About Neville Cregan
A modern day language and approach for Yoga without sacrificing its timeless wisdom and ideals
Background
I formerly worked for Social Services and the NHS in mental health sevices. 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 full and 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.
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
In essence I am interested in an intelligent, modern yoga practice that remains true to the timeless wisdom of the tradition. What exactly I teach varies according to context and the needs of the student(s). The nature of classes depends in part on the time of day but in general I teach a slow flowing approach to the postures. In gentle or therapy classes I generally teach the postures slowly and individually.
I believe that yoga offers an amazing range of interrelated life skills that can support and regenerate you whatever stage of life you are in.
Teaching Experience
I have taught in yoga centres, health clubs, retreat centres and specialised situations such as in mental health institutions and with adults with learning disabilities. Apart from running regular classes, workshops, courses and yoga holidays, I am also involved in teaching the history and philosophy of yoga on teacher training courses. I especially like teaching longer yoga workshops and yoga holidays for the increased depth of practice that they allow.
allied practices
I have also studied and become a practitioner in Thai massage and reflexology which both have working principles allied and complementary to yoga. I have practiced Thai massage for over 12 years having originally learned with Kira Balaskas, Asokananda and in Thailand. My reflexology training was with Jan Williamson for precision reflexology and Sue Ehinger for Chinese reflexology.
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 and film. 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.