Evening classes FAQ
What is the difference between the types of yoga
The main emphasis of Satyananda yoga is inner awareness, breath awareness, gentle postures at the beginning and building up to stronger postures (very gradually and systematically over a long time) if you continue on to the Continuation class. Each class finishes with a deep relaxation.
This yoga is suitable for all ages (14 – 70 yrs), all levels of fitness (including those with bad backs and other injuries) and all weights and sizes, both men and women.
Ashtanga yoga is a form of hatha yoga and is much stronger. The main emphasis is on working strongly with the body, to build up the strength of the body and break down energy blocks in the body.
This yoga is only suitable for those who are reasonably fit, and you should expect to sweat during the class as the postures are quite strong.
Bikram yoga is carried out in a hot room and is an envirourating fitness workout.
What is so good about the YOGA classes at the Burren Yoga and Meditation Centre?
The Burren Yoga and Meditation Centre is a world-wide well known yoga centre. It was specially designed as a yoga centre and has underfloor heating and large windows to let in plenty of natural light. The peace and tranquility of the burren also lends itself to the peacefulness and tranquility at the centre.
If you are used to practicing yoga in a hall which is used for other things, you will immediately notice the difference in energy levels the moment you enter the centre. The yoga room is only used for yoga and meditation and the feeling of tranquility and centredness is always remarked upon when yoga practitioners first come to the centre.
Tell me about Dave Brocklebank
The yoga instructor is Dave Brocklebank who has been practicing yoga since 1988, and been practicing meditation since 1978.
He is a fully qualified Satyananda yoga teacher and continues his own practice and training by going to many workshops during the year both in Ireland and abroad.
Dave is very gentle in his approach, but is detailed in his instruction so that you learn to practice the postures correctly and with care and attention to your spine, knees and any areas which need special attention.
I am over fourty years old, am out of shape, and have a dodgy back. Will I be able to take up Yoga for the first time.
The good news is yes. However, you should join the Monday 6:30 – 8:00 PM class as this is the most gentle class. The postures are mainly loosening up movements which you will practice coordinated with your breath. If you have any specific injuries or problems, please let the yoga instructor know on the first night.
I already practice yoga, but would like to try a 5 week course at your centre.
If you have practiced at least 6 months of yoga else where and are familiar with the abdominal, middle chest and complete yogic breath, and also aware of your spine for forward and backward bends you will probably be able for the Level 2 Satyananda yoga class, or the Astanga class.
I am quite young and fit. I want stronger postures to tone up and for exercise.
If you have never practiced yoga before but would like a slightly stronger class than I would recommend the Level 3 Satyananda yoga class. This is not as gentle as the Monday 6:30 – 8:00 class or the Wednesday 6:30 – 8:00 class.
We work with a continous flow of salutation to the sun sequence.
If you are reasonably fit, or have done a little yoga before and you are mainly interested in fitness, toning and strong exercise then the Ashtanga yoga class may suit you. See the question on Astanga below.
I can’t make the Monday 6:30 – 8:00 class, but I want a gentle beginners class.
The Wednesday 6:30 – 8:00 class is also gentle and suitable for beginners. It is not quite as gentle as the Monday 6:30 – 8:00 class.
Do people come on their own to the class?
Most people come on their own. During the class you will be ‘on your own’. Even though there are 15 people in a class, most of the time you will have your eyes closed listening to the instructions from the yoga instructor. You tune your attention inwards to the breath, and also to the movements of the yoga postures. You do not pay any attention to anyone else, and no one pays attention to you.
I am very over-weight. Will I be able to take up yoga?
Yes. If you are very over-weight, and out of condition, then you should try to join the Monday 6:30 – 8:00 PM class as this is the most gentle class.
What is Ashtanga yoga.
Astanga is a very strong form of hatha yoga. You need to be reasonably fit to take up Ashtanga and not suffer from back, neck or knee injuries.
Each class begins with a breath awareness period where one’s awareness is tuned inwards. The sequence of the Astanga postures are taught quite slowly so that you can get the feeling of being in each posture rather than rushing through the sequence so that you can cover as many postures as possible.
As the weeks go by, more and more of the sequence is introduced into the class and after the first 20 minutes of the sequence most people are sweating due to the strong nature of the postures.
This form of yoga is excellent for those who are reasonably fit and are looking for a strong form of exercise to tone the body, lose weight, increase strength and increase the amount of energy they have.
What is Satayananda yoga?
The main emphasis of Satyananda yoga is inner awareness, letting go of tensions on a physical, mental and emotional level, improving peace of mind, improving breathing, gently working with the body at the start and then increasing gradually and systematically the strength of the postures over a number of months or sometimes years.
It is a more traditional form of yoga and is ideal for relaxation, gently toning and loosening the body, improving posture, improving sleep patterns, improving flexibility, peace of mind and breathing. It also is an ideal systematic introduction and training to meditation.
Where exactly is the centre?
The centre is
- 5 miles from Kinvara
- 6 miles from Gort
- 4 miles from Boston
- 19 miles from Ennis
- 25 miles from Galway
It is located on the Gort road turning off the New Line (near the Moy croos roads).
To get exact detailed directions please see
Directions to find the centreI don't have a car. How can I get to the centre?
Many people travel from Gort, Ennis, Ballyvaughan, Kinvara and from Galway city to the evening or morning classes.
You may be able to organize a lift with someone travelling from your drection.
What should I wear at the class?
Loose clothes which will not restrict movement. A tracksuit bottoms or leggings and a tee-shirt on top with a sweatshirt in case you feel cold and to put on for the deep relaxation.
Bare feet or socks.
How do I book a place?
You can phone 091-637680 and book over the phone.
I can’t make the evening classes. Do you hold day courses or weekend courses?
We do not hold day courses. But there are weekend courses throughout the whole year and also week long courses. Yoga teachers from around the world come to teach at the Burren Yoga and Meditation centre.
To see a full list of courses see
Calendar of RetreatsHow can I stay informed of any new courses coming up in the centre?
Click here to
Join our mailing listClick here to read sample Newsletter
Newsletter AprilIf you do not have an e-mail address, and would like to receive monthly updates then please send your name and address to the centre.
Alternatively you may phone the centre for more information on 091-637680 [00-353-91-637680 for overseas]
I would like too see some photos on Yoga
See
Yoga Postures
