Behind the Scenes on Nationwide (RTE TV)

I got the call on a Tuesday. In fact I got a number of calls that day, but since I was busy show-casing reflexology at a network event I missed all of them!

It was much later that I listened back to the messages from at least three different numbers all saying one thing 'Caroline, Nationwide are looking for an author who has written about anxiety, ring this number urgently!!!'

I had no pen and in a tizzy, I picked one of the missed numbers randomly and thankfully it was the right one. I was speaking to RTE journalist Helen McInerney. Straight away I detected her warm personality and her enthusiasm for my work.

Helen had already paid a visit to my website, thanks to a tip off from Carlow Mental Health Association. Seeing that, along with being an author of a book about anxiety, I also had accomplished work as a painting artist, travel writer and reflexology therapist, Helen was keen to get my story on national screens. We filmed three days later on a Friday!

How did an anxious village girl leave a secure teaching job to follow her creative dream and end up travelling to faraway lands in the process?

You can watch replay of that Nationwide episode by clicking the image.

Filming with Helen and her crew was fun, especially as it was not just me who got the opportunity to shine, but my friends at Carlow Library (who have been very supportive of my creative development) and the Visual Gallery in Carlow who display my books in their bookshop. My parents were proud to be seen in their beautiful garden and my mother especially thrilled to have her feet on show for the reflexology piece.

'Seven C's to Calm - reclaiming your anxiety-free self' - that's the book that attracted the attention of this Irish National TV Channel. Thanks to the editor and team at RTE for choosing my story and especially to Helen McInerney for making sure all of my acheivements were on show.

I thought you might like take a peek behind the scenes of how it was all made:

Seven C’s to Calm is available on Amazon

As seen on RTE's Nationwide T V

Developing Trust for Following Your Instincts

Developing trust for following your instincts can take some trial and error but it’s a powerful feeling when you get a clear sign that you did the right thing.

I published my book 'Seven C's to Calm - Reclaiming your Anxiety-Free Self' in 2017 and within a few weeks of launching it I was being sought after to go on national TV to discuss the topic of anxiety.

RTE Nationwide’s reporter Helen Mc Inerney took time to visit my website and realising I there was more to my story she persuaded her editor to allow her the scope to share it.

In particular Helen felt it was important to highlight my story of leaving the security of a teaching job, venturing into the unknown of developing my creative talents.

"Developing trust for following your instincts can take some trial and error but it’s a powerful feeling when you get a clear sign that you did the right thing."

My Story

I left a teaching career in 1999, following burn out from stress and anxiety. Simply putting it I was a mess. I had kept an external façade of everything being OK but with the demands of work and useless coping mechanisms I reached a point where I simply had to stop.

The sad thing is, I constantly see people (men and women) who are allowing this to happen to them, some know they are risking burn out and others are in denial mode. In 1999, you could be somewhat forgiven for being in denial mode as there was less awareness in the public domain regarding wellbeing and mental health. I didn’t even own a computer that time and I had a very simple mobile phone with no access to internet. Now, it’s different and you would have to be in serious denial mode to be blocking out the signs that you’re neglecting yourself.

My burn-out experience was humbling. I had to stop and take stock of things. It was a turning point in my life. Through my search for ways to recover and become more resilient, I uncovered my own healing and creative abilities.

3, 2, 1 Action

I had great fun with the staff at Carlow Library during this shoot. It was fitting that they shared the spot-light as they had been a tremendous support to me, providing a beautiful space to launch my books and to showcase my paintings.

The feature also included The Visual Gallery Carlow as my books are available in their gallery shop. Thanks to Helen all the right people were mentioned in the clip including my parents who were proud to have their garden on show in one of the scene and our family dog who has since gone to greener pastures.

Get your copy of Seven C’s to Calm

These Fab People Reviewed My Books!

My Books Reviewed by Poetry Fans & Health Professionals

I became a self-published author in 2017 and published two books that year, one a book of poetry and the other a self-help book. Along with the poetry lovers and health professionals who provided testimonials for my book covers, I was also approached by bloggers in the wellness sector who offered to review my books. Both my books are available on Amazon and through my on-line shop.

"My books have received favourable feedback from readers and my peers in the mental health professions."

