We wish to thank Pub Charity for a community grant to purchase a laptop computer for Te Anau Yoga. The computer is being used to support an increased level of administration for membership, classes, workshops and advocacy including this website.
Every Moment is a Gateway
May 27, 2011 by
Anusara Yoga Weekend Workshop with Certified Anusara Teacher Katie Lane
Te Anau Yoga will be hosting international Anusara Yoga teacher Katie Lane in July 9-10th.
Founded by John Friend John Friend in 1997, Anusara yoga is a style of hatha yoga which unites a life-affirming Tantric philosophy of intrinsic goodness with Universal Principles of Alignment.
“In an Anusara Yoga class, the asanas (postures) are a vehicle for expressing joy, connecting to your true self, and recognizing your own beauty. To this end, Anusara delights in – practically requires – a lighthearted attitude”.
Every Anusara class begins with an intention. The practice of uniting that intention with the pulsation of the breath and a dynamic approach to alignment makes every pose – from the most simple to the most advanced – a “grand experiment.” —
BREATHE Magazine, Going Deep: Anusara
Katie Lane has been sharing the teachings of Anusara Yoga in New Zealand since 2005. She is honoured to have been the first teacher to introduce this style of yoga here in NZ. Katie has over 1000 hours of training in Anusara Yoga and is a Certified Anusara Yoga Teacher, RYT-500. Currently based in Christchurch, she offers public and private classes, one-on-one yoga therapy, and Anusara workshops around New Zealand and overseas.
Weekend Programme
Saturday, July 9th
9-12am 1st Principle: Set the Foundation, Open to Grace – Standing Poses & Backbends
2-4.30pm Deepen Your Studentship with Life – Hip Openers, Twists, Forward Bends
Sunday, July 10th
9-12am : Honour the Dark, Step into the Light: Arm Balances, Backbends, Full Spectrum Practice
Registration and cancellation policy
Te Anau Yoga members Full workshop $175.00 (Sat or Sun am $65, Sat arvo $50). Non-members $200 (Sat or Sun am $75, Sat arvo $60). Includes instruction only. Participants are responsible for providing their own accommodation and food.
Cancellations prior to:
June 15th (inclusive) will be refunded the total amount less 20%.
June 16th and June 30th (inclusive) will be refunded the total amount less 50%.
July 1st and commencement of workshop: A 50% refund will only be given with the provision of medical certificate.
Venue
Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas Turnbull Room
Accommodation discounts
Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas are offering the following discounted rates for our workshop: $155.00 for a Garden View Room (double or twin share), $175.00 for a Lakeview Room (double or twin-share) and $250.00 for a 2 Bedroom Villa, suitable for 4 adults.
A weekend off the mat in Te Anau (from the Yoga Aotearoa Winter newsletter)
May 27, 2011 by
Te Anau Yoga hosted their first international yoga workshop in April this year with visiting Yogaslackers Jason Magness and Cheslsey Gribbon from Colorado. The event attracted 30 participants from New Zealand, the Netherlands, and the US. Kerri-Anne Edge, who teaches for Te Anau Yoga (a not-for-profit organisation who regularly host yoga workshops) and organiser for the event writes about her weekend off the mat….
- Jason Magness demonstrates lotus on the slackline
There is a definite autumnal feeling as our group head outdoors from the comfort and warmth of the yoga room to an adjacent park in Te Anau. We have our mats but I suspect there won’t be much need for them this morning. While I have spent the past 12 months trying to convince every yogi and yogini I know to come to this workshop and have some fun I admit I’m feeling a bit nervous. I shouldn’t be though. All the indications from the previous evening’s introduction to acroyoga were that we were going to get a great deal out of our three days with Jason and Chesley: a fresh approach to yoga, and a means to play the edge in a very safe, supportive and fun way. After 3 hours of vinyasa, partner yoga and moving into groups of four (and more) to explore the basics of postures where the body and breath of the group become one it was obvious that our group (aged from 22-70) had connected on many levels. No longer was our asana just about moving with full awareness of our own body and breath – we had to expand that awareness to the other members of our small groups. If you had even an ounce of ego left it quickly diminished. This morning we are about embark on the basics of yoga on a slackline.
