Tag Archives: communication

Get out of your comfort zone this Halloween

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vampire

The very thought of this will make your blood run cold

Get out of your comfort zone in a new way

Every Wednesday, I try to find something interesting that might be happening during the week ahead for you to try. I have come up trumps this week having found something that gets you out of your comfort zone in several ways.

Get out of your comfort zone: Halloween: method one

Firstly, you have to wear fancy dress! A witch, a devil, a dead schoolgirl, a lion, a president, come in whatever costunme you like. Some people love this, yours truly being one, others find it challenging.

Get out of your comfort zone: Halloween: method two

Secondly, you have to pack your swimsuit, hat and goggles. Did you read that right? Yup. The end of October in Ireland and you are being asked to put on your swimsuit in the great outdoors and show up at Sandycove Beach, Co,. Dublin at 10.45am on Bank Holiday Monday, Oct 28th. 2019.

Get out of your comfort zone: Halloween: method three

Yes, you got it – you’re going to jump into the ocean and do the Annual Vampire Swim! Now there’s a proper scare!

What the hell is the Vampire Swim

This annual swim has been happening for the past four years in locations all over Ireland, England, Scotland and Canada. It was dreamed up as a way to highlight the need for blood donations. I cannot emphasise enough how important it is for us to give blood. When people are ill in hospital a blood transfusion is life-changing. I think this Vampire Swim is a genius idea. You can register for this FREE event right here. And hey, even if you are too scared to jump in, you can always go in fancy dress, support the crowd and have the craic!

Keep an eye out for our daily posts. #mindfulmonday, #testimonialtuesday, #whatsonwednesday and #throwbackthursday

Testimonial Tuesday Teambuilding Activities

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Teambuilding Activities with Act The Maggot

“Kill two birds with the one stone”

From heading across the country to join teams at their away days to arriving at 8am on site to kick off their conference or hosting a lunchtime event, Act The Maggot is there. Whether it is our signature beginners acting class our fun beginners creative writing class or our relaxing beginners pencil drawing class – there is one common denominator. Creativity. We can redesign any of our sessions to suit the needs of your group.

We can organise teambuilding events that are fun AND beneficial

magicOur teambuilding activities entertain and enlighten at the same time. In the past, companies have asked us to come in and give talks on Wellness, Public Speaking or Mindfulness. We don’t do talk. We do action. If it just a talk, there is less investment. Ever heard of in “one ear and out the other”? In the same amount of time you can reap huge benefits. Act The Maggot can host an improv session, a drawing session, and introduction to mindfulness or public speaking. By creating participatory situations, the takeaways are more layered and long lasting.
Testimonials

“Amy was able to take a diverse group of relative strangers and quickly strip away barriers and build enthusiasm and energy amongst them. Her energy and passion is infectious and she knows that the first step in building strong teams is to build trust and “acting the maggot” together helps build this trust. I would be delighted to recommend Amy for the fantastic work she did through her company, Act The Maggot.” Dan Hayden, Data Strategist, Facebook

I first met Dan out at the Innovation Academy at UCD. He recognised that what Act The Maggot offers teams can be really effiective. By inviting us to come in from the outside and create the permission to play, setting up the right environment the response was brilliant. I’ll finish our Testimonial Tuesday post with a quote. Keep an eye out for our daily posts. #mindfulmonday, #testimonialtuesday, #whatsonwednesday and #throwbackthursday

“If you want something new, you have to stop doing something old.” – Peter F. Drucker

If you think we might be the right fit for your company, get in touch about what teambuilding activities we can bring!

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Throwback Thursday maggot backstory

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stop

It’s important to connect and stay connected

This image was sent to me fairly recently by someone who attended my first ever Act The Maggot beginners acting class over eight years ago! Hard to believe. I love how I have been able to stay connected to maggots from previous beginners  acting, drawing or writing classes through social media and have been kept informed of their lives’ vicissitudes. Career changes, babies, travels, successes, losses. It is great to stay in touch with this community and see them stay in touch with one another. I always love when people connect with Act The Maggot and send me on images, quotes and funny videos that I can share on all the platforms.

Possible reasons why Act The Maggot resonates

I think the reason Act The Maggot resonates so much with me is exactly like this picture. When I was a child the world was different. We were to be seen and not heard. We were told everything and our opinions were rarely summoned. I was constantly told to stop acting the maggot and be serious. Stop acting the maggot my teacher would say. Stop acting the maggot my Girl Guide leader would say. Stop acting the maggot, my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, older sisters, all would say. Then when I got into my teenage years I encountered mild, existential depression I was told I think too much and to try not to be so serious! I guess I was concerned about where I was going and what would happen to me. The usual concerns of a young person.

Caminante, no hay camino, se hace el camino al andar.
Traveller, there is no road, the road is made by walking.