The Whisperings of Nature is a book of poetry inspired by nature, offering comfort, wisdom and inspiration to fellow lovers of words and nature.

‘Seven C’s to Calm – Reclaiming your Anxiety Free Self’. offers encouragement and support to those who struggle with the limiting and uncomfortable effects of anxiety.

"Developing authenticity has helped me to connect with like-minded people who really get and appreciate my work."

Introducing some of the Fabulous People who’ve Reviewed My Books:

Deborah Byrne Psychology Services (Wexford Ireland)

Deborah provides counselling and life coaching or individuals, couples, parents and carers. Deborah’s passion is to empower clients by helping them to recognize their inner strengths and leveraging them to face challenges and fears head-on so that they can create the kind of life they deeply desire.

‘I work with my clients to help them feel courageous & empowered. To seek solutions to problems & difficulties life has thrown in their path.’

Contact Deborah Byrne to arrange support.

Krystal Long, Professional Trainer, Speaker & Mental Health Advocate

Krystal Long is an experienced and qualified trainer in the area of Computer application and soft skills development. She has worked with teenagers, people with disabilities and mature adults in a variety of organisations.

Krystal is also an inspirational speaker who provides personal insights into mental health, sharing her unique story of recovery from depression, trauma and agoraphobia. Krystal has delivered her heart-felt stories to the public in both voluntary and corporate organisations.

Krystal is committed to the journey of self-discovery and empowering others to be true to themselves. Krystal is also a creative writer and blogger. Her blog including her review for my poetry book is at Krystal’s Journal.

Fran Malone Clinical Hypnotherapy (Cork & Dublin, Ireland)

Fran Malone is dedicated to helping people to move beyond their fears, limiting beliefs and anxieties. Fran originally studied hypnotherapy, hypnosis and NLP in the UK and started his first clinic there. When he returned to Ireland he studied Clinical Hypnotherapy with Irish Hypnosis and now has clinics in Tallaght (Dublin) and Cork city.

Fran provides support and a very structured approach for any person wanting to quit smoking and lose weight. Fran has a life-long experience working in the caring profession and has a passion for continuous learning and helping his client’s to succeed in their goals.

Fran helps people with anxiety, depression, phobias, weight-loss, smoking, self-esteem & addiction and more.

Arrange an appointment with Fran Malone in either Cork or Dublin (Tallaght)

Gloria Mc Breen, Holistic Therapist, Workshop Facilitator & Writer

Gloria has had an interest in natural healing remedies and practice since her teens and is a professional therapist in many modalities including massage and reflexology.

Gloria creates and facilitates well-being work-shops and is a contributor to Atlantis Eire Holistic & Celtic Spirit Magazine. She is also a health and wellness blogger and novelist.

Gloria enjoys life in the west of Ireland as a proud mother and grandmother who is also devoted to her caring husband.

You can connect with Gloria and read her review of my poetry book at her website We are Holistic.

I’m grateful for the wonderful reviews my supporters have taken time to write and share with others. Developing authenticity has helped me to connect with like-minded people who really get and appreciate my work. My books are available at most on-line book stores such as Amazon and from time I have a small selection in my own on-line shop which can be signed if my clients request it. My books are useful wellness resources for yourself or a friend or family member. I invite you to check them out.

Go shopping for Books of Calm by Caroline Cunningham

Return of the Sacred Trees - VIDEO TOUR

There's no imaginable excuse for missing out on my last tour of The Sacred Lives of Tree's that's because I made THIS VIDEO especially for you to enjoy (:

2025 Update

The Sacred Lives of Tree's exhibition tours were warmly received all over. While many of original paintings are now in good homes around Ireland and Europe, there's still some opportunity to obtain a piece in the form of print or painting. If you liked the virtual tour, pop over to my online gallery and discover your own perfect tree art work.

Explore The Sacred Lives of Trees Collection

The Tension of Anxiety - Seven Cs to Calm

Imagine for a moment that you're holding the delicate stem of a flowering plant between your thumb and index finger. What will happen as you apply pressure to the stem, squeezing it slowly between your fingers?

As you apply more pressure (tension), you will notice the crushing of the parts and the wilting of the flower itself as the entire stem loses its structure and strength.

