Reviews & Testimonials
yoga retreat, La Finca, Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera 2018
Hi Wendy, herewith :) I am lucky enough to have been on several YOAS holidays and each one has been really special. The holiday on La Gomera with Ishwara however, took the experience to a whole, new level. The practice was wonderful, incorporating asana, pranayama and meditation, the food so wholesome and delicious, the location and scenery simply breathtaking and in addition to all of this, was Ishwara’s warmth, integrity and gentleness. He held the space in such a kind and loving way, it was a joy to have been a part of.
Thank you Ishwara
Jenny Cain 🙏
Nuffield health centre 2022-23
'I have had the privilege of attending Neil's yoga and pilates classes for the past 9 months. Each of the classes has been different & Neil's in-depth knowledge in teaching yoga has made them both challenging and enjoyable.
The breathing techniques taught by Neil have allowed me to improve my flexibility and meditation has helped me cope during a sad time in my life. Most importantly Neil always's brings humour to exercise and makes attending his classes a joy. He is always mindful of individual's abilities & adapts the class to the needs of the attendees.
I am sad that Neil has decided to relocate but i know others will now benefit from his classes & wish him every luck and happiness.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful practice Neil'
Fiona G
yoga retreat, La Finca, Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera 2017
Musings on the offerings of Ishwara and La Finca... Ishwara is a true teacher and a humble yogi. He is a living example of non-attachment that I aspire to become before I die; a true heart. This man shared his love and lifetime dedication to the 8 limbs of yoga with all of us, both on and off of our mats. He created a learning and loving space where everyone felt safe, respected and supported in their practice and there were absolute beginners and seasoned practitioners and other yoga teachers as well. When you love what you do, it shows! I am humbled to receive the lessons and they will echo through my life and practice for years to come...
Namaste, Gratitude and Love,
Sheri Marendiuk
Sivananda Yoga 2012
Hey Ish, After practicing yoga on and off for years I always felt some element was missing. I never seemed to progress past a certain point and my attention would wane. After attending Ishwara's classes, I found the missing pieces and excelled very quickly in flexibility, stamina and strength. The missing pieces for me where a sense of spirituality and bringing everything home to the breath, I hadn't realised it's importance up until this point. Ishwara's classes were beautiful to be involved in and it soon felt like a group of friends. I loved the classes so much, afterwards I would feel extremely relaxed yet extremely exhilarated at the same time. I highly recommend Ishwara if you're looking to go a bit deeper into yourself and yoga, he is the teacher for you. Thanks Ishwara for all you taught me it will stay with me and my practice for life.
Nathalie Turner
Lake District retreat 2017
Another great yoga retreat with Ishwara - a very special teacher! Great physically and mentally challenging yoga and meditation sessions with a wonderful group of people. I love the mixture of pranayama, meditation, chanting and asana practice. Sunny Brow Farm was a great venue with wonderful facilities and tasty and wholesome food - a really peaceful and secluded retreat amongst the nature and beauty of the Lake District. I didn't want to leave! Let's think about planning one in India! 😉
Best wishes, much love and missing you already!
Emily Baxter
yoga Workshop @ Lucky Elephant Yoga, Hamilton, Bermuda 2015
Thank you so much for your workshop last Sunday. It was lighthearted and relaxed yet informative. You have an extremely confident yet non-judgmental manner which demonstrates you do not just teach this stuff but you believe in and live by it (and are not afraid to admit you can struggle with it from time to time too despite your experience). This makes for a trustworthy and inclusive atmosphere absent of tension. The workshop included a balanced mix of sharing, yoga, meditation and breathing exercises (pranayama) ... Look forward to the next one! Victoria
Victoria Greening
yoga retreat, La Finca, Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera 2015
In terms of Ishwara I hold him in the highest regard as a teacher and as a valued member of the group. He was a great pleasure to get to know, and I would be so thrilled to go and study yoga with him again. The meditation practise he did was on point every class, and helped a lot of us go deep within ourselves- lots of healing going on :) And of course the yoga was just so enjoyable, he was able to tailor it elegantly to everyone although we all had different levels of capabilities. It was magical :) the whole week long.
