Zephyr Yoga Podcast

In this session, we focus on Rudra Granthi, the final knot that binds us to the illusion of self-importance and worldly attachments. Located at the neck and head, this knot keeps us trapped in the egoic “I am” clinging to achievements, labels, and spiritual materialism. Rudra, an aspect of Shiva the destroyer, dissolves ignorance, revealing our true essence beyond thoughts and experiences. Through meditation, mantra, and breathwork, we practice Neti Neti...“not this, not that”...dismissing illusions to uncover pure awareness. The bija mantra KLEEM, invoking Kali's fierce grace, helps us dissolve false identities and return to the limitless self. Techniques such as Jalandhara bandha and pranayama guide prana upward, unlocking deeper consciousness. With devotion and discernment, we learn to release attachment and step into the boundless truth of who we truly are...pure, free, and ever-present.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore Vishnu Granthi, the energetic knot that binds us to attachment, grief, and the struggle for acceptance in relationships and self-worth. Covering the Manipura, Anahata, and Vishuddha chakras, this knot fuels insecurities, the relentless 'I should' mindset, and emotional burdens that prevent honest communication and authentic connection. Inspired by Vishnu and Lakshm...symbols of preservation and abundance—we use the bija mantra SHREEM to open the heart and throat, fostering love, compassion, and acceptance. Through pranayama, chanting, and mindful movement, we dissolve the attachments that keep us from embracing life as it is. Surrounding ourselves with prana-rich experiences...nature, beauty, and connection...supports this process. Let this practice guide you toward deeper presence, gratitude, and the freedom to express your truth.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore Brahma Granthi, the energetic knot associated with fear, guilt, and shame, which binds us to concerns of survival, safety, and belonging. Rooted in the wisdom of the Upanishads, Granthis are psycho-emotional and energetic blockages that hinder spiritual liberation. Through yoga asana, pranayama, bandhas, and mantra...specifically the bija AIM, invoking Saraswati's wisdom...we work to untie these knots and cultivate trust, grounding, and self-awareness. This practice invites us to recognise and release limiting beliefs, restoring balance and deepening our connection to our true essence. Notice how this experience unfolds within you beyond the mat.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wise Concentration, the final step of the Eightfold Path, integrates all preceding steps, guiding practitioners toward liberation and enlightenment. It involves steadying the mind to develop insight, clarity, and a deep state of presence.Wise Concentration builds on:Wise Understanding: Focusing on why we practice and what we need.Wise Intention: Setting a clear purpose for practice.Wise Speech, Action, and Livelihood: Cultivating ethical discipline and clarity in thought and behaviour.Wise Effort: Redirecting the mind to the present moment with perseverance.Wise Mindfulness: Maintaining non-judgmental awareness to support concentration.In yoga, concentration techniques include scheduling time, creating a focused space, steadying the gaze (Drishti), practicing Ujjayi breath, and using objects such as breath or sensation to anchor awareness.With consistent practice, distractions lessen, leading to deeper focus, inner stillness, and the joyful absorption of the present moment—paving the way to freedom and fulfilment.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wise Mindfulness, a key aspect of the Eightfold Path, emphasises present-moment awareness and clear comprehension. It involves being fully attentive to experiences without judgment, resistance, or attachment, fostering a deep understanding of the mind, body, and reality.Key aspects of Wise Mindfulness include:Present-moment awareness: Observing thoughts, feelings, and sensations as they arise and pass without attachment.Non-judgmental observation: Accepting experiences without labeling them as good or bad.Detachment with love: Recognizing impermanence and letting go of clinging or aversion.Body awareness: Connecting with physical sensations to stay grounded.Mindful breathing: Using breath to anchor awareness and regulate the nervous system.Daily mindfulness: Integrating mindfulness into everyday activities.Insight cultivation: Gaining wisdom by observing human nature and forming a compassionate relationship with oneself.Through Wise Mindfulness, individuals cultivate clarity, peace, and freedom from suffering.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wise Effort, the sixth step of the Eightfold Path, is the foundation for developing concentration and leading a wholesome life. It involves the balanced application of energy and intention, recognising how our thoughts, speech, and actions impact ourselves and others. Self-awareness is key...examining whether our effort is driven by fear or faith, criticism or curiosity, judgment or discernment.Wise Effort consists of four aspects: preventing unwholesome qualities, letting go of negativity with love, cultivating virtues like compassion and wisdom, and sustaining these qualities in daily life. It's not about forceful striving but cultivating kindness, patience, and non-attachment.Yoga supports Wise Effort through practices like stilling the mind, breath control, and contemplation. Reflection on our efforts helps refine actions aligned with well-being. Seeking guidance from teachers and communities can provide inspiration and support. Wise Effort is an ongoing process of patience and perseverance, fostering a heart and mind free from suffering.