Blaithin Sweeney Ph.D.

I started life growing up in Sligo, a small coastal town on the Northwest of Ireland. Surrounded by mountains, lakes and the Atlantic ocean, frequent outdoor excursions were not seen as unusual. It became a natural tendency to spend time outdoors when in need of fun, or relaxation or social time or just about anything, outdoors, fresh air and activities were the common denominator through all of life’s highs and lows.

After completing a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry in N.U.I., Galway, I gained employment in TopChem Pharmaceuticals in 2007.  TopChem is an Irish owned custom pharmaceutical manufacturing facility based in Sligo. I progressed steadily from laboratory chemist to new projects manager due to a natural inclination to improve the systems in use and implement new systems when required.

Life changed direction for me in 2011, and for 2 years I juggled pharmaceuticals and my new life-supporting interests; teaching yoga, holistic healing and charitable endeavors.

In 2013 I established a non-profit organisation that was to become the Havin’ a Laugh charity, promoting positive mental health through life-enhancing activities.

I completed my 200hr Yoga teacher training in India in Jan 2012. The Yoga philosophy and training that I have integrated into my life supports me through all my endeavors. I love teaching yoga and thrill at having the opportunity to share these practices. 

I follow my vision of providing an ideal environment for people to learn and deepen their practice of yoga and meditation in a quality and enjoyable way. My classes begin with very gentle loosening up postures which help prepare the body for the stronger postures which are introduced after a number of months.

I also work with companies and private businesses to help them improve a corporate wellbeing of employees and increase overall productivity. In my presentation I look at the reality of Yoga principals, Yamas and Niyamas, the ‘ethical guidelines for living’ and how they can be re-framed to suit the reality of modern life.

Any activity that brings you joy in a sustainable and healthy manner can be described as a life-enhancing activity. I endeavor through my work ethos and charitable initiatives to help make the benefits of these activities better understood and more accessible to all.