Alina on the slackline
After a short walk Jason and Chelsey lead us to an array of eight orange lengths of webbing (25mm wide) strung out under some tall trees at varying lengths. We partner up on mats on the dewy ground kneeling side by side and Jason and Chelsey begin to outline the principals and practice of slackasana. They are careful not to put us off (at any stage of the weekend!) starting with the very basics and leaving any demonstration of more advanced practice until the end of the session. Jason instructs us to extend one arm forward and the opposite leg back placing our supporting hand in line with our supporting knee. “Now – just imagine your yoga mat has become very very long and very thin…”. We laugh….we know where this is heading. Over the course of the morning we practice “simple” postures on the line: kneeling, standing and “foot-swapping”, sitting and a variation of lolasana or pendulum pose. We work in groups of three and are encouraged to try everything at least three times on both sides, changing groups and experiencing different set-ups: long or shorter lines with different degrees of tension.
Slackasana was developed by Jason over six years ago in collaboration with his friend Sam Salwei – a climbing partner, and fellow yogi. Jason had spent 6 months trying to walk on a slackline, a hobby amongst the climbing fraternity. Undoubtedly Jason had the balance and strength, but – he admits – not the patience. Then he decided to approach the slackline in the same way he practiced yoga. Over time, he learnt to stand still until the line stopped vibrating. He started using it as a meditation tool. When he was distracted, the line shook. When he focused, it was still.
Since that time Jason and Sam have established Yogaslackers – a prominent group in the US that specialises in teaching yoga on a slackline (or slackasana) and acroyoga (acrobatic yoga). Yogaslackers have taught collectively to over 5000 individuals aged 2-82 and feature at many of the American Yoga Journal Conferences. They are offering their first teacher training programme in the US this year.
Jason and Chelsey encouraged us to discover how practicing yoga on a slackline develops focus, balance, strength, breath, core integration, flexibility, and confidence. Working in small groups with acroyoga was incredible for building up skills with communication, relationships and trust, as well as strength and balance.
Learning the fundamentals of Acro-yoga
While Yogaslackers also teach internationally this Te Anau workshop was the first of its kind to be held in New Zealand. We are hoping to make it an annual event and to encourage local participation as well as visitors from overseas. The dates for next year have been pencilled in for March 2012. While we don’t want to lose sight of our community objective – to teach a diversity of yoga styles locally that appeal to a broad range of age and interests – it would be great to welcome more visitors from around New Zealand and overseas and to encourage them to spend time in Fiordland while they are here. To that end Jason and Chelsey will be promoting the March 2012 workshop at some of the big American yoga conferences and festivals they will be teaching at including “Wonderlust”.
The Te Anau workshop will run over three days and cover some introductory and intermediate sessions. Participants are required to have had at least six months asana practice and the intermediate sessions will be open to last year’s attendees as well as people who have undertaken acroyoga workshops elsewhere.
I have received so much positive feedback from Jason and Chelsey’s workshop. The wide smiles and cheerful laughter of the group at the end of day 3 belied the fact that for many even enrolling was enough to put one out of their comfort zone. I’m so safe with my own practice. It was wonderful to come off the mat and to extend ourselves into a new realm with such a wonderful group of people.
Nameste, ka
Jason and Chelsey demonstrating slackasanaa
If you are keen on participating in March 2012 please contact Kerri-Anne at teanauyoga@ihug.co.nz to go on our workshop mailing list. More information and photographs from this year’s event will be posted on our website teanauyoga.blogspot.com soon.
Te Anau Yoga (Inc.) would like to acknowledge the generous support of Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas and Cosy Kiwi Backpackers that enabled us to keep the registration and accommodation costs low and make a workshop of this calibre accessible to the community in Southland and Otago.
May Workshops with Barbara Whitehouse
March 22, 2011 by
Barbara Whitehouse will be visiting Te Anau in early May to run two workshops. The first being held on the afternoon of Friday May 6th will be an introduction to chair yoga and is speciifcally aimed at those who find it uncomforatble being seated on the ground or unable to stand for long periods. Chair Yoga is a very safe place to start exploring the beneifits of yoga, both physically and psychologically. A few seated beginning poses can still build strength, increase circulation and oxygenation. Chair yoga, considered a gentler form of yoga, uses a chair for additional support. Most of the exercises are done while sitting on, leaning on or holding onto a chair, making it a great way to practice yoga for people of all ages and those with limited mobility.
When: Friday May 6th 3pm-4:30pm
Cost: $8
Where: Medical Centre Comunity Room
Bookings esstential:
ph Kerri-Anne: 03-2497170
e-mail: teanauyoga@ihug.co.nz
The second workshop on Saturday May 7th will be a full yoga day with an emphasis on a physical yoga practice but also branching into the 8 limbs of yoga.
When: Saturday May 7th 9-12:00 pm and 2-4:00pm
Cost: Te Anau Yoga Members $50, non-members $65
Where: Te Anau Primary School Hall
Bookings esstential:
ph Kerri-Anne: 03-2497170
e-mail: teanauyoga@ihug.co.nz
Barbara is from Dunedin and is well known internationally for her joyful and gentle approach to yoga. She is fully qualified with the British Wheel of Yoga and has lead the International Yoga Teachers Association Conference in NZ. She runs classes and seminars in NZ and the UK covering all levels from beginners through to teachers, people with special needs, prisoners, and children. She also leads yoga holidays in 10 different countries.
Christchurch Earthquake Charity Class
February 26, 2011 by
This coming Saturday March 5th our normal 9 am session will be run as a koha/ charity class in support of the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal. Venue is the Te Anau Primary School Hall. Please bring your yoga mat and a donation to this worthy cause. I will try and bring as many spare mats as I can for those people who don’t have one.
Note that pre-pay by members does not count as a donation on this occasion. Spread the word and bring your friends and family.
Saturday March 5th Te Anau School Hall
9-10:30 am
Entry by donation to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal
Yoga Workshop with Peggy Preston
February 9, 2011 by
Peggy Preston
Peggy Preston, owner director of 2 studios in Queenstown (Bikram Yoga Queenstown and Studio Sangha) and host for the L1 Teacher Training with Lance Schuler this Oct. is going to be visiting us again later this month. Peggy ran a workshop in Te Anau in 2010 as part of our Autumn Workshop Series and will be teaching two workshops for Te Anau Yoga in 2011 (Saturday February 26th and one in August). Peggy has trained in both Bikram, Iyenga and Hatha styles of yoga with over 12 years of teaching experience. Her workshops incorporate an indepth knowledge of anatomy, yoga asana and pranayama, and are suitable for beginners through to advanced students. Even if you have never taken a yoga class before this workshop is for you! Peggy’s February workshop will be building from the ground up. Stability and connections with the earth is a major part of any yoga practice and of living a grounded and stable life. How we use our feet, legs and core muscles is an essential part of building a practice and sustaining a healthy, balanced practice over time. We will spend the morning creating a firm base and initiating movement from the core with some core stability work. Expect to use your abs! In the afternoon session, we will put this all in to action with a fun, free flow Vinyasa practice. This workshop is open to all levels and everyone is invited to come. Bookings essential via teanauyoga@ihug.co.nz For more info go to the Te Anau workshop menu at the top of the webpage.
Please come and meet Peggy if you have any questions about the upcoming teacher training with Lance Schuller or want an application form. Early bird rates until March 1st for the training. http://queenstownyoga.com/2010/11/30/teach-yoga/
Kaitlyn McConnell’s workshop
February 9, 2011 by
It was a great pleasure to host Kaitlyn McConnell and her husband Skylar for a night in Te Anau and to enjoy the wonderful workshop she ran for over 20 people a few weeks back. Thanks Kaitlyn. It’s great to know that our message about inviting travelling yoga teachers to teach a class or workshop here in Southland is getting out there. We hope you spread the word to your fellow teachers and yogi’s at home in Seattle.
