.com/AQuietVoice00:00 Introduction and Recap00:27 Exploring Men's Circles with Benjamin Reynolds04:06 Personal Reflections and Challenges06:06 Benjamin's Journey into Men's Work10:43 The Impact of Volunteering and Counseling23:11 The Power of Being Seen in Men's Circles26:48 Facilitating Men's Groups and Personal Growth35:02 Comparing Therapy and Men's Circles40:13 The Power of Slowing Down40:49 Facing Repressed Emotions41:40 The Challenge of Being Seen43:33 Exploring the Shadow Self45:25 The Importance of Community48:20 Navigating Relationships and Triggers53:03 The Hero's Journey and Inner Demons59:56 The Magic of Transformation01:06:38 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Living magic / Giant's Ring in Belfast / Elder Wisdom / Shamanic Cosmology / Assembling the pieces to the Sacred Masculine Archetypes00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:56 Exploring Neolithic Sacred Sites03:33 Journey to Belfast07:58 The Role of Elders in Sacred Masculinity12:26 The Giants Ring and Shamanic Cosmology18:20 The Four Cardinal Directions33:10 Personal Reflections and Archetypes54:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

A chat with Aldo Jordan, a practitioner, teacher, and founder of the Irish School of Shamanic Studies. We talk about the essence of shamanism in Ireland and how it connects us to intuition, spirit, nature, purpose and ancestry. The episode also touches on the significance of sacred sites, the animistic aspects of shamanism, and the role of the Irish language in uncovering ancient wisdom. emphasizes the holistic and life-changing nature of shamanic practice, which transcends mere rituals to encompass a complete way of life.https://www.irishshamanschool.ie/Upcoming events from Aldo:Free talk on Shamanism. The Irish School of Shamanic Studies presents a free talk all about the core aspects of Shamanic practices on Friday evening the 25th April at the Alltar Holistic centre Linenhall street, Castlebar, Co Mayo between 7.30pm & 9.30pmBealtaine Fire Ceremony 3rd of May31st May - Shamanic Practitioner Training starting at Aldo's Irish School of Shamanic StudiesSupport A Quiet Voice at www.patreon.com/aquietvoiceVisit www.aquietvoice.ie to learn more about upcoming men's groups, workshops and retreats.Mayo men's group starting in May, so write to [email protected] if you are interested.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast's Purpose00:33 Guest's Shamanic Journey and Ancestral Lineage01:46 Near-Death Experience and Spiritual Awakening03:01 Transition to Shamanic Practice03:41 Personal Transformation and Shamanic Training09:42 The Role of Plant Medicine in Shamanism15:36 Shamanism as a Way of Life18:08 The Universal Nature of Shamanic Practices24:18 Experiential Learning in Shamanism29:25 Trust and Letting Go in Shamanic Practice37:56 Shamanic Perspective on Mental Health44:16 Understanding Mental Health Labels45:35 Shamanic Healing and Addiction46:45 Finding Safety and Trust in Ireland48:59 The Unique Energy of Western Ireland50:34 Connecting with Sacred Sites51:20 The Importance of Presence and Reverence57:14 The Wisdom of Native Language59:10 The Significance of Place Names01:06:36 Ancient Burial Sites and Time Perception01:12:30 The Broader Context of Shamanic Practice01:16:51 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

I sit down with Amanda Ring (amanda-ring.com) to explore the transformative power of divination, awakening to the divine feminine, and embracing spiritual connection with courage through fear. We discuss the deep healing journey that many embark on, the role of intuition, and how men can show up to support their partners as they reconnect with their inner wisdom. Whether you're on your own path of spiritual discovery or seeking ways to foster deeper connection in your relationships, this conversation offers powerful insights into navigating healing with presence and intention.Amanda's Ireland Retreat: Goddess Reclaimedhttps://www.amanda-ring.com/ireland-retreatWise Women Online Course:https://www.amanda-ring.com/wisewomanawakeningColin's Men's work: www.aquietvoice.ieApril 25-27 Men's retreathttps://www.aquietvoice.ie/landing-page-april-retreatMayo men's Groups: https://www.aquietvoice.ie/mayo-mens-groups

A live interview and performance by Grit Metsch, a musician who performs her original work on the Westport streets. 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene01:12 Welcoming the Guest: Grit's Journey04:00 Living Without Eyesight: Grit's Perspective07:25 Musical Storytelling: Grit's Passion09:56 The Creative Process: Inspirations and Challenges13:12 Overcoming Creative Blocks25:46 The Symbolism of the Eagle30:09 Reflecting on Miracles and Life's Journey33:11 Embracing Intuition and Personal Growth36:24 Journey to Ireland: A Life-Changing Decision38:32 Trusting Intuition and Making Life Choices43:53 Connecting with People and Places55:39 The Power of Nature and Music56:44 Final Thoughts and Gratitude