Ashram 2018
Ashrams are places where people of any faith, gender or nationality can stay and practice intense meditation, taking up an inward journey under guidance to realise the truth of themselves as divine.
When: 29th June – 29th July (Guests can book for night of 28th June)
Where: Stella Maris, Carrick Road, Baily, Howth, Co. Dublin
Day Only Ashram Retreat
This community experience, within the natural beauty of Stella Maris, will offer you an opportunity to experience meditation, silence, simplicity, peace and inner stillness, to enrich your spirit and enliven your faith. The Day Only Retreat begins at 7.30am
The Sanctuary Mindful Warrior Programme
This programme encourages young people to find, build and experience a place of Sanctuary within and around themselves.
Taking place over 10 weeks The Mindful Warrior Programme is designed to help young people find their own inner strength and self confidence.
Our next Warrior Programme takes place during September, October & November, more details below.
Join us in 2018 and explore the power within.
Things To Do at The Sanctuary
Mindful Half Day with Sanctuary Facilitator, Saturday July 28th
Taking place throughout the year these half-days, these half days of reflection, meditation and mindfulness are led by an experienced facilitator, trained in mindfulness. These half-days provide an opportunity to nurture and strengthen the energy of mindfulness and the practice of meditation in the company of others.
The Art of Stillness in the Classroom, with Niamh Bruce. July 16th – July 20th
Join Niamh Bruce on this 5 day course, which will equip you to build a focused, reflective and meditative environment in the classroom, using simple, applied, mindfulness practices.
Particpation on this course counts towards EPV Days for primary school teachers
Dates: July 16th to July 20th 2018 – 9am to 2pm
Intermystical Pathways
This workshop over two days explores the interspiritual domain that is available to all people regardless of their belief system.
Sunday July 29th 10am – 4pm and Sunday 30th September 10am – 4pm
There will be some input on the philosophy of interspiritual and Intermystical terms followed by exercises, reflections and of course deep meditation practices.
5 Rhythms Dance with Caitríona Nic Ghiollaphádraig
Taking place on Sunday August 12th from 10am – 4pm.
Cost €65
With Caitríona Nic Ghiollaphádraig, this one-day workshop combines cutting-edge neuroscience with the 5 rhythms movement practice of Gabrielle Roth.
You can experience renewed vitality, less stress and greater health in mind and body no matter what your age or physical condition, or gender.
8 Week MBSR Course with Niamh Bruce.
Join Niamh Bruce for a mix of course practice, input, group discussion and home practice. Participants report that they were able to recognise and learn how to deal with their own stress triggers more easily as well as find a greater sense of their own inner strength and resilience.
7pm – 9.30pm each Monday from September 3rd for 8 weeks & 1 Full day (10am-4pm) in The Sanctuary Sunday October 21st.
Evening Yoga Classes with Andrea Boudin
In these mindful Hatha yoga classes, participants are introduced to breath awareness practices and the experience of stillness. Yoga postures and sequences are practiced with awareness as we connect mind, body and heart in the present moment.
There are two six-week courses with Andrea, starting on Wednesday September 5th. A 6pm class & a 7.30pm class. Course cost just €75
Introduction to Meditation & Mindfulness, Sr Stan
Join Sr Stan on this 3-week introductory course to Mindfulness and Meditation. You will have the opportunity to try different meditation/mindfulness practices.
The course is designed especially to introduce novices & beginners to the practice of meditation and the benefits of mindfulness and mindful living.
Friday September 7th to Friday September 21st, 10am – 11:15am
Mindful Yoga with Rianna Walsh
With Riana Walsh, this Friday morning yoga course introduces participants to breath awareness practices and the experience of stillness; Yoga postures and sequences are practiced with awareness as we connect mind, body and heart in the present moment; Mindful meditation focuses on breath, sound, thought, sensation and relaxation is also an integral part of the class.
6 week course starting on Friday, September 7th from 10am to 11.20am each Friday. Ends Friday 12th October.
The Art of Being Still, with Sr Stan.
With Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy, this 5 week foundation course is an invitation to go within and develop the art of meditation. You will have the opportunity to try different meditation practices which combine the wisdom of both Eastern and Western tradition. Each session is 90 minutes in duration.
This course is suitable for complete beginners as well people looking to explore new forms of mediation. All are welcome.
Monday, September 10th – 8th October. Classes from 7pm to 8.30pm each Monday
Cost: €80
The Supermystics with David Halpin
Join David Halpin on this short three-week course three of the most influential mystics of human history will be presented: The Buddha, Jesus Christ and Ramakrishna.
