I feel privileged to have had the good fortune to have stumbled upon Maya. I tried yoga once before and did not really get the impression that the teacher was a true Yogi, so gave up. Whilst Maya would never claim to be a Yogini, as far as I am concerned she is on that path. Yoga is a way of life for Maya and she is a natural and caring teacher.
I found the Mysore method daunting at first (being an ex-"guided" aerobics person) but it was really great for keeping me focused and very quickly I was able to remember the sequence of the postures. Maya is very skilled at giving individual attention and she gave me lots of attention in the early days. She has studied many different types of yoga, so although she concentrates on the Ashtanga form she does not have fixed views about how it should be taught and learned. This makes for fun, flexible practice, sometimes with props, sometimes being pushed to places I didn't think possible.
Who would have believed that at 44 I would regain my childhood ability to perform a crab (beginners version of the wheel). I got hung up on my weight for a while but my goal is to concentrate on being physically flexible and capable well into old age.
In the private sessions we have been working on my lower back pain (gone after 1.5 years of practice) and shoulder pain which is now highlighted. This, is in no small part, due to Maya's fantastic knowledge of anatomy and practical knowledge of the human body and mind, learned not from books but through her own practice. I am not the best student but really appreciate Maya's tolerance and patience which will hopefully be rewarded with a bit of effort on my part.
I have come across other people who have studied Iyengar / Ashtanga and believe these to be the true form, depending on their preference. Maya taught me early on, that there are many different ways to study Yoga and none are right or wrong - they aim for the same union - just via different means. This is the respectful way she passes on the Yoga message.
I started off prefering the movement involved in the Ashtanga form but now also appreciate the stiller forms which Maya has used in the private sessions to target my problem areas.
Nic Pomphrey
Accountant (yep ...desk bound ..explains the back and shoulder trouble)!
I have received Thai massage and yoga sessions with Maya and am blown away with her intuition, knowledge and understanding of the principles. I am a fitness trainer that has a lot of yoga experience and studied Thai massage as well as received many massage treatments in Thailand and Maya is honestly as good if not better than anyone I have come across. She can easily pick up how far your body needs pushed to vitalise and strengthened without burning you out.
The massage is always done at just the correct pressure and the yoga can be as simple or advanced as you like and need. One of the most humble, centred, knowledgeable health practitioner around!
Craig Ali
Personal Trainer
I wanted to thank you for being such an inspiration. I feel I never truly understood what Yoga was about and only now with your guidance have begun to see that it is a whole way of being not just about physicality but about a mindset and a way of life.
Tessa Welsh
I have had the privilege to know and study Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga with Maya for over five years. Maya is an intelligent, bright, compassionate, wise and inspirational teacher who not only teaches the physical aspects of Yoga asana with a high degree of precision and intimacy, but also the more subtle and profound matters regarding spiritual practice and the journey towards self-knowledge.
Maya's success is derived from her ability to inspire her students to develop their own understanding and perspective of yoga practice. Maya has inspired me personally to journey to India twice to study with Sri K Pattabhi Jois and Sri Venkatesh.
Whenever in her presence I feel deeply humbled and am forever grateful for all that she has done for me.
I cannot recommend Maya and her classes enough for those who are searching for peace, happiness and love.
Namaste
Simon Paterson BA (Hons), Fine Art Graduate, Student Nurse, Yoga student...
I really enjoyed your teaching and all your yoga classes-I will be lucky to find such a good yoga teacher in Winchester!
Dervla Kenna
Thank you Maya for teaching me yoga - mind body and spirit.
For my mind you taught me patience and compassion and how to treat myself with these qualities.
For my body you reminded me to use these qualities in my asana practice. You read my body like a book, understanding how life situations were affecting my mind and therefor my body. You unravelled both the physical and mental knots with your skills in Thai Massage.
For my spirit you helped me understand what I always knew and inspired me to take my studies further. I am now satisfied that I have a clear sense of my purpose in this life.
Dorothy Steedman
Yoga teacher
Maya is a teacher of great warmth, knowledge and humility. The discovery and practice of Ashtanga Yoga has been extremely beneficial to my life, and Maya's contribution to this very personal journey cannot be underestimated.
Lucy Kendra (Student, Musician and Designer)
Maya’s yoga and meditation classes are a special place and I am forever grateful that I have had the privilege to be part of them. Maya uses her depth of knowledge to teach with compassion, insight, integrity, sincerity and humour. Her ability to tailor her instruction to individual needs and abilities is indeed a gift. I am continually grateful for her teachings and support.
Thank you Maya for showing me the beauty of the breath. Thank you for your humour.
Devon Hawthorn, university clerical worker, yoga student
I have yoga and massage as often as I can, along with doing regular yoga practice, the benefits have been phenomenal for me, increased energy, flexibility, improved posture and I feel younger and lighter.
I would like to thank Maya for her dedication as a teacher, her patience and encouragement.Christine Meldrum (Volunteer Work Coach)
I thank you Maya for being a superb massage therapist, sensitive and kind, easy to talk to, and for making me feel special during our sessions together. For teaching me that everything and anything I feel during and after the massage is neither good or bad, is just what it is.
I always come away feeling that things are simple, no need to make them complicated and an effective spiritual counsellor/teacher can point the way. I like the fact that you often mix the spiritual with practical advice, the seriousness with humour. You have to my mind, not only advanced knowledge and expertise in yoga and meditation matters, but the intuition, desire to help others and compassion, precious gifts, in abundance. A very special spiritual teacher indeed, I am learning so much from you, never mind Google search...
The most accomplished yoga teacher I have ever met. Deep knowledge of yoga theory and practice. You have instilled in me a feeling of devotion and respect for my own practice and that of others. Have taught me patience; that simple is beautiful and powerful; that yoga is not just on the mat, it's a way of life.
I am grateful and happy to have discovered yoga through you. Thank you sincerely for this gift.
Caroline Stefanou
Office Worker