Extract from the newsletter sent on 23rd May, 2022.

Dear Yoga Friends,

Twice this week I finished up teaching a standing yoga sequence in the rain. Just a light drizzle, from there a short dash inside to the yoga studio where a wood-burning stove awaited. The voice in my head as I felt the rain went like this, "oh god, they hate me, I'm leaving them practicing in the rain, they hate it'. Feedback from the participants afterwards went like this, "the rain was my favourite part", "the drops felt so gentle on my skin", "I felt like I was a kid again", "the smell of the plants in the rain was incredible", "I noticed the variety of colours of green so much more in the rain."

One of the foundational attitudes of Mindfulness Practice is curiosity. We are taught, and then we are guided to experiencing, a curious open mind. Curiosity is a powerful weapon in silencing the noisy mind and it's tired, old narrative. A curious mind helps us see things afresh, see ourselves anew, it expands our thinking, it exposes us to spontaneous moments of awe and joy. When we practice outdoors the stage is set for an immersive experience that continues to change in unpredictable ways from moment to moment and our job as participants is to notice the body sensations around all of that. How curious!

We had our first outdoor yoga class in Marlay Park last Friday, a grey textured sky threatening rain, a mix of gentle breeze and strong wind, the grass had just been cut, in short it was PERFECT! Please plan a Friday morning In Marlay with us this summer, we've already planted seeds for a sea swim afterwards on a sunny day.

Join me on any of our outdoor events and you are guaranteed an adventure. It is never the same twice. My mind might be struggling and resisting at times, inevitably yours will too, but we'll all get swept away by the sensory immersion that is yoga in nature and we will all experience moments of wonder and awe, it just happens. For now, a full schedule of morning, evening and online classes continues, drop in spaces in all classes in May and June. Huge thanks to all my new and returning corporate clients; welcome GAA players! it is a privilege to be working with Cuala and St. Anne's GAA Clubs and the younger players are bursting with curiosity and in huge awe of their previously untapped powers in using the body as a tool to steady and focus the mind.

Be like a kid, roll around on the grass, play in the rain, dance like nobody’s watching, love like you’ve never been hurt. Hope to see you under the big blue sky this summer!