Thursday 13 September – Thursday 27 September, 7pm – 9pm each Thursday. Cost €65
Managing Change Mindfully with Teresa Larkin
Join Teresa Larkin, on this 6-week day course to learn how to mindfully manage change and transition. This course is for beginners and those experienced in the practice of mindfulness, and for those who want to look anew at the challenges presented by change and transition.
Suitable for beginners and more advanced practitioners
Thursday 13th September – Thursday 18th October, 10am – 12pm. Cost €95
Return to Creativity through Meditation & Painting.
This is a two-day, weekend course led by artist Elaine Grainger. The course aims to foster self-confidence and enjoyment in painting through a supportive environment. A series of short meditations over the two-day period will promote a calming of the mind which can intern allow for an easier path to creativity.
10am – 4pm Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd September. Cost €120.
Grow the Good & Engage your mind
In this course, which is based on the work of Rick Hanson, neuropsychologist and author of Hardwiring Happiness, we will explore how traditional mindfulness practices, combined with deliberate ways of working with the brain and nervous system, have the potential for positive change. This is known as self-directed, positive neuroplasticity: you can change your mind to change your brain to grow greater strengths, resources and resilience.
Thursday 11th October – Thursday 15th November, 7pm – 9pm. Cost €185
From Mindfulness to Heartfulness.
A 2-day meditation retreat with Marjó Oosterhof.
In her teaching style Marjó emphasises that there is nothing we need to add to or take away from what is already here. She will gently guide the participants to a place of compassionate awareness.
Saturday & Sunday October 27th & 28th
10am to 4pm each day.
Total Cost €135
Awakening Series of Lectures 2018
There is always an opportunity to be awake to stillness, creativity and spirituality. The ability to wonder is a gift but we can miss it if we are too busy occupying ourselves.
Padraig O Moran, Fritz Koster, Ian Robertson and Plum Village hosted four lectures at The Sanctuary during 2018 and helped raise awareness of the benefits of Mindful living.
The Cuan Programme
Thursday February 1st sees the start of The Cuan Programme, formally known as The Jigsaw Programme.
As Spring is in full swing and nature is awakening, so too are the programmes and activities at the Sanctuary. As the garden changes and evolves, the Cuan Programme formerly known as the Jigsaw Programme has been developing, changing and is now back in full swing. In fact, we have changed the name of the programme to reflect the new expanded offering.
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Returns in 2018
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction was developed by Dr Jon Kabat-Zinn at the Centre for Mindfulness in Medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
It is an eight week course that integrates mindfulness into your daily life. The majority of people completing the programme report lasting physical and psychological benefits.
The Sanctuary runs formal 8-week course on Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction MBSR.
The Mindfulness In Schools Project Returns For 2018
The UK based Mindfulness in Schools Project’s vision is that every child possesses the skills to help them manage difficulty and flourish, and an understanding of how and when to use those skills.
The Sanctuary is delighted to have been working in partnership with the UK based MiSP (Mindfulness in Schools Project) over the past number of years, bringing the teacher trainer for mindfulness-based .b [dot-be] programme for 11-18 year olds to Ireland.
Check our course offerings for 2018 here
Our Mindful Half Days For 2018 Are Online Now
These half days of reflection, meditation and mindfulness are led by an experienced facilitator, trained in mindfulness.
Throughout the year these half-days provide an opportunity to nurture and strengthen the energy of mindfulness and the practice of meditation in the company of others.
As mindful eating is an integral part of the day, the Sanctuary will provide a light snack (tea and coffee, fruit and cheese).
Book a place here
Testimonials
“The Sanctuary is a an oasis in the urban noise, a place for solitude, connection, growth and healing. At a time when so many of us are living busy lives, the need for quiet spaces to rest, reflect and reconnect has never been more important. Sr Stan and the team at the Sanctuary have been blazing a trail for almost thirty years. They have been leading lights in the introduction of mindfulness and meditation to Ireland. I’d love to see a Sanctuary centre in every town and village in Ireland.”
– Ruairí McKiernan is a social campaigner and member of the Council of State.
“I have found The Sanctuary to be a quiet, nourishing space to come to in the heart of Dublin. I undertook the 3 month mindfulness course which helped me cope with significant surgery and medical treatment. I continue to attend the half day mindfulness monthly to help me develop and incorporate mindfulness into my daily routine and existence.
I have found all the facilitators to be approachable and knowledgeable. The Sanctuary has and continues to nourish my spirit and enrich my life. Mindfulness allows me cope better with life’s challenges. ”
– Joyce Loughnan is the former CEO of Focus Ireland and a member of the International Women’s Forum.