This 2-day workshop aims to break down the various yoga anatomy theories that have been passed down for generations against more recent medical findings to help students and teachers alike communicate in safer and more effective ways.
As Yoga has matured in the West, our community has been fortunate enough to have help and guidance from complimentary professionals such as Physiotherapists, Osteopaths and others in the medical field who have studied our practice and helped to create the modern, westernised Yoga culture. A fusion of technology, techniques and integrated information in the last fifty years has brought Yoga and Kinaesthesia together and created more understanding of the way our bodies move during our practice along with the benefits and dangers.
As much as this new understanding has helped our practice evolve, ’Old school’ language and ‘wives tales’ that are still floating about our yoga communities and being passed on to students, still exist. Our community is guilty of claims of health benefits that sometimes can be untrue and dangerous. The medical community has been taking notice and unfortunately complaints that yoga has started to cause injuries, due to poor teaching, limited anatomical understanding and unsafe adjustments are now common. Understanding of kinesiology and anatomy need to be on the forefront of any Yoga Teacher’s curriculum in order to create safe sequences and informed practices for all of our students.
The Course
This will be an interactive workshop to test the theories of do’s and don’ts on each other and to come to an experienced conclusion that should leave each yoga student better-informed. The goal is to create an approach to give teachers the skills to be safer and more effective in their community.
This course is for students and yoga teachers who want to improve their use of language in their classes, understand basic anatomy, bio-mechanical movements and health benefits to enhance the living tradition of Eastern Yoga in the modern world.
I’m a busy bunny the next few months so I wanted to take some time to write a few words down and share some upcoming adventures with you all.
Images from internet search of Kumbh Mela
Kumbh Mela 2019
I have gifted myself time to study with my teacher Yogarupa Rod Stryker and his teacher Pandit Rajmani Tigunait at the Himalayan Institute in Allahabad & Khajuraho. I have always studied with my teachers in London or in the States, however have never set foot in India to receive the teachings. So I find myself being ‘baptised by fire’ in the centre of one of the largest festivals in the world. I am really going into this blind, with simple instructions to practice my prescribed mantra for this unique retreat and to prepare for the most intense experience. I will be camping on the Himalayan Institute campus, daily practices which I have yet to know what they entail and excursions to the festival to celebrate with my fellow 150 million other pilgrims. Kumbh Mela happens every 12 years and is an auspicious festival that Hindus & Yogis gather to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges. Kumbha means pot and Mela means gathering. So, it is said that the symbolism of filling our vessel with the scared nectar, amrita, of the ancient Ganges at this celestial convergence is the most powerful and potent energy to create lasting transformation. I know one way or another it will have a huge impact on my life as a woman, mother, wife, teacher and most of all a student. I will return with tails to share with you. I will be away from 31 January to the 25 February. Wonderful teachers will be covering my classes in London so do support them.
Triyoga Talks to Zephyr Wildman
Triyoga has created a podcast called Triyoga Talks which has been a great addition to our community by supporting students and teachers off the mat. I was asked to talk about my life, how I have interpreted the teachings of Yoga and my part as a student to use these practices to keep my life “clean” as well as how to use this to be of service to my students. I hope you enjoy and are inspired to get on your mat and apply the deeper teachings of yoga to your experience. TRIYOGA TALKS PODCAST
I teach at Triyoga Ealing Wednesdays 5:25-5:55pm Meditation, 6-7:15pm Vinyasa Yoga. Saturdays 9:30-11am Vinyasa Yoga, 11:15-12pm Meditation. Go to www.triyoga.co.uk to book.
Yogacampus Manchester Yoga Anatomy & Physiology Training
Applied Yoga as a Therapeutic Tool to Heal. I will be offering a 5 Day Teacher Training filled with the foundations to yoga therapy, postural assessments and techniques in which to enhance your teaching and grow as a teacher. To find out more information and to book click here.
Silatha App: 21 Meditations on Grief & Loss
I have collaborated with Silatha to create an app platform to further support for those in the grips of grief and loss. They have offered my students a month of free access to the full Silatha app, they can then purchase the app for a month on the Silatha website: https://silatha.com/cart Use code: ZEPHYR_TRYAPP at the check out. No strings attached. To purchase any of their jewellery you can use the discount code ZEPHYR10 for a 10% discount!
