Loving the Sutras
The Yoga Fellowship NI is delighted to welcome Mairead Flynn to lead our practice during our annual Winter Gathering. Mairead has chosen to offer a workshop built around a specific section of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra. The antaraya section of the Samadhi Pada, the first chapter of the Sutras, is one for yoga practitioners who are “in it for the long haul”, as Mairead says. This section explores the antaraya (obstacles or impediments to practice) and the upaya (tools that help us get back on track). In the year when we celebrate our 50th anniversary, it is particularly fitting that we come together to work at the root chakra level to reinforce the connections within our Sangha and cement our determination to establish strong roots to support the Fellowship for the next 50 years or more. We are also delighted that Mairead, one of our longest-standing Fellowship members, will be leading our event and sharing her insights. Past teacher trainees will remember with fondness her warmth, wisdom and wit.
The Winter Gathering is one of two free events offered annually for Yoga Fellowship members. It is a time for us to come together as a Sangha, renewing friendships and connecting with new members. You are invited to bring a contribution to our extended break time - Maura's famous oat cookies only go so far! Tea, coffee and water are provided.
Timetable:
13.00 Register
13.30 Loving the Sutras
14.45 Break
15.15 Loving the Sutras
16.30 Close
Mairead Flynn
Mairead has been involved with the study and practice of Yoga since 1971. In 1979 she was among the first yoga teachers in N. Ireland trained in the Satyananda tradition. As a Satyananda Teacher, she had opportunities to live and teach in India, Singapore and the UK.
In 2000 Mairead embarked on a new phase of training in the tradition of TKV Desikichar, then known as ‘Viniyoga’. It was particularly during her training with Paul Harvey in Bristol from 2002 to 2006 she discovered a deep connection with Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra – study, chanting, memorisation of the Sutra have ever since remained a constant source of joy, nourishment and inspiration.
Against the backdrop of a well established Yoga practice, Mairead has studied many related approaches. Endlessly fascinated and committed to deepening her grasp of body-mind approaches, her trainings have included Stress Management Therapy; Gestalt Practice; Reflexology; Sacred Dance; Psychosynthesis; Mindfulness Meditation (MBSR); Feldenkrais; and Somatic Experiencing. All of these modalities have informed and enriched what she offers – she has delighted in the constant process of distillation, integration and making new connections.
Mairead has been a seeker on the spiritual path for more than 50 years and is based in Monaghan. Find out more about her background here.