Tension is a symptom I associate with anxiety and have experienced it in parts of my body at times when anxiety was at large. There were times when I just accepted this unease and carried on with my everyday business but deep down I knew this was not something I should be accommodating.

We all experience anxiety from time to time, there are a wide range of symptoms which I will address in additional articles but just for now I am touching on the symptom of tension.

Tension is a Symptom of Anxiety

Like the flowering plant, the human body is made up of delicate cells. Each of these cells have their individual and collective roles of carrying out functions in our body, such as generating energy, eliminating waste, protecting us from infection, transporting nutrients and so much more.

Each part is vital to our well-being. When we feel anxious we sometimes tense or feel un-edge, as we consciously or unconsciously perceive a threat or a situation that we are not entirely comfortable with.

The energy that goes into applying this tension can leave us feeling tired or restless, unable to let go, relax and unwind. In the long-term, like the wilting flower, we render our body to a less efficient state of carrying out its functions. Some may experience what is termed as ‘irritable bowel syndrome’, digestive issues, difficulty breathing or perhaps endure headaches and migraine.

Relieving anxiety has a lot to do with knowledge, understanding what’s really going on and the ways in which you can gain control.

It is largely the business of getting to know yourself completely and addressing the issues that have caused you to succumb to such unease.

The practice of allowing calm to reign is highly recommended and it is certainly advised to seek support if you find it difficult to make a start or get stuck along the way.

Seven C's to Calm - Reclaiming your Anxiety-Free Self offers encouragement and support for people who no longer want to live their lives in a limited way. I've written the book from my own perspective of what it took to free myself. It's a great starting point and the strategies shared in the book can be applied to other areas of your personal development too.

I want more calm in my life

This is Anxiety - Seek Support Today

The Limiting Impact of Anxiety

The business network event was soon to start as Karen entered the busy conference room. I heard her say hello to some people behind me. She politely excused herself as she passed through the row of seats and sat next to me. She was dressed smartly in her business attire, having come from work. She sat with a straight posture and gazed ahead towards the platform in front of us.

"I know networking is an important part of business but I just feel so tense from start to finish. I end up telling myself it’s not worth it."
Karen – Senior Business Consultant

As we awaited the announcement of the invited guest speaker, I introduced myself and enquired about her business and her expectations for the evening. Karen, a senior consultant in the corporate world, seemed initially reserved and a little tense in her response.

Being a holistic therapist, I often sense when a person is feeling uneasy and do my best to bring comfort by being friendly. She asked me about my therapy work and wondered what kind of issues it was particularly suited to. I listed a number of health benefits and added that I also help people with anxiety.

It was at that moment Karen leaned a little closer and almost whispering, she confided that she was in fact feeling quite anxious. I could sense her dismay that this was her demise. ‘I usually avoid these events’ she explained. ‘I know networking is an important part of business but I just feel so tense from start to finish. I end up telling myself it’s not worth it’. I assured Karen that she is not alone feeling this way as many people suffer in silence with their anxiety, afraid that others will find out.

You’re Not the Only One

I encouraged her to seek a way to deal with it more effectively, instead of feeling ashamed. ‘It is quite possible,’ I added, ‘that the person sitting on the other side from you is also feeling the same way’. She smiled a little and just then her face softened and with it too, her eyes revealed a kindness. She spoke briefly about personal loss and changing life circumstances, it seemed she had a lot to deal with at this time.

Soon the guest speaker was announced and we listened attentively to the insights and pieces of wisdom being offered by this well-travelled lady. As the event concluded, Karen and I spoke more excitedly about the interesting points of the guest speaker’s talk.

"Underneath this disguise she was struggling to hold everything together to appear strong. The energy it took to do this robbed her of joy and cloaked her true authentic nature which was of warmth and kindness."

Anxiety Hides Your Authentic Self

On the way home, there was so much to think about. The guest speaker had done many daring things and fulfilled many of her dreams. I thought too of Karen and how she had been so arrested by her anxiety when we spoke initially. I thought of the transformation in her persona when she admitted her anguish and relaxed a little. At first she had seemed distant and cool but also confident and elegant, yet underneath this disguise she was struggling to hold everything together to appear strong. The energy it took to do this robbed her of joy and cloaked her true authentic nature which was of warmth and kindness.

