Australian Yoga Journal — November 2017

Local yoga teacherEmily Williamsis

passionate about Darwin’s expanding

yoga scene and explores a region bursting

with yogic energy, meditative offerings,

and delicious, wholesome treats.

When I tell people that I’m a yoga teacher

from Darwin, I usually get variations on one

response: “Are there a lot of people doing

yoga up there?” The answer may surprise

you!

I was born in Darwin, and I’ve lived here for

most of my life. In the southern states, my

hometown has a reputation for being a bit

backward — a place where you’re more

likely to find fishermen and beer drinkers

than yogis and vegans — but that has been

changing for a long time now. Darwin

boasts a handful of dedicated yoga spaces

as well as healthy, conscious cafés and

activities for spiritual souls.

AGOY YOGA

Nestled amongst warehouses in one of Darwin’s

industrial areas,Agoy Yogaoffers a peaceful retreat

from everyday life. Wooden floors are lit by the

morning sun shining through a skylight, the space

framed with mirrors and the back wall decorated with

a sky-blue Om. I join a class by the owner, also named

Emily, who takes us through a flow sequence with

intuitive transitions and challenging balances. Her

voice is confident and calm, holding the space as we

flow from one pose to another, offering us challenges

but always encouraging rest when needed. She assists

one of my fellow students with adjustments delivered

with compassion and kindness. On the seven window

panels in front of me are the symbols of the chakras,

and I find my awareness drawn to Muladhara,

reminding me to keep awareness in my foundation as

I transition through balances. Without realising I

have taken ujjayi breath, and synchronised my breath

with Emily’s and the other students. Savasana is

earned. In silence we observe our breath and find

space to meditate at the end of the class.

After class at Agoy, you might head toStuart Park

for a healthy paleo, vegetarian or vegan meal at

Karma Café,where the staff are as passionate about

health and wellbeing as they are about creating tasty,

healthy food.

ADVENTURE

Om

TROPICAL

transformations

november/december 2017

yogajournal.com.au

32 PHOTO: BLOODSTONE/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM