Samhain is a threshold - a liminal space when the veil is thinnest between our world and the other or spirit world. To me it’s also the bridge between Autumn and Winter. The final fronteer before the darkness. I am not a lover of Winter, I dread the darker, colder and wetter weather, my world feels smaller and more restricted. I used to think of this time of year as a descent into Winter, but now I try to reframe it as a cycle.
Read moreBealtaine Blessings
Celebrate Bealtaine with ancient Irish traditions that honour the return of light, growth and connection. Discover rituals like lighting a sacred fire, creating a nature altar, and decorating a May Bush to mark the threshold into summer. Reignite ancestral practices and seasonal joy this May Day.
Read moreThe Two Faces of January Causing Confusion
The Two Faces of January: Resolutions Vs. Rest
This week I feel like I’m in a tug of war, being pulled over and back. Some days I hold my ground, strong and steady. Then I’m yanked towards the line and in danger of falling flat on my face. Next I’m inching backwards, fighting with all my might, heels dug down, teeth gritted. This pull and push, back and forth, effortful, tiring, ah yes, I know for sure I’m in January. A blog about the dualing energies where new years resolutions battle it out with rest.
Read moreForget New Year’s Resolutions: Create Joyful Goals You'll Actually Keep
Skip the January pressure and embrace a February Fresh Start with joyful, sustainable goals. Learn why resolutions rooted in self-compassion, mindfulness, and yoga philosophy are easier to keep all year long
Read moreUnlocking the Power of Journaling: A Guide to Mindfulness, Reflection, and Creativity
Journaling is more than just writing—it's a transformative tool for mindfulness, self-awareness, and creativity. Whether you're seeking clarity, reflecting on the year gone by, or setting intentions for the new year, journaling can help you connect with your mind, body, and soul.
Read moreChristmas Gift Guide & Eco-Friendly Ideas for Yoga and Pilates Lovers in Ireland
Discover the perfect Christmas gifts for yoga and Pilates lovers with our ultimate guide. Explore eco-friendly options, Irish-made products, and thoughtful ideas for festive mindfulness and wellness. Give the gift of peace, balance, and creativity this holiday season
Read moreSamhain in Thin Places
Samhain, a time for introspection, release, and honouring those we've loved and lost. This season, embrace change, letting go of what no longer serves, and finding solace in moments of stillness. As leaves fall and nights grow longer, explore rituals, practices, journaling prompts, music and books this Halloween, celebrating slowing down and delve into memories and connections that transcend time.
Read moreCampervan Adventures in Ireland (Cork, Clare and Sligo)
Explore the ultimate Irish campervan adventure, featuring bioluminescent swims at Lough Hyne, relaxing in Strandhill, hiking the Burren, and savouring local food Discover top travel tips, stunning hikes, and unique experiences from Cork, Clare & Sligo
Read moreEmbrace the Night: How Walking in Darkness Can Reconnect You to Nature and Calm Your Mind
Discover the transformative power of night walks. Learn to overcome your fear of darkness, reconnect with nature, and experience the world in a whole new way. Step outside, adjust your senses, and find peace in the serene, natural world after dark.
Read moreBeat the Autumn Blues: Top Tips for Staying Well as Days Get Darker
Discover practical tips for maintaining your well-being and mental health as the days grow shorter this autumn. Learn how to stay energised, balanced, and positive during the darker evenings of the season.
Read moreHow to keep your yoga practice interesting!
Bored of your yoga practice? Discover 10 effective tips to keep your yoga practice interesting. Learn how to keep your sessions fresh, engaging, and full of inspiration.
Read moreStrength Meets Serenity: How Yoga Supercharges Your Gym Routine
Discover how combining yoga with your gym and weight training routine can enhance flexibility, boost recovery, and improve mental well-being. Learn the science-backed benefits of this balanced fitness approach.
Read moreSurfing Changed My Life
How surfing changed my life. In my late thirties, it all began with a beginners surf lesson on Banna Beach, near Tralee Co. Kerry, and it has since led to unforgettable friendships, boosted confidence, and an incredible connection with nature. Embrace the thrill the waves, make new friends, learn to surf. You too can learn later in life! Join our Surf & Yoga Day Retreats in Co. Kerry this summer and challenge yourself to try something you may always have dreamed of!