Here is what Kaitlyn had to say on her blog:
To everyone who made it to the Detox Workshop in Te Anau, thank you! It was a wonderful morning with a view of the mountains and crisp, clear air. Perfect for building some inner heat and working through some challenging poses and twists. It was such a joy to teach you all and I will savor our time of chatting after the class was over.
A special thanks to Kerri-Anne and Te Anau Yoga for putting this together, your warm and hospitality will always be remembered.
Peace and Light to you all,
Kaitlyn
visit her blog at http://www.yogakm.blogspot.com/
Yoga Detox Workshop with Kaitlyn McConnell
January 10, 2011 by
Kaitlyn McConnell
In celebration of a new year and the recommencement of classes here in Te Anau visiting American yoga teacher Kaitlyn McConnell will be leading a 2 hr yoga workshop on Saturday January 29th from 9-11 am. This class will focus on detoxification and re-energizing for the new year. A great way to get back into yoga if you have been taking a break from it over the holidays and possibly a bit of over indulgence too!
Cost is $18 for members and $20 for non-members. Bookings are not required but please e-mail me at teanauyoga@ihug.com if you intend to come so I can gauge interest and look at an alternative larger venue if we are likely to have + 10 as the community room will be too small. This session will replace my normal class as well so you will need to bring cash/ cheque or pay in advance to the Te Anau Yoga account. Venue is to be decided (pending interest).
Kaitlyn’s web site and teacher profiles can be viewed on line at: http://yogakm.blogspot.com
Registration is now open for a Fiordland April Intensive with Jason Magness and Chelsey Gribbon
November 27, 2010 by
Make sure you secure yourself a spot for this exciting yoga intensive of transformative yoga practices including flowing asana sequences, AcroYoga, and Slackline Yoga.
Where:Te Anau, Fiordland, N.Z.
Jason & Chelsey
When: April 1-3 and 4th (optional) 2011.
To register e-mail teanauyoga@gmail.com
Early-bird discounts apply prior to Feb 1st 2011:
Members early-bird 3 day workshop $200, after Feb 1st $260 (add $50 for 4th day)
Non-members early-bird 3 day work shop $240, after Feb 1st $300 (add $60 for 4th day)
Note: payment is inclusive of yoga instruction and does not cover accommodation or meals.
Cancellations prior to:
February 1st will be refunded the total amount less 10%.
February 2nd and March 15th (inclusive) will be refunded the total amount less 20%.
March 15th and 24th (inclusive) will be refunded the total amount less 50%.
March 25th and commencement of workshop: A 50% refund will only be given with the provision of medical certificate.
Venue: Turnbull Room, The Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas
www.teanauhotel.co.nz/Distinction-Te-Anau-Hotel-and-Villas
Accomodation and other activities: There are plenty of accommodation options in Te Anau and most places will be within easy walking distance of the venue. Cosy Kiwi Bed and Breakfast are offering discounted accommodation to people registering for this workshop. Visit http://cosykiwi.com/ for more information and just let them you you are attending. Go to the Destination Fiordland site for information on accommodation and other activities in Fiordland http://www.fiordland.org.nz/
Jason Magness
Jason Magness is an advanced Ashtanga practitioner, AcroYoga teacher, professional athlete, and founder of the YogaSlackers – Jason has been combining his passions for yoga and adventurous exploration for the last 15 years. He believes firmly in the importance of practicing yoga on the mat, and as far off the mat as possible. He has studied extensively with masters from around the world, but credits Gaia (the living earth) as his primary teacher. His inspirational exploits and teaching receives international attention, and he has been featured by ESPN, ABC, MS-NBC, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Outside Magazine, and many others.View YogaSlackers website and media links here.
Chelsey Gribbon
Chelsey Gribbon has been taking her practice off the mat since the day she was born. Her insatiable free spirit has led her to becoming somewhat of a modern day renaissance woman. Part professional racer, yogini, rock climber, acrobat, slackliner, and lover of all rivers, Chelsey blurs the lines between adventure and yoga by coaxing her students out of their comfort zone and into new realms of experience. As a member of the YogaSlackers, she teaches vinyasa, slackline yoga, and acro yoga that are inspired by her outdoor passions. She is a twice certified yoga instructor and a life long student of the mountains, rivers, oceans and elements of mother earth.
Check out this interview with Jason and Chelsey on the Yoga Lunchbox: Interview with Jason and Chelsey.
Full Programme: 3-day Intensive option
Friday, 5-8pm: Fundamentals of AcroYoga – Blending the elements of Vinyasa Yoga, Acrobatics & Thai massage, AcroYoga is a powerful tool for transformation. Learning to trust & be confident, exploring the need for strength & surrender, AcroYoga is a physical & emotional balancing act. The basic tools can be used by yogis, bodyworkers & athletes (amazing for climbers) to greatly enhance their sport or practice. No partner necessary, some basic yoga (or other body awareness practice such as rock climbing) is helpful.
Saturday, 9:30am – 12:30pm: Gravity as the Guru – The ancient yogis gleaned much of their practices from looking toward nature and then emulating it. We’ll return to this practice with an intense class that includes inversions, balancing, backbending, vinyasa, and lots of fun. We will work with partners as we advance the practice, and through mutual support and trust we’ll all end up taking a look over our personal edge – wherever it may be.
Saturday, 2pm-5pm: Redefining Balance – Take your practice (whether it be climbing, running, yoga or other) to an entirely new level. We will be reshaping your definition of balance by teaching basics of yoga on a slackline & on another person. Come see what it is like to play with your own & someone else’s energy in a refreshing, new way. We will begin with a vinysasa warm up, then move into Acroyoga and the basics of the slackasana series including standing, walking on the line, kneeling, sitting, arm balancing & even going upside down. This is a great way to improve your overall strength & balance for your asana practice on & off the mat!
Saturday, 6pm-8pm: Thai and Fly – The Nectar of the AcroYoga practice. Through theraputic leg love and flying massage, we’ll work to connect with the subtler energies of the body as we coax our spines, hips, ankles, wrists and shoulders into a passive place of peace. The lines of giving and receiving become blurred as we transition from flying to leg love and back again. The evening will begin and end with a blend of our voices in simple but powerful chanting.
Sunday, 9:30am – 12:30pm: The Yoga of Acrobatics – Confidence, concentration, trust & agility are all elements that support the embodiment of an acrobat & can help any person feel more empowered in their daily lives. By expanding the range of the physical body, we learn to trust ourselves & others, realizing our collective potential. As we remove self-imposed limits, we are walking on the path towards liberation. The elements shared in this class consist of: Tattsvadarzin asana sequence, partner balance, acrobatic flying, inversions & amp; spotting techniques. With these new tools students have a fresh perspective to enhance their practice & amp; their approach to others.
Sunday, 2-5pm: The Continuous Thread – The yogic principle of “live in the moment” doesn’t tell the whole story. As we close the weekend, we will work toward taking the experiences of the days before, and blending them with the possibilities of the future. Learning not to “live in the moment”, but to “live in all moments”. Life and Death are one thread – one line seen from opposite ends, and all experience lies between.
Extra day: Monday April 4th – Extension and Belief “Jedi Training” – This is the business. As we move beyond the fundamentals of any practice, the force of the individuals will comes more and more into play. This full day workshop will set the bar high, asking students to tap into “the force” (in yoga we call it prana). In order to expand what is possible in the physical practice, we must first learn to realise that possibility in our mind. We’ll work with this principle on the slackline, partner balance, acroyoga, handstands, advanced vinyasa, and long duration asana. Intended to be a serious extension of the weekend’s work, or for those with a strong personal practice. PreReqs: Attendance of the weekend, OR basic acroyoga experience, headstand, handstand at wall, no serious injuries.
Charity class for Red Cross Canterbury Earthquake Appeal
September 19, 2010 by
Our class on Saturday Septemebr 11th raised $262 for this appeal. Thanks to everyone who particpated.