Peak Yoga & Hiking in Switzerland
Join us for another amazing Yoga Adventure! 5-11 August, 2019. Peak Yoga 2x a day, daily hikes, spa, amazing fresh food & loads of extra adventures planned for our YOGIS! To find out more information and links to book click here.
Zephyr Yoga Inspiration Podcast
Join me anytime for Meditations, Yoga Inspirations & Practices. Links are on my website.
15 % Discount at YogaClicks use Code Zephyr15 Powered by Yogis!
Movement for Modern Life; Online Yoga with Zephyr Wildman
Practice with me at home or on your travels this year with Movement for Modern Life. I have individual classes available as well as a 30 Day Yoga for Transformation Series to deepen your practice and commitment to your well-being. Enjoy! Use my affiliated link to access the classes click here.
Yoga for a good cause!
Support Ourmala by attending every Monday 5:30-6:30pm Slow Flow Yoga class at The Life Centre Notting Hill. For one ticket sold to practice with me, two registered asylum seekers and refugees receive support through Ourmala! We also have filmed some online classes on Movement for Modern Life which too supports this great foundation. To practice online click here.
To find out more in how you can support this amazing foundation, go to www.ourmala.com
Yoga refines our movement and breath. In its therapeutic applications, asana and pranayama become the tools by which we address patterns of movement, breath and being that are at the root of chronic pain, limitation and even disease. Because of the way we’re built, and the lives we live we all face challenges individual in our life and practice, often with chronic pain. Our own structure and patterns of movement often lead us directly into these problems, unless we recognize and change them. Even when we exercise regularly or have a regular practice, we allow some muscles to dominate, leaving others weak and unused. This can eventually lead to pain and injury, even for the experienced practitioner.
Each morning will involve an exploration of the structural alignment, anatomy, muscles and function of the area that is the days’ focus plus time to review the prior days learning. In the afternoon we will apply the morning’s tuition through practice, utilising yoga asana, pranayama, kriyas and basic massage techniques.
Day 1: Foundations and Introduction to the 5 Koshas
A.M.: Students will be introduced to the concept of the “Middle Path” through a lecture on the philosophical and practical approach to working therapeutically with people’s injuries, ailments, mental health, chronic pain and addiction. Using the modality of the Koshas, we will dissect each sheath individually with applied philosophy to treat an individual or class effectively. The emphasis for Day 1 will be on creating the foundations to be referenced throughout the 5 days and include an overview of;
common structural problems
patterns of movement
Ayurvedic imbalances
Pranic problems in the body and mind
P.M.: The afternoon will continue with a customised sequences inspired by the Koshas to start to gain tools to treat common imbalances and pain.
Day 2: Postural Integrity and the Spine
A.M.: With a thorough comprehension of the Koshas and a holistic approach, we will now begin to look at specific alignment issues and causes of pain with a focus on the spine and postural integrity. Evaluation of posture will be our focus for the morning, however it takes more than just “good” posture to maintain “good” health and balance. We will explore methods of assessing problems with movement, the three diaphragms and we will also discuss the myofacial planes. We will assess techniques for dealing with Flexion and Extension Syndrome, while putting a special focus on understanding the focal points of weakness and stability and how they are affected by our lifestyle and genetic predisposition.
P.M.: After a morning of theory and observation, we will put into practice some application techniques that have been effective in reducing chronic pain and common conditions of the spine and posture.
Day 3: Feet, Knees and Hips.
A.M.: Working from the ground up, we will learn to see the body in action and how the interconnected lines of intelligence inform our patterns of movement and pain. Literally the foundations of our bodies health and balance, we will evaluate the alignment of the feet and legs and discuss how to assess alignment highlighting common problems, misalignments and causes of pain.
P.M.: The metaphor for the Middle Path as our centre of balance is well illustrated in the application of techniques for this afternoon’s session. By looking at the feet, knees and hips as the foundation for the spine and the connections the spine has to the rest of the body, we understand that this foundation is critical to supporting that well being and balance for the entire body.
Day 4: Pelvic Girdle
A.M.: We will discuss and develop techniques for assessing problem areas and imbalance within the uniqueness of every pelvis. A keen attention to detail will aid the student to look at the alignment and observe and identify misalignment. We will discuss common problems and causes of pain, and most importantly how the pelvic girdle influences structural alignment for the rest of the body.
