Vision and Mission
Vision: To apply the transformative power of Stillness to build a more compassionate and resilient society.
Mission: Drawing on the wisdom and faith traditions of meditation and mindfulness, together we create a more conscious and compassionate society’
Learn More About Our Mission
Join our .b ReConnection days as part of The Sanctuary Schools Programme
Join us on Saturday April 28th for our .b Reconnection Day
We are delighted to reintroduce the reconnection days for participants who have trained in .b both here in the Sanctuary or trained in the UK.
This is a really important day to ReConnect with:
- The .b material
- Community of .b teachers in Ireland
- Most importantly ….the practice
Take part in our Warrior ReConnection Day as part of The Sanctuary Schools Programme
Join us on Saturday 19th May 2pm – 5pm for our Warrior Reconnection Day
We are delighted to introduce reconnection days for participants who have trained in the Sanctuary Warrior programme.
This is a really important day to ReConnect with:
• The Warrior material
• Community of Sanctuary Warrior teachers
• Most importantly ….the practice
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, overnight booking available online soon)
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
Things To Do at The Sanctuary
Padraig O Morain Presents A Public Lecture On Mindful Self-Compassion
Padraig O’Morain, The Irish Times journalist and proponent of making the practice of mindfulness accessible and jargon-free, will present a public lecture on Mindful Self-Compassion in the Sanctuary on April 23rd at 7pm, admission €15, booking in advance is suggested as events can sell out.
May 8th: 8 Week MBSR with Mary Jennings
Join Mary Jennings 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.
This is an 8 week course (2.5 hours per week) with one full day (10am-4pm) on 10th of June. Please bring lunch for the full day of practice.
€350.00
Starting on Tuesday May 8th from 6.30pm – 9pm
Evening Yoga classes with Andrea from May 16th
In this mindful yoga class 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; Mindful meditation focuses on breath, sound, thought, sensation, and relaxation is also an integral part of the class.
Starts on Wednesday, May 16th 2018 at 6pm for six weeks
The Loving Kindness meditation practice, with Fidelma Farrelly
Starting May 16th for three weeks cost €45
This course will teach the Loving Kindness meditation practice, an age-old practice that develops the ability to connect to and open your heart, by bringing a gentle, kind awareness to your emotional responses to yourself and others
Day-time yoga classes with Riana Walsh from May18th
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. Each class is an hour and a half in duration.
‘Slow down and tune into the language of Nature, through Art’ with Jolie Bortoli
A 5 week meditative visual art journey in celebration of the lovely month of May –Wednesdays May 2nd until 30th May 2018 from 10am to 1pm
No artistic experience necessary to attend.
Cost: €190
Mindful Living with Adie Clarke May 2018
This 6 week Mindful Living course is open to beginners, interested in mindfulness, and to those who wish to enhance their mindfulness practice.
Thursday Evenings: 24th May 2018 – 28th June 2018, inclusive
Course Price €95
Cultivating Compassion & Mindfulness with Sister Stan, May 26th 2018
Join sister Stan on this half day workshop tailor made to help participants live more compassionately.
Each participant will be invited to work towards forming habits that are kinder, gentler, more compassionate and mindful, leading to a lifetime habit of mindfulness and compassion for self and others. As mindful eating is an integral part of the day, the Sanctuary will provide a light snack (tea and coffee, fruit and cheese). There is no need to bring lunch to share.
Date & Time: May 26th from 10am -1.30pm
Cost: €45
The Art of Stillness in the Classroom
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.
Dates: July 16th to July 20th 2018 – 9am to 2pm
Awakening Series of Lectures 2018
This is 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 will host four lectures at The Sanctuary in the coming months. Make sure to book you place now to avoid dissapointment.
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
Upcoming Courses
April
23rd of April: Padraig O Moran
Padraig O Moran, Irish Times journalist and mindfulness practitioner will join us on Monday the 23rd of June. Padraig will focus on mindful self compassion in another night of relaxation and learning.
Monday the 23rd of April at 19:00.
Mindful Half Day with Sanctuary Facilitator
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.
Price : €25.00. Running on Saturday, April 28th 2018 at 10am
May
‘Slow down and tune into the language of Nature, through Art’ with Jole Bortoli
A 5 week meditative visual art journey in celebration of the lovely month of May –Wednesdays May 2nd until 30th May 2018 from 10am to 1pm
Join Jole Bortoli for this art programme, based on observations and reflective work which will be carried out over 5 visual art workshops in May. The beautiful garden at the centre of the Sanctuary will be our companion throughout the month and a reminder to slow down and tune into the language of Nature, through her most worthiest interpreter, Art.
8 Week MBSR with Mary Jennings
Join Mary Jennings 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. This is an 8 week course (2.5 hours per week) with one full day (10am-4pm) between weeks 6 and 7. Please bring lunch for the full day of practice.
8th of May 2018 at 9:00 am
23rd of May : Plum Village
This year we are delighted to announce once again that we have teamed up with the world famous Plum Village, located in The South of France. This promises to be a special evening as the people of Plum Village come to The Sanctuary for one night only.
Wednesday the 23rd of May at 19:00. Donations will be accepted on the night.
Cultivating Compassion & Mindfulness with Sister Stan
Join sister Stan on this half day workshop tailor made to help participants live more compassionately.
26th May at 10:00am
5 Rhythms Dance with Irene Ward
With Irene Ward, 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.
Price: €65. Sunday 27th May 10am – 4pm
30th of May : Frits Koster
On Wednesday 30th of May we are joined by Frits Koster, author of books such as “Mindful based Compassionate Living” for what promises to be another special, insightful evening. Frits will focus on Living with Heart: deepening mindfulness with heartfulness.
Wednesday The 30th of May at 19:30
June
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July
Teach .b With The Mindfulness In Schools Project.
The Sanctuary is pleased to offer the Teach .b course. The training will consist of real-time lessons, an exploration of the pedagogy of the .b curriculum, and opportunities to practise teaching the key exercises, in order to leave feeling confident and empowered to teach the curriculum to young people.
Price : €850.00. Starting on July 3rd, 2018.
Paws.b With The Mindfulness In Schools Project
The Sanctuary is pleased to offer the .b Course. The allows you to train to teach mindfulness to 7- 11 year olds. The course will consist of real-time lessons, an exploration of the pedagogy of the .b curriculum, and opportunities to practise teaching the key exercises, in order to leave feeling confident and empowered to teach the curriculum to young people.
Price: €750. Running from 9th – 13th July, 2018.
Art of Stillness in the Classroom
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.
Price €185 Running from July 16th – 20th, 9am – 2pm daily
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.