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wise Livelihood, the fifth step of the Eightfold Path, focuses on earning a living in ways that align with ethical principles, causing no harm to oneself or others. It encourages conscious choices that support well-being, compassion, and environmental sustainability, aligning with the Five Precepts and Four Brahmaviharas.In our practice, think of the heart as the boss, thoughts as upper management, emotions as lower management, and the body as the workforce. Are they aligned with your values and vision? Yoga helps us create internal harmony, guiding us to act with integrity.Wise Livelihood invites reflection on whether our work aligns with our values, contributes positively to society, and avoids harm. Buddhists prioritise ethical conduct, non-harming, mindfulness, and service.Before practice, consider: Does your work align with your principles? How can you bring mindfulness and compassion into it? Aligning our livelihood with our values fosters personal growth and collective well-being.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The fourth step of the Eightfold Path is Wise Action, which focuses on cultivating ethical behavior and harmonious relationships. It involves following the Five Precepts: refraining from taking life (Ahimsa), stealing (Asteya), sexual misconduct (Brahmacharya), false or harmful speech (Satya), and intoxication. These precepts guide practitioners toward actions that promote compassion, mindfulness, and respect for all beings.Wise Action also encourages choosing a livelihood that doesn't contribute to suffering and emphasises selflessness and generosity (Aparigraha), fostering empathy and detachment from material attachments.In your asana practice, reflect on your motivations for action. Are your choices rooted in fear or love, criticism or curiosity? By becoming aware of your thoughts, words, and actions, you can cultivate more mindful responses, aligning your actions with your core values. Recognise that every choice has consequences...your current life is shaped by past actions. Use this awareness to make wise, virtuous choices that promote happiness and well-being for yourself and others.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The third step of the Eightfold Path, Wise Speech, emphasises the importance of mindful, compassionate communication. It involves refraining from false speech, divisive speech, harsh words, and idle chatter, while cultivating truthful, meaningful, and purposeful communication. Wise Speech encourages us to speak with honesty, kindness, and empathy, promoting understanding and harmony.Active listening is also essential, allowing for deeper connection and skilful responses. The practice of mindful speech asks us to reflect on the impact of our words and ensure they are thoughtful, helpful, inspiring, necessary, and kind.In addition, we practice Noble Silence, which enhances concentration and mindfulness, reduces distractions, and creates space for reflection. During Noble Silence, we observe our internal dialogue, recognising the stories and reactions that arise. This practice trains the mind to be more present and connected to the body. Today, we'll use pranayama techniques like OM and Bhramari to deepen this connection and foster contentment and freedom.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wise Intention, the second step of the Eightfold Path, encourages us to reflect on the deeper purpose behind our practice. Ask yourself: What unmet need is calling for attention...physical healing, emotional balance, spiritual connection, or self-discovery? Your intention guides the direction of your practice, helping cultivate positive and compassionate qualities.In Buddhism, intentions should nurture the Four Brahmaviharas: Metta (loving-kindness), Karuna (compassion), Mudita (sympathetic joy), and Upeksha (equanimity). These qualities guide us toward kindness, empathy, joy for others' success, and inner peace. When we align our intentions with these qualities, we foster a compassionate heart and contribute to the well-being of all beings.Choose a word that speaks to your unmet need and declare your intention as you breathe, mentally saying “be with me.” This practice aligns your heart, body, and mind, creating space for serenity, compassion, and balance.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Eightfold Path is a central teaching in Buddhism, offering guidelines for a meaningful life. It consists of eight steps: Wise Understanding, Wise Intention, Wise Speech, Wise Action, Wise Livelihood, Wise Effort, Wise Mindfulness, and Wise Concentration. These steps are categorised into three groups: Wisdom (Wise Understanding, Wise Intention), Morality (Wise Speech, Wise Action, Wise Livelihood), and Concentration (Wise Effort, Wise Mindfulness, Wise Concentration). These categories are interdependent, supporting the development of wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental concentration.Wise Understanding involves a clear awareness of the Four Noble Truths, which explain suffering, its causes, its cessation, and the path to its end. It encourages mindfulness of one's body, mind, and energy, helping identify attachments and aversions. Practicing this wisdom in yoga and life helps clear distractions, leading to greater clarity, compassion, wisdom, and love, ultimately guiding us toward self-awareness, peace, and purpose.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Om Mani Padme Hum" is a sacred mantra in Tibetan Buddhism, associated with the Bodhisattvas of Compassion (Avalokiteshvara), Wisdom (Manjushri), and Power (Vajrapani). It is believed to bring profound benefits when chanted, connecting us to compassion, wisdom, and peace.“Om” is the primordial sound, representing enlightened beings' body, speech, and mind.“Mani” means jewel, symbolising the altruistic intention to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.“Padme” means lotus, representing purity, enlightenment, and spiritual growth.