Meet & Greet: The Happy Self Yoga
We recently invited Mary Reynolds of The Happy Self Yoga to tell us a little bit more about herself and her involvement in St. Andrew’s.
What do you do in St. Andrew’s?
I am a qualified teacher in Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Chair Yoga and Mum and Baby yoga. and I teach in St. Andrew’s.
I have been taught in the authentic Indian yoga tradition by wonderful teachers and am soon to train in pregnancy yoga and bring that to St Andrew’s! I have travelled to India many times, where I have learned so much about yoga postures, breathing and the philosophy of yoga and meditation so my style is very flexible to suit the student. I am constantly studying these subjects as I am fascinated by them. I believe yoga is beneficial to help us live a happier life and that is why I teach mum and baby yoga and chair yoga. Yoga starts with breathing, this is the most important tool and is useful all day everyday! My classes are non-competitive social classes where neighbours meet in safe spaces to be yourself on that day and let go the stress of life. I love St. Andrew’s as it is that open free space and the staff are so welcoming; it’s my new home. I moved to Kilmainham just before Covid struck and knew that I wanted to become part of the community in Dublin 8. Now I have met so many people through yoga at St. Andrew’s and I feel part of the real community. My chair yoga class on Friday mornings range in ages up to 80 years of age. These ladies are amazing. Having all the life experience in a room is a wonderful joy, the laughter and wisdom we share on Friday mornings makes me feel alive and very grateful. I also run yoga workshops on Saturdays at St. Andrew’s and will have one in the autumn for all levels from beginners upwards. The hall is a wonderful large space and the new floor and heating gives people space to chill out and have headspace and bodyspace.
How can someone get involved in your classes?
Fridays 10am I hold Chair Yoga classes. From Autumn I will have Hatha/Ashtanga Yoga classes on Thursdays 6.30pm – 7.30pm. And coming soon I will have Mum and Baby Yoga (Friday mornings).
If you feel you would like to explore yoga, just text me (083 8959100) with some details, e.g. age, interest in yoga, reason to join and I will try help you either with my class or maybe another class that suits you better. There is always a class for everyone and as in life "the teacher appears when the student is ready". St. Andrew’s has other yoga teachers and they may suit your times, we are a community of yoga teachers at St. Andrew’s. I am working on my website so that should be live in the autumn with some interesting information around yoga and lifestyle.
Tell us something about yourself:
I am a 49 years young mum of 3 boys, I have had many changes in life and now I am living my best life in Dublin 8 since 2020. I really like the area and the people because they are open and friendly and a bit craziee ...like me... I feel like I am at home at last and very accepted by the people in Rialto and Kilmainham, Crumlin and Drimnagh which is a great surprise and relief. I believe in having fun whilst doing the work of making sure every class I teach gives my students something personal. I have been fortunate to be practicing yoga, meditation and mindfulness for almost 2 decades now and I know the benefits. No one’s life is plain sailing; the trick is living in the midst of chaos and being ready for life challenges when they come. As humans we take ourselves very seriously and can be very critical of ourselves, that is something we all share. Breathing, meditation yoga, eating well having a good night’s rest and good friends and family, enjoying things like gardening, painting, music, camping, travel, baking, loving our pets, whatever it is do it joyfully, if you don't enjoy it stop it, keep it simple. Wonder is a wonderful thing, I would encourage us all to be more childlike and to see the wonder in uncertainty, to be brave and take chances and to love what you do. For me I work another job to ensure I pay my bills and whilst I enjoy it, I love yoga and I will be teaching when I am old, very old, God willing 🙏 soooo please text 083 8959100 with any questions.
Last but not least, have you an interesting or inspiring fact you would like to share with us:
Iris Apfel (95 year old Geriatric Starlet) is my new inspiration. My dear friend Amh just bought me her book and my wonderful partner bought me a sketch of her so I can remember every day the best is yet to come!
This is one of her quotes and it resonates with me in my life now.
"If you're happy, have found love, are surrounded by good people, doing what you like, and giving back to others, that's SUCCESS. Selling your soul for a buck is not worth the real price you pay -not to me anyway!”
and
"One size doesn't fit all” so be your unique self, it’s far more loveable.
Namaste and love.
Thanks Mary!
