Yoga Festival Timetable

Laurie Ross has been a teacher of the sacred songs and circle ‘Dances of Universal Peace’ since 1993. This internationally recognised repertoire of dances provide people with a simple way to affirm universal spirituality in the community and throughout the world. This can be a meditative practice or a celebration of peace through the joyful connection of circle dancing in gratitude for all the blessings of this life and of the Earth.Dances of Univesal PeaceJoin our dances of the heart… Experience the joy of singing and dancing simple melodies and steps. Uplifting and joyful, meditative and deep, the Dances use sacred chants and simple movements from many spiritual traditions.

Caitlin is the founder and director of Prema Yoga, currently teaching classes, workshops & retreats. Caitlin attended her first Yoga class in Australia at the age of 19 and found the benefits astounding. She studied the path of Raja Yoga with Swami Durgananda of Samata Yoga, receiving initiation & her teachers training. She continued study with the Sufi Order International of Hazrat Inayat Khan and at Wellpark College of Natural Therapies, gaining Dip.Yoga. She has a deep love of all aspects of Yoga and life, continuing to study with great teachers and schools of Yoga. She presents these very deep and amazing teachings in a simple and practical manner. Prema Yoga, Prema meaning love and Yoga meaning union invites all to experience the Unity of Love. In her presence you will sweat, glow and bliss out! www.premayoga.co.nz Caitlin will present Prema Yoga a dynamic flowing class of asana, pranayama, relaxation and meditation. Caitlin invite you to Yoga Chant! A class full of love and devotion for all to enjoy, this will consist of gentle asana, pranayama, relaxation, meditation and chanting. Open your heart to the Oneness.

John Ogilvie, founder and director of Byron Yoga Centre, has been teaching yoga for over twenty-five years and developed the Byron Yoga Centre teacher training courses. He encourages a light heartedness in our approach to yoga and to ourselves. John teaches regular classes as part of the Byron Yoga Centre’s studio weekly timetable. His classes are both challenging and dynamic, and integrate the different yoga styles of Iyengar and Ashtanga, as well as the softer Sivananda and Satyananda practices of yoga and the energy principles of Aikido.

Jennifer Allen is a Yoga Alliance RYT 500 senior instructor. Her journey began in New York City, where she was a professional dancer and dance teacher. After suffering a severe spinal injury while dancing, Jennifer began teaching classical Pilates method, after using Pilates for her own personal rehabilitation. It was through her Pilates teaching that she began to develop a love for yoga, and spent the remainder of her time in New York devoting herself to the practice and teaching of yoga. She then relocated to Auckland, her husband’s home, to soak up some New Zealand culture.

She completed her Level 2 500- hour Yoga Alliance Senior Purna Yoga Certification, as well as her Pre/Post Natal Yoga Certification at Byron Yoga Center. Jennifer did yoga through her pregnancy and the birth of her first child.  Jennifer currently teaches a variety of yoga and pilates classes throughout Auckland. She is an ambassador for Lululemon Britomart in Auckland.

As a graduate of the Byron Yoga Center, Jennifer will offer some insight into her Purna Yoga journey with John Ogilvie and Byron Yoga. The word Purna in sanskrit means integrated or complete. Purna Yoga encompasses not only the physical postures but also yogic philosophy, meditation, pranayama and the integration of the 8 limbed path of yoga. The key focus of the postures is proper alignment, and the sequencing can range from gentle restorative to dynamic vinyasa. Jennifer will introduce practices of Asana, Pranayama, and Meditation in the session.  She will leave time for a brief discussion and Q and A period at the end.

Swami Muktidharma is an inspiring speaker and teacher who has dedicated his life to yoga. He shares a deeply experiential and practical understanding of yoga, having begun his spiritual journey as a young man in his native Colombia, before spending 16 years in India living directly withYoga Master Paramahamsa Satyananda Saraswati. He lectures throughout the world and imparts more than 40 years of yoga practice. His main purpose is to inspire and uplift humanity.