“Hum” emphasises the union of wisdom and compassion.The mantra encapsulates the Buddhist path, combining wisdom and compassion. It reminds us that challenges (mud) lead to personal growth and transformation (lotus). Reflect on how obstacles can guide self-discovery and compassion for yourself and others. By embracing suffering, we awaken to the truth and connect with the power of love, kindness, and altruistic action.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism outline the nature of suffering and its resolution:The Truth of Suffering (Dukkha): Suffering arises from impermanence—everything changes, and nothing lasts. Life is a mix of joy and sorrow, and seeking lasting satisfaction is futile. Accepting suffering as part of existence is key.The Cause of Suffering (Samudaya): Suffering stems from attachment, craving, aversion, and fear. These Kleshas create a false sense of self and bind us to ongoing dissatisfaction.The End of Suffering (Nirodha): Suffering can end by letting go of attachments and aversions. Through practices like Yoga and meditation, we can connect with our enlightened nature, free from self-sabotaging actions.The Path to Freedom (Magga): The Eightfold Path, including ethical living, meditation, and wisdom, leads to the cessation of suffering. By cultivating awareness, acceptance, and wise action, we can awaken and free ourselves from suffering.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore Siddhartha's profound journey to awakening, revealing the timeless truth of human suffering and its transcendence. Siddhartha's encounter with Mara, the embodiment of our inner obstacles; ignorance, egotism, attachment, aversion, and fear. This teaches us that true freedom lies not in resistance but in mindful acceptance. Through patience, love, kindness, and dispassion, Siddhartha illuminated the path to serenity, becoming the Buddha, the Awakened One. This journey mirrors our own, as we face our inner Mara with awareness, seeing him not as an enemy but as a teacher. By welcoming and acknowledging our struggles, rather than avoiding them, we cultivate wisdom, compassion, and clarity. Inspired by this teaching, our practice encourages us to witness our suffering with an open heart, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth, healing, and self-discovery. Together, we embrace Mara's presence, inviting peace, joy, and liberation into our lives.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Words and their meanings have a wonderful way of painting an experience felt in the body, energy and mind. Certain words can spark a positive neurological effect empowering, motivating and even healing us. They tell a unique story within. This story we will tell is one of Loving Kindness. Using Buddhist slogans to be tender as the body, energy and mind unfold our past impressions, present circumstances and open to a more kind positive future. Compassion begins with the capacity to hold our own life wrapped in the arm of our loving heart. Our ability to self care through our attention of our hurt and pain, the kinder words we speak to ourselves on a daily basis and how we physically get our needs met. When we care for ourselves in a tender way, compassion will naturally awaken within us, it is intrinsic to our nature. We open to unconditional willingness to reconnect to something within where we feel safe, loved, belonging and connected to a loving presence. When we can face our own shadow side with tenderness, our empathy of others struggles becomes more potent and we can truly sense the humanity that connects us. By bravely facing the shadow side of humanity, we become the transformers of suffering alive in ourselves and others. To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Compassion begins with the capacity to hold our own life wrapped in the arm of our loving heart. Our ability to self care is supported through the attention of our hurt and pain, the kinder words we speak to ourselves on a daily basis and how we physically get our needs met. When we care for ourselves in a tender way, compassion will naturally awaken within us, it is intrinsic to our nature. We open to unconditional willingness and reconnect to something within where we feel safe, loved, with belonging and connected to a loving presence. At the same time, when we can face our own shadow side with tenderness, our empathy for other's struggles becomes more potent and we can truly sense the humanity that connects us. By bravely facing the shadow side of humanity, we become the transformers of suffering that lives in ourselves and others. This practice reduces attachments. It increases our ability to let go of the Karmic ties that bind us to old unhelpful stories that keep us stuck. By giving and helping one another, even through a generous thought and feeling, we develop and expand our capacity for kindness. This simple action creates a pathway to being held by the wholeness of being. We will combine this with a mudra Buddha Smiling. Tongue, Breath and Mind more loving and kind than your normal actions.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The purpose of both Ashtanga and Kriya Yoga is to manage the unmanageability of being human, the obstructions, afflictions and the struggle of desire and karmic action we all go through. Either practice subdues the body and mind to attain the state beyond it, which is said to be serene, peaceful, joyous and always free!Ashtanga is the earliest attempt to formulate a step-by-step approach to self-realisation and liberation from re-birth. To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This practice invites you to abide in the heart. Using Kapalabhati & Antara Kumbhaka Pranayama that clears and purifies the energy channels to prepare for Surya and Chandra Bhedana, Sun and Moon piercing. Isolating our attention on the right and left nostril channels (Pingala & Ida Nadis) to connect to their unique qualities, then draw them together at our heart and bathe in that inner light abiding in the centre, meditating in the timeless light of now.