Starting Yoga

I remember attending my first yoga class in the basement of a church on my university campus when I was eighteen.  From the first week, we were introduced to numerous ways to bend and contort our bodies.  A super-flexible, older man, with a grey beard and white t-shirt was my teacher, and I was quickly hooked.  The problem was that once I wanted to practice at home, I had forgotten what to do...  I could only remember a few of the moves.  Eventually I bought a great book, filled with illustrations and descriptions... I still have it today, twenty-five years later.

That book was The Sivananda Companion to YOGA, and I highly recommend it, even today.  I have the 1983 edition, but not surprisingly, yoga hasn't changed.  So, with that in mind, I have created this downloadable hand-out for my students just starting.  It contains basic instructions, stretches and the sun salutation cycle, with breathing guidelines.   There is no reason that you cannot begin your home practice now.   If you can incorporate 15-20 minutes a days, you'll be on the road to improved health & well-being.

Merry Christmas!  Michele

REMEMBER THIS

“Yes you can!”

I don't normally share links, but this is worth a read, because sometimes we forget why we're doing things....  

how-to-survive-a-crisis-of-confidence

Confessions of a formerly “zoned out” kind of yoga student

My 1st Aerial Yoga Class

By Eimear Lowe

Ok full disclosure, I’m not a yogi or a gym person. I’m not even a jogging person, despite my brief flirtation with it. No, I’m a zone out, once-a-week yoga kind of woman, who gets excited about long walks. And here I am, in my 1st aerial yoga class and I’m anticipating PE-grade humiliation and apologising for my limitations. I’m practically preparing my, ‘I’m sorry it’s just not for me…’ when I realise, what do you know?... I love it! Turns out, with Michele’s intuitive instruction, even I can do this! I can’t do a headstand in real life, yet first class, here I am, in a full inversion, supported by a hammock, head over feet, in something called ‘frog.’  After the initial rush of blood to the head, I experience this wonderful feeling of freedom and release.  It’s such a spiritual moment, of what Michele likes to call “zoning in.”  I feel zen, and in the moment but I’m also free and focused and strong.

It’s what I imagine joggers feel like, quietly amazed at what their bodies can do. Leaving the world behind. There’s also something so delicious and fun about standing up in a hammock, suspended from the ceiling, that it’s hard not to laugh.  I am by no means the best in class, but differing levels are accommodated for, and there are easier adaptations for every move, even looking around the class, it’s just so cool seeing what all these bodies can do.
 

Another thing is that Aerial can really deepen your existing yoga practice. With the added stability and support of the hammock, the aerial class is enabling me to access the health benefits of full inversions, when I can’t manage a forward fold in my mat-based yoga class. I’m super excited about this, as the many benefits include: easing mild anxiety and depression, giving your heart and lymphatic system a break, by  helping circulation, as well as lymphatic drainage and of course, literally seeing the world from a new perspective! Always helpful. I’m also reliably informed that aerial is good for cellulite, which is very exciting news indeed. (Surprisingly, upon leaving,) Michele instructs that the inversions are also beneficial for releasing tension in the neck back and shoulders & indeed can be tailored to provide extra release. For my part, I realise I have experienced a release in my shoulders, neck and head, which is just lovely.  I must have been carrying more tension there than I realised.

I experienced such a child-like feeling of triumph and delight at the sheer newness and novelty of it, but I also have the knowledge that I can build up to deeper moves. The class followed the familiar yoga class structure, even starting on the mat. By the end, after one of the best meditations I have ever had, I left with such a feeling of accomplishment and sheer delight that I am counting the days till my next class.

I’m super excited about adding aerial to my existing yoga practice.

Clothing wise, yoga gear is perfect for your aerial class, just nothing too flowing on top, or you might cover your eyes… close-fitted tops are best!

A 4-week Aerial Yoga course begins Wednesday, September 21st @ 8pm for €50 and there are 2-hour Intro to Aerial workshops monthly- the next is Sunday, September 18th 2-4pm for €25.  Text Michele at Soul Space to book: 086-854-0023.  
 

Eimear is a writer, artist and intern at Soul Space, follow her experiences with all things Soul Space here on the blog, or follow her on Twitter @EimearLowe101


 

Happy Birthday!