P.M.: Hands on practice of applying the mornings lecture and developing techniques that build alignment, flexibility and stability of the pelvis to alleviate misalignments and pain due to every day lifestyle problems.
Day 5: Shoulder Girdle
A.M.: We will observe how improving range of motion can ease chronic pain in areas around the shoulder, neck and head, especially when the individual has experienced injury in these areas. We will pay close attention to evaluating posture and what it tells us about the state of the shoulder girdle. Observing the alignment and correctly ascertaining the causes of imbalance are crucial to this area as its range of motion and susceptibility to injury make it one of the more complex areas of focus.
P.M.: Applying yoga asana and basic massage techniques that help to extend the range of motion with a specific injury related approach (e.g.,frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injury) will be unique to this afternoon’s application.
Related Video In this interview with Conscious2, Zephyr shares her story of finding purpose in her life through yoga, and how yoga helped her move through deep grief and into fulfillment and joy. Get to know more about Zephyr here.
I am so excited to collaborate with Tresanton Hotel in offering a special week long get away with Yoga & beach walking around the Cornish Coast line. Have a look at this unique getaway click here to see photos and to book click here.
Dates: Monday 4th-Friday 8th November 2018
Single Occupancy: £1650
Double Room Occupancy: £1200 per person
This includes:
2 hours of energising vinyasa yoga in the morning and 1.5 hours of restorative yoga every evening with Zephyr Wildman.
Four nights of accommodation in the Tresanton. There are 4 dog friendly rooms available at the hotel if you want to bring your dog, these will be subject to an additional charge of £25. Room 1 has a terrace and Room 31 has its own garden.
Delicious breakfast, vegetarian lunch and dinner with a focus on fish/chicken.
Transfers from and to St Austell Train Station (must be travelling on the train specified – Time TBC) Read More
We had so much fun last year on our Cycle-Yoga-Hiking holiday we are back again this year to bring you even more adventure and surprises. Azaren is an incredible base for all of our activities and the Yoga-Cycle warm up in the morning and Yoga-Cycle-unravel in the afternoon is nourishing and invigorating. Located at the base of the Atlas Mountains, Azaren is perfect for breathtaking views, challenging bike terrain and awe-inspiring hikes.
With all this activity, you might just work up an appetite. The menu is always delicious, healthy cooking. The chef uses vegetables from the garden, traditional bread baked daily in an outdoor red clay, wood-fired oven. The food is fresh and Moroccan-authentic with a wide variety of vegetarian dishes (and meat for those who need a bit of protein cycling everyday) prepared daily. Dietaty requirements are catered for.
Your retreat won’t be all eating and activity though, Azaren is well-equipped with all the amenities one would expect for luxurious relaxation as well. Tennis courts, hammam, massages, manicured gardens, (discreet) outdoor showers, and all the fresh mint you can pick for your Mojito by the pool. There will be plenty of time to rest and relax in the warm Moroccan sun.
Azaren is located 30 kms south of Marrakesh in the beautiful Ourika Valley. It’s airport benefits from excellent connections both with low cost and regular airlines. It is a luxurious private residence that is all ours for the six days of the retreat. Spring in Morocco is warm in the day-time and cool at night. It is the perfect time to be outside cycling or practicing Yoga. Cycling is as challenging or as easy as you wish and if you are not a cyclist but your friend/partner is we have priced the trip accordingly. Every effort will be expended to keep you comfortable and safe whilst out riding or practicing Yoga. Prepare to sleep well and rejuvenate, tapping in to the serenity and elation that comes with moving your body and being in good company.
Yoga- what to expect
Two sessions daily morning and afternoon in an indoor/outdoor purpose built yoga studio
Yoga, meditation and theory lectures, all props and mats provided
Cyclists can participate in daily Yoga as each day’s ride will end before the afternoon yoga session. Great way to stretch tired muscles
Hiking-what to expect
Breathtaking views across the Ourika Valley. Hiking trails through the foothills of the snow capped peaks of the High Atlas Mountains
A 3-4 hour max hike with a gradual ascent
lunch prepared by Berber locals
Cycling- what to expect
Well maintained road bikes with all the accessories (we’re not talking’ Cervelo P5X’s here, but they will get you down the road). Hi-Performance road bikes (Carbon frames) available for those avid-cyclists. E-bikes available for those who might be a bit intimidated by the hills.