Satyananda Yoga combines classical hatha, raja, karma, bhakti, jnana, mantra, kriya, kundalini and other branches of yoga based on the ancient philosophies of Samkhya, Vedanta and Sannyasa.

The yoga he teaches is a practical, scientific and balanced approach to the modern human being. Swami Muktidharma uses ancient yogic techniques, which foster an expansion of awareness and life improvement.

Throughout Annie’s career she has worked with natural therapies. With a background in the Health & Fitness Industry – yoga provided the meditation practice.  Annie has studied massage, reiki, herbal medicine and explored tarot, runes and crystal healing. She has teacher accreditation in Flow Yoga and has studied Yin Yoga which involves long, slow and deep stretches to target the hips and spine. She has trained in Vinyasa and Power Yoga, as well as Viniyoga where the focus is the adaptation of poses for individual needs. This background allows Annie to blend yoga styles depending on the group focus.

Sandra Daubney has a background in psychology (BA), metaphysics, human potential modalities and energy healing. A Reiki Master-Teacher(1990) and EFT Coach Sandra has been presenting workshops internationally for the past 2 decades. Her work has involved many areas including energy healing research in hospitals, with HIV and cancer patients and with indigenous cultures.Her love of Humanity, Life and Nature are evident in her workshops which are always informative, empowering and fun.

Graduate from Wellpark College with a Diploma of Yoga and a Diploma of Yoga Therapy.

Trained with Drs Pooja and Shridar Maddella

Use asana to support and develop strength, stability and flexibility

Use the breath to initiate movement and maintain presence.

As a student of Wellpark College of Natural Therapies, Jenny studied traditional yoga teachings dating back more than 5000 years. She graduated with a Diploma of Yoga and a Diploma of Yoga Therapy.  She recently completed a yoga therapy internship in India at S-Vyasa, Bangalore and Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, and is now teaching full-time at various studios around Auckland.

She teaches from a traditional eastern approach adding western adaptations.  Students practice asana (postures) in a flow of movement to support and develop strength, stability and flexibility. Students are guided to focus awareness on the body, breath and mind, using the breath to initiate movement and maintain presence.  Classes are suitable for beginners and more advanced students as modifications are given during the practice so that students can choose their own level of practice.

Sasha and Natarani

Brought up in West Auckland, the pair have a strong affinity with the area, and were proud to be appointed Waitakere City Musical Ambassadors in 2001 by Mayor Bob Harvey. Since then they have been engaged by the Waitakere City Council for functions, events and library openings.

Natarani plays in the Waitakere City Orchestra (next performance 9 April at Glen Eden Playhouse), and Heartstrings gave their most recent of many performances in the area in the Lopdell House Concert Series on 27 March 2005. The pair were very well-received at their performance with the Auckland Philharmonia on 13 March at the new Villa Maria vineyard in 2005.

Sasha and Natarani also have a strong sense of heritage, and carrying on a musical tradition that has been handed down to them. “My most influential teacher was Emile Bibobie, who lived in Huia for many years,” says Sasha. “He was from Belgium, but was taught in England by the father of the famous guitarist John Williams. Emile’s portrait hangs in my studio. He died peacefully in 1994, and I sat with him for three hours just before he passed away, and played him every song he had taught me.”

Natarani was hugely inspired by the Russian cello school of Alexander Ivashkin, an outstanding international cellist and exponent aof Russian music.

Sasha graduated from University of Auckland, and Natarani got her Masters degree at Canterbury University, studying under acclaimed cellist, Alexander Ivashkin. Both then traveled and studied overseas, before meeting up in Titirangi, and marrying in 2002 on the beach at Huia.

“We are very fortunate to be able to make a living from music. Music is our life. Not the sex, drugs and rock’n’roll version, though. For us its love, healthy living, caring for the environment, and spreading the gift of music. We often bring all of these together when we play to help causes such as the anti-GE and peace movements,” says Sasha.

Natarani and Sasha are a husband and wife team who have become an accomplished professional musical duo called ‘Heartstrings’ over the last six years. They performed their first concert together at the Pumphouse, Takapuna in 1999 went on to establish the Heartstrings classical duo in 2001 and were married a year later.