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Samadhi is the eighth and final step on the path of practicing Yoga, as defined by Patanjali'sYoga Sutras. It is the ultimate stage in the voyage of attaining the state of Yoga. In sanskrit, sam meaning “together” or “completely,” or “toward” and dhe, meaning “put.” Direct translations vary, ranging in absorption, total integration, bliss, liberation and even enlightenment. I have experienced it as a blissful form of total meditative absorption. It is described as a state in which the individual and universal consciousness unite and awaken as Pure Consciousness which is said to be the underlying layer of all creation in the universe. That the practitioner is no longer able to perceive the act of meditation or define any separate sense of self from pure consciousness, where one looses all self-referencing point. In the state of Samadhi, the vail of ignorance is lifted, one's ego, all desires, aversions and fears dissolves in the light of it all, empty in its own form. Samadhi is the cessation of all experiences in every sense as we know it, a resting of the Self within itself, abiding in the light of pure consciousness. The goal is citta vritti nirodha – to still the mental fluctuation of the mind where the practitioner is fully conscious, undistracted and that there is an uninterrupted awareness in which is truly absorbed in ultimate truth of Grace itself as the Self. To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this mediation practice we will be seated in Virasana, so please use a brick or prop to sit with Sthira/Stablitiy and Sukham/Comfort. We will be preforming Bhramari Pranayama, Kapalabhati Kriya, Bahya Kumbhaka, Maha Mudra and Bandha which will evolve into point to point breathing with HUM SA Kriya. The preamble will give you more meaning and purpose to the mediation practice and the practice maps out the ability to guide the mind into a deeper state of meditation, Dhyana. Dhyana, meditation is the 7th limb of the 8 Limb Path of the Yoga Sutras. Meditation is a tool, to use the mind to go beyond the mind. It is the clarity of mind to abide in the timelessness of now, present in the here and now. An uninterrupted flow of consciousness toward that object. The goal of practice according to the Yoga Sutras is 1.2 Citta Vritti Nirodha, stilling the roaming tendencies of the mind. The point is to focus on a point.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dhyana, meditation is the 7th limb of the 8 Limb Path of the Yoga Sutras. Meditation is a tool, to use the mind to go beyond the mind. It is the clarity of mind to abide in the timelessness of now, present in the here and now. An uninterrupted flow of consciousness toward that object. The goal of practice according to the Yoga Sutras is 1.2 Citta Vritti Nirodha, stilling the roaming tendencies of the mind. The point is to focus on a point.As we did in our last session focusing on 6th Limb, Dharana, one-pointed awareness on an object to training the mind puppy to sit and stay. Watching how the mind puppy chases its tail, chews on a bone or naps avoiding practice. Our hand command to get the mind puppy to sit and stay, roll over and lie down was the point to focus on becoming more absorbed in the moment.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dharana is the sixth of the Eight Limbs of Yoga as described by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. It refers to the concentration of the mind where it becomes one-pointed, a fixed attention on an object. It is a holding or binding your attention to the object with the intention of reducing the rajasic movement that feeds, agitating the senses and mind or the tamasic boredom and apathetic state that gets the senses and mind stuck. We are looking for the middle sattvic path that cultivates mental stability and freedom from distraction. When he mind is distracted if feeds the Kleshas Avidya – Ignorance, Asmita – Egotism, Raga – Attachment, Dvesa – Aversion, Abinivesha -Fear. We use pratyahara and dharana in our asana and pranayama practice to weaken the power that the Kleshas have on us. Dharana is the doorway to meditation as it requires you to rest your attention on something for some time. This requires diligence and persistency like training a puppy. It requires effort, to be switched on, not off to train a mind puppy! The puppy likes to chase its tail, chew on a bone obsessively, take naps, hide, etc. We need to train the puppy, so it can be of serve and a good companion to us. So remembering that in practice Yoga Sutra 1.33 states we need to culitivate loving awareness, friendliness, joy and compassion. This keeps a trusting loving relationship with the mind puppy to practice being present. To be present, you just need two things Intention and Attention. An Intention to be present, with the effort and vigilance to turn your attention back to the presence. As the mind puppy will wandering if bore or entertaining judgements, stories, bias and act out. The Yogi needs to be receptive, sensitive and loving kind to reach the goal of practice, Nirodha, stillness to then awaken to the state of Yoga. So we practice Yoga!To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The fifth limb of Patanjali's eightfold path of yoga, is Pratyahara. Pratyahara is an important bridge between the external focus of the previous limbs of yoga, such as asana (postures) and pranayama(breath exercises) to the more advanced practices of dharana(concentration) and dhyana (meditation). Pratyahara literally means withdrawing from the senses, to gain control over the senses to bring about calmness, peace and stillness. Prati meaning “against” or “withdraw”, and ahara meaning “food” or referring to anything we take in from the outside. Pratyahara