A Cherished Mind Counselling & Psychotherapy

05/02/2026

There is a kindness that dwells deep down in things; it presides everywhere, often in the places we least expect. The world can be harsh and negative, but if we remain generous and patient, kindness inevitably reveals itself. Something deep in the human soul seems to depend on the presence of kindness; something instinctive in us expects it, and once we sense it we are able to trust and open ourselves.

JOHN O'DONOHUE

Excerpt from the books, Benedictus (Europe) / To Bless the Space Between Us (US)
Ordering Info: https://johnodonohue.com/store

County Clare, Ireland
Photo: © Ann Cahill

25/01/2026

Why smile in a world with as much negativity as this one? Cultivating happiness in the middle of suffering has always been an aspect of the Buddhist philosophy behind mindfulness. As Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh, who saw a lot of suffering in Vietnam - and took risks to relieve it - said in Understanding Our Mind, “… you need to smile to your sorrow because you are more than your sorrow.” Padraigh O Morain Mindfulness Bell. ACM 2026

20/01/2026

At any time you can ask yourself: At which threshold am I now standing? At this time in my life, what am I leaving? Where am I about to enter? What is preventing me from crossing my next threshold? What gift would enable me to do it? A threshold is not a simple boundary; it is a frontier that divides two different territories, rhythms, and atmospheres. Indeed, it is a lovely testimony to the fullness and integrity of an experience or a stage of life that it intensifies toward the end into a real frontier that cannot be crossed without the heart being passionately engaged and woken up. At this threshold a great complexity of emotion comes alive: confusion, fear, excitement, sadness, hope. This is one of the reasons such vital crossings were always clothed in ritual. It is wise in your own life to be able to recognize and acknowledge the key thresholds: to take your time; to feel all the varieties of presence that accrue there; to listen inward with complete attention until you hear the inner voice calling you forward. The time has come to cross.

JOHN O'DONOHUE

Excerpt from his books: To Bless the Space Between Us (US) / Benedictus (Europe)
Ordering Info: https://johnodonohue.com/store

Clonmacnoise, County Offaly, Ireland
Photo: © Ann Cahill

06/12/2025

27/09/2025

May I live this day
Compassionate of heart,
Clear in word,
Gracious in awareness,
Courageous in thought,
Generous in love.

JOHN O'DONOHUE

Excerpt from 'Matins' in his books, Benedictus (Europe) and To Bless the Space Between Us (US)
Ordering Info: https://johnodonohue.com/store

Cottage Window, County Clare, Ireland
Photo: © Ann Cahill

27/09/2025

Democritus /
"Everywhere man blames nature and fate, yet his fate is mostly but the echo of his character and passions, his mistakes and weaknesses."
Democritus (/dɪˈmɒkrɪtəs/; Greek: Δημόκριτος, Dēmókritos, meaning "chosen of the people"; c. 460 – c. 370 BC) was an Ancient Greek pre-Socratic philosopher primarily remembered today for his formulation of an atomic theory of the universe.
Democritus was born in Abdera, Thrace, around 460 BC, although there are disagreements about the exact year. His exact contributions are difficult to disentangle from those of his mentor Leucippus, as they are often mentioned together in texts. Their speculation on atoms, taken from Leucippus, bears a passing and partial resemblance to the 19th-century understanding of atomic structure that has led some to regard Democritus as more of a scientist than other Greek philosophers; however, their ideas rested on very different bases. Largely ignored in ancient Athens, Democritus is said to have been disliked so much by Plato that the latter wished all of his books burned. He was nevertheless well known to his fellow northern-born philosopher Aristotle, and was the teacher of Protagoras.
Many consider Democritus to be the "father of modern science". None of his writings have survived; only fragments are known from his vast body of work..."
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21/09/2025

Religion was never meant to be a weapon to judge, criticize, or hurt others. Its essence is to help us rise above our ego, tame our desires, and cultivate compassion. Every holy book, every teaching, and every spiritual path ultimately points toward the same truth: control yourself, not others.

🙏 Real faith is reflected not in loud arguments about who is right, but in the quiet discipline of kindness, patience, humility, and forgiveness.

🔥 The world does not need more people who can quote scriptures.
The world needs more people who can live them — with love, respect, and peace.

✨ So before pointing fingers, ask yourself:

Am I embodying the values I claim to believe in?

Am I bringing more peace to others or more pain?

Am I using my faith to grow inwardly, or to control outwardly?

🌸 Religion is a mirror, not a sword. Its purpose is self-transformation, not criticism of others. When we live this truth, humanity moves closer to harmony.

21/09/2025

Understand this...
When you see a couple celebrating 20, 30, or 40 years together, understand this:
They are not celebrating perfection. They are celebrating the storms they survived, the mistakes they forgave, the patience they cultivated, and the love that refused to give up—even when things were tough.

🌿 Marriage is not about never fighting—it’s about fighting together against the problem, not each other.
🌿 It’s not about never falling short—it’s about having the humility to apologize and the grace to forgive.
🌿 It’s not about the size of the bank account—it’s about the size of the heart. Money can buy a house, but only loyalty, trust, and respect can make it a home.

✨ Tips for a Healthy & Lasting Marriage ✨

1. Choose kindness daily – A gentle word can save a day; a harsh one can ruin it.

2. Keep communication open – Speak honestly, but listen with the intent to understand, not to reply.

3. Respect individuality – You are partners, not prisoners. Give space to grow.

4. Forgive often – Not every battle needs to be fought; peace matters more than being “right.”

5. Celebrate small moments – Happiness isn’t in big gestures but in daily acts of care and affection.

6. Stay loyal through seasons – Be present in sunshine and in storms; loyalty is love’s greatest proof.

7. Grow together spiritually – Whether through prayer, meditation, or shared values, align your souls, not just your schedules.

A lasting marriage is not built in the absence of challenges but in the presence of two people who keep choosing each other, again and again.

08/09/2025

There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will. Epictetus.

07/09/2025

Debunking Therapy Myths: What Therapy Really Is Therapy is often misunderstood, and many people have misconceptions about what it entails. Let's set the record straight and explore what therapy is really about. Therapy Isn't... - Just venting and talking about your problems : Therapy is a process of...

23/08/2025

13/08/2025

Let us not look back in anger or forward in fear but around us in awareness. James Thurber. (1894 - 1961).