Heartstrings perform for weddings, concerts, funerals, festivals and corporate functions. They also teach music in schools and personal tuition from their music studio in West Auckland.

Natarani and Sasha were appointed Waitakere ‘Cultural Ambassadors of Music’ by the Mayor Bob Harvey to recognise their dedicated contribution to enriching the cultural life of the people in Waitakere City.

Natarani holds a Master of Music Degree in cello and a Postgraduate Certificate from Trinity College London. She is a certified Suzuki teacher and has played in a wide range of musical groups and orchestras including Waitakere Orchestra.

Sasha completed his Diploma of Music at Auckland University and has studied with classical guitar masters in Venezuela and Canada. He has been performing as a solo artist for ten years. Sasha has also produced a C.D. of his original songs.

‘Heartstrings’ perform for weddings, concerts and corporate functions. They teach music in schools as well as personal tuition at their music studio in Titirangi.

Sika’s highly amusing stories help carry us into the world of vision and power. For this reason, Sika is passionate about sharing his music with children, to inspire them with a vision of hope for now and the future.

Sika’s highly amusing stories help carry us into the world of vision and power. For this reason, Sika is passionate about sharing his music with children, to inspire them with a vision of hope for now and the future.

Michael Botur - poetry - Michael has been published in Landfall, Poetry New Zealand, JAAM, Takahe, Bravado, Catalyst, Prima Storia, Weaponizer, Deep South and other intellectual publications. While his favourite is fiction, he will be performing poetry at the Yoga Festival.

Rosetta Allan (poetry)

Robert Edwards (poetry)

Jeremy Roberts (poetry)

Callum Gentlemen – poetry – Callum Gentleman plays with words, plays with his voice, plays gigs, promotes gigs, goes to gigs, loves gigs.

Siri and Hannah - The White Wall ensemble –  reflecting on the environment – creating kinetic sculptures, naturally incorporating the vibrant yogic atmosphere.

Rani Hassan – (Bengali music and song)

Sarah Premratna Spence – spiritual music and chanting - Premratna shares sacred songs and chants in the medium of voice and guitar/harmonium. Songs are in the style of ‘inspirational folk’, with sanskrit melted into some to uplift on a different level. With a pure soaring soprano voice, this music is another good reason to pause in the midst of busy life.

Emma Skellern – (music and singing)

Ron and Saray Riddell (poetry and music – English and Spanish)

Michelle Dicinoski – poetry – Michelle’s poetry and creative non-fiction have appeared in journals, newspapers and anthologies including The Best Australian Poems, The Australian Literary Review, andMeanjin. Michelle has a PhD in creative writing and was awarded an Australia Council grant to fund a new work of creative non-fiction. She will be reading from Electricity for Beginners.

Gus Simonovic - poetry - Gus is suspected to be in Auckland, writing and performing his poetry in broken but delightful English. He is a driving force behind the “Printable Reality” project, which is committed to raising the profile of performance poetry and supporting spoken word artists.

Jerry Beale (poetry)

Siri and Hannah - The White Wall ensemble –  reflecting on the environment – creating kinetic sculptures, naturally incorporating the vibrant yogic atmosphere.

Children’s Yoga

Children’s Yoga combines yoga postures and meditation to transform the body, mind and spirit of young ones for a lifetime of good health, radiance and happiness!

Stories and music accompany fun and educational “journeys” to exotic lands. The children use their imaginations and Animal Yoga postures to learn new vocabulary, develop motor and movement skills, and to understand balance and relaxation through meditation and breath. Partner poses and group meditations give children the experience of teamwork and trust with others.

Classes follow a flexible structure based on the age, interest, and ability of the child. It is a safe and fun environment for children ages 3-12 years of age to expand, explore and express their unique physical, emotional, mental and spiritual gifts.

Erin has been devoted to practicing yoga for nearly a decade. After enjoying a range of different types of yoga, Erin found her true passion and love in Kundalini Yoga. Erin is a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher (IKYTA), Khalsa Way Prenatal Yoga teacher, Mummy and Me Yoga teacher, and Kid’s Yoga teacher. She completed her training at ‘Golden Bridge Yoga’ in Los Angeles.

Erin also holds a Bachelor of Science in Physiology from Auckland University; is currently completing her final year as a Naturopathic Doctor; and competed a few years on the International professional triathlon circuit.

Erin enjoys helping others improve their lives and well being by assisting them in all aspects – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Bringing humor, warmth and compassion to her classes, Erin challenges students by combining asana, mantra, pranayama, and meditation of Kundalini Yoga. Her goal is to guide people to a place of inner strength, joy and bliss!

Pranayama and Meditation

Learning to breathe properly and making friends with our mind

In this workshop John presents the principles of Pranayama as well as a safe practical practice to take home as well as a meditation practice. There will also be an introduction into yogic philosophy.

Asana Class for Beginners

A joyful approach to integrating all eight Limbs of Yoga

This workshop combines level 1 and 2 asanas into the dynamic Purna yoga sequence. John has done substantial research on the chakras and their connection to our endocrine system. The sequence balances the chakras, addressing hormonal imbalances, and leaving you feeling energised and joyful! John will keep you safe in the postures while encouraging you to listen to your own body’s needs and work at a level appropriate to you, from beginner to advanced.

Being a Yoga Teacher

Introduction to the principles of Yoga Teacher Training

In this workshop John introduces some of the concepts of training to be a yoga teacher.
Participants will focus on several aspects of training, such as correct sequencing, alignment and posture, adjustments and corrections, discussion on the use of yoga props, yoga therapy, and the practice of Pranayama, meditation and yogic philosophy. A yoga teacher training course offers the unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the aspects of yoga not usually available in individual workshops or classes, even for one who has no intention of becoming a yoga teacher.

Workshop 1 What is Nia?

An introduction to some of the Principles of Nia, a lifestyle practice which enables you to have a deeper connection to and awareness of your body.  A full Nia class is included.  No previous movement, athletic or dance experience necessary.

Workshop 2    Nia and the Nine Movement Forms

Feel the essence of the nine different movement forms which make up the core of Nia.  Experiment with 3 Dance Arts: Jazz, Duncan and Modern,  3 Martial Arts: Tai Chi, Tae Kwon Do and Aikido, and 3 Healing Arts: Yoga, the work of Moshe Feldenkrais and the Alexander Technique.  A full Nia class is included.  No previous movement, athletic or dance experience necessary.

“I continue to be astounded by our body’s ability to self-heal with just five minutes of this daly practice.  I will do it forever.”  -Debbie Rosas

Workshop 3    Freedance the Nia Way

Do you find yourself always moving the same ways  when you dance?  Find the freedom within to really dance freely.  Move out of tendencies and movement patterns and into new and exciting ways of moving your physical body.  A full Nia class is included.  No previous movement, athletic or dance experience necessary.

“I continue to be astounded by our body’s ability to self-heal with just five minutes of this daly practice.  I will do it forever.”  -Debbie Rosas

Fire Ceremony

Ancient Vedic fire ceremonies utilize the elements, offerings and sacred mantras in a ritual setting, thus combining earth, fire, water, air and ether to invoke and connect with nature and the cosmic energies. The Havan will be led by Swami Muktidharma (NZ Acharya)
Cultivate a relationship with the subtle aspects of your being and experience a yoga practice for harmonizing, purification and healing.

A True Love Story

What: Lovers Walk – a Poetic Journey in Eight Scenes

Where : Whare Kahikatea, Kawai Purapura, 14 Mills Ln, Albany, Auckland

When : 28th April, 10pm – part of Kawai Purapura International Yoga Conference and Festival

Who: Siri Embla and Gus Simonovic

April 2010, wandering around Kawai Purapura Retreat Centre with his camera, photographer and a poet Gus Simonovic met a dancer/actress Siri Embla and their personal and creative lives took a sharp turn.

