Wellington Yoga Teacher: Megan Collier

Want arms like Megan Collier?

Then you need to get start get to one of her Astanga classes. She’s another of Wellington’s passionate yoga teachers, fitting in her teaching around a busy life of work, family and friends.

But Megan still finds time to dedicate to her own astanga practice, proving that no matter how busy one gets, there’s always time for yoga.

1. What style of yoga do you practice and where do you teach?
I primarily teach an Astanga-based Vinyasa flow class. I focus on connecting movement to breath. The classes are sequential connecting postures within a series.

I have taught Bikram in both Mount Maunganui and Wellington and also led and Mysore-style Astanga classes at Te Aro Astanga in Wellington.

2. How did you come to yoga?
My mum used to practice in the lounge when I was young and I used to ‘help’. She used the leotard packed ’70s classic – Richard Hittleman’s “Yoga for Health”. Luckily I’m still the proud owner of the book, its a gem.

3. When did the yoga bug really get you?
I moved to Tauranga in 1996, the yoga community was great and the affordable classes made it easy to develop my practice.

The teaching bug bit me at Bikram’s Teacher Training which I did in 2004. 9 weeks of intense yoga, yoga and then some more yoga, it certainly took me to the other side!

4. How has yoga transformed your life?
Yoga has taught me the breath.

Yoga has shown me clarity and perspective.

Yoga is teaching me patience (albeit slowly!).

All is coming – Pattabhi Jois

5. What is your home practice like?
My home practice is my practice.

Though I love class energy, I find  my yoga when it’s just me and my mat at home, where the joy of practice overrides all distractions. I usually practice Astanga 5 days a week and depending on energy levels, it will range from just half hour of Sun Salutes through to a full 2 hour Primary series.

6. When people ask you “what is yoga?” – what do you say?
Yoga is the practice of finding Joy.

7. What can people expect from one of your classes?
My class is dynamic and flowing. I like to encourage the blend between ease and effort. Steadiness and alertness, comfort and lightness.

Finding movement within stillness.

8. What do you love most about teaching yoga?
Seeing deep and true changes that come from the inside out. Helping in bringing the mind from distraction to direction. The sound of a class engaged in effortless, seamless Ujjayi breath.

9. What do you wish everyone knew about yoga?
All yoga is good yoga.

Take your asana seriously but yourself lightly.

10. What role do you see yoga playing in the world?
I would like to see the practice of yoga teach us all conflict-free, calm, dynamic Peace.

11. Anything else you’d like to say?

That is perfect

This is perfect

Perfect comes from perfect;

Take perfect from perfect, the remainder is perfect.

Peace. Peace. Peace.

— Brihadaaranyaka Upanishad (Invocation)

12. How do people find you?
I am available for private tuition and are open to temporary teaching situations. Email me at LBYC@paradise.net.nz or call/text me on 027 676 2667.

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