Yoga on the Mall in Mayo county town proving popular
Yoga classes take place every Saturday morning in The Mall Castlebar at 10.30 a.m. and are continuing to grow in numbers. The classes which commenced last June are organised by Castlebar woman Shuana Burke, who is a qualified yoga teacher.
Shauna is delighted to see that the numbers have increased over the last number of weeks. “My first class was on June 6, and the numbers taking part have been steadily growing every week. It’s been especially lovely to see some wonderful regulars returning week after week and to watch this little community begin to grow.”
Shauna’s own yoga journey began in Toronto, Canada. “I qualified as a yoga teacher in 2021, during Covid 19. My teacher training turned out to be a beautiful way to spend my time during the pandemic. As restrictions began to lift, we were among the first groups of students allowed to practise together in person, which made the experience particularly memorable.
“My own yoga journey actually began in Toronto, where I went to my very first class and it was aerial yoga. I definitely jumped in at the deep end, but I absolutely loved it. “At the time, I never imagined that I would one day become a yoga teacher. “However, the more I practised, the more I wanted to learn, and eventually I found myself wanting to share that experience with other people.”
Shauna always wanted to teach yoga outdoors and said The Mall in Castlebar is an ideal location: “I had always wanted to teach yoga outdoors, as I really believe there is something special about practising in nature. Being outside adds another dimension to the practice - connecting with the fresh air, the trees and the surroundings while taking time to slow down and breathe.
“The Mall felt like the perfect location. It’s right in the heart of Castlebar and is such a beautiful, accessible space for people to come together. The classes are aimed at all levels of experience - from those curious and just starting their yoga journey to those who like to practice and move regularly.
“The weather here can certainly be unpredictable. But since I started, I’ve only had to cancel one class. On the wetter days, there is shelter under the trees, and even when the weather isn’t perfect, there’s something really beautiful about practising outside.
“More than anything, I’m delighted to be creating a welcoming space where people can come along, move their bodies, take some time for themselves, and enjoy yoga outdoors in the heart of Castlebar.”
Shauna has other yoga projects in the pipeline. “Alongside my classes on The Mall, I’m also working with local businesses, bringing yoga into the workplace as a way of helping people take a little time out of their day and relieve some of the stresses that come with work. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Portwest and Vermilion Energy and I’m really enjoying bringing yoga into different environments.
“Yoga in the workplace can help reduce stress, improve physical health, and increase concentration and energy. It may also reduce common aches and pains caused by sitting for long periods and promote better overall wellbeing. Group yoga sessions can strengthen relationships between colleagues, creating a healthier, happier, and more productive workplace.
“One attendee from Vermilion Energy highlighted the benefits of movement, particularly for the shoulders, noting that many people spend long periods hunched over a computer. She found the movement particularly beneficial in helping to release tension and improve mobility in this area.”
As the winter months approach, Shuana plans on moving her classes indoors. “As we move towards the winter months, I’ll be taking my classes indoors in various locations around Mayo, with my focus expanding towards events and collaborations with some very talented local people.
“My first upcoming collaboration is a special event for new mums with the fabulous Claire Kelly from Ghlór Mná, taking place on August 30 at Crave at the Cottage Cafe, Ballintubber. I also have some other exciting collaborations planned, including events incorporating live music, which I think are going to be really beautiful experiences and will bring a new dimension to yoga than people are used to.
“I’m really excited to see where this journey takes the community I’m building while continuing to create different ways for people to experience yoga, movement and wellbeing in Mayo and encourage new people to give it a go.
“All of the details about upcoming classes, events and collaborations will be shared on my Instagram page which is @ashauna_yoga.”