From the start of their romantic endeavour, Gus and Siri have creatively mixed their on-stage and off-stage relationship by producing and performing intimate, miniature performance pieces. They called them “Walks”.

Gus’s poem would trigger choreography for a impromptu dance; or Siri’s dance would initiate words and sounds.  That led to an artistic experimentation and exploration of human relationships and especially – the most mysterious and beautiful one – LOVE.

Their “Lovers Walk” started here in Kawai Purapura, and in 2011 the resulting show – a fusion of music, poetry, video, theatre and dance – has taken them to perform at the world’s largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  Says Siri:  “Lovers Walk will brighten colours in your own love-kaleidoscope while telling you a story that you know as if was your own.”

Gus and Siri teamed up with top local and international musicians and visual artists involved with Printable Reality – an organisation committed to poetry and the spoken word – and went on creating what would become their contemporary multimedia performance – “Lovers Walk – a Poetic Journey in Eight Scenes”.

They amalgamated the range of feelings associated with the “L” word into a visually and meaningfully moving stage journey, starting from their own amorous interactions and looking closer into the universal experiences of pleasure, longing, attachment, seduction, loss, expectation, marriage, break-ups, belonging, romance, sex, togetherness, loneliness.

“Aroha, acquaintance, romance, affection, devotion, liaison – the show is about love in all its forms,” says Gus.

Now, 2 years after their serendipitous meeting, having toured in Europe, and fresh from the New Zeland Fringe Festival in Wellington – they are back walking through Albany bush again. As a part of Kawai Purapura International Yoga Conference and Festival they share the journey for one night only at Whare Kahikatea on 28th April.

Lovers Walk:  a short (yet infinite) odyssey, lived, written, created and choreographed by dancer Siri Embla and poet Gus Simonovic, with video material by visual artist Peter Brierley-Millman and music by Jo Blankenburg (piano), Dubtext’s Gareth Priceless (guitar, electronica) and Kotaro Nishishita (classical guitar).

For more info contact:  gus@printablereality.com

www.printablereality.com

www.loverswalkshow.wordpress.com

soundtrack: printablereality.bandcamp.com

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Elandra Kirsten Meredith was an acclaimed film actress in London when she began studying yoga with Antion, the director of the first 3HO Kundalini Yoga Centre and Ashram in London. Encouraged by his example she abandoned her career in the entertainment field and committed herself to full time disciplined practice of group consciousness sadhana, study and practice for what was to be 17 years.

After an extraordinary miracle instant healing on her broken ankle (proven by X-rays) she was inspired to train in 33 healing modalities, created her own healing modality and program and was invited to travel the world teaching how miracle healing is possible. Her vast experience in the field includes over 40 years Yoga teaching as well as 25 years international professional experience in five healing Centres.

Antion, born in London, is a ‘60s rock star, sound healer, multicultural musician, world-class guitarist, singer, recording artist, Hawaiian chanter, master of sacred Sikh Kirtan, and international teacher of Naad Yoga, sacred voice and Vocal Empowerment. At the age of 16 he was a professional musician playing guitar with such totemic figures as Dusty Springfield and Rod Stewart; later he became lead guitarist with Eric Burdon and the Animals. In 1970 he began the study of Kundalini Yoga and Naad Yoga, the Yoga of Sacred Sound.  After mastering the ragas of Sikh Sacred Music (Gurbani Kirtan) in 1979 he became the first Westerner to be invited to sing in the Golden Temple, Amritsar, and the most sacred shrine of the Sikhs. In 1993 he and Elandra were called to Hawaii to live close to the ‘aina, the sacred land where they studied Hawaiian Chant and Healing.

“You both radiate so much love, joy & light – which is why so many people are drawn to be in your presence – the unspoken energy exchange is enough without the wonderful teachings you are sharing with us here in Aotearoa”.

Antion & Elandra Meredith have been married and teaching together internationally for four decades. They were directors of the San Diego California Kundalini Yoga Centre and Ashram from 1977 to 1991. After 21 years in California they transitioned to Hawaii for 16 years of immersion in healing shamanism incorporating ancient wisdom and the power of Aloha into their music and teachings. They are now based on the Hibiscus Coast, New Zealand.

