YOUR TEACHER   -   Cheryl Farthing

I was inspired to train as a yoga teacher after experiencing the profound effect it had on my health. It supported me through two "mature" pregnancies and continues to help me balance life with two teenagers and stay healthy with a rare auto-immune condition.

The precision and versatility of Iyengar yoga drew me towards its more detailed approach. I am a fully certified teacher, (intermediate level 2) but still consider myself a perpetual learner, and regularly attend workshops with senior teachers from around the world. I have done 3 intensives with Geeta Iyengar, the last one in India. My passion and joy for the inward journey of yoga is what motivated me to teach, and keep trying to find clarity of mind and equilibrium. 

I am also a practitioner of Yoga For The Special Child, having trained with its founder internationally renowned teacher, Sonia Sumar. I enjoy working with people with disabilities on a one to one basis and teach an adapted yoga class in AUT's Integrated Health clinic with the support of the physiotherapy department.  I live well with chronic health conditions and know I have greatly benefited from Restorative Yoga and meditation  I enjoy teaching and sharing the magic of this incredible practice.

My meditation practice and teaching draws on Buddhism, and mindfulness techniques and is profoundly influenced by the work of Dr. Richard Miller founder of the Integrative Restoration Institute. I am an certified iRest level 2 teacher. https://www.irest.us.  Also, a Momentum trained life coach (International Coach Federation aligned). 

ABOUT YOGA

What is Yoga?

Yoga was developed in India over 3000 years ago. It is a profound philosophical system that includes asana (exercises), pranayama, (controlled conscious breathing)  along with guidelines to all aspects of life to help you become more aware and able to deal with life more peacefully.

What is Iyengar Yoga?

This is a method of Hatha yoga named after its founder, world acclaimed yoga master BKS Iyengar. Developed over a period of 75+ years of intense research and practice, it combines classical yoga traditions with innovative refinements. His approach is marked by dynamism and precision. The method builds strength and stamina while cultivating graceful peace and wellbeing. Mr. Iyengar died aged 95 in 2014 but his son and daughters, and now grand daughter keep the family tradition alive and continue  to teach and inspire people worldwide.

Key aspects of Iyengar yoga

• The method of teaching is a systematic approach to learning that develops and builds the student's knowledge from class to class.
• It places emphasis on good physical alignment in the poses to improve posture and breathing.
• The using of equipment such as blankets, straps and chairs can help to make the classical yoga poses accessible to even the least flexible of people.
• Unlike some other styles of yoga, each class is different from week to week. The order that the poses are done varies according to the mood or effect you wish to achieve.
  
• Iyengar teachers are required to be apprenticed for three years and undergo rigorous training which is continuously monitored.
  

For more information see NZ Iyengar Association | BKS Iyengar Yoga

"Regular practice of yoga can help you face the turmoil of life with steadiness and stability "   ( Yogacharya BKS Iyengar )