also helps to provide an understanding of how much the mind is influenced by sensory input, imprisoned by the senses. Dictating our thoughts and feelings in ‘feeding' it leading it to be trapped in the Kleshas, mental/emotional afflictions that continue the wheel of suffering. Our practice is to stop feeding the mind the things that keep it ignorance of it's true nature, stuck in ignorance, attachment, aversion, egotism and fear. Encouraging the mind in a kind way to turn inwards and use the senses to be of service to the pursuit of practice, gaining mastery over external influences and allowing the practitioner to connect with their inner world, thereby creating optimal conditions for self-realisation. To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are working our way through the 8 limbs of Yoga. These are suggested steps to practice Yoga to attain the state of Yoga, according to Patanjali who wrote the Yoga Sutras. The first limb is the Yamas, 5 ethical guidelines to have more intimate relationships with the world around you and others. The second limb is the Niyamas, 5 observances to have more of an intimate relationship to yourself. The third limb is Asana, posture. As stated in our last session to practice Asana you just need to create Sthira and Sukham, steadiness and comfort in your posture so you can focus the mind on something specific becoming more effortless in your practice. This session we are focusing on the fourth limb, Pranayama, breathing techniques or exercises.Why do we want to do want to focus on Pranayama? Well, we all want to feel more vital, energised, productive, healthy and creative. These are all fuelled by Prana, your life force or vital energy that animates, supports our homeostasis and it's said to sustain our life and longevity.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Asana is the third limb to the eight limb path of Yoga according to the Yoga Sutras. Asana is associated with ascetic austerities that are practiced to result in the state of mind being stilled and awakened. In Yoga Sutra 2.46 it states, to practice Asana you just need two things, Sthira – Steadiness and Sukham – Comfort. Patanjali's purpose of asana was to be steady and comfortable in the posture to meditate. Any posture. The next suggestion was from Yoga Sutra 2.47 which states how to master Asana. Be in a posture where there is structural integrity and a sense of ease. Then create effort by meditating on something specific, becoming more effortless. Pointing the practitioner to train the mind to rest it's awareness on something, leading it to stillness. Stillness is the goal of the activity of practicing Yoga-Asana, stated in Yoga Sutra 1.2 Citta Vritti Nirodha, stilling the fluctuations of the mind to then enter the state of Yoga. Hatha Yogis figured out that if you created activity on the levels of the body, energy and mind, it increases one's access to stillness, quietude and being motionless. So create effort to become effortless!To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5th Niyama is Isvara Pranidhana complete surrender to the God head of your understanding. To have complete faith in the guiding and protective power of absolute reality behind all life and manifestation. Whatever is omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent. Yoga is not a religion, however a ‘Spiritual' practice.The teachings suggests we surrender our fruits of our actions, give all of our self over to this Grace that we entrust in and we stay open to what life has to offer. Starting thinking about what you are trying to control, be powerful over? Person, place or thing? Kids, finances, relationships, work outcomes…Or better yet, what would you like to let go of? Fear, anger, envy, resentments…Vyasa one of the commenters of the Yoga Sutras, stated that a mind that is disturbed, distracted and stupefied is not fit for reaching Samadhi. It is only reachable by Yogis who have cultivated a one-pointed and complete still mind, Nirodha. In our focused, diligent practice (Abhyasa) we refine our awareness (Viveka) to observe what arises, discerning our choices in practice. Vairagya is a practice of letting go of sensory observation, training the mind to detach from what arises, distracts or motivates the activity of the mind that prevents it from stillness. This becomes a repetition of mind to practice the art of surrendering that which doesn't serve the practitioner in their pursuit of attaining the state of Yoga.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This practice we will focus on the 4th Niyama, Svadhyaya: Self-study, self- inquiry, it is to observe the self, understand it and self-reflect on it. It is the study by and of oneself, along side of the study of spiritual scripture and teachings. Reading, listening and reciting mantras. Through repetition we learn, deepening the knowledge and opening to true wisdom.Sva means own or self. Dhyaya means lesson, practice, teaching. The word literally means ‘placing it within your own' or ‘own- ing' the lesson, the teaching own the lesson as you focus on what is arising right here and now.In practice we take it all in, whatever arises in our field of experience. Welcoming it all as teachers, make the understanding and experience your own, place yourself within it. This is where your light of intelligence (Prajna), discernment (Vikeka) and your intuitive wisdom (Buddhi) gathered insight into what is arising in practice in the form of thought, emotions and sensations.