Yoga and the five elements of nature

Not all of us are blessed with a yoga body, so it is natural to feel a sense of trepidation about the prospect of being surrounded in a yoga class by a group of picture perfect yoginis. We all have a tendency to compare ourselves, often unfavourably, to those around us. Luckily, with yoga, the reality is that those of us who least conform to those idealised images on the covers of yoga magazines and Instagram are exactly the people who have the most to gain from yoga:

• Increased flexibility and suppleness
• Relief from joint and muscular pain
• Improved circulation
• Reinvigorated immune system
• Relief from stress and anxiety
• Better concentration and focus
• Rebalanced appetite/ relief from food cravings
• Improved sleep patterns

This workshop has been crafted specifically to gently guide a novice yoga practitioner in the fundamental forms of yoga, with an emphasis on gentle poses which can be mastered by everyone. Tim has a very calm, supportive presence and a methodical approach to teaching yoga. So, whether you have absolutely no experience of yoga and meditation, or would simply like to find out more about them and understand better the underlying principles, this workshop is perfect for you.

Yoga is also as much about mental relaxation as about the physical exertion, which is another reason why Tim encourages everyone to accept where they are physically.  So, if you can’t touch your toes, this might just be the right yoga workshop for you. Modifications of the basic poses will be suggested so that everyone can derive similar benefits from the poses

Food is another vital component of this special experience and we spare no efforts to bring you the healthiest and most delicious vegetarian food, all made by Linda. We can also cater for a wide variety of dietary restrictions with advance notice.

Also important is that we have time to digest, both physically and mentally. To that end we have been careful to build in provision for downtime. Mulvarra looks down on a path which stretches alongside the Barrow River for over 100 Km and passes through some of the most beautiful river scenery in all of Ireland. The perfect tool in fact for passing time with your thoughts while letting the natural splendour of the Barrow River calm you.

And then, there is…. Breath. Part of the weekend will be given over to a discussion of the concept of Prana and how it relates to both yoga and meditation. Prana and breathing are very closely related, and we will also learn some practical techniques for directly working with our prana using different breathing techniques or Prananyama.

Lastly and very much not least, sleep is crucial both physically (for the rest it provides our bodies) and psychologically (for the mental shift it achieves, allowing our unconscious to come out and play). Rest assured you will have sound sleep and lots of it while you stay at Mulvarra. All of our bedrooms are either twin or double and you can choose from shared or non shared option (book early to avoid disappointment). And if sleep has been eluding you of late, you may find that the yogic practice of yoga nidra, another strand of the weekend, has real benefits for you.

All in all a very rich tapestry woven together seamlessly, and delivered in a relaxed and very down to earth environment by your hosts, Tim and Linda. Sure what else would you be doing?

We have three main options for accommodation. We will ensure to match gender in our shared rooms. As we have just one triple room we expect it to sell out quickly, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Shared triple room, en-suite bathroom
SOLD OUT
- Sharing with 2 other people (same gender)
- 280 Euros for the weekend

Shared double room, en-suite bathroom
- Sharing with 1 other person (same gender)
- 300 Euros for the weekend

Non Shared room, en-suite bathroom
- Your own double room and private bathroom, available on a first come first served basis
- 350 Euros for the two weekend

If you are a couple or a group, please email us at info@mulvarra.com or contact us on 00353 (0)51 424936

- 2 Nights stay in one of our comfortable ensuite bedrooms

- All meals and drinks during your stay

- All yoga classes/meditation sessions/ walks/ talks

The closest public transport is the bus or train from Dublin or Waterford to Thomastown . From Thomastown there are taxis available (cost is 25-30 Euros)

Katie O'Byrne

"I did my very first Yoga class 16 years ago, I didn’t know much about the practice only that it made me feel good. For years Yoga was just something I did as a hobby every now and again.

Almost 10 years ago it all started to change, slowly, so slowly I barely noticed my whole life being turned upside down. It was no coincidence that while all these changes were happening I had started a more dedicated yoga practice. Without noticing, everything I was learning on the mat, had started to seep out into my life.

In 2016 I decided it was time for more change, so I decided to travel to Rishikesh Yog Peeth, in Northern India, where I received my Hatha Yoga Teaching Certificate, and I made a promise to myself to teach Yoga as a lifestyle, not just to teach Asana (Yoga Postures). I immediately started to share what I had learned by teaching classes, workshops and Retreats.

Working out in Nature is a passion that I satisfy by leading Meditation and Hiking experiences, this has led me to working with the elements.

I am also a qualified Reiki Practitioner, which has helped me to understand that we are not just a physical body, but we are also an energetic body, and keeping our energies balanced through Yoga can keep us stay healthy and full of life."

In order to book one of the places on the retreat, you must go through the booking form and choose one of our accommodation options by clicking on the booking link at the bottom of this page. Please note that a 30% deposit must be paid in order to secure a place on the retreat. If you are unable to attend the retreat this deposit is refundable, and as long as you notify us within three weeks of the retreat, we will refund your deposit (less a 25 Euros cancellation fee to cover administration costs). However if the cancellation is inside 3 weeks of the start of the retreat, refunding of the deposit cannot be guaranteed, as it is contingent upon being able to fill your place on the retreat.