Anyway, I was never very good at stopping something when someone told me to. I always preferred to find my own way. So I figured out the ups and downs of my life through trial and error and through a process of elimination. Some things I never lacked were curiousity and courage. If I was interested in something I would explore. I’d try something out and if I liked it I’s stick with it, if not, I’d move on. I never stopped acting the maggot! When I went to college, I acted the maggot and failed my first year exams in Spanish. I went to Spain that summer and acted the maggot with lots of crazy fun Spaniards in Seville and San Lucar de Barremeda and as a result, became quite fluent in Spanish within five weeks of acting the maggot. I came home. Did my repeat exams and got an honour. I was beginning to learn how beneficial it could be to actually act the maggot! I was learning that connecting with people and engaging with the world was important. #founderstory #backstory #throwbackthursday

Keep an eye out for our blog posts. #mindfulmonday, #testimonialtuesday, #Whatsonwednesday and #throwbackthursday @actthemaggot

Testimonial Tuesday Beginners’ Creativity for Adults

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Beginners’ Creativity for Adults with Act The Maggot

“I want to get out of my comfort zone”

This is often the beginning of an email query from someone looking to book a course with Act The Maggot. In short Act The Maggot offers Beginners’ Creativity for Adults. Whether it is our signature beginners acting class our fun beginners creative writing class or our relaxing beginners pencil drawing class – there is one common denominator.

Beginners mind can lead to lasting change

People who rock up to Act The Maggot seek change. A change of scenery, a change or habit, a change of direction, a change of social life or indeed personal change. They are looking for beginners’ creativity for adults.

Testimonials

Act The Maggot took me to a place I haven’t been since I was a child. A place of pure joy. You meet great people from all walks of life and form firm friendships. I got to express myself in a way that I could never do in any conventional adult learning scenario and it made me feel like I was 10 feet tall. – Shane Lynam, Director, Elearn.ie

Shane first tried out the Beginners’ Acting and went on to complete our four levels of acting and appeared on stage with Act The Maggot several times. He also tried the creative writing class and he even wrote a short play for us. He also coaxed his then, girlfriend to try out the acting as well, and Catrina completed two levels with us. When those creative juices get going, there is no stopping us, folks.

All we need, is to give ourselves permission to play, find the right environment and surround ourselves with a supportive tribe. Shane is now engaged to be married and he and his fiancee Catrina have now moved out of Dublin. We miss them. We hope Shane and Catrina have found their new tribe in Ireland’s hidden heartlands and we wish them every happiness. I’ll finish our Testimonial Tuesday post with a quote from one of my all time favourite movies. Keep an eye out for our daily posts. Mindful Monday, Testimonial Tuesday, What’s on Wednesday, Throwback Thursday and Funny Friday.

You always had the power my dear. You just had to learn it for yourself. – Glinda, The Wizard of Oz.

Don’t be afraid to express your creative side and get in touch about Beginners’ Creativity for adults!

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Why do we need a Public Speaking class?

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Why do we need a public speaking class?

Most people fear public speaking in all of it’s forms. It might be public speaking as the best man at a wedding. It might be public speaking having to give a presentation in work. It might be public speaking having to address a local group. It might be public speaking having to run a workshop or a seminar. In any of the guises – it can be scary. People around us pick up on our feelings. So often, if they know we are nervous or scared, they don’t ask us to speak.

I have a clear memory of wanting to read out something for the end of year celebration at the school mass when I must have been no more than six or seven years old.

Bad experiences can make or break us

I also remember quite painfully that during our practise session, I got so nervous, I hid in the school toilet. I refused to join the class to speak. My teacher, at the time, instead of taking a little time with me, trying to encourage me or give me breathing exercises, or practical tools, she just told me I could not do it. She gave the reading to someone else. That was that. It compounded my sense of shame and failure.
Public Speaking Classes in Dublin City for Adults

We learn most from our failures

This experience was emblazoned into my memory growing up. I was not able. I could not speak or perform in public. This is the kind of thing that happens all the time to us as we are forming and growing. Someone who lacks confidence themselves, makes a sweeping decision that affects our development. That day I learned that if I was not prepared, I would not be chosen to do things I dreamt of doing. So, like a good girl guide, I decided from then on I would Be Prepared.

So what can we do about this fear of public speaking?

We can tackle our fears and take a class. Join a bunch of other people who want exactly the same thing. To be able to get up to that podium, stand up in the room, whatever and speak in front of a group of people – with a clear voice, with no wobbles, no catching of breath, no flapping nerves, no fidgeting.

