NZ Yoga Centre with Sadhana Yoga

- part of Sadhana Yoga Ltd -

Today, I celebrate 20 incredible years of teaching yoga. I’d love to share with you my wisdom and experiences from two decades of teaching, practicing, and living a yoga lifestyle. Yoga is the gift that keeps on giving. It is a lifestyle that has brought me balance, strength, and wisdom.

Having taught over 8500 yoga classes… met my Guru at an Indian Goddess Temple… visited sacred places across India, Nepal and Tibet… run two yoga centres, taken 5 yoga groups to India (next one due, November 2024)… run numerous workshops and spiritual events… completed a Masters focused on Yoga communities in Aotearoa … and presented at yoga conferences… you think I would have learnt a thing or two about yoga right? Well, the answer is yes, absolutely. Yoga is an incredible teacher. But I’m still grateful to be learning every day as well.

The amazing thing for me right now is that a number of people who I taught yoga to over the years have gone on to qualify as yoga teachers. Also, previous students are not only still joining me for yoga pilgrimages to India and attending the retreats I run across the lower North Island, some of them have also become my closest friends. The yoga community is one of the most profound gifts yoga has given me. Yoga’s other special gift is is the incredible health benefits it brings. At 60 years old I feel fantastic and hope to for many more years to come. All of this is thanks to yoga!

https://openaccess.wgtn.ac.nz/articles/thesis/Yoga_Communities_in_Aotearoa_New_Zealand_Examining_Spirituality_Secularism_and_Consumerism_in_the_Wellington_Yoga_Industry/17061950?file=31552136

I met my Guruji – Ravananda Saraswati – at a Goddess Temple in Haridwar – a holy town in northern India. Guruji and I travelled all over India together. I was also blessed to be able to live with him at his humble ashram in Barsana before he died in 2016.

I learned you don’t need a guru to practice yoga, or to even to be a genuine yogi. But having a guru is very beneficial if you want to flourish spiritually. Having a guru is like growing a great garden. You don’t need anyone to help you grow your garden, but if you want your garden to flourish and grow abundant fruit then it helps to find people who have successfully gardened before you and learn from them.

Guruji taught me that to sit in silence is one of life’s greatest joys. Also, that to give with an open heart helps you the temper the materialistic drive that spins the wheels of Western culture. While there is safety and comfort staying within our individual identity, Guruji taught me it is much more exciting and expansive being part of a tribe, living life as a fully conscious being within the Universal matrix. Om Namo Narayan!

My other guru was my godmother and Aunty Pauline (see B&W picture below). Aunty Pauline taught me that if you have a calling to teach yoga then you should your listen to that call, even if it means getting old first. Although teaching yoga has kept in me in ‘genteel poverty’ for 20 years, it has also made be wealthy beyond measure. I thank Aunty Paul for planting that initial seed and showing me what it takes to be a fierce yogini.

The Mount Kailash Yatra is not for the fainthearted! Yet, for serious yogis it is one of the most significant pilgrimages you can do. Standing in front of the north face of Mount Kailash is both awe inspiring and breathtaking. And, when I say breathtaking, I mean that at 14,500 feet the oxygen is so rare that it’s often hard to put one foot in front of the other without panting. Furthermore, traversing the Dolma-La pass at 18,000 feet alone without a guide was without doubt the most difficult thing I have ever done. Nonetheless, this pilgrimage taught me to listen to the path because the earth and the rocks hold the songs of the yak-men and will keep you on course. This pilgrimage also reminded me to always invite the ancestors on every journey, because you never know when you might need their support. I ended up doing part of this 4-day walk solo though a snow blizzard. This taught me that even when things seem tough at the time, in 20 years from then they’ll become your fondest memories. Hardship is good! It builds tapasya.

All I can say in closing is thank you Yoga for the last 20 years and I looking forward to the next 20 years! May we all keep on growing wiser with yoga.

If you would like to come on one of our retreats, need professional advice on how to run a yoga business, or want me to give a talk at your next yoga conference please don’t hesitate to ask. I am so grateful for all the lessons and insights I have gained from being a studio owner, teacher, and retreat leader for the last 20 years

Our commitment is to engage with sacred spaces for self-discovery, embracing the rich traditions of yoga in the land of its origin. We aim to guide our participants on a holistic path of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

As we explore the diverse landscapes and absorb the energy of this ancient land, our mission is to cultivate a supportive community where every participant feels seen, heard, and uplifted. Through daily yoga practice, and shared experiences, we seek to create lasting connections that extend beyond the borders of our journey.