It is with excitement and relief that I celebrate being open for my first full year.  I started with a partner, and it was difficult to cope with all the struggles of a new business, AND have your partner bale, but with the support of lovely students and customers, along with my talented daughters & husband, I am happy to still be standing in my gorgeous studio, looking out at the Shannon (or wedding guests walking into the Landmark Hotel).  I am delighted to be introducing aerial & yoga to so many children, and to the rare brave adults too!  :)   

I enjoy teaching private art classes and meeting a range of people in the community that I've lived in for 15-years now.  I feel more a part of the town, and of Ireland than ever!  I even became a citizen this year.  

With the departure of my partner, I have also started teaching yoga to adults.  It is such a surprising pleasure.  Who would have guessed that teaching yoga is almost as enjoyable and relaxing as doing yoga?!  I took my first class back in 1991 in the basement of a Methodist church on my college campus, and returned to it time and time again throughout my life.  I also began studying and practicing zen meditation in the late 1990s.  It feels like those years of life experience are serving me now.  Join me in class, so I can pass it on!

So... Happy Birthday to Soul Space!  I am delighted to be here. I thank all of my loyal customers and students, my family, Eva Hickey and my new intern, Eimear Lowe.  This is a group effort :)

Namaste!  

Michele

13 useful tips with cucumbers!

This post was composed with LayoutEngine and is too complex to edit via this mobile device.

Fluoride, Water & Health

Yet another reason why we installed a fluoride filter today in Soul Space...did you know that in Europe, only Ireland (73%), Poland (1%), Serbia (3%), Spain (11%), and the U.K. (11%) fluoridate any of their water.

Most developed countries, including Japan and 98% of the western European population, do not consume fluoridated water.

Studies have shown that fluoride toxicity can lead to a a wide variety of health problems including:

* Increased lead absorption

* Disrupts synthesis of collagen

* Hyperactivity and/or lethargy

* Muscle disorders

* Thyroid disease

* Arthritis

* Dementia

* Bone fractures

* Lowered thyroid function

* Bone cancer (osteosarcoma)

* Inactivates 62 enzymes and inhibits more than 100

* Inhibited formation of antibodies

* Genetic damage and cell death

* Increased tumor and cancer rate

* Disrupted immune system

* Damaged sperm and increased infertility

#BeResponsibleForYourHealth

#Thyroid #WaterForLife

Free Guided Meditation

Check out our FREE guided Mountain Meditation led by Tara Killeen of Soul Space.

Feeling grateful? Share the peace with others by copy and pasting this link for them 💗

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bCUoOSv0uIE

Enjoy being strong, powerful and steady...Namaste 🙏🏼💗

As Above so Below, As Within so Without.

The Universe and your surroundings rearrange themselves to bring you what you believe and to reflect your existing reality.  So it is literally as within so without.

Your outside world is really an exact reflection of your inner world. This is how your lessons on Earth are presented to you. So look at your life and see what you have in your life. Do you like your friends? Do you like your job? Are you happy in your relationships? Are you really happy in your life?

Whatever is presented to you in your life is how you feel on the inside. If you understand this, then your life may be easier for you. How you feel is reflected back to you in your reality. You are manifesting your life based on how you are feeling. Your feelings create your reality.

If you are angry on the inside, you will find angry people in your life who are mirroring your anger back to you. The more angrier you are, the more angrier friends you will have. Like attracts like. Your anger is attracting angry friends. This is also true if you have suppressed anger. If you are angry on the inside and hide this anger, you will still attract angry friends. You may hide your anger from your friends, but you can’t hide this from yourself.

If you feel abandoned, people may leave you or withdraw emotionally.  Again, how you feel is reflected back to you in your reality. You are manifesting your life based on how you are feeling. Your feelings create your reality.

If you beat yourself up with your thoughts or are self-critical, you will attract people who will reflect this by putting you down or even physically hitting you. Again, look at your life and your situations. What would you like to change? If you change on the inside, your outside will change as well.

If you feel loved, safe, secure, and happy on the inside, you will have a safe, secure, and a happy life surrounded by people who love you.  Also, your inner integrity will be matched by those around you.  The people in your life will be honest, creative, generous-hearted, or modest to the extent that you are.

Always remember that peace within leads to outside peace in your life.  As within, so without.  So, if you wish to change something in your life, you must look within yourself to alter your attitudes and beliefs in order for your outer world to change.  Change yourself on the inside and watch your outer world change. You must make the change and not wait for others to change. To have something you have never had before, you must do something you have never done before.

Instead of arguing with someone, have peace in your heart and not argue. Watch as the other person stops arguing.  Tell them you are sorry even if you feel they are at fault and watch them apologize to you as well.  It is better to be happy than right.  Do not let your emotions and ego dictate your life.  People will always resonate at your energy level.  If you have love in your heart, you will attract loving people in your life.  As within, so without.  And if they don’t, you may need to love them from a distance.  You will always know how you feel.

