Uncovering, illuminating, emerging… Happy St Brigid’s Bank Holiday. At last, a holiday to honour Eire’s matron saint. This is a meaningful day, a representation of the female; an embracing of the “feminine” or “yin” qualities of compassion, nature, nurture, inclusion and collaboration that are so urgently needed; and the fire to make it happen. Women continue to be under-represented, women’s rights continue to be curtailed from America to Afghanistan, Brigid’s spark is bringing a new focus to her power as goddess, leader and healer within Ireland, in sync with the rise of female voices, leadership and activism internationally.

the dichotomy of Brigid

If you missed it, here is the RTE “Finding Brigid” program which aired last week, in which the wonderful Siobhán McSweeney, of Derry Girls’ fame, asks what does Brigid mean to people today?

 

Imbolc, which began last Tuesday at sunset, marked the half-way point between the solstice and the equinox. The word “imbolc” means “in the belly of the Mother,” when the very first stirrings of new life are beginning deep in the womb of Mother Earth. I’m sure you’ve noticed the stretch in the days and the warmth of the sun over the weekend!

So here’s to a transformative, nurturing and healing Spring full of yoga. Our Tullow class takes place in Teach Bhride, the Brigidine house of holistic education, established in 1807 by Bishop Daniel Delaney, Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin,, who re-founded a new congregation from the original 5th century congregation in Kildare.

Upcoming

Classes

Carlow – Thursdays 6:30 pm at Askea Parish Centre. BOOK

Tullow – Tuesdays 7:00 pm at Teach Bhride. BOOK

Retreats

Take a weekend away – perfect time for reflection and re-focusing in body and mind!

Yoga & Sleep at Lisnavagh – March 10 – 12

The Internal Art of Yoga at Courtyard – May 19 – 21

New Shadow Yoga Courses

Introducing the 2nd Prelude Form2nd Prelulde

This introduction to the Chaya Yoddha Sancalanam will run from April – June, with 3 monthly workshops and Zoom classes in between. The 2nd Prelude form helps to refine the breath, coordination and mindset to deepen your practice.

Workshop Dates: April 15, May 13, June 10

Choose between

  • Full course – €248 (18 contact hours)
  • Just the workshops – €170 (9 contact hours)
  • Just the Zoom classes (for those familiar with the 2nd Prelude) – €88

Zoom classes: April 21, 28; May 5, 12, 19, 26; June 2, 9

Venue TBA

Save the dates!

Next autumn, we’ll return to the 1st Prelude Form of Shadow Yoga, the Balakrama. No experience of Shadow yoga is needed.

Workshop Dates: October 7, November 4, December 2

Zoom classes will be weekly from October to December.

 

Namaste, Pam

3 tips to help you get the greatest benefit from your yoga class

1. What to eat before yoga class

Yoga is traditionally done early in the morning, so that the stomach is empty and the mind is quiet. An empty stomach is helpful when you’re trying to bend forward, or twist!

And energy is not diverted to digesting food.

But evening classes make an empty stomach tricky. Most importantly, eat what YOU can digest easily. Be aware that a light meal takes about 2 hours to digest and do what you can to accommodate yourself in this regard. Something warm like soup, broth or a plant-based stew would be ideal. As with yoga itself, observation of the effects of your food choices will inform you for the next time.

A bowl of soup

Water intake during class is not a yogic practice. This developed because some “power” or “hot” yoga classes, designed to make you sweat profusely, required water intake. This is not in line with traditional yogic practice so use common sense based on what style of class you’re in. Try to hydrate well up to half an hour before class. You should also attend to personal needs – thirsty types, medication and certain conditions may require additional hydration. Generally, my classes do not promote a need for water.

2. What to wear and bring to yoga

If you’re comfortable, you’re on to something. Anything that does not restrict your movement around the hips and shoulders is perfect. Leggings and a sports top or t-shirt are popular.

LAYERS are important because you’ll warm up during class, but when we lie down for even 5 minutes the body cools down quickly. You are welcome to bring a blanket to stay cosy. Some people simply use their outdoor jacket as an extra cover if they want extra warmth.

what to wear for yoga

what to wear and bring for yoga class

We practice in bare feet. Socks are fine if you’re cold. Shoes are left at the door.

Bring a mat. Yoga mats provide a non-slip surface for the practice. The Shadow yoga school teaches without the use of mats, which has advantages, but on a carpet or a colder floor, a mat is very helpful.

3. Arriving to your yoga class

Being early allows you time to settle in, and avoids disrupting others. However, if you ARE running late, I welcome you, please come anyhow – sometimes life gets in the way of our schedule!

If you’re chronically late, give yourself the space, and permission, for those extra few minutes. That 5 minute cushion is not wasted time, it’s an acknowledgement that you are truly giving yourself time to fully absorb the benefits of your yoga practice. Chronic, avoidable tardiness probably points to some other issue; compassionate inquiry may help to shed light on what’s really going on.

If you’d like to book a class, there’s plenty of choice, from drop in to 4, 8 or 12 weeks, and Zoom. Check out pambutleryoga.com.

Namaste.