Grief is a part of love. It hurts because we love. And just as we fall in love and want to share it with everyone, on social media, at weddings and parties and so on, our grief too wants to be expressed. However, in society today we find it hard to know how to express grief, support those who are grieving and find tools to help us bear what is ours to carry. Nothing will ever fix or solve our grief as it is a natural, normal and healthy reaction to loss. When we experience loss, grief fills our life with darkness. This darkness never goes way, we just learn how to expand our life around the darkness.
What can I expect? This workshop will include: – lectures – journaling – Yoga asana – meditation practices
What will I gain from the workshop? There are many tools to help with managing our grief. Zephyr will share some ways that the principles of yoga and Buddhist psychology can help manage grief through writing (vichara), applied yoga-asana and meditation practices. This holistic, mind-body approach will allow you to kindly open the grief experience, physically moving the body to release some of the build-up of sensation or awaken the feelings by creating sensation, a useful method of encouraging the hurt to untangle. Students will also use seated practices and guided meditation to help find more resilience by allowing us to tend to our grief with more understanding, compassion and trust.
Who is it for? Anyone struggling with feelings of grief after loss or who wants to explore this complex emotion.
Go to my recent blog about Grief and Loss to read and find more support in the meantime. Click here.
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’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
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 contributed a bit the other day with a few words 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.
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.
A bit of ‘awakened sleep’ will offer a chance to rest and take in all the benefits of the physical practice (Part 2). The 61 point practice will have us working with our resentment and learning how to manage the opposite feelings and emotions that arise. The final stage to the practice is a forgiveness intention opening us to isvara pranidhana and letting go of that resentment that holds us in negative attachment. As we surrender and trust, grace arises leading us towards peace, contentment and serenity.
In this Podcast Zephyr analyses the roots of anger and resentment showing us that often, our attachment to reinforcing aversion, creates that anger and in effect creates a suffering for ourselves. Its a tricky little cycle that is hard to break-free from and usually causes that not-so-calm, not-so-cool and not-so-collected self to show up when things get a bit heated.
Zeph shows us that by meditating and giving a moment of pause, we give our anger a moment to be heard. By pausing and focusing on the anger that may dwell inside, you can explore where that anger comes from and why it created the reaction it did.
Zephyr shares a personal story as an example and offers a practice that will allow you to tap into anger and question it, acknowledge it and release it.
Use this meditation anytime you recognise a bit of heat or downright fury towards someone or something. Take the time to acknowledge it, explore it, give it a moment and you might just be surprised your reaction the next time you are faced with it.
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.
