Sleep is not merely a period of inactivity; it's a fundamental pillar of our overall health and well-being, impacting virtually every aspect of our lives.

Here's why sleep is so crucial:

1. Physical Restoration/ Wahakaora Tinana: While we sleep, our bodies undergo essential repair processes. Muscles are repaired, tissues are regenerated, and the immune system is strengthened. Without adequate sleep, these processes are disrupted, leaving us more susceptible to illness and physical fatigue.

2. Cognitive Function/ Wānanga: Sleep plays a vital role in cognitive function, including memory consolidation, learning, and problem-solving. During sleep, the brain processes information from the day, consolidating memories and enhancing learning. Lack of sleep impairs these processes, leading to difficulties in concentration, decision-making, and overall cognitive performance.

3. Emotional Well-being/ Kare-a-roto : Adequate sleep is crucial for emotional regulation and...

It's been a while since I have written anything for the blog - life has been way too busy!

I have many ideas for new blog posts, but I thought it might be good to simply update you on why I have been absent form writing, and the new changes that have happened since my last blog- which was Matariki!

Tuatahi - firstly, we have moved and I am now based in the Bay of Plenty, back in my turangawaewae - my standing place -  Rotorua.

I am still travelling to Tamaki Makaurau /Auckland a bit though, and will be up on Thursday 8th December for an in studio yoga class and pop up shops before Christmas.

My focus though is now firmly on teaching online, and creating online experiences and offerings that students will love, so that you can receive the gifts of yoga, where ever you may be.

I wanted to continue to share the gift of yoga, as there are sooo many gifts.

That has always been the kaupapa.

Share what I know to work - to enhance...

More and more people are coming to yoga for help with stress management... 

What is it about yoga that makes it an option for helping with stress ? 

Some of the ways yoga helps with stress are;

1. Breathing 
2. Movement 
3. Meditation 
4. Relaxation 
5. Meaning 

Today we are looking mostly at breathing to alleviate stress. This starts with becoming aware of your breath. This is simple yet profound and often enough for many people to feel calmer. 

There are two parts of the autonomic nervous system, the parasympathetic- “rest and digest “- and the sympathetic- “fight - flight -freeze “. 

Our bodies respond to life threatening events by releasing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol , blood is pumped away from the centre of the body to enable the limbs to run, or fight the danger, it is all about survival and an important part of the survival mechanism. However our bodies don’t...

A home practice will transform your yoga, and maybe even your life....

For many it is the next step in their yoga journey, for some it has been an unwelcome necessity during this pandemic. But either way, you CAN develop a beautiful home practice that will have many benefits for your wellbeing, self-care/ self-aroha.

A yoga practice with intent is called a Sadhana, and it's powerful, personal and may even change your life!  (Your Sadhana is of a spiritual nature and the focus is not only on doing poses to gain physical mastery. It's about what's on the inside as well.) 

But there can be many obstacles along the journey, and initially it can be helpful to have some guidance and to know that although there may be barriers, there are also solutions.

Here's some of what I've heard and may have even said myself sometimes in my 21 years of yoga teaching - 

•  I don't have the time to practice any other time than when I come to the...