Once upon a Western world, yoga was considered a practice set aside for hippies or those immersed in the ‘New Age Movement’.

However, as caring for oneself is now recognised as an essential part of a healthy and happy life, the popularity of yoga has risen considerably in the last five years.

People’s attitudes have changed substantially. It is now a common sight to see men and women saunter around town with a tightly rolled yoga mat tucked under their arm. Many children also practice yoga and meditation in school.

Studies have shown that a combination of yoga and guided relaxation improves students’ emotional wellbeing and aids concentration and memory.  

Radha Iveta, yoga and meditation instructor from Heart Awaking, and organiser of last years ‘Free Yoga Day’, was inspired by the response from the community.

She says “This truly was a community event. It was beautiful. We had over 15 yoga teachers give their time for the whole day, so beginners had the opportunity to participate in the many different forms of yoga. The studios were bursting with people! It was so encouraging”.

Yoga has existed for thousands of years. The earliest evidence of yoga was found in the Indus Valley where stone sculptures depicting people in yoga postures and sitting in meditation were found. These date back to 3000 BC. The Indus Valley Civilisation were an advanced civilisation located in what is Pakistan and northwest India today.

Traditionally yoga is a multidimensional practice. Through physical postures people attain a meditative state where they harmonise heart, mind and spirit. This aids their journey to enlightenment.

But yoga has evolved over time to suit our needs.  As our lives became more sedentary the need for physical activity grew. Many forms of yoga that focused primarily on physical practice flourished. But with stress, anxiety and depression all on the rise, finding a form of yoga that blends both physical practice and meditation could tick many self-care boxes.

Radha says, “Yoga brings balance. It is a very powerful practice that is able to transform. For those that need calming – it will calm, for those in a passive state – it will energise. It brings you back to ‘ground zero’.”

Radha has always loved yoga. She recalls practising yoga as a child.

“I would hold many yoga postures and never really knew I was practicing yoga! It took me some time to find a practice that really clicked but I found it in Mexico. That’s where I got truly hooked! I studied yoga in a school there and was completely immersed for four years”.

There are many forms of yoga. Radha practises Hatha Yoga.

“Meditation is at the core of my practise. We meditate in each posture. We hold each posture for a little longer. This allows the body to relax into the pose. This is when we experience the full benefits” she says.

The benefits of yoga are well documented. Among many it increases muscle strength, flexibility and tone. It Improves metabolic function and aids weight loss. Yoga helps develop heathy posture and promotes good self-esteem. Through regular practice people say they are able to manage their stress better and consequently sleep more peaceful and for a longer duration.   

Radha comments, “Hatha yoga is time tested! It has been around for a very long time. Each posture works on a different part of the nervous system. We transition gradually from one posture to the next. Over time we really experience our bodies. We access deeper levels. This gives us a great opportunity for healing. Yoga helps us be ‘better’ people. It changes our attitudes. Often the physical benefits are a by-product of the practice”.  

Originally from Bulgaria, Radha came to New Zealand for a holiday. While she was here, she met and fell in love with a Kiwi man. Lucky for us she is now resides in Hawkes Bay.

Radha says, “One of the first places my partner took me to was Te Mata Peak. I was instantly taken by it. But it was the Redwoods that stole my affections. I thought it was the perfect setting to hold yoga and meditation sessions in”.

From this initial feeling Radha created a FaceBook page inviting any member of the community to join her in the Redwoods for a fortnightly – monthly session of yoga. She asks only for Koha.

“I want to give back to the community. This feels right to me. I love nature and believe nature reminds us of our own selves. Spending time in nature is always nourishing and therapeutic as it simply has the ability to bring us back to a natural and quiet place of being” she says.

Radha advises people to think about what they want to get out of a yoga class before they select one. There are many forms of yoga out there and it may take time to find one that suits your individual needs.

We are fortunate in Hawkes Bay to have many well respected and knowledgeable yoga instructors. Take some time and explore what we have on offer. If something doesn’t feel right, ask questions. Yoga is available to all - regardless of physical ability.

If you are looking for an all encompassing self-care option, yoga might just be the answer.  

* The next Yoga and Meditation Walk held at the Redwoods, Te Mata Park, is on the March 10. All koha will be donated to the crowd funding campaign “One Giant Chance”. For more information check out Heart Awakening on Facebook. 

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• Lifestyle