Daily routes designed for group abilities. Average rides will be anywhere from 25km-75km depending on level of group. Rides will start in the morning and can end in time to meet the group for lunch back at Azaren.
More challenging options for those avid cyclists keen on conquering the Atlas (100+km loops with routes of 1600m+ vertical gain)
Cyclists should be of recreational to avid cycler ability. Beginners might want to stick to Yoga and Hiking on this holiday.
E-cycles are available if hills aren’t your thing.
Full van support with food, water, directions, encouragement.
Full bicycle mechanical support if needed (you won’t have to change a tyre should it go flat!)
Itha108is a Greek island retreat set in a place of outstanding natural beauty, providing a space specifically for peace, relaxation and practice.
Ithaca, home of Itha108, is one of the smallest in the Ionian islands that is radiating with Grecian authenticity. It’s shores play host to a long Homeric and mythical history whose many mysteries are sensed amongst animated panorama and secretive coves. Itha108 overlooks the sea and the eastern coastline of neighbouring Kefalonia from an elevated wilderness of olive trees and exposed rocks that provide the elements around which it is built, allowing its natural beauty to speak for itself. An emphasis on indoor-outdoor living ensures full use of the land and its treasures that extend to sweeping and hidden beaches below.
I have joined forces with Emily Brett founder of Ourmala to raise awareness and funds to support UK registered refugees and asylum seekers. Emily & myself will be teaching a Breath-Centric Vinyasa Ourmala Class Saturday 4:30pm. To book, click here.
Emily Brett is a yoga teacher who’s dedicated herself to working with refugees and asylum-seekers, including survivors of war, torture and modern day slavery, since 2011 when she founded the non-profit Ourmala. Ourmala stands for compassion, interconnection and social justice and is lululemon’s UK national non-profit partner. Emily’s devoted to teaching yoga’s philosophical principles through her actions – whether teaching asana or running her organisation – and her style has its roots in the beauty and wilderness of life, Ashtanga Yoga, Vipassana Meditation, poetry and the teachings of classic yogis such as Ramana Maharshi. Emily’s practiced yoga and meditation since 1999 and her training includes multiple trips to Mysore, a 30 day silent meditation retreat, a Diploma in Global Mental Health: Trauma & Recovery with Harvard’s Refugee Trauma Programme, an MA in Creative Writing and a 500 Hour Yoga Teaching Diploma from the British Wheel of Yoga as a 500 Hour Yoga Teacher.
To support Ourmala in London you can attend my Monday 5:30pm Ourmala Yoga Class at The Life Centre Notting Hill or go to Ourmala for other classes and opportunities to participate in this amazing cause.
The Secret Yoga Club has welcomed me to add my Yoga Philosophy and Psychology training to one of their retreats in Northern Italy this summer. The retreat, in the lavender scented hills of Tuscany, will include creative workshops, sound baths, intuitive movement and mindful walks with other teachers. The idea is to create a reflective and renewing retreat for those who want to experience a deeper state of self-discovery.
Photo by Birgit Tabbarah
Below are the details from the Secret Yoga Club:
Villa Lena is one of SYC’s favourites venues, there’s nowhere as peaceful and inspiring. Think Stealing Beauty: a yoga platform overlooking beautiful rolling Tuscan Hills, magical secret gardens, a mysterious deserted village, captivating views, figs, mist, olive groves, sky, sun and time out of life.
As usual, we’ll be be offering something unique and inspiring – working with the Villa Lena artists in residence to offer a thoughtful programme of creative explorations to compliment the daily yoga practises.
We decided to do something a little different this year and create a yoga offering for those who already have an established practise and are interested in developing their understanding of the yoga tradition, how this vast and ancient knowledge evolved and how we can use it to enhance our experience of ourselves and enrich our daily life.
This is very much what we love about Zephyr’s classes, how each class is themed with a carefully considered introduction to frame sessions, as she weaves yogic wisdom easily between asana and pranayama. It’s a real treat to dive so deep, playing with these intricate psychological maps that can reveal neurological pathways, expand the mind and the energy body and guide us into a brighter and more fluid way of being.
