YOGA AND WELLBEING EVENTS
All adventure Yoga excursions have been designed with two values equally in mind. The first is the need to support the adventurous spirit in those who are more familiar with Yoga and mindful practices. The second is to provide a fresh approach to mindful practices for those adventurous by nature. Working closely with the adventure and food providers with these values at the forefront during planning of the excursions ensures that the needs of each individual can be catered for as we journey together out into nature.
Hike to Yoga Excursion
The Sligo landscape is diverse in its geology offering all levels of hiking excursion from the more challenging steep ascents to the happy hilltop ramble. On the journey up there is a stop for a gentle yoga flow and guided meditation that helps each person shed the stresses of the week or month past and prepares the group to fully enjoy the outdoor time they have. Through the collective dynamic we find the teams mountain story, this sets the theme for the group and inject lightness at new heights and provides each with a positive intention for the return home. All excursions are laced with insights into Yoga psychology and outdoor psychology providing participants with tools they can use on their return home and on their own next adventure. Hikes are guided by qualified guides from Northwest Adventure Tours offering a grading of hike to choose from, Grade C is an easy paced ramble mostly on well-defined trails; grade B is a moderately challenging ascent and Grade A is most challenging accent and longer in duration. The level of challenge required for your team can be discussed in advanced and the right trek chosen to suit all participating. No experience is required for the yoga, breathwork and meditation practices used, all adventure yoga excursions are suitable for people new to mindful practices.
SUP to Beezies Island for Yoga and Picnic
Exploring the tranquil waters of Lough Gill on stand-up-paddle board is a unique experience suitable for both experienced and first-time paddlers. It offers the opportunity to discover the joys of drifting across water at a slow and contemplative pace. The group is offered a simple meditation and intention to have in mind while making the transition across water. Arriving on the magical Beezies Island the meditative work is continued and the practice of self-prescription is explored. Insights are shared and further integrated with a releasing and renewing yoga flow. On this Island Adventure the group gets to access their individual and collective confidence with no previous SUP or Yoga experience required. SUP guided by qualified guides from Northwest Adventure Tours with all instruction provided on the day.
Beach Yoga and Surf Lesson
Mentally the mindful breathwork brings the nervous system out of sympathetic mode, typically referred to as ‘fight or flight’, and into parasympathetic mode often referred to as ‘rest and digest’. When a person is nervous or giddy they will typically be in sympathetic mode which makes it hard to concentrate and to take instruction. In worst case scenario excessive sympathetic nervousness may make you want to quit or run away. Calming the nervous system into parasympathetic mode allows everyone to feel at ease in themselves and better able to understand and follow group instruction.
Emotionally there are many benefits to pausing and taking time on the beach before getting into the water. You will see most long-time surfers watching, listening and observing the ocean before getting in. Breathing deep and finding presence in yourself enhances every surfers experience whether a first timer or an old pro
Bike to Yoga Excursion
Viewing the country side at a pedalling pace brings a wonderful sense of awe and calm. For this excursion the group gather in Mullaghmore village, north Sligo and pedal peacefully together at a gentle pace up into the Glenniff Horseshoe. Cycling along the base of the Horseshoe, overlooked by Grainne and Diurmuids cave, rest stops are taken to tune-in and share stories of myths and legends and how ancient wisdom can apply to modern living. The yoga is taken in a peaceful forested area where the mountain waters pass on their journey back to the sea. This provides the idyllic place to acknowledge our connection to the cycles of nature and identify tools we can use to gain perspective and release stress. There is the option for a water cleanse before tucking into a wholesome nourishing lunch. The free-wheeling downhill return provides the perfect uplifting finish leaving the group ready for more.
Beach Yoga
There are many benefits to being close to the ocean, a high concentration of negative ions has been shown elevate mood and wellbeing. Equally the sound of Wild Atlantic waves rolling to shore just beyond sight provides a natural rhythm to pace the yoga session to.
In Strandhill we can step away from the vibrant activity of the village into the sand-dunes of Shelly Valley. This hidden gem was used in ancient times for locals to gather and eat and now offers perfect tranquillity for yogis to practice. The giant sand dune on the north side serves to shield us from awareness of a village beyond. The sound of Wild Atlantic waves rolling to shore just beyond sight provides a natural rhythm to pace the yoga session to.
Yoga in the Forest
The trees breath so that we can breath. Taking our practice into the forest offers a deeper connection to the symbiotic relationship we have as humans to the nature that surrounds us. In this space we feel the protection of the trees as the wind dances in the canopy above but just whispers its presence below. There are many options for a forest practice with or without yoga mats.
Stepping away from the vibrant activity on Strandhill Beach we take ourselves into the sand-dunes to the gloriously peaceful space that is called Shelly Valley.
This hidden gem was used in ancient times for locals to gather and eat and now offers perfect tranquillity for yogis to practice. The giant sand dune on the north side serves to shield us from awareness of a village beyond. The sound of Wild Atlantic waves rolling to shore just beyond sight provides a natural rhythm to pace the yoga session to.
In each moment you have a choice and with each choice a new reality is created… Anon.