Workshop with Graham Burns, Raquel Alves & Zephyr Wildman. Three of Yogacampus’ most experienced and popular teachers – have come together to offer this two day immersion into yogic theories and practices which will allow you to unveil and brighten the light of your own heart.
The heart is a complex and enigmatic organ. At the purely mechanical level, its beating keeps us alive. But it is also commonly seen as the seat of powerful emotions such as love and compassion. And in early Indian philosophy, the space within the heart (sometimes called the ‘cave of the heart’) was seen as the abode of our essential self, our true nature, who we really are at the deepest level.
Reaching awareness of that true nature of the self is the essence of yoga, and the heart has always had a special and revered place in the yoga tradition. Patañjali speaks of a ‘heart lotus’ as a focal point for meditation, and most (if not all) of the esoteric models of the yogic body which grew up in the Tantric traditions locate an important energetic centre at the heart which can be accessed through yoga practice. In Buddhism too, the heart centre is important, and is sometimes seen as the home of the ‘clear light of bliss’.
Yet, how often in our everyday life (and even in our yoga practice) do we allow our head to rule our heart, so that that clear light fails to shine as brightly as it might? Would it benefit us and others if, instead of being ruled by our head, we were able to access that light and allow it to shine?
We are really excited that Zephyr, Graham and Raquel – three of Yogacampus’ most experienced and popular teachers – have come together to offer this two day immersion into yogic theories and practices which will allow you to unveil and brighten the light of your own heart. Each of them brings their own unique perspective and specific areas of expertise to help that light shine, and you will enjoy:
• Discussion of the significance of the heart and the heart centre in Indian philosophy generally, and in the yoga tradition specifically. • An exploration of the physiology of the heart, and the psychology associated with it. • A range of profound practices throughout the weekend – including āsana, bandha, mudra, prāṇāyāma, meditation, and yoga nidrā – all aimed at helping you unveil that light. • Plenty of time for question and answer.
The workshop is open to all levels of yoga experience, except complete beginners. However, some experience of prāṇāyāma and meditation will be helpful.
Certification You will receive a Yogacampus Certificate of Attendance.
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 felt it might be useful to receive a few practice tips, so I recently recorded little tasters of what will be shared on my Do’s & Don’ts Worksop with Yoga Hub in Dublin 18 & 19 January, 2020.
Yogacampus London is hosting my teacher Doug Keller 5-9th October, 2019
Yoga Hub in Dublin is hosting me for a workshop 18 & 19 January, 2020
Movement for Modern Life has a good selection of classes with me to practice wherever you live and travel to.
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.
Ready for a transformative Mantra? Need some Inspiration? Some focus? Some healing? Need something Powerful to take with you on your journey today? How about a bit of Mantra in your life.
Locked Mantras and unlocked Mantras, who knew the search for enlightenment could be so elusive? In reality, Mantras are simply chants that give us Yogis focus and intention during our practice. As I like to say, it is a good way to pepper ones practice with a bit of meaning and intention, thus giving some conscious intention to your physical practice, muscles, breath and all. If one can “think good thoughts” whilst engaged in a physical activity, it might just create “good” energy to your whole being.
A connection to the physical realm, the subtle realm and the higher consciousness of realms (earth, aether and cosmos) with a focus on harnessing the Prana and experiencing Moksha; That is what the Gayatri Mantra promotes. To be fair, all of this should be your motivation and intention during your morning coffee, however, some of us need a bit of a template or a cheat sheet. That is what Mantra really is. They are words in the language of Sanskrit but beautiful sounds and utterances to those that don’t speak it. Mantra is a way of channeling your thoughts and intentions whilst you stoke the fire through movement (all the while, preparing for a meditative state).
This Preamble is a great reminder of why we need to bring a bit of intention to our practice. Use it along with the practice that follows (coming soon) or even as just a way of setting an intention and creating a space and environment for your own practice.
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.
Sharing the blessings found in Tantra, Ayurveda & the art of energetically sequencing and bespoking therapeutic practices for all students. www.zephyryoga.com
Bloom from within
This year is filled with an abundance of events, retreats and workshops! Below are some of the upcoming opportunities to study and practice with me and others amazing Yogis in our community.
Regular London classes visit The Life Centre & Triyoga
The treatment of addiction, depression, anxiety and other mental disorders is increasingly relying on alternative methods of therapy as more about the root causes of such disorders are understood. Treatment centres and Psychologists are increasingly taking a page from the mindfulness movement to holistically treat patients that suffer mental trauma and the afflictions that are symptomatic of a life out of balance. Movement and breathing techniques have been proven to be effective to aid in recovery for all sorts of mental disorders and Yoga has risen to the forefront as alternative therapy in a science that up until recently focused solely on a cognitive approach to therapy. But, as the barometer for assessment and treatment of overall mental health changes, is yoga as a therapy really all that alternative?
The definition of Yoga has roots firmly grounded in a focus on self-understanding. The more we understand ourselves, our habits and our suffering the more we have choices to align ourselves with the true path and the state of balanced flow. The equilibrium and harmony of a balanced life takes in to account the spiritual, the mental and the physical. Yoga, at it’s fundamental core is an exercise in developing a strong and balanced state for all three. Yoga puts the same amount of emphasis on, and gives an equal importance to, the emotional health as it does physical health.
This course taps into the Yogic roots of holistic health and focuses on the skill in action yoga creates, helping to bring self-knowledge and the ability to identify and enact constant beneficial corrections as we follow our path. The course is designed for Advanced Yoga Students and Teachers and will introduce an adaptation of the 12 steps of Recovery to develop skills that will aid students to identify suffering in our lives and how to move past them. We will use Vinyasa and Kriya yoga, as well as Meditation and Yoga Nidra to create bespoke therapies for the sufferings of our clients, our students and most importantly, ourselves.
Over the course, Zephyr will discuss the basic neuroscience, behavioural patterns and simple techniques to support strategies in enhancing emotional well being in a yoga practice. Zephyr will lecture on yogic theories and begin to map out the foundation in bespoking a client’s therapy to a client’s condition. Emphasis will be on seeing a holistic picture of a client by using the yogic sciences and techniques as resources to address imbalances. Application of these yogic resources will be through practice of Vinyasa flow and Kriya yoga.
The course will draw from the the yogic principles of:
Gunas
Doshas
Koshas
Prana Vayus
Swara
Chakras & Granthis
Rasa of Emotions
Kriya Yoga
Mudras
Mantras
Pranayama
Vinyasa
Yoga Nidra
Turning the focus now inward and working on the 12 Steps ourselves, Zephyr will illustrate personally how this method works in creating positive routines and habits to help those suffering. Drawing from the wisdom of the Four Noble Truths, The Eight Limbs of Yoga and the philosophy behind Kriya Yoga, Zephyr will help students identify their own sufferings and how those may create routines and habits that can influence the paths we follow and the imbalances that arise.
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.
Zephyr’s Spring Newsletter