Laurie Ross is an accomplished performer and teacher of the internationally recognized songs and Dances of Universal Peace (over 400 to choose from). She has been a creative spiritual dancer for over 25 years and co-ordinator of the West Auckland Peace Group in 1982-1985.  From 1989-1993 she was co-ordinator of the Environmental and Peace Centre in Auckland. She has always been drawn to the idea of ‘Peace through the  Arts.’

Arvinderfee will be teaching how organic yoga can be when it is moved into dance. During this hour we will be exploring a sequence of poses that connect us to our inner energy. Creating repeating patterns of movement we will explore dance moves, celebrating our strengths and finishing with a nurturing relaxation and meditation.

The spiritual name given to Fiona Blankley (Fee) in 2008 through Kundalini Yoga is Arvinder, which means ‘the lotus flower and represents a flower that has its roots deep in the mud but blosoms in the most beautiful way’ it is through teaching yoga, meditation and dance that Arvinderfee continues to fulfil this purpose.

Emigrated to New Zealand Arvinderfee is a practiced yogi of many years, trained in Kundalini Yoga with Har Hari Kaur through the Amrit Nam Sarovar School accreditation through (IKYTA) International Kundalini Yoga Teachers Association and Shakti Dance teacher training undertaken in Italy by the founder Sara Avtar Olivier.

Her passion for movement and yoga has brought about a union that she loves to share. She is the first teacher to bring Shakti Dance to the Southern Hemisphere.

Cindy has been teaching Naam Yoga Therapies, Perfect Balance classes and workshops as well as practicing Harmonium and Reflexology in New York City, where she has been living since 1998. She returned to New Zealand in 2011 to share these wonderful practices in the South Pacific. Among the many modalities she draws from are Naam Yoga Therapies Levels I, II and III, Naam Yoga Pre-Natal, Kundalini Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Klein Technique, Reflexology, the Harmonyum Healing System, Universal Kabbalah & Contemporary Dance.  Cindy is committed to helping students create a space for spirit, allowing the inner and higher voice to be heard and honored so that life may flow with ease and grace.

Nilamani has spent over 12 years studying and teaching yoga disciplines including Hatha Yoga and is a certified Naam Yoga teacher. She is dedicated to the sharing of this yoga and the wisdom of its founder Dr. Joseph Michael Levry (also known by his spiritual name Gurunam). Gurunam touched Nilamani’s heart when they met in London 16 years ago and his unwavering love, divine wisdom and support to all remains the foundation of her practice, which has brought joy, love, light and wellness into her life. She is devoted to sharing this practice with anyone seeking to walk the path of abundant health, personal wellbeing and who wish to uplift their contribution to the wellbeing of others.

Naam Yoga is a new mind body fitness practice that is changing lives.

Naam Yoga works with the power of the word. It is a complete science and yogic practice that works with sound, movement and breath to restore the flow of vital energy throughout the entire body. It is an invaluable self-healing technology that balances the brain, the glandular, digestive and nervous systems. Allowing people to experience vibrant health and well being. Naam Yoga soothes your mind, body and soul – it is an unprecedented fusion of the practice of yoga with the wisdom and light of Universal Kabbalah, harmonizing one with the universe and the wisdom of this age. It helps you realize your full potential and reach your aspirations in life.

EFT and Yoga

EFT often called energy psychology is a technique which involves tapping on specific acupressure points to release negative emotions. EFT and Yoga combined can facilitate quick emotional shifts.
As we become more aware of our body through yoga, hidden stored emotions may come to the surface. EFT can then be used, right on the yoga mat, to release those emotions, restoring energetic balance.
During this short workshop you will learn the basic technique of EFT and the ways to combine them with yoga.

