Receive with simplicity everything that happens to you (Rashi)

Passionate about yoga, meditation and massage and their many therapeutic and remedial uses, have all been a way of life for Claire for more than 25 years.

Esprit came into being in 1992 following a career which covered automotive / agricultural paint refinishes, computer networking and a leading brand of hot beverages.  The name (pronounced es-Pree) epitomises all that Claire brings through her teaching - wisdom; intelligence; inspiration; mental balance; enthusiasm and devotion.

A very enthusiastic teacher, she brings a sense of humour and imagination to her teaching in order to make it accessible to everyone.

Claire's style of teaching is very eclectic, borne out of studying and training in various traditions over the years across the UK and many other areas in Europe and extensively in the USA. Much inspiration is drawn from many wonderful teachers such as Shiva Rea, John Friend, Tias Little, Eddie Modestini and Sean Johnson.  Claire has extensive training and teaching credentials which ensures that she is able to provide a fresh approach, based on current teaching methodologies and research.

Inner reflection as well as a devotional approach to practice is all important to Claire so that the student can prepare themselves completely for their practice with an open mind and an open heart.

Meditation - Claire currently runs a monthly not-for-profit meditation group for women, but is happy to provide mixed sessions as the need arises.  Full details of the classes and the many charities that have benefited from this work can be found on the separate meditation page.

Meditation Training

Meditation Teacher Training with Swami Saradananda

Rolf Sovik (Himalayan Institute)

Currently studying Shamatha (Calm Abiding) with Maarten Vermaase - due to finish May 2012

Masterclass in Mindfulness Based Childbirth & Parenting

Pregnancy - Through these classes, Claire is very keen to empower women to achieve a positive experience in which to begin motherhood.  This is at the very heart of her work.  She regularly attends study days and trainings in the pre and post-natal areas.

Here is an idea of some of the training that she has completed for the pre and post-natal areas of her work...

• Yoga for Pregnancy as part of Remedial Yoga Training
• Active Birth training with Janet Balaskas/Michel Odent at the Active Birth Centre London
• Birth Crisis with Sheila Kitzinger
• NCT / NHS-Connect Running Effective A/Natal Classes for Teenagers
• Teaching Skills for Educators with Andrea Robertson of Birth International
• Bridge to Wholeness with Holistic Birth Trust
• Pregnancy Massage Diploma
  
• Teaching skills for antenatal classes with Womb Services
• Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction with Royal Society of Medicine
• Helping Women Beat their Birth Fears with Birthpsyche
• Preparing for Birth with Birth International
• Birthlight's Baby Yoga
• Birthlight Yoga for Babies with Special Needs
• Birthlight's SMART Toddler Yoga 
• NCT Postnatal Depression Awareness for Support Workers
• Fit to Deliver Pre/Postnatal Fitness Training
• Mindfulness for Childbirth
  

Maternal Obesity - Currently working on a project in conjunction with Westfield Children's Centre to deliver a fitness programme to target the needs of women affected by maternal obesity.

Birthing Positively - Claire has self-published this guide to help you to create the birth that's right for you.  Further details here

Massage - Qualified in massage through I.T.E.C and further trainings recognised by FHT and CThA.

Yoga at School - Claire also holds a BTEC which enables her to deliver yoga at school as part of the PSHE curriculum.  Please enquire for further details if this is of interest.  Inset day workshops also available.

Yoga / Meditation at Work - please make contact if this is of interest.  Claire is experienced at delivering work-placed solutions to help with reducing stress and work-related issues.

All teachings and workshops are fully insured

Esprit is registered with the following organisations:

FEDANT (Federation of Ante-natal Teachers) for Ante-natal Education, Yoga & Massage.  Registration No: 11987

CNHC (Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council) for Yoga Therapy.  Registration No: 000137-E10

Yoga Alliance

CRB disclosure for working with children - available upon request

Also available for workshops - please make contact if this is of interest

Photo credit: www.susanalexanderphotography.co.uk