Keeping things fresh: what's back-to-school like for you?

Like it or not the seasons are changing. The Buddhists claim the one secret to lasting joy is recognizing the inevitable change of everything in life. I always feel the Irish have a small advantage in this regard as our changeable weather can have such a huge impact on our sense of wellbeing. And we’re very good at making hay when the sun shines!

And here it come, Autumn with her slow, dramatic entrance and the back-to-school nip in the air. What’s fresh for you as you contemplate the season ahead? A re-setting of intentions? Something new? A course for your body, or your mind, travel, or simply a new date in your diary to catch up with friends over coffee. All of these things are scientifically proven to be so good for us; life is not just about striving and ticking boxes as we well know, a curious mind, a healthy mobile body and good social connections are the GOLD!

In the yoga community we can explore all of this! I have loads of new, exciting things for you to contemplate as you gently nudge your life, over and over again, in the direction you want it to go… towards a full, rich, well-lived life.

Community classes continue in Ballyroan Community Centre for morning and day-time classes, in The Park Community Centre for evening. We’ve added a new Friday 2-3pm class to ease us into the weekend with good intentions. All classes tend to be quite busy at this time of year, if you’ve been coming to yoga you’re welcome to just continue as you are and sign up. If you’ve been away for a while please let me know you are coming back (you are always welcome back) and if you are brand new please check with me if there is a space for you.

Workshops are back in Mutton Lane Yoga Studio in Tibradden, one evening meditation a month close to the full moon and one Saturday morning workshop each month, two hours of relaxed yoga, breathwork, meditation and always a nice relaxation in front of the wood-burning stove.

We have 7 participants signed up for a deep-dive into Mindfulness in Mutton Lane on Wednesday mornings October through November, an 8-week MBSR course. There is just one space left on this course and it’s likely it will run again early in 2026 so please enquire if it interests you.

A variety of weekend and week-long retreats are planned for the Burren Yoga Centre in the West of Ireland. Not just about the yoga, we love the food, the outdoor adventures with a designated guide, and the simple luxuries of the recently refurbished centre as a complete re-set and boost for life. It’s always possible to do part-of the week long retreats so you have loads of options, winter and summer, to contemplate.

Between teaching on retreats and visits to grown-up kiddos living abroad I will be doing some travel in the coming months and have some wonderful substitute teachers ready to cover for classes. So class is always on, even if I’m away, I’m always there myself for the Mutton Lane workshops and for the 8-week course. I’ll continue to manage things in the background so it’s always fine to get in touch, I’ll always do my very best to accommodate whatever is needed for you when life gets unpredictable or your plans change, and I’ll never out-source to a booking system or to AI or to a chatbot so it’s always Sylvia you’re getting! I don’t filter photos, I’m learning to accept my imperfect self just as I am so I can help you accept your imperfect self just as you are! Change is inevitable, but we can always do our best to keep things fresh, fun and full of adventure.

Intentions for me for the coming year are to dive deep into my own daily practices so I continue to show up to teach with authenticity. I’m upping my game in the gym with a new personal trainer, and I’ve created some exciting new content which will be in the ‘Appendix’ of the new course manual the lucky 8 will be receiving on day one of the new October Course. This content will one day be my book which is slower going than old-Sylvia would have liked but I’m learning to live with that and celebrate the baby steps each time one new page is produced!

Could I ask you please to give me a review on Google? Your 5*s and comments really help.

I’m here for any questions at all and am very excited about the season ahead, really looking forward to seeing you on the mat!

Biggest hugs and love on a chilly, bright, fresh Irish morning,

x Sylvia.