We are dedicated to fostering a deep appreciation for the local culture, respecting the traditions of the communities we encounter, and promoting sustainable and responsible travel. Our mission extends beyond the physical practice of yoga, aiming to instil a sense of mindfulness, compassion, and gratitude that participants can carry with them long after the journey concludes.

I am really looking forward to leading a new yoga trip to India at the end of 2024. My fellow yoga teacher Milan Magan and I are inviting a small group of intrepid yogis (5-8 people) from New Zealand to Northern India, the original heartland of yoga.

This trip will be a full immersion yoga experience, and it will be the sixth India yoga trip I have led, and the sixteenth time I’ve traveled through India. Milan has also visited India many times and completed his teacher training in Mysore, South India.

We will practice daily asana and meditation, visit sacred places for darshan (viewing sacred sites and entities), eat amazing vegetarian food, and visit some extraordinary places. India is a wild ride and going with a group of like-minded people can really make it a memorable experience.

After leaving Delhi, our first stop is Haridwar, a famous holy town with hilltop views, sacred bathing sites and a bustling bazaar. We will be based in a beautiful peaceful ashram on the edge of the Ganga – the northern tributary of the river Ganges. We will also visit Maya Devi Temple – a spectacular wish-fulfilling temple.

We will then move on to a few nights in Rishikesh, the ‘Yoga Capital’ of the world. Rishikesh is not only naturally beautiful; it is also jam packed with shops filled with musical instruments, precious stone malas, health food products, yoga clothing, ayurvedic treatments and much more. We will trek to JhilMil and visit the amazing Kali Cave and immerse ourselves in the many wonders of the area.

Finally, we will head to Barsana, the rural resting place of Ali’s Guruji, Ravananad Saraswati where we will experience the simplicity of rural life. We will also visit in the holy town of Vrindavan and partake in a parikrama (circumambulation) of the town.

We always try to offer a great service, great value for money, while keeping our prices as reasonable as possible. You might be surprised to know that our casual yoga class rate at our Marton centre is still $1 cheaper than the casual rate that we use to charge in Wellington 10 years ago. Moreover, casual rates for yoga classes in Wellington and Auckland are currently between $27 -$29 per class. Hopefully you can appreciate the value for money we offer our valued customers and attendees.

Casual class – $17 waged/ $15 seniors or unemployedDrop in to any class. No need to book. Pay as you go, with no weekly or monthly commitments. Mats included.

3 classes in one month – $48 lump sum for 3 classesSometimes life throws curve balls and you are either busy or unwell or away. That means you may want to come to classes more regularly but can only make 3 classes in a particular month. No problem, you will still pay less than the casual rate and get to enjoy the classes by paying three classes in advanced for the month.

Weekly Automatic Payment – $15 / week uninterruptedThis is for regulars who come every week and want to pay online. Regulars often have their own place allocated and are a valued part of our yoga community. If you miss a class and your weekly payment still comes out then you can make up the missed class by coming to another class that week, or bringing a partner, friend or family member to another class.

Regular monthly upfront payment – $60 for 4 classes / $73 for 5 classes / or $14.50 for 6 or more classesRegulars often have their own place allocated and are a valued part of our yoga community. This upfront lump sum payment is made at the beginning of each month, offering you a small discount for 5 or more classes in the month. If you miss a class in month you can come to any other classes to make up the missed class or bring a friend or family member instead. Missed classes cannot be carried over into the next month.

Koha or Karma YogaIf finances are tight and you still want to come to yoga, or you love barter and exchange out we can discuss cheaper class options for you. For example 1 class = 30 minutes of work around the centre.

Hello and welcome to the 2020 YOGA & WELL-BEING CHALLENGE.Ali Hale Tilley, director of the NZ Yoga Centre, will kick start the next challenge to inspire you to get the most of your pre-summer cleanse. You can join remotely from anywhere and get same the benefits as group practice. The overall challenge is FREE to participate. Scroll down for challenge updates and registration details.

Bring a plate of fresh fruit, or healthy home cooking sweet or savory, or raw juice, or a fresh beverage to share with challenge members. Also we will encourage you to share ideas, recipes, or your journal insights. Please note, in keeping with good karma yoga practices, everyone will be expected to help tidy up and do any dishes before leaving.

