Meet Meg Williams | Sala Studio, Auckland, NZ

SALA’s newest yoga recruit, Meg Williams, tells us why movement is such a big part of her life and how SALA helped her feel settled back here at home after living overseas for years.

Hey, who are you? What do you do and where do you live?

Hi, I’m Meg. I teach yoga and live in Mt Eden.

Why and how did movement become such a big part of your life?

Movement has always been a big part of my life, my family has always been into tramping/outdoor activities and I also grew up playing a lot of sports – from ballet to surf lifesaving, to underwater hockey, to netball/basketball – you name it, I did it! Yoga became a really important, gentle form of movement for me around 2015 when I was living with post-viral fatigue and an undiagnosed immunodeficiency which meant my usual forms of exercise weren’t really working for me. Yoga provided a more gentle form of movement which in turn allowed me to move and connect with my body at a time when I needed it the most. I still like to move my body in lots of different ways, but yoga has remained a constant, non-negotiable practice over the last 7 years.

How would you describe your classes?

Ever-evolving! Regardless of the style or focus of the class I always intend to create a safe space for students to come home to themselves through movement and breath, and in my yin classes, through stillness. I really that everyone can benefit from yoga and aim to teach classes that (hopefully) feel accessible to all.

Your favourite thing about the SALA community?

I moved back from living in Sydney for five years at the end of last year and was looking for a new yoga community. I’m relatively new to the SALA community but right from the first class I taught I was welcomed in with open arms. Consequently, some of these lovely humans have since become good friends. I love the supportive and welcoming nature of the Sala community, both in the wonderful, talented group of teachers and the equally as wonderful and committed students.

What’s your go to movement to elevate your mood?

It’s usually yoga but I’m a real water lover so sometimes that’s exactly what is needed! I’ve been swimming laps at the Parnell baths a lot this summer and also learning to surf, both of which are guaranteed mood elevators.

What other practices do you live by that support your mindset and mood?

Meditation, regular movement, rest, reading, time in nature, time spent sharing laughs and delicious food with friends and whânau.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Focus on what you can control. Something I’m trying to remind myself of daily, with all that’s going on in the world right now.

When you’re not teaching where can we find you?

Ideally…at the beach swimming or surfing with friends, or with a book in hand.
In reality, probably working (I also work for a government organisation) or studying towards my Psychology degree.

What's the one object from your home you would save from a fire?

Not technically an object, but my cat Archie.

If you could give your 20 year old self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Stay in your lane and don’t sweat the small stuff. You’ve got this, girl.