The very words Temple Bar are likely to provoke images of the hustle and bustle of the epicentre of the boisterous crowds of tourists and Dubliners alike; an unlikely location for a space for relaxation and calm you might think.But tucked away on the residential periphery is Samadhi yoga studios, which, facing out to its own tranquil courtyard are about to celebrate its first year on Cow’s Lane. Greg Walsh, owner/director, teacher and student discusses his forays into yoga and its unremitting popularity in Dublin.
Why did you call the studios Samadhi, what does it mean?
Classical Indian yoga is split into eight ‘limbs’, from ethics to postures to breath work to meditation. Samadhi is the eighth and last limb, the final goal in yoga. It is an all-encompassing state of bliss and ecstasy. It is also in a way a statement of intent; I decided that it was a powerful name to aspire to. I run a colourful studio and it needed a colourful name!
What are the class sizes and atmosphere like at Samadhi?
We take up to 12 in a class. As we have small classes with a very regular student body everyone gets to know each other and so it feels like a real yoga community. The atmosphere is fantastic here in Samadhi. It is exceptionally friendly for a yoga studio. We organise occasional community orientated events with demos, discussions, free classes, or wine and nibbles. As a thank you to our loyal students we have started a loyalty card system, like you get for your coffee.
With so many styles of yoga out there, how does a beginner even know where to begin?
It really depends on what the beginner wants to get from yoga. Many people want relaxation, many others want flexibility, strength or a flat tummy. A beginner should ask around, chances are they know some people doing yoga already, and you cannot beat a recommendation of a teacher. We run beginners classes most days in Temple Bar and in our other studio in Drogheda.
How did you get into Yoga yourself?
I was in Nepal for a few months many years ago and I was dragged to a yoga class, kicking and screaming to be honest. I came away transformed, and look where that journey took me.
Considering the economic downturn, do you think people are likely to turn their attentions to more spiritual matters?
I think it’s a lovely idea that now as we have gorged ourselves on consumerism and found it wanting that we will all open our hearts and become spiritual. But to be honest I think that spiritual questing is a niche activity. Not everyone feels the need to ask the big questions I think. Having said that I think that living through the excess of the Celtic Tiger years made many of us realize that we needed more than an Ikea kitchen to make us happy.
Do you think the recession will have any effect on more formal yoga classes?
Yoga is a lifestyle not a luxury, and as such will maintain its popularity. In times of recession it’s the luxuries that go first, but if you do yoga you know it is not a luxury, it’s an important part of your life. Yoga makes you feel more alive and awake, clearing your mind and freeing up your body. In more trying times like recession that is just what we all need.
Samadhi Studios offer Iyengar, Ashtanga, Shadow and Hatha yoga.
Published in Temple Bar Magazine, October 2008
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