Read about our public speaking classes|

Public Speaking takes practise, practise, practise. Its does get easier. Take a look at our Effective Public Speaking classes here and join us on September 24 for six weeks. You won’t regret it. Email us today at actthemaggot@gmail.com

Culture Night

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culturenightFun times ahead at Act The Maggot HQ on Middle Abbey Street this Autumn. We can’t wait to get these groups running at full throttle until Christmas. We must also get our 2019 party venue sorted. Hey, maybe we will start the party season early and do a fancy dress Halloween extravaganza. So many plans. Not enough time.

Culture Night

One thing is for sure, the free Culture Night sessions we are offering for free are booking out quickly. Sign uo for a one hour session and choose from Public Speaking, Drawing, Creative Writing or Acting.

To read about our Culture Night offering head over to their website here.
Enjoy the rest of summer.

Improvisation Weekend

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Improvisation Weekend Intensive – Dublin

Kickstart your improv journey with this fun, immersive and thought-provoking weekend. Not everyone can make or get into our Thursday night top-selling flaghship course – Beginners Acting – consider this improvisation weekend and join us in this intensive and hilarious exploration of the basic principles of improvisation and acting. This course is perfect for curious beginners or those who would love to get back on their creativity saddle! Act The Maggot knows improvisation  – we’ve been at it nearly 10 years!

Who can take this Improvisation Weekend Intensive?

People who ARE NOT based in Dublin and cannot attend our evening classes.
People who ARE based in Dublin and cannot attend our evening classes.
People who did Act The Maggot before and want a refresher.
Peiople who want to get out of their comfort zone.
People who have NO experience in acting or improv.
People who want to work on their confidence, creativity and communication skills.
PEOPLE WHO WANT TO ACT THE MAGGOT!!!

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What are the dates for the improvisation weekend intensive?

Friday, March 27th, 2020 to Sunday, March 29th, 2020

What are the workshop hours for the improvisation weekend intensive?

Friday
7.30pm to 9.30pm followed by welcome drinks nearby.
Saturday
10.30am to 1pm LUNCH 2pm to 4.30pm
Sunday
10.30am to 1pm

Where does it take place?

All sessions will take place in Chapterhouse Education, 73 Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1.

I don’t know Dublin, where will I stay?

Get in touch with us and we can advise on neighbourhoods, transport, restaurants etc.

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the improvisation weekend intensive?

You must be over 18.

How much does the improvisation weekend intensive cost?

€240.00 or get the early bird price of €180.00 if you book before Dec 15, 2019 (concessions available upon request)

What does this fee cover?

Entrance into all four sessions, Friday night, Sat morn & afternoon and Sunday morning.

How do I pay?

Contact us via email – actthemaggot@gmail.com – put Improvisation Weekend in the subject line.

Meditation really can matter

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pomjune23-19

Meditation

Practicing meditation is one of the most powerful things I have ever done. I remember thinking I would never be able to meditate. My first encounter with meditation when I was around 19 and I went to a yoga class. At the end of the class we all lay down in Shavasana (or corpse pose as it’s known in English), the teacher put on some music and told us to meditate. I lay there with my mind racing, thinking about what I was going to have for dinner, whether I’d need to go to the shops or not, what I’d watch on telly etc. etc. How could I meditate? Nobody had ever taught me how to do it. I have since learned how to meditate by practicing and by reading more about the benefits of meditation and ways to do it that suit me. I once thought that you had to be able to stop all the thoughts in your head to be able to meditate. This is a myth and it is not possible. We have something like 60,000 thoughts a day so it is not possible to stop them. Even long time meditators are not able to stop their thoughts. With practice you learn how to not get caught up in your thoughts, you acknowledge them and then let them go. This is where mindfulness can benefit your meditation practice.

How do I start?

The simplest way to start meditating is to start, it’s as simple as that. Basically set aside even just five minutes a day to sit quietly and connect to the breath in your body. Practice focused breathing like 7/11 breathing. Breathe in for the count of 7 and out for the count of 11. By counting your breathing you will be able to focus on the breath rather than your thoughts. With practice this will become easier.

Can technology help?

You can listen to guided meditations if you find that easier. There are lots of apps available for free. My favourite app is Insight Timer, where you can explore numerous different meditations. If you ‘d like to read more about Insight Timer click here. Try a few different ones until you find the ones that suit you best. I particularly like guided visualisations as I find this a good way to stop getting caught up in my thoughts.

Choose what works for you

If you know the type of person you are and which of your senses you are most connected to it will make it easier for you to find a meditation practice to suit you. The best way to find out is to think about how you describe places. For instance when I have been on holiday and I come back I usually talk about the food I had, the place I stayed, how the people were. I am very visual with a strong emphasis on taste. The five senses are taste, smell, vision, sound, and touch. Trying different meditation practices based on these five senses will help you find out which one works best for you.