If you are kind and generous, you will have people in your life who are kind and generous to you. You are manifesting your reality based on how you feel.  When you feel better and good about yourself and your life, you are resonating at a higher energy vibration and you will tend to laugh more and have more joy in your heart. So look at your life and make the appropriate changes to get you to laugh more and shift your consciousness level higher.  We are at a time of a great shift occuring as we speak.  And as a friend of mine always says, have smiles to share!!

5 activities that'll make you HAPPY in Carrick on Shannon!

1. Kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding with Zoe Dunne.

It’s impossible not to feel good when you’re peacefully gliding across the water — especially when you can explore the stunning river Shannon wildlife. No wonder: Turns out negative ions — invisible air molecules found in abundance near rivers, beaches, lakes, waterfalls — have been shown to increase levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin in the body, acting as a natural antidepressant. The mood-boosting air particles are also found near waterfalls and rapids, so explore nearby lakes & beaches if you can’t get to the river Shannon.

 2. Practice aerial yoga at Soul Space

Feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? Take a load off with an aerial yoga class. Not only will you get a great workout (a major mood booster), but also the weightless sensation of dangling from the ceiling in a soft silk hammock is incredibly freeing for the body and mind.

3. Ditch your car.

Moving at a slower pace, you’ll see and appreciate more traveling on foot than you do driving in your car. Plus, many towns like Carrick on Shannon offer plenty of activities in easy walking distance — from wine bars and boutiques to historic sites, live local music and drinks with views of the sun setting over the river Shannon.

   4. Take an art class at Soul Space.

Artists get a bad rap for having tortured souls, but tapping into your creative side can actually make you feel more positive. According to research from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, people who reported feeling happy were more likely to be doing something creative at the time. Sign up for a painting or pottery class — or skip the TV marathon and visit a local art gallery with friends for some creative inspiration.

5. Shop at the local farmers market.

Nothing feels better than nourishing your body with fresh, organic foods. Ditch the grocery store and get to know the local producers at your farmers market. You’ll have access to quality food and make connections with your neighbors that make you feel like a bigger part of your community. Leitrim / Roscommon's rich history of farming makes the farmers market one of the best in the country where you can buy ocean fish fresh off the boat from the fisherman beside the Paper Bag Princess boutique. 

5 wishes for you 💗🙏

 1. May You LOVE

As we begin 2016, may you make an ever-increasingly courageous dedication to embody the energy of love. There is no healing power greater than this force on earth. It takes only a cursory read of headline news to see how the absence of love creates profound suffering. May you work to cultivate connection, compassion, and empathy. In the process not only do you transform, but so does the world.

2. Practice yoga.

Whether you are completely new to yoga practice or take delight in the joyful flow of a challenging posture sequence, dedicate time to nurture this wise practice of cultivating mindful movement and stillness.

May yoga practice, on and off the mat, become an ever-increasingly important feature of 2016. May you be blessed with the fruits of this healing and beautiful approach to life.

3. Serve.

There are seven billion of us on this planet. Seven billion. Each unique, irreplaceable and yet, also united in our common and basic needs.

We all have the ability to serve, whether it's helping a neighbour in need, volunteering for a charity (The Hope Foundation charity shop who's proceeds go to street and slum children in Calcutta) located in the Market Yard are currently looking for volunteers - contact me for more info, or simply picking up litter,  serving is important for our own spiritual growth. 

May we all be blessed with a more just and fair world by the end of this precious year.

4. Turn up the music and dance.

Rumi, the famous 13th century Muslim mystic wrote: "He who knoweth the dance, dwelleth in God."
I need add nothing more to this point.

3. Sit in SILENCE

Finally, as we dive into this New Year, may you be blessed with the profound wonder and wisdom that unfold through the practice of meditation. Sit in silence every day. Intentionally put aside all distraction. Sit up tall. Softly close your eyes. Notice your breath and make room for the gentle unfolding of wise silence within your soul. 

Meditation is associated with many peer-reviewed, scientifically proven benefits to one's overall wellbeing. That's wonderful. Yet, meditation offers even greater benefits. In time, it clearly reveals the stunning and vital truth of oneness. As Buddhist Zen Master Thich Nat Hahn notes, "We are here to awaken from the illusion of our separateness."

We are one human family. We share one powerful life energy.

In the spirit of this oneness, I offer up these words of blessing.

Happy New Year. Namaste x