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This practice is focusing on the 3rd Niyama; Tapas – Yogic Austerity. Tapas means heat of positive change. This is said to be the earliest term for the ‘austerity of Yoga' and the endeavours of the practitioners. Tap means to burn or glow, it includes the element of fire (Agni) that is also said to be the essential element to create life, to heal, to inspire and to transform. Agni is seen to be the sacrificial fire that reintegrates what has been contaminated by being human – life experiences, judgements, bias, our opinions, our ignorance that makes us forget what we truly are and limits us to who we think we are. Tapas refers to inner heat, the desire that leads to ecstatic and creative states, so pointing the Yogi to something positive. Tapas usually involves having healthy boundaries with others and ourselves (Brahmacharya) and control of your senses (Indriya Jaya) through physical acts of austerity, concentration and mediation. The results are that the Yogi is left strong, filled with vitality (Bala, Virya) and it states that they are radiantly heavenly (Jyotish) they have an aura that is beamingly resplendent (Tejas).So why do Tapas, well to fulfil our Vedic goals of life, these are the Purusarthas; Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last session we worked with Sauca which ‘cleans' the physical, energetic and mental bodies in practice and shines a brighter clearer light to a deeper tranquil state of being. All of this is the pursuit to the state of Yoga. In this session we are working on the second Niyama, Santosa, which points you to have a more intimate and honest relationship with the whole of you, so you can practice just being present with ‘what is' and that ‘what is', is enough. From that acceptance of ‘what is' in any given moment, it states it will bring you unsurpassed joy.Sam (san) in sanskrit means completely, altogether and entirely – Tosa(tosha) means a state of contentment, satisfaction, acceptance, being comfortable. When we feel content and satisfied with our lives, there is a profound acceptance of ‘what is' and delight, serenity, sincere gratitude arises.Vyasa stated in his commentary of the Yoga Sutras that when Santosa is achieved it is measured by the “existence of a joyful and satisfied mind, regardless of one's environment, whether one is met with pleasure or pain, profit or loss, fame or contempt, success or failure, sympathy or hatred.”To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Niyamas are the basis for a healthy relationship with ourselves. In yoga, we place ourselves in a relationship to something, focusing our mind and body to the art of ‘purification' through Yoga practice in order to produce a positive effect the pursuit of the state of Yoga. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika text warns the student, “Graha Niyama” to not take these Niyamas to extremes as it reinforces unhealthy motivations and self-abuse. This guides the student to bespoke the practice and walk the ‘middle path'. The first Niyama is Sauca which is the caring for ourselves and our environment, making it clean and tidy. It literally means cleanliness, Sauca is to shine, gleam, to be clean. Sauca usually refers to the exterior inhabitance, but it also applies to the internal as well, equally nourishing the healthy and unhealthy parts of ourselves. Sometimes we have to trick ourselves to do this as we don't give ourselves the same attention as if we were caring for a family member, a friend or a beloved pet. We tend to treat them better than we treat ourselves.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aparigraha is Sanskrit for non-clinging, not-coveting or desiring after outward possessions. It is the concept of non-possessiveness, non-greediness and non-attachment. The opposite is Parigraha, which means “the focus on material gain.” So Aparigraha in Sanskrit breaks downs as – A means “non or against”; pari, means “on all sides”; and graha, means “to take,” “to grab” or “to seize.” It is a restraint, not just to refrain from taking things, but from coveting things too. This non-attachment is to material possessions as well as other less tangible things like energy, respect, attention or love. We see how trying to control, possess and hold onto people, places and things increases discontentment, pain and suffering and can hurt people as well as ourselves. The trouble of getting things and keeping them, involves endless drama of holding on to them and preventing those things from changing. The bottom line is EVERYTHING is subject to change. This unfolds into us suffering, Dukkha and when that happens our Kleshas start to get triggered and motivates actions. So letting go of the hankering, yearning, jealousy, and greediness of possessing people, places and things is all a part of learning the art of surrendering, letting go and letting be.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brahmacharya literally means ‘walking' or having ethical conduct like God. Brahma means one's own Self, ultimate unchanging reality, absolute consciousness, Divinity. Whatever is the God of your understanding. Charya – means walking, engaging, proceeding, behaving, conducting, moving or going after. So it roughly means “to stay true to one's Self or ones own Atman” or True Self/Soul. That you are walking the path of Brahma – God. However, it is mostly referred to as sexual chastity, abstinence, pure sexual conduct. Brahmacharya essentially was meant to suppress any sexual urge and of all activities leading to it. All the information I have read up upon this is directly talking to men, as Yoga was mainly practiced by men. Creating very clear boundaries of being a renunciant of sex was one of the vows which was taken to practice. It's not just abstaining from sexual acting but according to some Sages that a Yogi must refrain from the 8 forms of sexual indulgences:Thinking of sex talking about sexplaying or joking about sexlooking intensely at someone stimulating sexual urgessecret talking about sex touching with sexual intent determination or attempts of sexual actsexecution of having sexThe idea is for the Yogi to dissolve the Kleshas, cultivate Sattva Guna and reduce the Karma in this lifetime so to live a moral life as a way to end the cycle of human suffering and to reach enlightenment.