Thanks Fi - Fiona Leeves / Bristol
Nuffield health centre 2022-2023
'Just wanted to say 'thank you' for the enjoyable Yoga & Pilates classes. I've briefly tried Yoga classes before but never felt confident in going until you started at Nuffield and gave me that confidence I needed and I am very grateful. Enjoy the new adventures ahead. Thought the 'rainbow Scotland' card was very apt. take care,
Elaine
Caroline Orme
Yoga Nidra 2008
Namaste Ishwara! ........' I thank you so much for all the times I have so far been guided by you in the stages towards inner peace. I never thought I could move forward so far from the 10 years of despair in trying to survive depression, even though having medical assistance. I truly wonder at how my awareness of inner energy has been developed so I can really feel a positive power pulsing around my body. ......... It is so good to know someone such as yourself who has the gift of enlightening others to achieve better mental and physical awareness. Kind Greetings for The Year of the Ox.
C (2008)
yoga retreat, Sunny Brow Farm, Lake District 2017
Thank you for a wonderfully relaxing retreat. The yoga & meditation were amazing, the best i've ever experienced.. The setting just perfect. Leaving with fantastic happy memories.
Bron x
Yoga retreat, Lake District 2017
Thank you for such a lovely deep yoga and magical meditation. Still ... by far the best yoga & meditation I have experienced. Always feels personal and just what you need, but didn't realise pose by pose - and hard work !
Thank you, Fiona Leeves !
yoga retreat, La Finca, Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera 2016
It was a fab holiday and a beautiful, special place. Thank you! Ishwara was a cool yoga teacher and I loved his pranayama, chanting and strong asana practice. He was friendly and inspiring too. Very laid back. The group was particularly special I thought, we all got on really well, so it was delightful. Food amazing and the community really lovely to stay with. Didn't want to leave. Makes me want to see more of what you offer.
Annie
Yoga philosophy / virtual
Ishwara I love you and your beautiful Mind and Spirit. You have no way of knowing how powerful your words are. I personally and deep within my Spirit thank you ! x
Pamela Jonas Gilgenbach Paryse
Sylvie
Yoga Detox France 2017
Ish, I think that it was a real opportunity to cross your 'path'. I know that it is never by chance. So many things I learned from you. "Enlightenment" is the word you choose to sum up what word represent yoga for you. Thanks a lot to give me this particular word, thanks for your classes, so respectful of what means yoga. Thanks for the coherence of your teaching and its deep sincerity. Thanks for the accuracy of your message and all the attention and generosity you gave to all of us. Hope to see you again.
Good trip. Sylvie (Paris)
Laura Keys
Workshop @ Lucky Elephant Yoga, bermuda
Hello Ishwara ... Thank you very much for your wonderful workshop and all the yoga practices that Charlie, Clem and I have so enjoyed. It has made such a difference to our lives and we always look forward to them. I particularly enjoyed the nostril breathing today and found it very exhilarating...need work on the belly breathing but in time I'm sure it will improve!
Laura Keys
yoga retreat, Sunny Brow Farm, Lake District 2017
Dearest Ish This morning I am feeling really good. I feel more connected to my body during yoga, and it feels stronger. Emotionally I feel very stable. I feel energised and positive. I sung some kirtan this morning, and was quite tearful, it touches my heart so much, and I am sad to leave you once again. You have taught me to be in the moment, as it is the only way I can keep letting you go, and stay sane. I can feel my heart opening, and I know that you are the trigger for this. I trust that you find some resolution with you mother. For sure she must be deeply troubled to not love and appreciate you for who you are. You are so beautiful inside and out. Thank you for creating a soulful retreat. With love to you
Caroline Steven x ❤️ x
Kendal, Cumbria yoga courses 2008
Hi, I was really enjoying your courses in Kendal some time ago until I broke my arm , then moved to Manchester.
