Simon, the Director of Port Yoga, opened his first yoga school in 1986 in Randwick, Sydney. Having studied Functional Anatomy and Physiology at the University of NSW, he taught Yoga as Therapy for 10 years. Simon's interests then turned to Meditation.
He went to India and joined a worldwide non-profit group founded on Yogic principles, and served as its Australian President for 5 years. Simon then went back to India and ran a meditation retreat in the desert of Rajasthan for 2 years. There he became a Swami or Monk, adopting traditional saffron robes and teaching meditation to groups that came from all over the world.
Then came a new challenge. He was sent to Washington DC to run the American arm of the organisation where he served as Group President for 5 years, opening branches, overseeing volunteers and, of course, teaching yoga and meditation.
After 8 years living as a Swami, Simon returned to life in the world and came back to Australia, where he settled in Port Macquarie. He opened Port Yoga where he has been teaching for 18 years. Having practiced yoga and meditation almost every single day now for 40 years Simon is in an ideal position to help us learn how to relax.
Simon is well known for his capacity to use his voice to help people relax, or as Brian Johnston put in the Sunday Telegraph "a soothing murmur that would hypnotise a snake."
According to Simon: 'We can all learn how to relax, how to calm the mind. It is not that difficult, it is just that we have never learnt how to. We have been too busy.'
'Greater Peace of Mind is within your reach.'
Simon teaches the Yoga and Meditation classes
Tues Wed Fri & Sat 10-11.30am Tue Wed 6- 7.30pm
And the Meditation class on Friday 6-7pm.
Sarah completed her Ki Yoga teacher training at the Zen Renaissance Centre, Bondi in the year 2000. Since then she has studied and integrated various styles and practices to create Chi Energy Yoga, a form dedicated to strengthening within and calming throughout both body and mind. Morning Chi Yoga classes are about preparing the body for everyday activity, and for clearing the mind. Evening classes create a relaxing state in preparation for rest. All classes encourage energy flow through the meridian pathways, which is the basis for good health in Oriental medicine.
Balance in the energies of the body is achieved by staying connected to what is happening around us in Oriental medicine. Chi Yoga asana changes with the four seasons, including processing change in between each season. These principles support us with understanding what we are needing and what will contribute most to those around us at different stages in our lives.
Every class combines physical movement and asana to enhance flexibility and release tension. Practicing these movements in combination with breathing techniques opens body and mind to new ways of approaching life, considering both our physical and thought patterns. Each class will end with around 10-15 minutes of relaxation where practice during the class is consolidated.
Sarah also has a Bachelor of Arts in Education and sociology, and a Graduate Diploma in Leisure Studies, both of which provide a strong base for developing teaching methods and delivering clear and concise instruction.
Sarah teaches the Yoga classes Mon and Thur 10-11.30am & 6-7.30pm