Schirin Diba is a Mystical Dancer. Since she was a little girl, she found not only creative expression in dance, it evolved into a deeply satisfying spiritual practice. She has studied various traditional and ethnic dance forms- mainly Ballet and Belly Dance- as well as Yoga, Tantric and Shamanic practices.Schirin finds joy and purpose in sharing the beauty and benefits of dance with her global community.

Narayan lives the life of a true Troubadour. His passion for music has inspired him to travel through India, Central Asia and the Middle East for almost two decades now. His musical interests span from traditional, cultural to devotional expressions such as Sufi music and poetry. Narayan has a deep connection with string instruments such as the Oud and Jira. He stays true to the authenticity of the songs by singing in their original languages such as Persian, Turkish, Hebrew and Hindi. Narayan regularly performs solo and in collaboration with other musicians.

Sufi Music and Dance performance with Schirin and Narayan

Mystical Belly Dance workshop with Schirin Diba

Join us for an experience of creative expression, awakened senses and activated Kundalini. Dance is a tantric art form, ready to be unleashed. Together, we explore sacred shapes as well as the subtle energies arising with the dance. Beautiful music and fun are guaranteed!

Shakti

Shakti are a vibrant and talented group of female musicians who sing sacred mantras of the Divine Mother from all spiritual traditions and earth cultures. Their music connects the listener deeply with feminine qualities inherent within themselves (regardless of gender) and is both uplifting and joyous.

Sambodhi Prem & Sandipa

A soft contemplative concert – a quiet space of presence for people to reflect.
The music of Sambodhi Prem & Sandipa transports you to deeper parts of yourself through the beauty of music.
Music can deepen the experience of yoga for those on the path of asana. In our experience music can support an opening of the energy pathways and a deepening of the understanding of the inner aspect of yoga, one’s subjectivity.

What people say:

‘Sambodhi and Sandipa are a wonderful couple who play stunning soul music from the heart.
For me they sound like a sacred version of Simon and Garfunkel. If you haven’t heard them play before be prepared to go on a journey. You’ll experience a free flowing sound meditation that will leave you feeling deeply energised ready to fly.’

To hear their music go to their website:

sacredconcerts.com

Robyn Sutherland

Robyn has been working in the music industry in New Zealand since 1980 & has played solo & with well known performers like Rick Bryant, Karen Hunter, the Paua Fritters & Midge Marsden as both bassist & singer.
She has been a bass player and singer on the covers band circuit in her home town of Dunedin for over 15 years playing in rock/pop groups and in duos. Bump and Grind featuring Mark Blandford and Matt Hall and Alien Antics also featuring Matt Hall, were the last bands in Dunedin Robyn played with before moving to Auckland. Mark Blandford and Matt Hall now play with The Elevators in Christchurch where they have a residency 6 nights a week at Mickey Finn’s Irish Pub in Hereford St. If you are in Christchurch and appreciate well played rock music with good harmonies and scorching guitar you should check them out!
She has played at corporate functions, weddings & funerals, on TV, national tours – performed at pubs, clubs, theme dinners, restaurants & garden parties. She’s also played festivals like Sweetwaters, Mountain Rock & WOMAD & at various food & wine festivals.

Based in New Zealand, Sol is an internationally recognized teacher and presen-ter of body-mind education, Structural Integration and Tai Ji who combines a body-mindful, individualized approach to working with yoga and other arts of movement awareness. Sol began his embodiment practice with yoga in 1971 and has been teaching tai ji, a moving yoga for over 30 years. Sol is a co-founder of Mana Retreat in NZ, a Structural Integration trainer, Movement Coach, Psychotherapist and an eternal student of the dynamic body. Over the last 35 years Sol has developed his unique perspectives and approach to posture, body conditioning, rehabilitation and powerful movement. He leads yoga and tai ji retreats in Europe and New Zealand with Carrie Tuke from UK.

A workshop introducing psycho-therapeutic skills for yoga teachers, & anyone interested in their own embodiment.

The body is our tool for greater awareness and understanding. It contains all the wisdom we need in our development as full human beings. This wisdom is often hidden in the “unconscious” and not available to our “ordinary” state of mind.

