I started Ashtanga Yoga 10 years ago as a something-year-old couch potato whose back was very sore! With kind and steady encouragement, and plenty of fun from my first teacher, Anto Kearney, I gradually got stronger and more confident. The physical and internal benefits of this practice for me (and my family) began to mount, and I became a firm convert. I had been well and truly bitten by the Ashtanga Yoga bug.
I went on to practice with Paula and David Collins in Ashtanga Yoga Dublin, Blackrock and this is where I did my teacher training. They are great anatomy and asana teachers and the emphasis was very much on the spiritual side of the practice.
I've learned to value the solitude of my own practice as its alchemy continues to open up unexplored areas of experience. At the same time, we are made for interdependence, so it's my pleasure to practice with the various mysore communities around the Dublin area.
I like to practice with many of the senior, international Ashtanga teachers when my commitments, as the mom of three teenagers and a needy Labrador, allow!
Manju Jois's approach makes the most sense to me. He says yoga is about looking within, that this is where the real teacher is. He says simply relax and enjoy yoga.
I believe Ashtanga Yoga is accessible to everyone, you don't need to be fit or young or flexible... just willing to give it a go!
Looking forward to seeing you in class.