Paul O’Loughlin’s journey into teaching yoga has been shaped by compassion, lived experience, and a belief in the power of gentle movement.
Paul joined Cancer Wellness Support in 2023 after being referred to our Client Services Manager, Viv Maitland. What began as a simple idea of creating a welcoming space where men living with prostate cancer could feel comfortable trying yoga soon became reality. As a male yoga teacher, Paul has played an important role in breaking down barriers, making yoga feel more accessible and safe for those who may not have otherwise given it a go.
Over time, his gentle yoga classes at our Penrith Wellness Centre have expanded to welcoming people living with all types of cancer and carers. Paul teaches chair yoga on Tuesday evenings and gentle mat-based yoga on Wednesday evenings, which are both designed to be inclusive and adaptable for all mobility and energy levels.
Paul came to the practice of yoga later in life in his late 40s. With little interest in the more physically demanding styles, it was a gentle hatha yoga class that changed everything. “I really connected with the slower, more mindful approach,” he says. “Then I did an eight-week meditation program, which was something completely new to me, and I loved it.”
That experience sparked a desire to share yoga and meditation with others seeking a similar sense of calm and connection. Paul went on to complete his Yoga Teacher Training in 2014 and has been teaching since 2015, focusing on therapeutic, gentle practices that support people as they age.
Paul enjoys helping people maintain mobility, stretch, and stay active in a way that feels safe. He enjoys sharing how gentle yoga can be incredibly effective, and doesn’t have to be intense to make a difference.
Having lost his sister to cancer, Paul brings empathy and understanding to every session.“I know how important it is to have support, not just for the person going through cancer, but for their loved ones too. Cancer Wellness Support provides an incredible service, and I feel grateful to be part of it.”
Many people and families living with cancer have so much outside of their control, so in Paul’s classes, there’s no pressure to perform – only an invitation to do what feels right at that moment. “I always tell people to do what your body needs. There’s no right or wrong. This is your time to practice self-care. If that means resting or even falling asleep, that’s completely okay.”
For Paul, the greatest reward comes from seeing the impact his classes have on clients and carers, who relax more easily, sleep better, and feel a reduction in stress and anxiety. Paul knows the importance of what they take beyond the class and bringing those small moments of awareness and calm into everyday life.
Through gentle movement, quiet reflection, and a strong sense of community, Paul is helping our clients and carers reconnect with themselves, one breath at a time.
