Where I go to replenish my soul

Brenda Rock

Do you have a favourite place you go to that allows you to connect back into yourself? Brings you back to yourself, gives you a little solace or maybe some energy?

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Last week, I got covid and it sent me to bed. I am on the other side of it but today I felt the draw of a place I hadn't been to in a while. Last time I was there I too was in need of some replenishment.

warm coat essential when visiting ancient sites - they didn't have central heating!

replenishment

/rɪˈplɛnɪʃm(ə)nt/

noun

  1. restoration of a stock or supply to a former level or condition.

As I was recovering I felt my breath and my body doing it's powerful thing bringing me back to healing but my soul needed a little tlc too. I go to the land for this. I also wanted to give a little thanks for this body and life I have. I go to the land for this too.

(From top left clockwise) 1. kerbstones on the north side, 2. a 'sunshine' etching in the kerbstone, 3. the passage that the sunset travels through, 3. the meditating sycamore

I am very lucky to live so close to Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. The former 2 always busy during the summer time with global visitors. But Dowth is special. I was able to climb to the top (there is no public access to the chamber) and lie down on the ancient earth. Magic! I lie there and try to imagine how everything was back then and that nature in the area hasn't changed that much. The river Boyne, the old trees, the bees buzzing. A special, warm fuzzy feeling in my heart. Then to sit under the old sycamore tree and meditate for a while - like the bars on a phone, my battery filling up.

The sycamore tree - represents growth, persistence, and energy. They can grow where no other tree can; they're versatile and symbolise standoffish - ness. They promote relaxation, peace, and vitality while dispelling lethargy.

Dowth shares it's mystery with Newgrange at winter solstice time however it is more known for the chamber lighting up at sunset rather the sunrise as is the case with Newgrange. And not just solstice but all through the winter season. Anne-Marie Moroney has been observing winter sunsets at Dowth since 1997. Check out her fabulous photos HERE

Nighttime, darkness, sleep are all often associated with the feminine energy. The yin, the earth, moon and dreamtime. I wonder is there a significance to this chamber and why it's time to come alive is when the sun goes down. Will we ever know? For now I will let my imagination run away with me. Maybe I am drawn to this place as it reminds of yoga nidra, the liminal space that can be accessed using it - neither here nor there, just in between.

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For more photos and explanations about Dowth, this is a great article - https://voicesfromthedawn.com/dowth/

Want to find out more about yoga nidra and even have a one to one session? Contact me anandacentre@gmail.com

Brenda Rock