ABOUT NICKY

I have studied many forms of yoga, from calming meditation to strong asana with some amazing teachers. My main inspirations are those which allow me the freedom to move organically from a still and strong centre. I find this freedom with Prana Flow yoga created by Shiva Rea, and from my mentor and friend, Twee Merrigan.

My first teacher, Ateeka, gave me courage to find my voice and teach, while Paul Grilley showed me how to slow down and lighten up. My knowledge is growing from my current studies of ancient yogic wisdom and sacred texts with renowned yoga scholar and author, Georg Feurstein. It is very challenging, but immensely rewarding, to study the evolution of yoga, from Vedic times, 5,000 years ago, to the present.

What I teach is a reflection of what arises in my own practice. As I evolve, so does my sadhana. I am learning to stop ‘Doing yoga’ and start ‘Being yoga’. My physical practice always begins with the breath, and I ride it from there. Some days, I am moving, sweating, twisting, contorting, dancing, laughing, with the volume UP…other days it is enough just to sit and feel the resting heart, the gentle breath.

I am honoring my many other roles that I play, especially the big one of being a Mother. When we create tension and expectation around ‘needing’ to practice, then we stop practicing yoga, and miss the beauty of the present. Some days my practice is just being with my baby boy. That is the deepest yoga practice of all.

I live and teach in Ho Chi Minh City, organizing the local crew for occasional yoga charity events, and host the odd retreat with friends. I love my students, and thrive on watching them take what they have taught themselves on the mat out of the classroom with them. If I can help people to listen to their inner wisdom, and guide them to trust their own intuition on their big journey, then I am happy.

Om Shantih

Nicky