Ann Ward, founder of Xhale has a deep spiritual connection with nature.
She inherited her great love of the landscape from her mother, whose birthplace was on the volcanic mountain of Slieve Gullion, nestled in between a number of sacred sites.
Ann has practiced meditation for over 20 years. As a result she has created immersive, mindfulness experiences, courses and retreats using the gifts of meditation and nature.
Xhale’s vision is of “deeply connected individuals, communities and organisations, nurtured through the gifts of meditation and nature”
Meditation & Mindfulness
Meditation is all about developing a calm but alert state of mind where the body is relaxed and the mind is focused but at rest.
Mindfulness is about paying attention, on purpose to the present moment. When you are present, fear and anxiety do not exist.
Mindfulness is about paying attention, on purpose to the present moment. When you are present, fear and anxiety do not exist.
Shinrin Yoku/Forest Bathing
Shinrin-yoku is Japanese for ‘forest-bathing’. This refers to a practise where you are bathing in the forest environment through your senses, without having to take your clothes off!
Immersive Experiences
We have designed a series of Immersive Experiences. Rest and reconnect by visiting sacred sites. Or feed your senses in nature.
Retreats
Ann develops retreats and events around the Celtic calendar i.e. Bealtine in May, Summer Solstice in June, Lunasa in August, Samhain in October and the Winter Solstice in December.
Or create your own special retreat experience to leave you feeling relaxed, rested, revived and more connected mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Or create your own special retreat experience to leave you feeling relaxed, rested, revived and more connected mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Events
Xhale offers a range of events including:
Learn How to Meditate, Introduction to Mindfulness, Vitamin N (Nature) & Mindfulness for Stress Reduction, Shinrin Yoku/Forest Bathing Workshops, Personalised Retreats & Immersive Experiences in Nature.
Learn How to Meditate, Introduction to Mindfulness, Vitamin N (Nature) & Mindfulness for Stress Reduction, Shinrin Yoku/Forest Bathing Workshops, Personalised Retreats & Immersive Experiences in Nature.
From The Blog
Travel Writer Aoife Carrigy Discovers Forest Bathing with Xhale
3 September 2022
Ann, from Xhale had the pleasure of sharing the nurturing practice of forest-bathing with Travel Writer, Aoife Carrigy at Killeavy Castle Estate. “Forest bathing can ...
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10 Things you should know about mindfulness
24 June 2022
I wrote an article for the Belfast Telegraph which was published on the summer solstice 21st June. You can read the article here
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Ann chats to the Belfast Telegraph about Forest Bathing
1 December 2021
Ann from Xhale was interviewed in this Belfast Telegraph article from November 13th, discussing the benefits of “Shinrin Yoku” (forest bathing), it’s benefits, and ways ...
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‘It was a truly beautiful day – good for the mind and soul’.
‘It is impossible to single out any one thing as it was the complete package that made the day so magical’.
‘I can’t thank Ann enough for introducing me to this transformative and fulfilling way of living life’.
‘I found the practice of using mantras useful because it helped me to focus’.
‘Slieve Gullion is a haven and was the perfect place for this day retreat. It was an
additional bonus that Ann provided a wealth of knowledge about the landscape which enhanced the beautiful guided walk’.
‘Ann's lunchtime meditation sessions really helped me gain perspective during a stressful period at work and provided a warm and welcoming space for work colleagues to share time with each other and relax’.
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