Ingrid Jaanisoo
My first yoga class was in 2005 in my local gym. As an avid gym bunny back then, I wasn’t sure what to expect from yoga. I even thought it might be a bit boring. Slowly and surely, however, I began to understand that yoga does more than just keep you physically fit and strong – it also has an extraordinary effect on the mind.
The lovely calm that I felt after a yoga class and the way my stress levels reduced was simply magical. Not to mention the whole body workout that was very challenging and also (to my surprise) very enjoyable. I tried many different styles of yoga (Hatha, Vinyasa Flow, Ashtanga, Bikram) in various studios in Dublin and also occasionally at home put on one of Shiva Rea’s DVDs and followed along but hadn’t truly established a regular practice until in January 2010, when I signed up for an Ashtanga beginners’ course. I was instantly hooked! I just couldn’t wait to get back to the class each week so I also started to practise at home using David Swenson’s Practice Manual. Soon after, to my great delight, a beautiful yoga studio opened locally, in Greystones, offering led Ashtanga classes as well as a 6 day a week morning Mysore programme.
I have learned a lot from attending in-depth workshops and am forever grateful to have studied and practised with inspiring teachers like Luke Jordan, Suzanne Brennan and world-class Ashtanga experts, David Swenson, Hamish Hendry, Manju Jois, David Williams, Guy Donahaye, Greg Nardi, Kathy Cooper, Kino MacGregor, Ty Landrum, Joey Miles and many more.
But teaching yoga would probably have remained only a dream if it hadn’t been for the loving support of my own teacher, Ríonach O’Flynn, who encouraged me to complete an authentic teacher-training course with renowned Ashtanga teachers, Brian Cooper and Nawajyoti, who have practised yoga for over 40 years. In 2012 I completed the Union Yoga RYT 200h Teacher Training course with Brian in the South of France. The greatest advice he gave me was always to be myself as a teacher and to remember that one’s own practice is the greatest teacher.
I was delighted to take over the reins at Greystones Yoga Studio in December 2020. I continue to work closely with Ríonach as a key member of the faculty on her teacher training programme at Ríonach Yoga. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and the happiness that regular long-term yoga practice has brought me over the years.
Susan Harvey
I went to my first yoga class in 2013. I initially practised Hatha yoga but also tried Vinyasa and Restorative yoga. In 2016 I went to Greystones Yoga Studio and started Ashtanga yoga and have not looked back since. Rionach, Ingrid and Cliodhna have helped me establish a regular practice which I now find both energising and calming at the same time.
I completed the YTT with Ríonach in 2019 which helped me to deepen my own practice, as well as show me how to help and inspire others to enjoy yoga as much as I do.
I have gained further knowledge by attending workshops with Kathy Cooper, Ty Landrum and Kino MacGregor, and I now assist both Ingrid and Ríonach in their classes.
My philosophy is that yoga, especially Ashtanga yoga, is for everyone. It’s simply about stepping onto your mat and moving with your breath to benefit body and mind.