System of Personal Development

Yoga is the oldest systems of personal development in the world. It originated in India approximately 5,000 years ago. No-one is sure how old it is as it was an oral tradition passed on from master to student and not written down till about 2,000 years ago. It was written in Sanskrit, an Indian language, and the sanskrit words are still used today.

Focuses Mind & Body

Yoga is a holistic system focusing on mind and body, with emphasis on correct breathing. People will definitely become more flexible when they practise yoga particularly if they have a sedentary lifestyle. But the primary purpose of yoga is to calm the mind and this is the reason many people are drawn to yoga.

Over the years my practice has evolved and consequently how I teach has also evolved. I am reluctant to place too much emphasis on the different types of yoga as my philosophy is that “yoga is simply yoga”. The different disciplines emerged as people adapted the practice to suit their own needs and ability. But almost all the yoga taught in the west is based on Hatha yoga. I name my classes “Hatha” to indicate that they are suitable for all, regardless of age or physical condition, and “vinyasa flow” to indicate that the practice is more dynamic and requires a basic level of fitness.

Types of Yoga

There are many types of yoga. They use the same postures (also called asanas) but vary in the length of time one stays in the posture, the type of breathing used and the speed with which one moves between postures. They all share the emphasis on "being in the now" - being completely focused on what one is doing. In this way one should not injure oneself in practising yoga. It is in cultivating this state that we learn to control our mind and reduce our stress levels.

I am trained in Hatha & Ashtanga yoga. I also enjoy attending workshops and classes in many other types including Iyengar, Shadow and Anusara. Hatha is suitable for everyone, regardless of age or fitness levels. It works by gently stretching the muscles while utilising the complete yoga breath. Ashtanga yoga is more strenuous. It follows a defined sequence of postures that flow together. I teach an adaptation of Ashtanga yoga, known as vinyasa flow incorporating aspects of many different yoga disciplines.

Yoga Class Environments

Today most people learn yoga in a class environment. However everyone can benefit from even one or two private classes. After a one-on-one class I will give you a tailored yoga programme based on your needs and abilities, which can be used for home practice. Currently I am offering 1 hour private classes in my therapy room in Drumcondra for €60

To complement the classes, I have recorded guided audio classes. These were inspired by students who wished to practice at home but found they lacked the motivation or could not remember sequences of poses. While this can never replace the attention you receive from a teacher, it comes a close second and I hope will help to invigorate your home practice.

I would love to get feedback on the audios and any ideas you have for future classes.