Going through my inbox I noticed your newsletter.
You know, I've been to a couple of different classes in Manchester since then, and thought you might like to know that the depth and content of your classes are much, much greater than down here.
Now let the ego relax!
Cheers,
Jim Crow.
Yoga retreat, Suleyman's garden, Kabak, Fethiye, Turkey 2012
Dear Ishwara, words didn't find me yesterday and I just wanted to say thank you for a wonderful yoga experience. I loved the especially the pranayama and how that made me feel.
I will bring several insights with me back home. Things that i now know need some attention and work in order to 'heal'.
So thank you.
love, Frederika
Yoga, Meditation & Calisthenics - Zoom classes 2020
Hi Ish. Feedback on tonight’s practice ( whilst I’m still in the glow! ) Callisthenics - I cant actually believe I am managing some/ most of this ( with some adapted poses because of wrist probs) I’m so pleased with what bits I can do and am definitely noticing an improvement in strength ( and belief) . The pranayama tonight - I found the slow breathing really challenging so I was pleased when you said it may have been so. Think I was still recovering from the callisthenics when we started it so it felt impossible at first but I managed to stick with the counting ( without sneaking in extra slurps ) for the last round- so again felt pleased. I’ll work on that one as I’m sure that will get better with practice. The rest of the pranayama was wonderful. I love that exploration of thought and awareness and then when you continued it into the Sivananda yoga it felt really easy to explore it within the postures. I do find some of the poses challenging, but holding the poses for longer whilst concentrating on awareness felt amazing . I loved combining the meditation with the poses. And the slow chanting you did during relaxation- very powerful. You constantly come up with new ways of exploring and developing. I really appreciate the thought and preparation you put into the classes
Sandi
Nuffield health centre 2022-2023
'Amazing Yoga classes ! ....... Different every time, always a new challenge !
Anon
Wings
2017
Grateful for these beautiful days of yoga, meditation & connection ... what a wonderful experience !
Thank you for the energy, the knowledge, the love ! to the next time .
yoga retreat, La Finca, Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera 2018
Hi Wendy, herewith :) I am lucky enough to have been on several YOAS holidays and each one has been really special. The holiday on La Gomera with Ishwara however, took the experience to a whole, new level. The practice was wonderful, incorporating asana, pranayama and meditation, the food so wholesome and delicious, the location and scenery simply breathtaking and in addition to all of this, was Ishwara’s warmth, integrity and gentleness. He held the space in such a kind and loving way, it was a joy to have been a part of.
Thank you Ishwara
Jenny Cain 🙏
Nuffield health centre 2022-23
'I have had the privilege of attending Neil's yoga and pilates classes for the past 9 months. Each of the classes has been different & Neil's in-depth knowledge in teaching yoga has made them both challenging and enjoyable.
The breathing techniques taught by Neil have allowed me to improve my flexibility and meditation has helped me cope during a sad time in my life. Most importantly Neil always's brings humour to exercise and makes attending his classes a joy. He is always mindful of individual's abilities & adapts the class to the needs of the attendees.
I am sad that Neil has decided to relocate but i know others will now benefit from his classes & wish him every luck and happiness.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful practice Neil'
Fiona G
yoga retreat, La Finca, Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera 2017
Musings on the offerings of Ishwara and La Finca... Ishwara is a true teacher and a humble yogi. He is a living example of non-attachment that I aspire to become before I die; a true heart. This man shared his love and lifetime dedication to the 8 limbs of yoga with all of us, both on and off of our mats. He created a learning and loving space where everyone felt safe, respected and supported in their practice and there were absolute beginners and seasoned practitioners and other yoga teachers as well. When you love what you do, it shows! I am humbled to receive the lessons and they will echo through my life and practice for years to come...
