Hailing from rural Derry, Belfast-based Aileen McErlean is a highly trained, vastly experienced, and fully certified yoga teacher and holistic therapist.  With a heartfelt passion for the creation of safe, accessible, and inclusive spaces in which individuals can reconnect to body, mind, and soul through yoga, therapeutic practices, and immersive retreats she teaches yoga and provides a diverse range of therapeutic treatments in Belfast and County Derry.

One of the co-founders, in 2015, of the True North Yoga Studio, Aileen went on, in 2020, to open the Ananda Yoga and Wellness Centre on the Antrim Road in Belfast.  

Very much a believer in the principle of accessible yoga for all, Aileen is a dedicated advocate of the many health benefits of yoga for every individual, regardless of age, mobility, size, and physical health. Accordingly, she has extensive experience of working with people of all ages, with different fitness levels, and with a variety of health conditions.

In addition to her in-studio classes, Aileen delivers a variety of yoga classes to both corporate and community-based organisations.  And since 2019 she has been facilitating rejuvenating and wonderfully enriching retreats in Spain, combining yoga, meditation, mindful living, relaxation, and fun. 

Having practiced yoga since 2007, Aileen’s very personal journey into the world of wellness began over 14 years ago now.  And throughout that time she has devoted herself to the study and practice of both traditional and modern healing practices.  A Reiki master, Aileen also provides a range of restorative massage treatments, including Indian Head, Thai Foot, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, Warm Bamboo, Lomi Lomi, and Myofacial Release Massage

Aileen’s yoga practice is informed both by her many years of teaching and by her extensive training in a wide variety of approaches, including Hatha Yoga, Gentle Therapeutic Yoga, Integral Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Yoga for cancer patients, Chair Yoga, Yoga for Athletes (injury prevention), Raja Yoga, Yoga Nidra, and Yoni Shakti. 

Aileen has trained in Ireland, England, France, Spain, Italy, India, and Nepal, reflecting not only her commitment but also her continued appetite for extending and deepening the learning which underpins her practice.  

Aileen also has experience in training yoga teachers herself, in the role of Mentor and Monitor, and regularly delivers a variety of workshops and trainings.  And, in addition to the above trainings, Aileen has also trained in Meditation and Mindfulness, and has studied Counselling and Psychotherapy.  Academically, she has studied at both Ulster University and Canterbury Christ Church University.  Aileen remains deeply indebted to and appreciative of the inspirational work and angelic presence of Mary Connolly, a specialist in yoga and holistic treatments for cancer patients.  Other key influences have come in the Integral Yoga teachings of Swami Ramananda, and in the Yoni Shakti and Nidra teachings of Uma Dinsmore Tuli.

A happily married woman, Aileen’s loving relationship with Shibu represents a nurturing intertwining of the Irish and Indian cultures which mean so much to her.  Aileen very much enjoys and values her relationships with family and friends, and her interests include sea swimming, hill-walking, running, travel, and different languages and cultures. With a wisdom accumulated over many years of practice, learning, and experience, combined with her deeply caring personality, Aileen has an intuitive understanding of the vital need in all of our lives for healthy balance, on bodily, emotional, psychological, and spiritual levels.

Whether you are interested in joining a class, treating yourself to a holistic therapy session, or taking some restorative time for yourself in the form of a retreat, Aileen is well placed to guide and accompany you, gently, wisely, and sensitively, along your own unique path towards greater wellness, one breath at a time.

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu 

May all beings everywhere be happy and free!

Ananda Yoga & Wellness Studio, 

537 Antrim Road, Fortwilliam, Belfast BT153BU

aileen@anandayoga.co.uk