Personal Information
- Area
- South West London
- Membership status
- Teacher
- Postcode
- SW20 8EH
- Telephone
- 020 8543 8287
- Qualifications and Experience
anuśāsanam teacher training (Pamela Tyson) – endorsed by Frans Moors (KHYF; Special Viniyoga Diploma; www.beinginyoga.com/pages/tch_moors.html) and recognised by the Association for Yoga Studies (aYs).
I began teaching a regular class in Wimbledon, South West London, in 2003 and also assisted Pamela Tyson over a number of years in her anuśāsanam teacher training course. I see a number of students on an individual basis, and have experience in running workshops. I have taught at aYs Sanga and Convention.
I also have a degree in Biological Sciences (BSc Hons) from Edinburgh University and work as a scientist in a health-related field, a background that allows a deep understanding of the physiological benefits of yoga.
- About me
I began practicing yoga in the late 1980s – perhaps like so many others after suffering from debilitating back problems. I was lucky (although maybe did not fully appreciate it at the time) in that my first teacher (Pam Hebden) was trained (by Paul Harvey; www.yogastudies.org) in the viniyoga tradition, and at that time was running a weekly lunchtime class at my workplace. In 1992 I began individual tuition with Pamela Tyson, who had also trained with Paul Harvey. Under Pamela’s dedicated teaching and intuitive guidance, I began to realise that there was much more to yoga than the physical āsana practice that had helped to keep my back in shape. Over the years, I attended many workshops and retreats run by Pamela, some in conjunction with her more recent teacher Frans Moors, which provided the opportunity for the in-depth investigation of the practice of yoga, yoga philosophy, and chanting. I have also attended workshops run by Sylviane Gianina, Janet Evans and Zoe Martin, in London, and with other aYs teachers at aYs Convention and Sanga.
I completed Pamela’s anuśāsanam teacher training course in 2002, together with Linda McDermott and Melissa Illingworth, who also now teach regular classes and individuals in South Wales and South Yorkshire, respectively, and with whom I have since continued to work closely.
Pamela left the UK for Australia in the autumn of 2008. In 2009 I was a student on the “Touchstone: a Creative Sadhana” course run by Sheila Baker. I now see Sheila on a regular basis for my individual lessons and study.
I am a regular participant at the monthly South London (vedic and yoga sutra chanting) sanga group (contact Geoff Farrar or Margaret McGlashan). A rather reluctant chant student at first, over the years – again largely due to Pamela Tyson’s expert tuition and persuasion! - I began to realise what a profound effect chanting can have, and am now a complete devotee.
My background in Biological Sciences (BSc Hons - Edinburgh University) and work as a scientist in a health-related field allows a deep understanding of the physiological benefits of yoga. I am also fascinated how the ancient views of the body and mind are relevant and integrate with our modern understanding and approach.
- Details of classes
I run a small (maximum 8 students) group class in Wimbledon, South West London; Monday evenings on a loose “termly” basis. I also see individual students in Raynes Park.
- Special Interests
I am a firm believer in using yoga as a support in day-to-day life, not just as something we do as an aside that makes us feel good for a time. No matter what level of ability or engagement, yoga can be integrated into our busy modern lives.
I am particularly interested in the meditative aspects of yoga and prānāyāma, and the contact to the world around us that yoga practice can give.
History
- Member for
- 4 years 5 weeks