Irish Myths: The Mindful Truths ☘️
The mindful truths unearthed in Irish myths ☘️
Growing up in Ireland with stories of St Patrick banishing snakes, it’s no wonder I found it tricky separating myth from truth!
St Patrick was known for his wisdom, courage, acts of forgiveness and compassion and service to others. However:
He didn’t wear green 🧑🎤
He didn’t banish snakes 🐍
He was not born in Ireland 🇮🇪
So when it came to the many Irish stories and myths I was told, I was never quite sure what was true and what was a bit of ‘old blarney’. So easy it was to be seduced by these wonderful tales, full of heroism, love, loss and fantasy.
But it was more than the moral lessons which stayed long in memory. there were deeper mindful truths, I unearthed as I got older.
Mindful meaning and wisdom often hiding in plain sight.
So for moment #40 of 50 Moments, I’m sharing some mindful truths beneath famous Irish Myths. The first three of which are:
Oisín & Tír na nÓg 🎠
The Children of Lir 🦢
The Salmon of Knowledge 🐟
Irish Myths: The Mindful Truths ☘️
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Irish Myths: The Mindful Truths ☘️
Oisín & Tír na nÓg 🎠
Like Oisín, I too was enchanted by this mythical land - and felt his longing for home, the pull of nostalgia and belonging. But his story ends in heartbreak, not heeding Niamh’s warning.
Mindful Truth?
“Clinging to the past robs us of the present”
- The Story -
Oisín is enchanted by Niamh and follows her to Tír na NÓg, the land of eternal youth. He lives their joyfully for years. Yet he longs for home and can’t let go. Niamh allows him to leave, on condition his feet never touch Irish soil.But 300 years have passed, his family & fame gone. In a bid to prove his prowess, he slips off his horse. Ages, then dies.
- Practice -
Try grounding with 5-4-3-2-1
Tune into 5 things you See | 4 you Feel | 3 you Hear | 2 you Smell | 1 you Taste
The Children of Lir 🦢
A poignant story of love, sorrow, resilience & compassion. There’s solace in the final bittersweet release: from swans to aged siblings.
Mindful Truth?
“Compassion, love & peace is possible, amidst suffering”
- The Story -
King Lir’s four children are cursed by his jealous wife to live as swans for 900 years, enduring solitude and sorrow. Lir spends the rest of his life by their lake. Centuries later on Inish Glora, a monk, Caomhog shows them compassion. Pursued by King Lairgnen, the curse finally breaks at the sound of a Christian bell. They become human & frail but die together, at peace.
- Practice -
Make space for difficulty with Radical Acceptance
Recognise what’s present for you emotionally
Allow it to be, as it is.
Gently investigate and explore
Nurture with compassion
The Salmon of Knowledge 🐟
Who didn’t want to be Fionn Mac Cumhaill (pronounced “Mac Cool”) growing up in Ireland? I remember being ecstatic in anticipation, as he innocently ingests the salmon’s wisdom!
Mindful Truth?
“Wisdom unfolds with openness not striving”
- The Story -
The poet Finegas sought a mythical salmon for 7 years, knowing it has eaten from the Tree of Knowledge. He finally catches it! And urges his apprentice, Fionn Mac Cumhaill, to be careful not to taste it, while cooking. Fionn burns his thumb when turning the fish. Putting it in his mouth to soothe the pain, gains the salmon’s knowledge!
- Practice -
Leave your expert mind behind and bring a childlike Beginner’s Mind
1) Pick a task, new or old
2) Let go of assumptions and judgements
3) Stay curious, open and receptive
They’re 3 mindful truths meaningful to me.
No matter the myths!
Have you seen a truth you connect with?
Derek
Waking Waves
📧 hello@wakingwaves.com
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