ABOUT Yoga Aotearoa IYTA NZ and YOGA

What is Yoga Aotearoa IYTA NZ?

In 2007 the membership of International Yoga Teachers Association (NZ) agreed to adopt the companion name ‘Yoga Aotearoa’. The purpose of so doing is two-fold:

• First, to make clear that people of all abilities, races, beliefs, values, ages and gender are welcome into our circle of members and belonging. Yoga Aotearoa is an organisation for all who have an interest in Yoga, non-teachers and teachers including those people from all manner, styles, and schools of Yoga or other complementary training.
• Second, to give the organisation a national identity including with the Tangata Whenua, the original people/Maori of New Zealand/Aotearoa.

Yoga Aotearoa IYTA NZ is a non-profit organization that trains our teachers to a high standard of knowledge and understanding, and supports all yoga practitioners. It is for anyone interested in yoga - that’s you!  See here for membership details.

Yoga Aotearoa IYTA NZ practices an holistic approach, seeking to bring balance to the body, mind and spirit encouraging self-development and self-awareness. Classes include all aspects of yoga practice and vary from teacher to teacher and according to the needs of a particular group. Some classes have been created to meet specific needs e.g. pregnant women, children, the older or less mobile and those requiring therapeutic treatment.

Yoga Aotearoa IYTA NZ teachers are trained to integrate Patanjali’s eight-fold path of classical yoga into their classes. They bring balance and variety to each class and modify the postures to suit the individual.

What is our mission?

1. To cultivate the practice of living in the Light at all times.
2. To expound and exemplify the benefits of Yoga as a way of life.
3. To foster an understanding of the real meaning of Yoga.
4. To lead.
5. To communicate effectively at all levels.
6. To create unity – personally, locally, nationally, globally.
7. To put in place networks which will encourage more communication amongst I.Y.T.A. members.
8. To spread the message of Yoga into small and isolated communities.
9. To actively support Yoga teachers.
10. To arrange to meet the needs of I.Y.T.A. members in terms of ongoing instruction, information and inspiration.

What is Yoga?

Yoga is an ancient philosophy, thought to pre-date 3000BC and believed to have originated around the Indus Valley in Northern India. The word "Yoga" literally means union or joining - the joining of the Self with all aspects of your being (however one may perceive it).

Yoga is a science of life aiming to bring balance between the physical body, the mind and the spirit (between action, intelligence and the higher self). It can bring physical health and peace of mind through movement, breath awareness, relaxation and meditation techniques. Yoga is a philosophy not a religion.

Yoga is:

Physical awareness through exercise (Asana) Breathing awareness through Pranayama Mental awareness through Concentration Emotional awareness through Relaxation Spiritual awareness through Meditation

Practised regularly, the benefits of Yoga are:

• Increased strength and flexibility
• Better concentration and increased awareness
• Improved ability to manage stress and relaxation, heightened intention.
• Mastery of the self

Can I do yoga?

Yes! Anyone can practise Yoga, regardless of age, sex, ability, disability, ethnicity or religion. You may experience discomfort but you should NEVER experience pain. Initially you may find your muscles stiff, but you will be surprised by your suppleness if you practise regularly.

We are all unique and have strength in different areas so try not to compare your abilities with anyone else in the class. If you have a medical condition or injury, please seek professional medical advice before commencing.

What yoga style is right for me?

There are many paths to Yoga, but the main path taught in the West is Raja Yoga which is based on the ancient scriptures of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. From these Sutras various styles of Yoga have developed.

While all yoga styles seek to balance the body, mind, and spirit, they go about it in various ways. They may differ in how asanas are done and where they focus the attention (on mastering and holding the posture, on strict alignment, on breathing, on the flow of movement). Some will use props for the asanas; others will crank up the temperature in the room and go for the sweat. No style is better than another; it is simply a matter of personal preference. Find a teacher that you can relate to and a style that furthers your own personal growth