Mimm Patterson

My first brief encounter with Yoga was in Mrs. Carey's gym class in 1975 but I didn't begin a regular Yoga practice until the late 80's. To be honest, I still didn't recognize the impact Yoga could have on my life. I joined a class at California Yoga Center - where I now teach - because I had a huge, painful crush on the teacher. I gave up on the crush but, thank goodness, Yoga refused to give up on me.

I continued my studies - attending Iyengar and Bihar teacher training - and began to teach after I moved to Ireland in 1994. Yoga had become a part of who I am. In fact, Yoga has been the one constant in my adult life. It has transformed my body and soothed my spirit. It has challenged and restored me. I imagine I will continue to teach and learn until I'm no longer able.

In August 2010 I completed Paul and Suzee Grilley's Yin Teacher Training Course at Land of Medicine Buddha. In spring 2011, to further my studies of human anatomy, I'll be participating in Gil Hedley's 6-Day Cadaver Intensive. And at the end of the summer I'll attend Part II of the Grilley's Yin training that emphasizes meditation and how a Yin practice supports balance of the meridian system.

When I'm not practicing Yoga I am a massage therapist. I completed training at the National School of Sports Massage in Dublin, Ireland during the summer of 2000. I continued studies through ITEC, earning diplomas in Holistic Massage and Reflexology.

Finally, I am a novelist and freelance writer specializing in yoga, health and wellness. Also in the works is a Yoga/Wellness book that encourages readers to practice Yoga in a way that lifts if from the mat and takes it into the world. My first novel, Maggie, is the story of a young woman who joins the Women Airforce Service Pilots during World War II. I've begun work on a second novel, a coming of age story of a sixteen-year-old girl during the summer of 1969.