Niamh teaches in an open intuitive way
Teaching since 2004, Niamh is a registered Senior Yoga Teacher.
She is also one of Ireland’s longest-standing teachers of Yin Yoga. In addition to running classes and workshops, and helping private clients through Yoga, Nutrition and Exercise, she created, and trains teachers worldwide in Yoga for Menopause.
Niamh first became attracted to Yoga by the physical fun and challenge but before long she realized there was something much broader available. What fascinated her was that Yoga worked on physical, mental and emotional levels, as the release of old tensions and habits transformed her connection with life.
Niamh has trained in Hatha Yoga, and studied and practiced many of the variations of Yoga from it’s more traditional roots in India, to new approaches and schools of yoga, and with world-renowned teachers in Yoga, Somatics, Anatomy, Neuroanatomy, Nutrition and more. These perspectives drew her to a deep respect for the delicate strength of the human body and brain, and so she is particularly interested in using Yoga’s wide-ranging aspects to support muscle, bone, organ and brain health via movement, stress-reduction, and sleep support.
Niamh teaches from an evidence-based perspective, but also from the heart. You will learn tools that will help you move and live more freely, but your needs will be prioritised over any class plan, and you will be offered ways to help your body and nervous system love what you do.
She teaches men and women of all ages, but also specialises in Yoga for Menopause, and trains Yoga teachers around the world.
Her curiosity about the habitual holdings and reactions in the body from the physical and emotional stimuli of our human life, began with explorations in the Alexander Technique 27 years ago. From there, primarily through Yoga in its most recognisable forms, and influenced by 5 rhythms dancing, somatic movement, mindfulness and anatomy, she sought and found ways to regain neutrality in, and then free expression of our physical and emotional body.
Niamh has trained in Hatha Yoga, and studied and practiced many of the variations of Yoga from it’s more traditional roots in India, to new approaches and schools of yoga, and with world-renowned teachers.
Niamh teaches from the heart and is very instinctive about how her classes unfold rather than rigidly sticking to any one school of yoga… or one set formulae of how to teach. Depending on who is in her class at any particular time, she senses what people need, and then intuitively teaches from the heart. Niamh invites each person to take what speaks to them and make it their own, and to let go of that which doesn’t sit well with them.
Her approach is pragmatic, as she is fascinated by the science of stretch, and what is logically possible for the average human body. She is also keen to ensure we stay strong for life, as well as relaxed and mobile.
Niamh is a fantastic teacher, very warm, knowledgeable and generous with her teaching.
However, the more she studies the needs of the body to stay healthy and moving, the more she is drawn back to the rich resources of Yoga. Knowing that stress is likely the greatest enemy of a comfortable journey through life, she sees that most achievable yoga practices are a great benefit. In addition, as research hones in on movement as one of the 4 pillars of health, she is reminded that the Yogis of old really were on to something!
Niamh’s Yin teaching is unique in that she uses props to support every joint, aware of the dangers of passive stretching. In addition, she offers you permission, even encouragement to let your body change your mind, and move if it desires to, rather that pushing past or trying to conquer signals that it has had enough.
The mindfulness aspect of this style is important to Niamh, and she is skilled in helping you to meet your emotional life on the mat, as well as helping you to heal your body.
Believing that each of us is the greatest guru of our own body, Niamh is passionate about helping her students undo their sense that they can’t practice on their own because they don’t know what to do. Instead she hopes to send you home with trust in your intelligence, instinct, joy, and skills, to create a meditation and Yoga practice that uses and honours the best of what Yoga offers, but is uniquely your own.
Class Approach
Each class is inspired by the students that gather. Niamh has always tailored classes to those who show up, rather than launching into a pre-ordained sequence. So, you will feel minded, and that your needs are being monitored and safely addressed.
Niamh will hold you safe, offering Yoga that suits you. She will nurture you; simply, into greater ease in body and mind; or onward, into a deep intimate inquiry, instinctual understanding, and compassionate response to your self.
