Gill Mayer Yoga
My Story...
I began practicing Yoga in my twenties after a road traffic accident, where I acquired some serious injuries, so my initial introduction to Yoga was very much on a physical level.
There weren’t many yoga studios around back then (I know I’m ancient!!) so my practice began with a sheet of hand drawn matchstick men of the Ashtanga Primary Series and a couple of VHS Videos…which also happened to be Ashtanga.
I eventually found an amazing teacher in Malahide who taught, wait for it, Ashtanga. She taught me the importance of the breath, the bandhas and so much more. I was becoming physically stronger, leaner, fitter and more flexible…I was hooked.
As often happens I lost my teacher, not so often, to Cork. I then found a number of wonderful Ashtanga teachers over the years learning more about the yoga traditions and philosophies, and then found myself veering towards the Vinyasa classes available in the studios I frequented.
Ashtanga will always be my go to practice when I’m on my mat at home…it fulfils my need of familiarity and gives me the feeling of coming home. For me, my Vinyasa practice happens when my practice turns into a more creative playful time on the mat and it’s exhilarating.
My first Teacher Training was a 250hr Classic Hatha Teacher Training in Samadhi ,Temple Bar, Dublin, with the amazing Greg Walsh and his wonderful team. I have since trained as a Yin Yoga Teacher with Ashling Hughes and continue to learn with teachers at home and abroad such as Kino McGregor, Marque Garaux, Amy Ippoliti, Day Christensen and more.
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With Yoga I'll always be learning, which I love. So far I've completed the following qualifications and courses...
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250 Hours Hatha Teacher Training – Samadhi 2016
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Yin Teacher Training – 40 Hrs 2018
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Continuous learning and CPD Training:
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Marque Garaux
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Amy Ippoliti
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Kino McGregor
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Rocket Ashtanga Teacher Training
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I am passionate about this practice and try to bring that passion, with all my heart and soul, into each and every class I teach.
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I currently teach in:
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Look forward to seeing you on the mat soon!
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Gill
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Why I Practice Yoga...
I love physical movement. I love building a strong and flexible physical body. I am grateful each time I practice for the opportunity to stretch in a cat like manner, to lengthen, to become strong as I soften and let go.
I love to dance with the breath, and once I begin doing so, I tune inward to that stillness where the inner voice of daily to do lists, lofty ambitions, the inner critic, the exhausted mother, is quiet and the mind becomes still allowing me to live vibrantly.
Why I Teach Yoga...
I first decided to enrol in a Teacher Training to delve deeper into my physical yoga practice and to learn more about yoga philosophy and mediation, not even sure if I would ever teach. The Sunday after I qualified I was asked to teach a class in the studio and I will never look back. God, I was so nervous but it made me realise I had found my passion.
I want to share with people the amazing gifts that yoga has given to me. If you look at the many writings, mediations about finding your true authentic self, it is suggested you look at where you are at your best, your happiest most alive self, and for me that is in a yoga class.