mary Graham

How did you get into yoga?

My Mum was my first introduction to yoga! I was pretty little, probably around age 7-8, and Mum started practicing in the late 70’s, early 80’s. Yoga was very, very new to rural New Zealand. I remember the outfits Mum and her friends were wearing…tights, leotards and leg warmers! I began practicing steadily in my late teens…ashtanga, hatha, Iyengar, Bikram…I’ve always loved yoga, and have been so fascinated by it, but I think the moment I realised just how powerful yoga is was a Yin class at Modern Movement in 2016. I was training for the Molokai to Oahu Open Ocean Paddleboard race in Hawaii, over trained causing injury and could hardly move. We were in Sleeping Swan and I felt my entire spine adjust. The relief radiated through my entire body. Such a relief. Yoga is my love story…I love the discovery, the beauty of the ancient texts and the journey 🙂

What is the greatest lesson yoga has taught you?

To slow down and listen.

What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever seen happen in the yoga room? 

When a student farts during class, it’s the funniest thing. It’s alway unexpected! Everyones faces soften and lighten, there’s giggles and smiles because it’s just so cute and funny every time! 

When are you the happiest?

Hmmm the smallest of things make me happy…sweet nature moments, blue sky, cats, RAINBOWS (love rainbows), sunshine, wind, the ocean, colour, coffee, when the wild life comes to visit at home, cute conversations 🙂

What is your least favourite pose, Why?

Pincha Mayurasana…OMG! How and why?? I don’t get it. One of my favourite teachers, Rose, floats into the pose effortlessly but for me, clumsiness and gravity always win!