mind, body and spirit
HATHA YOGA
Shadow Yoga is a Hatha Yoga methodology that emphasises preparatory activity using simple movements as the foundation for developing a meaningful practice. This is useful in a modern Western setting, where a participant can begin from a very different orientation (mind, body and spirit) than the culture and context in which yoga originated. Shadow Yoga was developed by Shandor Remete and Emma Balnaves. For more information, see the Shadow Yoga site.
VYAYAMA
Vyayama (preparatory movement) supports the development of coordination, rhythm, and improved respiration through moving sequences and "Preludes” which combine strengthening stance work, round and spiralling movements, breath awareness, and uddiyana bandha (the abdominal “tie”) development. Together, these activities can cultivate flexibility and endurance, aid digestion, support mental well-being, and promote vital energy flow.
KARANA
Karana (the causal factor) combines standing squats of various heights, folding/unfolding limb movements, and mudra (hand gestures). These forms occur through swaying, stepping, and circling transitions that link one karana to another, emphasising foot movement and placement.
ĀSANA
Though āsana means “seat” or “to sit,” it also has a dynamic aspect. Preceded by vyayama or karana, participants are supported over time to develop the ability to sit in a light and unobstructed manner for prolonged periods. Students are not pushed beyond their natural abilities; alternatives are given, and adjustments are offered.
Yoga with Helen typically begins with caranas, a joint warm-up sequence that supports joint mobility and connective tissues, progressing to a sequence of standing forms (either vyayama or karana ). This incrementally prepares the participant's body, breath, and energetic systems for seated āsana.
HELEN ROSE
Helen is an avid yogi and enjoys empowering people to develop and sustain their own Hatha Yoga practice. Since 2013, she has explored various styles of Yoga, completed a three-year Hatha Yoga Teaching apprenticeship (Jaymin Gansell, Hatha Haven Yoga, née Yoga Being, Whangārei), certified RYT 300-hour, and has attended various workshops with Shadow Yoga founders Shandor Remete and Emma Balnaves. She continues to practice and study Hatha Yoga and receives regular teaching and mentorship from Martina Gotz (Stillness in Movement, Auckland).
Helen also has a background in psychology and is committed to creating supportive and inclusive environments for sharing Yoga. She is qualified as a Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Facilitator (Center for Trauma and Embodiment, Boston) and is a Clinical Psychologist.
Together, this informs her passion and ongoing exploration of yoga, including its practical application in supporting mental wellness, mental injury rehabilitation, and personal development.
OFFERINGS
INTRODUCTORY COURSES
Helen currently offers 6-week Hatha Yoga Intro courses in Point Chevalier, Auckland. Please get in touch for intake dates, class times, and locations.
PRIVATE and 1:1
Helen also works privately with individuals and groups and is available to collaborate with other health practitioners to incorporate Yoga into client well-being and rehabilitation plans.
PRICES
6-week introductory courses $100.00. Casual drop-in rate $20 *
1 x Hour Private 1:1 $100.00 *
* Student and Community Services Card discounts are available. Enquiries for upcoming free community events are always welcome
OUR ROOTS
YOGA
Hatha Yoga is a sacred and ancient practice that originated in India thousands of years ago. While some yogis shared their transformative knowledge and methods widely, it’s also important to acknowledge how the extractive nature of Western Yoga mirrors colonisation.
In some parts of India, England’s colonisation included the intentional eradication of these and other traditional practices, to the point that lineages were broken and thousand-year-old traditions lost. Yoga in the West is now a multi-billion-dollar industry.
As a pākehā female operating within the Hatha tradition, I acknowledge my contribution to the ongoing harm caused by colonisation and the cultural appropriation of Yoga in the West.
Rōhi is a Māori transliteration of the English Rose. Similarly, my Hatha Yoga practice exists in translation and has been transplanted. I’m committed to respectfully navigating this cross-cultural transmission and continuing to learn from traditional Hatha Yoga teachers and scholars.
Yoga is complex in its philosophy, science, and practice. Equally complex is its history and present. Fundamentally, however, it requires starting where you are, with compassion and authenticity. I endeavour to embody this ethos in my practice.
WHENUA
Like the Rōhi, I also live and grow in Aotearoa as an uninvited guest. In doing so, I have directly and indirectly benefited from the displacement and dispossession of Indigenous peoples and profited from the environmental impact of the health and well-being industry.
As an uninvited guest of these lands, I pledge at least 1% of my income to help fund Indigenous organisations and those fighting for social and climate justice (onepercentcollective.org/charities). It is a privilege to call Aotearoa home and to live amongst, and walk alongside, our tangata whenua. This is Māori land.
Kind is the new cool. One Percent Collective has partnered with trusted charities across Aotearoa. Members can give regularly to as many organisations as they like. There's no mandatory fee so the charities get 100% of the proceeds. Learn more at onepercentcollective.org