The Guru full moon often takes place in July on any given year. The guru full moon is meaningful to me because it is one day on the moon calendar where I know enlightened teachers, gurus, dedicated students, and spiritual ancestors can come together for meaninful interaction and discussion.

Many religious traditions give meaning to this day. Yet, for many, this day is about remembering the wisdom, love, and teachings of your personal guru. It is also about checking in with members of your spiritual community and rekindling connections.

Whether our spiritual community is a community of yoga practitioners, meditators, satsang attendees, or tribal members, the rising of the guru full moon dispenses blessings and tranmits shared meaning so we can remain awakened and deeply reflective.

On our yearly pilgrimage to Wairakei Thermal Pools, just north of Taupo, we met with snow. As we travelled north from Marton, we saw snow drifts as far south as Taiahape. Cows and sheep in icy fields grazed carefully through the snow drifts. Everywhere was bright and cold. Clouds lifted to show a clear blue sky!

From the deep snow drifts of the Desert Road, Mounts Ruapehu and Ngāuruhoe ruled supreme. We pulled over on the Turiko Mountain Road and I ran joyously into the snow drifts and paid homage to the mountains.

At the hotpools, we soaked in temperatures ranging from 30 degrees celcius to 40.6! The silica infused waters were sublime, all fed from a natural geyser only a few hundred metres away. Members of the group and I soaked and chatted and spent quiet time taking in the amazing setting. Such an amazing place! We will do it all again next year … fingers crossed!

During Lockdown I designed and painted a new Snakes & Ladders board. Digital prints of the game are avaialble for $10. If you would like a full size digital copy, just email me at nzyogacentre@gmail .com or message me on https://www.facebook.com/NZYogaCentre/

The proceeds of digital sales go towards 3 families I support in India: Ravi’s extended family of 9 who live and work in their own Laundry business in Haridwar; Ratu’s extended family of 10 who live in a small villiage near Barsana; and, my guru bais, Sukanand, Ramdevanand, and Ravianand who have a humble ashram near Barasana.

Hi all, yes it is Day 1 and I’ve spent the morning getting some videos recorded for you. However, because both files were huge they were impossible to load onto this site.

Nonetheless they are both now on my Facebook page. One clip is an important reminder how to breath for mind mastery during the lockdown (7 minutes), the other is an active Hatha Flow session (10 minutes).

Don’t forget to include your positive feedback on my Fb page and let me know if you find this service helpful. This energy exchange will support more clips as the weeks unfold.

NZ Yoga Centre with Sadhana Yoga: Opinions

4.9/5 (7 Opinions)

Neil Riddle 1 year ago

Positive experience: Excellent class, great teacher

Bridget 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Amazing class and Ali is a fantastic teacher. NZ Yoga centre is warm and inviting and caters for all levels. No two classes are ever the same with Ali tailoring each yoga session to the needs of the class. Can't recommend highly enough.

Leighann Belsham 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Today a group of ladies attended a Well Being & Motivation workshop for 2023 followed by a beautiful yoga session. If you have not tried Yoga yet you must!. Make it you goal for 2023. Ali is a professional yoga instructor and soo much more. I have been going to Ali for the past five years and I have never felt more alive and happy, Ali teaches us much more than just moving our body. If you haven’t tried Yoga with Ali at the NZ Yoga centre, Call and have a chat and get ready to feel amazing. Your mind. Body and soul will love you for it.

Damian Turner-Steele 2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Very welcoming to a beginner with classes pitched at just my ability. Highly recommended.

Sharon Judd 5 years ago

Fantastic experience: Awesome class

NZ Yoga Centre with Sadhana Yoga

great having you in class Sharon

Milan Magan 6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Wow. Amazing classes from a truly wonderful teacher! The space is cool and comfortable and mats are provided free of charge. Great for beginners who haven't tried yoga before. Ali leads the class in a gentle and informative way, and you can go along at your own pace. Really highly recommended.

NZ Yoga Centre with Sadhana Yoga

thank you for the great review. look forward to seeing you back in class

Chris Broome 8 years ago

Fantastic experience: I've been twice now and definately going back. Ali is a professional, not only that she is warm and welcoming. Marton and the Rangitikei are so fortunate to have her. The studio is a peaceful oasis, designed to make doing yoga enjoyable and relaxing. Highly recommended

Load more reviews