Mindfulness, a heightened state of awareness where one observes responses that are most often automatic, is used to develop further awareness and insight. This approach explores the interface of the meditative attitude, therapy and yoga.

The content of this workshop is largely inspired by the work of Ron Kurtz and the Hakomi method and augmented by Sol’s 25 years of experience in somatic therapies. This class will introduce principles and basic techniques that anyone who works with the body will find invaluable.

Sol Petersen has a Bachelor of Education in Physical Education and Psychology. He is a graduate of the Hakomi Experiential Psychology Training and practices Body Psychotherapy, Structural Integration, Watsu and Craniosacral therapy. One of Sol’s greatest passions is the development of a truly integrative body therapy. He lives in Coromandel, New Zealand and teaches internationally.

Lama Mark’s (L. Karma Tenpa Lekshe Yongdu) style of teaching is non-sectarian and universalist in nature, displaying for beings the wondrous unity, uniqueness and intrinsic freedom of all life. His teaching is classically founded, but well integrated with science, art and nature. Mr. Webber’s work with people demonstrates a profound commitment to freeing beings from innumerable suffering states, whether through meditation, study, art, travel or science.
He has been studying and teaching Buddha Dharma (the Teachings of Liberation) and meditation for thirty-five years. He was born in 1956 in Toronto and he started practicing meditation at the age of 16. His root teacher was the late Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche, a Canadian, who was a great meditation master and superb Dharma teacher

Like many, Vandana’s world was caught up in the rat-race. With 20 years in high pressured jobs in the Finance, Sales and IT industries throughout England and New Zealand she was running. Juggling more and more into each day developing High blood Pressure and autoimmune conditions …… leading to a near burn out.
It was her therapeutic application of Yoga as Therapy which supported her. The 13 years of experience and teachings from the great saints of India (Swami Ramdev and Swami Sivananda ) were her key ingredients.
To many, yoga is an exercise routine to provide strength and flexibility, yet the true essence of yoga is far beyond that. Being a Master of Yoga from the Sivananda Yoga Academy, Vandana unlocks how this ancient wisdom holds a vital key to restoring balance to our modern lives, through group workshops, presentations and one on one consultations.

Nora, who is originally from Spain, has been living in New Zealand since 2008 where she found her second home.
She studied a Diploma of Yoga Teaching at Wellpark College of Natural Therapies. There, she learnt and practiced classical Yoga and found her passion in life.
She has now gone on to focus on her Diploma of Yoga Therapy.
Nora has been teaching Yoga regularly over the last year for the Ministry of Education in Mt. Albert, also at Mt Eden Village Centre and privately in Grey Lynn.
She is passionate about what she does and takes a classical approach where asanas, pranayama, meditation and relaxation are the core of her classes.
Her background is in massage, energy balancing work and personal training, so she has vast experience in understanding and responding to individual needs. Prior to this, she worked in public relations and 3D animation, so she also understands how the body responds to stressful environments and looks to release that through Yoga.
Because of all this, Nora brings a non-competitive style to each class, where the most important thing is for her students to be content in their own bodies and minds.
Following the example of teachers that she admires, in each class she does her best to help the students to discover their own way of practicing Yoga.
She is grateful for the opportunities to help others and she hopes her classes bring as much happiness and prosperity to her students as they bring her.

Studied for two years full time at Wellpark in Yoga and Yoga Therapy.
She is currently working from her home based Yoga Studio in Grey Lynn where she runs
Yoga Classes for beginners and the more experienced. She also provides
Yoga Therapy for people with challenging health issues.

Richard has been studying yoga full-time since 2010 after completing a Bachelors Degree in Psychology. He is a certified yoga teacher, and is currently studying towards a Diploma in Yoga Therapy and the Yoga Alliance 500 hour certification.
He has enjoyed teaching classes to a diverse range of people including mental health and green prescription patients, community yoga classes and one on one sessions.
With a passion for integrating all aspects of the yoga toolkit into a class, Richard’s students will often find themselves doing asana, pranayama, kriyas, chanting, mantra, meditation and other traditional yoga techniques.