Start with just five minutes a day

Meditation is a great way to switch off our brains at the end of a busy day. It is a great way to focus our minds at the beginning of the day. Great way to relax and wind down in the middle of the day if we have been running around. Even just five minutes a day can make a difference. Start with five minutes and aim for thirty minutes a day. You will be surprised at how beneficial you find it.

If you would like to learn to meditate with a group of people, why not join myself and Amy for The Power Of Me morning workshop in June. All the best, Anne Marie Curran. Read more here.

Bring your Beginner’s mind to a Drawing class

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Beginners Drawing Class Dublin

Is it time to try a Beginners Drawing class? Yesterday I was reading an interesting article that talks about reducing stress through art creation. It’s kinda funny that it starts off by saying – “whether you’re the next Van Gogh or a stick figure sketcher”  – do ya think the writer might have been talking about our lovely Act The Maggot logo designed by yours truly?! Thus, research suggests that just 45 minutes of art creation can reduce ‘cortisol’ levels – which are an indicator of stress in our systems. We, at Act The Maggot thrive on bringing people back to this place, whether it is Beginners Drawing or Beginners Acting or Beginners Creative Writing.

Benefits of Doing a Drawing Class

Remember when you were a child how much drawing you did? In school, at home, with friends. That silent engagement with the page and pencils, markers, coloured pencils or paint. As a result, we need to open that doorway to our imaginations and the endless possibilities of the unconscious realm. Our teacher Mahua can lead you right back to that peaceful, fun place.

“When I’m drawing, time stops. It’s just the lines on paper and my hand holding the tool.”

Mahua Le Meur is a visual artist, who has been living in Dublin, Ireland for the past 8 years. Indian by birth, she has always been interested in traveling and multiculturalism. She has lived in South Korea, Japan and France for more than 15 years. During her career, she has worked with oils and acrylics, inks and graphite as well as training in Japanese woodcut printing. mahuaDrawing however, has always been her primary passion. Her recent work has been in drawing with Japanese sumi ink on paper. Therefore, she uses her own hands as metaphors for the abstract field of connections. One can see some of these works at her upcoming exhibition in May, 2019 at the Icon Factory Atelier in Temple Bar.

Bring your Beginner’s Mind to a Drawing Class

Mahua teaches our Beginners Drawing at Act The Maggot – the next one starts on Tuesday night, March 5th, 2019. For some more information, see our Beginners Drawing class page on our website or get in touch for more details. actthemaggot@gmail.com

klee

The Power of Me – Happy Valentine’s to me

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powerofmeAdios January! Sayonara winter! Spring is here. But wait, have those resolutions gone by the wayside and you’ve been under a duvet for the past month eating treats and watching Netflix? Who hasn’t? Who cares? So what, we say to that. Resolution Shmesolution. We can take it easy. Bit by bit. Bird by bird. Babysteps. But yeah, oh dear, another holiday, Valentine’s Day, is fast approaching. Well, we have just the ticket for you. Act The Maggot is thrilled to be offering a different spin on the annual hallmark romantic holiday. We’ve developed The Power of Me – a workshop for yours truly. Click on that “workshop” link for all the info. Yes, how about some self love, self care for Valentine’s weekend? Who is more important than you? Do you feel stressed, tired, exhausted, anxious at times? Do you have difficulty navigating all the different relationships in your life: work, friends, romance? Let’s get you grounded and relaxed. Have you ever tried meditation or mindfulness? Have your ever tried mindful journaling? Join us for this restorative two-hour session and learn some great tools for resilience and self care. Easy exercises that you can continue to do on your own. Why not take some time for yourself or come with a friend and go for a lovely lunch after at the fabulous Fumbally Cafe. There are still some places left. Get in touch – The Power of Me – Saturday, Feb 16, 2019 – actthemagggot@gmail.com

relaxation (ˌri lækˈseɪ ʃən)
n.
1. abatement or relief from work, effort, etc.
2. an activity or recreation that provides such relief; diversion; entertainment.
3. a loosening or slackening.
4. diminution or remission of strictness or severity.

mindfulness (ˈmaɪndfʊlnɪs)
n
1. the state or quality of being mindful
2. (Psychology) the practice of giving complete and non-judgmental attention to one’s present experience, used as a stress-reduction technique

meditation (ˌmɛdɪˈteɪʃən)
n
1. the act of meditating; contemplation; reflection
2. contemplation of spiritual matters, esp as a religious practice

Journaling may refer to:

Writing therapy, a form of psychotherapy
Writing in a diary

And just so you know – while we have serious intentions – our groups are relaxed and playful

Phrases

act the maggot

informal Behave in a foolishly playful way.
‘we’d all walk in a line behind him, acting the maggot, you know, imitating him’

Origin

Late Middle English: perhaps an alteration of dialect maddock, from Old Norse mathkr, of Germanic origin.
Pronunciation
maggot/ˈmaɡət/