About Neville Cregan
A modern day language and approach for Yoga without sacrificing its timeless wisdom and ideals
Background
I have studied and practiced yoga and related arts for over 20 years and been teaching since 1997. My initial teacher training was with Vanda Scaravelli influenced yoga teachers - Mary Stewart, Sophie Hoare, John Stirk and Peter Blackaby.
Since then I have explored a diverse spectrum of approaches to hatha yoga practice, including the teaching, work and ideas of Desikachar, Donna Farhi, Dona Holleman and Shiva Rea. I also spent several years attending two silent insight meditation retreats a year at Gaia House in Devon and completed a meditation course written by Joseph Goldstein and Sharon Salzberg from the USA and guided by Catherine McGee from Gaia House in Devon.
This range of wonderful teachers, combined with 20 years of practice and dealing with myself, has allowed me to develop a continuously evolving practice.
Philosophy and teaching style
Whilst I am respectful of the historical yoga tradition and timeless wisdom that has been handed down to us, I am equally interested in a yoga practice that is realistic and relevant in our current context. The nature of classes depends on the context and the group but in general I teach a slow flowing approach to the postures with the addition of breathing practices, simple relaxation and meditative practices.
I believe that yoga offers an amazing range of interrelated life skills that can support, restore and rejuvenate, whatever stage of life you are in.
Teaching Experience
I have taught in yoga centres, health clubs, retreat centres, at corporate events and for the NHS and Social Services. As well as my regular class, workshop and yoga holiday schedule, I also teach the history and philosophy of yoga on teacher training courses. I especially like teaching longer yoga workshops and yoga holidays and weekends for the increased depth of practice that they allow.
thAI MASSAGE AND REFLEXOLOGY
I have also studied and become a practitioner in Thai massage which has working principles allied and complementary to yoga. Thai massage has undoubtedly helped in my uhderstanding of yoga and vice-verca. I have practiced Thai massage since 1997 having originally learned with Kira Balaskas, Asokananda and in Thailand. I continue to learn from and study this amazing massage form. I also trained in reflexology with Jan Williamson for precision reflexology and Sue Ehinger for Chinese reflexology. Reflexology is sometimes used in Thai massage.
qualifications
I am an accredited yoga teacher with the British Wheel of Yoga (BWY), a member of the Federation of Holistic therapists (FHT) and have a 2/1 BA Hons Humanities degree based in Indian philosophy.
other interests
My other interests include travel, literature, photography, film, surfing, table tennis and Manchester City FC . I am also a freelance writer contributing to various magazines and websites – if you are interested in my writing work go to www.nevillecregan.co.uk
I live in Totnes, Devon where, apart from my work, I am raising my two sons.