Read moreMy Top Summer Book Recommendations (non-fiction)
Photo by Camille Brodard on Unsplash
I LOVE nothing more than sitting at the beach reading a book. And then dozing off with said book dropped onto my chest and having a nap - blissful! I have more time to digest non-fiction books over summer time and take my sweet time with them, so it’s perfect for dipping in and out of non-fiction reads that often take me longer to get through that light fiction. Enjoy my list of recommendations.
Read moreSummer Yoga Class Themes - June & July 2024
How I prepare yoga class themes and ideas. An insight into summer yoga class themes for 2024 linked to seasons, awareness days and more!
Read moreMy Top Favourite Yoga Books
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
My top seven favourite yoga books that have significantly impacted my practice and understanding. These books aren't just for seasoned yogis; they're perfect for anyone looking to deepen their practice, expand their knowledge, and connect with the true essence of yoga. Perfect to read all year around for yoga beginners onwards.
Read moreMy Soul Dog
This has been the hardest week of my life. I have tried to hold it together when our world has fallen apart. I'm absolutely devastated that our beloved Molly left us on Friday 22nd March. My heart is broken into tiny pieces.
Molly battled for the last 3 years with less mobility and aging after 3 major knee surgeries. I have given her everything to care for her needs and I loved her more than I ever knew was possible.
She was my baby, a sister, my minder, my best friend. She chose me when she was a wild pup of 10 months old in Co. Meath. Since that day, my life has revolved around her. I chose jobs, houses, car, a lifestyle that would suit her, that would be best for her. I used all my savings for her operations, ongoing meds and hefty vets bills. I'd do it all again 100 times over for her.
Molly lived a happy, full of love life to 13 years and 6 months old. She only knew love and we had the wildest adventures from hikes to house parties, camping to cafes and lots of lazy lie ins. She grew up in the city, later on the beach and aged amongst the trees. Always by my side.
Molly had a party with her friends on her last day with steak, chicken, cake and so much chocolate. My Molly Bear drew her last breath with my arms wrapped tightly around her, surrounded by Jason and our wonderful friends Claire & Sarah.
I'm heart broken 💔 and so blessed she chose me, my life was and will never be the same again 💚💚💚
I have kept quiet all week about my pain, I didn't feel able to speak about Mol. I taught classes looking haunted and so very sad. I'm sorry I wasn't able to tell you in person and was distant. I just didn't have the words or the ability to keep moving once the flood gates would open. Mols was right there in a little glass vial against my chest with me. Now with class term complete I can surrender.
I'm taking a few days off, I've prescheduled posts etc to give me space to grieve. It would be a huge support if you could please book into classes starting 8th April at www.ebbflowyoga.ie as I won't be as "on it" as usual to send reminders or respond to emails.
Thank you for your kindness 💚
Molly may you always be wild and free❤️
Photo credit: Canines of Cork
Other Thoughts on Mother's Day
The relationship we have or don’t have with our mothers and with motherhood, is in my experience, usually very complicated and multi-layered. Some mothers are no longer with us, some never were even as they stood in front of us, some of us have strained relationships with our Mothers, others tolerate, some say it’s good, but it rarely seems to be what we would have wished for. It’s easy to blame mothers for what they did not and/or could not give. And a lifetime of bitterness and blame can engulf us if we stay embedded in that place. The responsibility now lies with us as adults to parent ourselves, to care for our own inner child, if that sounds unfair, perhaps it could also sound empowering?
Read moreWinter Surf Guide Ireland -a Guide for Beginners
Photo by Tim Marshall on Unsplash
Surfing through winter is daunting, it’s cold, the sea can look wild and inhospitable and without the right gear, quite frankly it’s torture! If you're a beginner to winters surfing, then it's all about the right wetsuit and thickness of neoprene, learning to read a surf report, get some buddies together and make winter surfing in Ireland more enjoyable!
Read moreThe Omen Days (Lae na Céalmhaine)
Photo by Zagranyasha on Unsplash
Omen Days are the Celtic version of the Germanic Rauhnächte, where, during this twelve-day period between Christmas and Women's Christmas, those enjoying this tradition watch for nature omens, providing insights into what the new year holds for us. Try one of the rituals or practices suggested for this in-between time of the year.
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