The emphasis in our society is all on the active - Go, Do, Schedule, Plan. Very little time is left for just sitting, observing and listening to your thoughts. When we are not mindful of our body, it can retaliate by developing tightness, habitual aches and holding patterns that we ignore; when we are going too fast and not observing the world around us, we miss important signs and signals; when we bombard the mind with lists and projects, we never hear its truth and wisdom.

While it is simple to do, being mindful takes time to get used to. In essence, you learn to do by undoing - get rid of the baggage and unnecessary stress that can clog the mind and body.

Mindfulness and Meditation classes look at different techniques to bring us closer to an aware and mindful state:

• we use postures and movement in a deeply relaxed and aware way.
• we sit with the body and learn how to relax each part deeply.
• we 'scan' the body and see where it is holding tension, recognise patterns
and habits.
• we sit quietly with the mind and observe what is going on.
• we watch the breath, see it flow in and out and become aware of its powerful and therapeutic effects.

Mindful meditation is simple, powerful and enjoyable. It lets you work with your mind, learn how to switch off and relax, focus on now and listen to what really matters to you.

Allyson Dowling is a fully qualified yoga teacher with a Diploma from the Irish Yoga Association. She has trained in pregnancy, hatha and vinyasa yoga.

Allyson is currently teaching prenatal yoga in the North Dublin (Clontarf) area, more classes are coming soon, so check the class schedule frequently!