Frank Liddy was a driving forces in the Twinbrook Residents Association in the seventies and eighties, taking a break for a short period to try his hand as a saxophonist in a punk band, before embracing the study of Zen Buddhism and mindfulness.
He has over 35 years’ practice-based experience with mindfulness programmes that have helped to transform the lives of many people across Ireland.
Frank is the co-founder of the Black Mountain Zen Centre and Compassionate City Belfast. He now lives in North Belfast but a return to Twinbrook is on the cards.
AS summer gracefully fades into the background, I find myself treading upon the crisp, fallen leaves that blanket the path, marking the arrival of autumn. I must admit, autumn has always held a special place in my heart. It's a season of change, of nature's grand finale before the serene slumber of winter.
IN a heartwarming display of unity, Dunmurry on Saturday bore witness to a resounding demonstration aimed at supporting our local Muslim community.
THE movie 'A Reporter's Journey: From Wounded Knee to Standing Rock', screened in the Movie House Cityside last week as part of Féile an Phobail, is a story of resilience and solidarity.
LUGHNASA is the the festival that marks the beginning of autumn in the Gaelic calendar (August 1st). It holds, for me, a deep and meaningful significance – and for many others in West Belfast. It is a time when we come together to enjoy craic, music, poetry, talks and art, showcasing the growth of our people and community from a past of bonfires and mayhem to an ongoing celebration of all that is good and inspiring for everyone across Ireland and beyond.
LIFE has a funny way of imparting invaluable wisdom through the words and actions of those we hold dear, even long after they have departed from this world. My late father, Frank Liddy Snr, a man of great insight and understanding, often used to say to me "Some people die at sixteen and get buried at ninety."
DEEP within the breath-taking peaks of the Mountains of Mourne, lies a hidden oasis of tranquility, a small monastery off the Rostrevor Road that houses a small community of Benedictine monks.
MY life’s a bit like riding a bicycle: once you’ve learned you never forget. On Saturday I attended a training group and part of our trading day involved looking at therapeutic alternatives for mental health. The training explored group work and the importance of groups and being connected. We had to tell of a story that demonstrated the need for and the power of group work.
FOR many years now, since as far back as my twenties, I have celebrated the summer solstice by attending one of our many ancestral sites dotted all over Ireland. I do this to honour and celebrate the passion of my father (RIP).
THE Clonard Novena holds a special place in my heart, as it has been a significant part of my journey from childhood to adulthood.
ON Friday West Belfast came alive with glitz, glamour, and an atmosphere filled with anticipation as the eagerly awaited Best of the West Awards took place.
SO Dáithí's Law has come into force here in the North.
I MET with the wonderful Dr Rosie Burrows midweek at a beautiful cafe on Stranmillis called Sinnamon. As we sat supping our cuppas in the sun, we explored an idea about bringing compassion into action and we came up with CAN, which stands for Compassionate Action Now.
THE past week was a mixed bag for me – an emotional rollercoaster, to say the least.
I WAS out cycling the other day with my lifelong friend, Tommy Maxwell. We go right back to our Cupar street childhood, where even then we navigated the city streets on our trusty metal steeds.
I READ somewhere that whenever we are children we choose a song that speaks to us and through our lives we always remember that song because it has meaning for us.