Namaste, Gratitude and Love,
Sheri Marendiuk
Sivananda Yoga 2012
Hey Ish, After practicing yoga on and off for years I always felt some element was missing. I never seemed to progress past a certain point and my attention would wane. After attending Ishwara's classes, I found the missing pieces and excelled very quickly in flexibility, stamina and strength. The missing pieces for me where a sense of spirituality and bringing everything home to the breath, I hadn't realised it's importance up until this point. Ishwara's classes were beautiful to be involved in and it soon felt like a group of friends. I loved the classes so much, afterwards I would feel extremely relaxed yet extremely exhilarated at the same time. I highly recommend Ishwara if you're looking to go a bit deeper into yourself and yoga, he is the teacher for you. Thanks Ishwara for all you taught me it will stay with me and my practice for life.
Nathalie Turner
Lake District retreat 2017
Another great yoga retreat with Ishwara - a very special teacher! Great physically and mentally challenging yoga and meditation sessions with a wonderful group of people. I love the mixture of pranayama, meditation, chanting and asana practice. Sunny Brow Farm was a great venue with wonderful facilities and tasty and wholesome food - a really peaceful and secluded retreat amongst the nature and beauty of the Lake District. I didn't want to leave! Let's think about planning one in India! 😉
Best wishes, much love and missing you already!
Emily Baxter
yoga Workshop @ Lucky Elephant Yoga, Hamilton, Bermuda 2015
Thank you so much for your workshop last Sunday. It was lighthearted and relaxed yet informative. You have an extremely confident yet non-judgmental manner which demonstrates you do not just teach this stuff but you believe in and live by it (and are not afraid to admit you can struggle with it from time to time too despite your experience). This makes for a trustworthy and inclusive atmosphere absent of tension. The workshop included a balanced mix of sharing, yoga, meditation and breathing exercises (pranayama) ... Look forward to the next one! Victoria
Victoria Greening
yoga retreat, La Finca, Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera 2015
In terms of Ishwara I hold him in the highest regard as a teacher and as a valued member of the group. He was a great pleasure to get to know, and I would be so thrilled to go and study yoga with him again. The meditation practise he did was on point every class, and helped a lot of us go deep within ourselves- lots of healing going on :) And of course the yoga was just so enjoyable, he was able to tailor it elegantly to everyone although we all had different levels of capabilities. It was magical :) the whole week long.
Thanks Fi - Fiona Leeves / Bristol
Nuffield health centre 2022-2023
'Just wanted to say 'thank you' for the enjoyable Yoga & Pilates classes. I've briefly tried Yoga classes before but never felt confident in going until you started at Nuffield and gave me that confidence I needed and I am very grateful. Enjoy the new adventures ahead. Thought the 'rainbow Scotland' card was very apt. take care,
Elaine
Caroline Orme
Yoga Nidra 2008
Namaste Ishwara! ........' I thank you so much for all the times I have so far been guided by you in the stages towards inner peace. I never thought I could move forward so far from the 10 years of despair in trying to survive depression, even though having medical assistance. I truly wonder at how my awareness of inner energy has been developed so I can really feel a positive power pulsing around my body. ......... It is so good to know someone such as yourself who has the gift of enlightening others to achieve better mental and physical awareness. Kind Greetings for The Year of the Ox.
C (2008)
yoga retreat, Sunny Brow Farm, Lake District 2017
Thank you for a wonderfully relaxing retreat. The yoga & meditation were amazing, the best i've ever experienced.. The setting just perfect. Leaving with fantastic happy memories.
Bron x
Yoga retreat, Lake District 2017
Thank you for such a lovely deep yoga and magical meditation. Still ... by far the best yoga & meditation I have experienced. Always feels personal and just what you need, but didn't realise pose by pose - and hard work !
Thank you, Fiona Leeves !
yoga retreat, La Finca, Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera 2016
It was a fab holiday and a beautiful, special place. Thank you! Ishwara was a cool yoga teacher and I loved his pranayama, chanting and strong asana practice. He was friendly and inspiring too. Very laid back. The group was particularly special I thought, we all got on really well, so it was delightful. Food amazing and the community really lovely to stay with. Didn't want to leave. Makes me want to see more of what you offer.
