I have spent the last 20 years studying, practicing and teaching yoga and meditation and have a Masters of Science in Mindfulness Based Interventions. Having taught in a wide range of venues in Ireland and all over the world I am fascinated by people and the workings of our bodies, hearts and minds, My knowledge of neuroscience and anatomy equips me in translating what I’m learning into language that helps people understand, and verbalise, their brain-body connection.
You’ll find me sharing my insights in my blogs, not just about yoga and the mind but also life experiences, and how we can find that quieter space within, regardless of the external circumstances.
Yoga and mindfulness are powerful tools in this busy stressful modern world; their value is multiplied when we can apply them to life! If you enjoy my blogs please comment and let me know.
Thanks for reading them.
Sylvia
In my imagination this lady in waiting was always beautiful. Just as beautiful as the Queen or the Princess, but with an edge. This lady would have an aura of patience, of knowing, of calm acceptance; she was just a little smug like the Mona Lisa.
Read More‘Basic neuroscience suggests that small periods of practice done at regular intervals throughout the day are the most efficient way to create enduring change in the brain.’ Prof. Richard Davis, Mindfulness Magazine.
Read MoreAccessible only by boat, you will be met at the airport in Puerto Vallarta and whisked away to the one of Exotic Yoga Retreat’s favourite retreat spots — Xinalani, an intimate and secluded seaside eco-resort highly acclaimed for its serenity, stunning yoga studio, delicious vegetarian cuisine and variety of accommodations — all with a view to the sea!
Read MoreLife fact: You are way more capable than you think you are. We all are. Not just at yoga but at everything. We all have potential beyond what we can even dream possible. Break through a perceived barrier on your yoga mat and you have broken through a barrier in life.
Read MoreAn uplifting yoga practice designed to move the body through full range of motion, with an emphasis on cleansing twists and deep breath work to emerge feeling brand new.
Maybe the journey isn’t so much about becoming anything … maybe it’s about unbecoming everything that isn’t really you. So you can be who you are meant to be in the first place.
Read MoreWe can’t help ourselves, us humans, we can’t help but compare ourselves to others and judge. I wanted a gorgeous, happy husband. I wanted my best friend. I wanted my daughter. I disclosed to my guests early on that I was missing my little family, my little tribe.
Read MoreSaturday 15th September, 2-4pm, The Park Community Centre. Turn your little world upside down.
Read MoreThursday mornings 10.30-11.30am. All welcome. €5 drop in per class.
Read MoreHomesick. What a clever word. Can you connect physically with that feeling when you think about it? An aching emptiness inside. A knot in your tummy. Eyes just on the brink of tears. A little wobble in your voice.
Read MoreWhen you are finished your home practice smile, tell yourself well done, and acknowledge something or several things in your life you are very grateful for. Right now I’m grateful for good
coffee, the sounds of the rain outside my cosy kitchen and my strong, healthy body. Namaste.
Read MoreWith this breathing practice we lengthen the exhalation or the out-breath. This calms the nervous system thus calming the entire body and mind. It takes the ‘panic’ or the stress out of a difficult situation so this breathing technique is often used in labour. We also use a visualisation technique which can help us focus the attention on the task at hand.
Start your breathing practice in a loose comfortable, cross legged seated pose or any easy seated pose. Sit on a pillow, cushion, folded blanket, yoga block or on a chair if you want to.
The breath work can also be done lying down as a relaxation practice or as an aid to falling asleep.
You will be breathing in your nose and out through your slightly parted lips. Begin by opening your mouth a tiny bit, just enough so a sliver of paper could fit between the lips. As best you can relax the inside of your mouth and your jaw completely.
Inhale normally through your nose and exhale out your slightly parted lips. As the breath leaves the lips, because the gap is so small, the exhale will naturally be a little longer. The invitation for this practice is to visualise a fine golden thread spinning out on the breath. We visualise the golden thread spinning out and away into the air around, for as long as the breath, and the mind, will comfortably carry it. As best you can, keep the focus of your attention really precise. Let it start at the exhale, on the lips, and then allow it to travel out into the air along your golden thread for as long as the breath, and your mind, can comfortably carry it. Of course the mind might wander, get distracted or start thinking about something else. That’s what minds do. No problem, we can begin again any time at the start of the exhale, at the lips, and spin our golden thread with our imaginations again. You can be as elaborate, or not, with exactly how your little golden thread looks. Sometimes mine is more like a feather, sometimes it’s a very fine, light, interlocked golden chain.
Complete five to ten rounds of golden thread breathing and then return to your normal breath. Observe how you feel. Smile and acknowledge your body’s ability to find calm when we lengthen the exhale.
Sylvia is teaching yoga and mindfulness year-round in Community Centres, supportive venues in nature and on yoga retreats in Solar Alvura, Portugal. You can find out more on the events and workshops page.
Read More