"We should not consider acceptable that which robs us of joy and ease."
Caroline Cunningham (Author of Seven C’s to Calm)

Anxiety Affects Everyone, Men & Women

I remembered also, a man who had attended my therapy practice for reflexology. His wife sent him, as part of their fertility treatment plan. He was a friendly quite out-going person, working as an expert in the financial sector. It was during the second treatment that he confided that most of the time he felt really anxious. He didn’t know why or when he had started feeling this way but he just never seemed to be completely at ease. He was at a loss to know how to gain control of his discomfort.

Anxiety is a silent torment for many people. You might not notice this because they become so adept at disguising what’s really going on beneath the surface.

In addition, some people assign themselves to a more restricted way of living, avoiding anything that might aggravate their symptoms.

Changing our World One by One

We have entered an age of personal development like never before. Internet and social media have provided the perfect platform for sharing story’s and knowledge. More and more events and groups are convening to support those who suffer all manner of mental unease and it is now time for anxiety to have its turn at being revealed, unravelled and put to rest.

My own life was impacted by anxiety and panic attacks in the past. I learned how to successfully develop calm, self-awareness and improved coping mechanisms. I love my life now. I write books to share the useful strategies that helped me. A book is a tiny investment for the seeds of your freedom.

‘Seven C’s to Calm – Reclaiming your anxiety-free self’ provides encouragement and support to help you to bring ease to your life. It’s available on Amazon and via my on-line shop. Are you ready to move towards freedom?

Readers Reviews of Seven C’s to Calm

Your Path to Calm Starts Here

Hanne Marquardt Reflexotherapy

"What is Reflexotherapy of the feet and who is Hanne Marquardt?"

Thanks to my studies of the history of reflexology, I already knew that Hanne Marquardt has played a key role in it's research and development.

In the summer of 2014, I enroled in a workshop to discover more about this fascinating pioneering therapist and teacher.

'I'm going to be '80' soon', Hanne informed us at the outset of our two day course. Her eyes twinkled perhaps with curiosity as to what this new age bracket might herald. That curiosity has remained alive and well for Hanne, who as a young nurse and physiotherapist became most interested in the findings outlined by Eunice Ingham in her book 'Stories The Feet Can Tell'.

Eunice Ingham is attributed with developing the term 'reflexology' and with the mapping of the whole body onto reflex areas of the feet. Thus we have a micro-system which reflects the whole person in the feet.

Hanne wistfully reflected on the fact that she actually set out to disprove Eunice's findings. In those early days of investigation, the claims of reflexology were considered quite radical and new.

As I attempted to probe Hanne with my own investigative questions I got a glimpse of how brave she must have been to challenge her pioneering teacher.

Hanne admitted humble defeat in her efforts to disprove Eunice's results. Instead she developed a growing respect for her teacher and the practice of reflexology.

Books by Caroline Cunningham

She has earnestly and whole-heartedly, continued its development and practice, fine-tuning the position of reflex areas and treatment techniques according to her own findings and thereby opening the door to her use of the term 'Reflexotherapy'.

Two days we spent with Hanne, eagerly listening as she imparted much wisdom and knowledge interspersed with humour and anecdotes for living simply and fruitfully.

We watched intently as she demonstrated techniques for treating sensitive reflex areas and harmonising holds. We were put through our paces as she challenged us to locate the reflex areas corresponding to scars on the body of the person being treated. We practiced the treatment of scars and all that she demonstrated to us, under her watchful eye.

Thanks to pioneers such as Eunice Ingham and Hanne Marquardt, reflexology has grown to be a highly respected and recognised therapy.

In Germany, however, Hanne has gained even further recognition for her use of reflexotherapy, as she treats 'patients' instead of 'clients', and for 'specific illnesses' rather than 'generally'.

'Always remember', she paused for effect, 'you are treating a person not a body or just their feet but a whole person.' In order not to forget this fact, Hanne urged us to use the term 'someone' as opposed to 'somebody'.

Studying with Hanne as our tutor was a productive and valuable learning experience. As we parted company she urged us to be creative in our practice and to be mindful of the unique potential that exists in all of us.

Have you experienced the benefits of reflexology?

This article was listed in the Finals of Ireland Blog Awards 2017 in the category of Best Corporate Article.

Books by Caroline Cunningham