Annie
Yoga philosophy / virtual
Ishwara I love you and your beautiful Mind and Spirit. You have no way of knowing how powerful your words are. I personally and deep within my Spirit thank you ! x
Pamela Jonas Gilgenbach Paryse
Sylvie
Yoga Detox France 2017
Ish, I think that it was a real opportunity to cross your 'path'. I know that it is never by chance. So many things I learned from you. "Enlightenment" is the word you choose to sum up what word represent yoga for you. Thanks a lot to give me this particular word, thanks for your classes, so respectful of what means yoga. Thanks for the coherence of your teaching and its deep sincerity. Thanks for the accuracy of your message and all the attention and generosity you gave to all of us. Hope to see you again.
Good trip. Sylvie (Paris)
Laura Keys
Workshop @ Lucky Elephant Yoga, bermuda
Hello Ishwara ... Thank you very much for your wonderful workshop and all the yoga practices that Charlie, Clem and I have so enjoyed. It has made such a difference to our lives and we always look forward to them. I particularly enjoyed the nostril breathing today and found it very exhilarating...need work on the belly breathing but in time I'm sure it will improve!
Laura Keys
yoga retreat, Sunny Brow Farm, Lake District 2017
Dearest Ish This morning I am feeling really good. I feel more connected to my body during yoga, and it feels stronger. Emotionally I feel very stable. I feel energised and positive. I sung some kirtan this morning, and was quite tearful, it touches my heart so much, and I am sad to leave you once again. You have taught me to be in the moment, as it is the only way I can keep letting you go, and stay sane. I can feel my heart opening, and I know that you are the trigger for this. I trust that you find some resolution with you mother. For sure she must be deeply troubled to not love and appreciate you for who you are. You are so beautiful inside and out. Thank you for creating a soulful retreat. With love to you
Caroline Steven x ❤️ x
Kendal, Cumbria yoga courses 2008
Hi, I was really enjoying your courses in Kendal some time ago until I broke my arm , then moved to Manchester.
Going through my inbox I noticed your newsletter.
You know, I've been to a couple of different classes in Manchester since then, and thought you might like to know that the depth and content of your classes are much, much greater than down here.
Now let the ego relax!
Cheers,
Jim Crow.
Yoga retreat, Suleyman's garden, Kabak, Fethiye, Turkey 2012
Dear Ishwara, words didn't find me yesterday and I just wanted to say thank you for a wonderful yoga experience. I loved the especially the pranayama and how that made me feel.
I will bring several insights with me back home. Things that i now know need some attention and work in order to 'heal'.
So thank you.
love, Frederika
Yoga, Meditation & Calisthenics - Zoom classes 2020
Hi Ish. Feedback on tonight’s practice ( whilst I’m still in the glow! ) Callisthenics - I cant actually believe I am managing some/ most of this ( with some adapted poses because of wrist probs) I’m so pleased with what bits I can do and am definitely noticing an improvement in strength ( and belief) . The pranayama tonight - I found the slow breathing really challenging so I was pleased when you said it may have been so. Think I was still recovering from the callisthenics when we started it so it felt impossible at first but I managed to stick with the counting ( without sneaking in extra slurps ) for the last round- so again felt pleased. I’ll work on that one as I’m sure that will get better with practice. The rest of the pranayama was wonderful. I love that exploration of thought and awareness and then when you continued it into the Sivananda yoga it felt really easy to explore it within the postures. I do find some of the poses challenging, but holding the poses for longer whilst concentrating on awareness felt amazing . I loved combining the meditation with the poses. And the slow chanting you did during relaxation- very powerful. You constantly come up with new ways of exploring and developing. I really appreciate the thought and preparation you put into the classes
Sandi
Nuffield health centre 2022-2023
'Amazing Yoga classes ! ....... Different every time, always a new challenge !
Anon
Wings
2017
Grateful for these beautiful days of yoga, meditation & connection ... what a wonderful experience !
Thank you for the energy, the knowledge, the love ! to the next time .