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are working with understanding more about Satya – Truthfulness, the second Yama. This is the ability to be truthful, honest and transparent in words, thoughts and actions. Satya is a self-restraint in taking responsibility and accountability of our humanity and determining what is motivating how and what we communicate. Sometimes what is motivating us to share words with one another is the Kleshas, mental-emotional afflictions which corrupt our perception. Sometimes we may be ignorant of our dishonesty or not hold the full truth and share half truths – Avidya. This dishonesty might be because of our egoism of wanting to be right, seen, a part of or special – Asmita. There might be an attachment to the subject manner we want – Raga. Or we are avoiding something we don't want – Dvesa. Or are afraid of what the truth holds – Abinivesha. These are all the 5 Kleshas distorting the truth. So to practice Satya, I would suggest pausing when communicating, self-reflecting and discerning whether what you want to share is, to the best of your knowledge, the truth. It says that the truth will always serve a greater purpose if it is noble and honest.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yamas are the essential moral principles to practice Yoga. In our western world, we might call these restraints or rules.Asteya is Non-Stealing. It is the third ethical restraint. Steya means unlawfully taking things that you are not entitled to or that don't belong to you. Asteya is abstaining from stealing. This refers to possessions, money, materials that are not yours, but can also include stealing; time, energy, ideas, talents, relationships, achievements, successes or even stealing rights or freedoms. When we analyse what motivates us to steal we see that the act is rooted in feeling a lacking of, not enough or there is a feeling of scarcity. Asteya is to abandon the intention, desire to possess or steal from others and oneself. In order to illustrate the point, we can use the example of Time. Time is important to everyone. Managing not to show up, to be late or run over time is robbing someone and yourself of one of the most valuable commodities we have. Asteya makes us accountable to stick to the agreed schedule whether if it is work, social or family. Or when you are there – work, social or family, you live in the moment, not in the past, future or fantasies or on your phone. When we recognise when we have wandered, not present with those around us, the realisation that you're being a time thief! Which gives you the opportunity to self-reflect and notice what is between you and being present with those around you. Asteya asks you to ‘be where you are now, not wasting the time.'To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yoga is skill in action with loving awareness that awakens our embodiment to an intention set in every practice.An Intention is an aspiration or energy that draws us to love, truth and creativity.What matters to you most?An intention whether it is a New Years intention or a daily intention you set as a commitment to your care in every gesture, grace of movement, sensation, emotion and thought. A personal intention increases self-knowledge, empowerment, and self-mastery to positively affect all aspects of our lives towards fulfilment, joy, contentment and serenity.Whatever the intention is, notice how it impacts your physical, subtle and conscious bodies. You as the Yogi or Adhikara, shows up to your devoted practice (whatever that is and looks like) daily. You set an intention after listening to the Heart's desires, what inherently is True for you as you are guided by your innate wisdom of what intention needs to be fulfilled.There is said to be 5 essential ingredients to be a Yogi-Shraddha – Faith. Trusted belief that the Universe has your back no matter whatVidya – Courage, Willpower, Stamina to persevere through life's obstaclesSmirti – That which is remembered, To strengthen your memory to what matters to you mostSamadhi – Absorption, to spend time in repose, resting in the grounded-ness of beingPrajna – Illumination, Guided by the inner light of the heart-mind, that innate wisdom, your inner teacherTo read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This practice is inspired by the first Yama, Ahimsa, Non-Violence. Over the past few sessions we have focused on clearing the Malas to know, see and act in this world knowing the truth of who and what we are, that there is impermanence to all life and finally being responsible for what is motivating us (Kleshas) which causes suffering. To live is to create Karma and that all activities creates Karma, choices and consequences whether positive or negative on ourselves and others. It is a fundamental desire to a Yogi's journey to know your personal Dharma – your purpose and devote to your life to fulfilling it, creating as little ‘bad' Karma as possible. However, it is hard to be perfect, it is impossible to exist without doing some harm to ourselves and others. By avoiding Karma, or action, it said, you still create Karma (sorry!). So the little secret to life is: You fulfil your Dharma and take care of your Karama and Karma will take care of you. One objective of practice is to refine the Buddhi – your intuitive guide, through daily practice of Yoga to see and know the best path for you to take creating the Karma that aligns to your Dharma. Yamas gives us moral and ethical guidelines to reduce as much ‘bad' Karma and prevents us wavering off our path. Ahimsa means non-violence, mentally, emotionally, verbally and physically towards all sentient beings. To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“The simple act of kindness is by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer” Mahatma GandhiI was inspired to teach about Maitri as a reaction to current events