Maria (RYT-500)
BioMaria first came to yoga in 2008 after anxiety and physical pain had left her at a bit of a loss. Her body was physically very tight and she had sustained injuries from years of high impact gym and outdoor exercise. Feeling emotionally challenged at that time, she thought that a little yoga might be good for her. Little did she realise that after that first class, her life would be forever changed. Maria became a member of Hot Yoga Wellington in 2009, did the Teacher Training in 2010, and bought the studio on Wakefield Street in 2012 (back when there was only one studio). Since then, she has been to India twice to learn more about her own practice as well as teaching (particularly the philosophy side of things), opened two more studios in Wellington and Lower Hutt, completed 500-hours of teacher training, and started facilitating our own in-house Teacher Training. The principles of yoga have allowed her to take some courageous steps, to love, to forgive and to let go, mostly with her own self. Maria believes there are many paths we can take as humans. But for her, it’s yoga, which makes her role in this community of yoga a fulfilling and passionate one--connecting, believing, growing, and learning.
What certifications and trainings have you received?
My 200-hour training was done with Hot Yoga Wellington. In India, I completed another 300hrs in Ashtanga Yoga. I have also done training with Joe Barnett’s Yin Training - Level 1 and am doing Level 2 this year.
As an instructor and yoga practitioner, what brings you to the mat?
Setting an intention, the bell, the OM, the mat, my breathe, my body, my mind, connecting with the heart.
What might we find you doing when you’re not on the mat?
Walking by the sea, spending time with those I love, listening to music, dancing, eating good food, hot baths, candles, watching the sunset, reading inspiring books, meditating
Maria (RYT-500)
Maria first came to yoga in 2008 after anxiety and physical pain had left her at a bit of a loss. Her body was physically very tight and she had sustained injuries from years of high impact gym and outdoor exercise. Feeling emotionally challenged at that time, she thought that a little yoga might be good for her. Little did she realise that after that first class, her life would be forever changed. Maria became a member of Hot Yoga Wellington in 2009, did the Teacher Training in 2010, and bought the studio on Wakefield Street in 2012 (back when there was only one studio). Since then, she has been to India twice to learn more about her own practice as well as teaching (particularly the philosophy side of things), opened two more studios in Wellington and Lower Hutt, completed 500-hours of teacher training, and started facilitating our own in-house Teacher Training. The principles of yoga have allowed her to take some courageous steps, to love, to forgive and to let go, mostly with her own self. Maria believes there are many paths we can take as humans. But for her, it’s yoga, which makes her role in this community of yoga a fulfilling and passionate one--connecting, believing, growing, and learning.
What certifications and trainings have you received?
My 200-hour training was done with Hot Yoga Wellington. In India, I completed another 300hrs in Ashtanga Yoga. I have also done training with Joe Barnett’s Yin Training - Level 1 and am doing Level 2 this year.
As an instructor and yoga practitioner, what brings you to the mat?
Setting an intention, the bell, the OM, the mat, my breathe, my body, my mind, connecting with the heart.
What might we find you doing when you’re not on the mat?
Walking by the sea, spending time with those I love, listening to music, dancing, eating good food, hot baths, candles, watching the sunset, reading inspiring books, meditating