The shape I’m in: Síle Seoige, broadcaster

BROADCASTER Síle Seoige is philosophical about what life has thrown at her. 

This accepting mindset even extends to the thyroid cancer she was diagnosed with three years ago.

Now in rude health, she sees the illness as a gift — though if anyone said as much at the time, she admits she “might have slapped them”.

“I absolutely would not change a thing. Because I was in a very different place in my life then. I feel like I have expanded in myself and I improved, as a result. If it hadn’t happened to me I would be a different person today. And I am glad for the person I am,” says the 36-year old.

“It actually brings everything into focus — it makes you realise how good you have it. lt also makes you realise how wonderful our bodies are and how they are constantly working towards health and wellbeing. But we are also these incredibly fragile frames that need to be minded and nurtured.”

A source of inspiration has been Elizabeth Gilbert, bestselling author of Eat Pray Love, a memoir based on Gilbert’s travels following a painful divorce.

“It really resonated with me. I could really connect with what she was exploring in it. Then, I delved into her other books. I think she is an amazing woman. I follow her on Facebook and Twitter. She puts up the most brilliant posts.

“I find huge comfort in her sincerity and she’s obviously a deeply evolved individual and I just love how real she keeps it all the time.”

In Síle’s expanded world, there is little space for rules or prescriptive spirituality.

“People have this idea what a spiritual person should look like, behave like and speak like, but there is no one size fits all. Actually, when it comes down to being truly open, it really means being authentic and being real, and if that means you curse, or things don’t go according to plan, that’s OK. It’s about being real, letting the guard down and letting the mask fall.”

She met a living example of this outlook last year, at a yoga retreat in Kent.

“The most yogic person of all of us was the chap who was making our food. But he never did a class in his life... I found him to be such a teacher,” she says.

A keen cyclist, Síle is supporting the Bank of Ireland’s Big Blue Box Volunteer Challenge, a charity cycle that runs until June 19, linking 35 communities along the Wild Atlantic Way.

“When I heard about it, I fell in love with the idea ... they are raising money for Vincent de Paul, and Bank of Ireland will match whatever money they raise.

"It’s about connecting communities — encouraging volunteer cyclists to get involved, but if you don’t cycle, you can get involved in other ways, or you can donate.

"I’d love to see more initiatives like this happening around the country.

"It’s clever, it’s heartwarming and, hopefully, when they are finished, on June 19, they will have a tonne of money raised, as well.”

* For information on this fundraising event, see: www.bankofireland.com/BigBlueBox

What shape are you in?

I’m pretty well-balanced most of the time, so I would say I’m in good shape.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

Veg juices — kale, spinach, celery and cucumber.

What are your guiltiest pleasures?

Treats — mainly chocolate.

What would keep you awake at night?

Eating or drinking too late.

How do you relax?

Yoga, listening to music, having a bath.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

There are so many wonderful people I would love to invite. Elizabeth Gilbert, Lady Gaga and Jack Black, to name but a few.

What’s your favourite smell?

Freshly baked bread.

What would you like to change about your appearance?

Luckily, I’m OK with my appearance. I’ve learnt to accept the body I’m in and embrace it, so I wouldn’t change anything. Loving your imperfections is massively liberating.

When is the last time you cried?

Yesterday— watching a cute video about puppies on Facebook.

What traits do you least like in others?

Manipulation and insincerity.

What traits do you least like about yourself?

Procrastination and disorganisation.

Do you pray?

I believe in the power of good thought.

What would cheer up your day?

Being aware of my own attitude and choosing to feel joy.