Earth *** Wind *** Fire *** Water

Please note that the photos in this report were from an advanced course.

Not all of Kevin's workshops require this level of students.

Kevin will be teaching again in the Burren Yoga and Mediation Centre
27th December 2005 - Jan 3rd 2006 and also
Jan 3rd - 10th 2006

Well….. what can be said about such an outstanding week of Iyengar Yoga. The excellence of the instruction, the care, precision and the constant attention given by Kevin to everyone on the course.


Couple that with the unspoilt natural beauty of the Burren, a boat trip to the Aran Islands, visiting the Cliffs of Moher, swimming with the dolphin, walks by the sea, and hill walking up MulloughMore.


Couple that again with Kevin’s birthday, the bonfire in the Stone Circle, dare I say it…. A few drinks with some evening meals, the fun and laughter of a great group of students.


Couple that again with the warmth and friendly atmosphere of the Burren Yoga and Meditation Centre, the spaceous open bright Yoga studio, the tranquil surroundings where one hears only the birds, and of course that ‘getting to be famous’ delicious vegetarian food served up by Paddi. I really am glad that Paddi likes that Sivinanada Yoga cookbook. ;-)


And one very big factor on the week was the great atmosphere of the participants on the course. 6 of Kevin’s students travelled over from New York to attend the workshop. So a special thanks to all the good energies brought in by this group of travelling yogis. And also a big thanks to out own Irish crew who travelled from many different parts of the country.


Its impossible to describe the improvements that each of us received during the week. Whether this was by watching Kevin as he demonstrated how to improve each posture and also how not to do a posture, or whether it was by the hands on adjustments he gave while we were in the postures, or whether by the constant verbal instructions, corrections and encouragements each of us received to constantly work with and improve our presence and alignment from moment to moment.


Definitely a momentous workshop, and one which will be repeated again (many times Kevin ;-)


So does this smiling face tell you something about the good feeling which is experienced when one knows one has been working hard, one has been close if not right to the edge of our effort, and also the sheer enjoyment of the atmosphere of the classes.




And this was what Tamar and Naghmeh were working with before their ecstatic rest ;-)




The classes were interspersed with demonstrations by Kevin. Sometimes he showed us how to do the posture correctly, and what areas to watch out for. Sometimes he showed us how to do the postures incorrectly, so that we knew what to watch out for.






Also in the classes Kevin showed us how to expertly use props. If any of you are non-Iyengar practitioners who shudder when you hear the word props, then it is probably due to attending inexperienced Iyengar tutors who over use props at every moment.


Kevin showed how the correct use of props allowed us to work with opening specific areas of the body which later improved the correct alignment of the posture when practiced without any props. And my own opinion has been altered on the changes which can be brought about by the intelligent use of props. Definitely his sense of humor and the laughter did help as well.




Constant attention was one very noticeable aspect to each class as is always the case at the Burren Yoga and Meditation Centre. The groups are always restricted in size so that one is not trying to peer over someone’s head to see the instructor, and more often than not, the instructor is only a few steps away form you and watching your every move.




And the walks in the Burren. What can be said. You can only talk to those who have been here already.




What! You have not been here yet?


Have not experienced those changing skies over the Burren? Have you not experienced the spaceous Yoga studio filled with natural light from the Burren skies. Ok, well its not all natural. The underfloor heating is quite nice in the middle of winter making the centre warm and snug while you get expert attention.


Ok, so you keep meaning to get here...... if only your life was not so busy. I thought Yoga was meant to dismantle all these 'if only's...'

Guess who will be giving a week long Iyengar retreat from the 27th December until 2nd January?


Yes the birthday man himself.




As he unwraps that Irish sweater that looks like it was specially made for him.


And yes in the relaxed environment of Burren Yoga sometimes we do allow a little alcohol with the meals.


The bottle of Champagne definitely fitted in well with the great atmosphere.


And for special occasions we do have a bonefire in the stone circle which is on the grounds on the centre.




This time it was a big fire. That’s Kevin withstanding the heat.




Hard to believe that the heat was so strong that Nagmeh was warm enough wearing her tee-shirt. Nothing to do with the Guinness?


And whether it’s in the Yoga class or in the pub or sitting at a bonefire, Kevin always has the ‘gift of the gab’.




As well as the Fire element we definitely had the water element. Burren Yoga is 5 miles from Kinvara which sits at the inner reach of Galway bay. The name Kinvara comes from the Irish name Cinn Mhara, which means ‘head of the sea’.


Towards the outer southern edge of Galway bay off the county of Clare lies the Burren Hills which are of limestone rocks. They slope down to Galway bay and also to the Atlantic ocean.


At Fanore, near Ballyvaughan there is a resident dolphin called Mara who swims daily with anyone who gets into the water.




And this usually draws many swimmers on the weekends.




Yes that is two of our girls who actually brought their wetsuits with them. Now is that dedication (forward planning too!) or what.


And yes a week with Kevin Gardiner is not just all parties, bonfires, swimming with dolphins…. There is also serious, strong asana practice.




Even doctors know that Yoga is good for you ;-)




And with the Fire element and the Water, we definitely have the Earth element. It surrounds us on every side, North, South, East and West, both under our feet and within us.






Maybe the look of Tamar’s radiant face is starting to make sense to you.


Ok, one can’t stay lying around all day….




Even a wall can be used as a prop ;-)




Thanks everyone for a great week. And thanks to those special people and things which make up Burren Yoga.


And as for the Air. What do you American folks think of the fresh clean ionised air which blows straight in from the Atlantic?

Come to think of it.... what do you Dublin folks think of it? ;-) Nothing worse than an escaped Dub.

Good luck to all of you with your practice and also with the work you choose to do.... if it can indeed be called work ;-)

Kevin Gardiner will be back

• December 27th 2005 - Jan 3rd for a 7-day Christmas course
• Jan 3rd 2006 - 10th Jan for a 7-day New Year course

Early booking advised.

Please note that the photos in this report are from a course which is more advanced than the Christmas course planned for December this year.

Best Wishes, Dave