and the layers of what humanity face all over the world. Maitri's Bhavana is to cultivate, produce, develop the feeling is one of friendliness, benevolence, affection, kindness, good-will, it is this unconditional friendship, acceptance and love for oneself and others.When we strip off our cultural conditioning, bias, beliefs, impressions, habitual tendencies, in the Yogic perspective we all are an expression of the One, Grace, Divinity, Pure Consciousness, the light of Prana that flows within us all. When we say Namaste we are saying the Divine that flows within me, I recognise that same flow of Divine Life within you. That fundamentally we are the essence of a Divine that is in the form of your unique embodiment. And each one of us has a basic goodness, a decency, that love is at our core, our true nature. That we all have a desire to have more joy, happiness and fulfilment in our lives And not to suffer. However, just as the teachings express this is unavoidable because we love and exist we are subjected to the pain of change, illness and death. The ironic dilemma is that the more we love, the deeper we feel it the more it hurts when it changes, we loose it and have to grieve it. It's like how we enjoy the light and heat of the fire, however when we get to close it burns. We learn to keep ourselves safe by backing away from the fire, but over time we are so faraway from the flame, we can't benefit from its heat and light. Our work in Practice is to begin to make friends with ourselves, to stop looking for validation outside and turn our attention to feeling at home and relaxed within when we feel that fire burning. Our practice is to build that fire, we call this Tapas, physical fire, energetic fire and mental fire of concentration to create a positive change. As the saying goes “I survived because the fire inside me burned brighter than the fire around me” This is the real work of Practice – to have a relationship with our pain, difficulty and hardship.Yoga Sutras points out 5 Kleshas, mental emotional afflictions we all will struggle with; Avidya – Ignorance,Asmita – Egotism, Raga – Attachment, Dvesa – Avoidance, Abinivesha – Fear of loss, change and deathYoga Sutra 1:31 states the 4 symptoms of suffering observed in practice manifests asNegative thinkingEmotional distressInstability in the bodyDisturbances in the breath that mirror the mindThe solution is Yoga Sutra 1.29 says to move inwards and then Yoga Sutra 1.32 to focus on one thing at a time. Yoga Sutra 1.33 Cultivate Non-judgemental loving awareness – Upekshanam, Friendliness – Maitri, Joy – Mudito happiness – SukkaCompassion – KarunaLoving kindness and friendliness towards what arises in our practice, a compassion and equanimity in body, energy and mind as we observe life's events and not being drawn into judgement or contempt towards ourselves as well as others. To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Action in Sanskrit is Karma. Karma carries the notion the fruit of your actions, comes back to you, you can't escape the consequence of your actions. There is always a cause and effect, for every action has a reaction, for every choice has a consequence. The cause behind your current situation is your past Karma. This way of practice is seeing that life is not just happening to you, it is happening for you. That your'e a sum total of all your choices and actions. That your current life is a continuation of the past. Our opportunity in any given moment is to be mindful of what is (Cit Shakti) listen to our innate wisdom (Jnana Shakti), tap into the resource of energy we have (Iccha Shakti) to make better choices to serve our intention, purpose, desires that lead us closer to spirit, our truth and lasting fulfilment in our lived experience and it is said to have an impact on the quality of our future and future lives.Hatha Yoga becomes a creative, dynamic activity that you can refine the physical, energetic and mental bodies and gain the ability to spontaneously manoeuvre without hesitation to take make things happen. We discover, in this practice, that to accomplish one's intentions there has to be effort, practice and exertion, empowered by loving-awareness which is said to be our true nature. 3 Types of KarmaPrarabhda Karma – Active KarmaSanchita Karma – Dormant KarmaKriyamana Karma – Potential KarmaYou as the Yogi is likened to the Archer. To be a good archer, one needs to practice over and over again refining the skill in making bow and arrows, storing them, choosing the right arrow for the job and aiming then releasing them to the target. Your mindset, posture and what is motivating you all has a place in how skilful you take action to shoot your arrow or not.Prarabhda Karma is Active Karma likened to the arrow in the bow, the arrows that are in flight and the arrows that either have missed or hit the target. Some of these arrows were released in previous life times as it is the Karma you need to resolve in this lifetime, some of these arrows are of those of your family's Karma and most are of all the choices you have taken. Some of these arrows miss their target and it is our job to rectify and make amends of the fallout to our poor aim. Some hit the target and fulfils that life affirming purpose.Sancitta Karma is Dormant Karma. This is represented by the different arrows stored in our quiver of the many different ages in which we have learned how to react or respond to life. To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karmamala is connected to the body and how the ego identifies itself as “I am what I do”, my behaviour, my actions. This is the investment in the doership of life. This Mala is the stain over the lens of perceiving that we are the limitation to our actions as our self-worth tied to what you do and what we are not doing. This distorted view point gives rise to an inability to trust, connect and surrender as we are locked in a Karmic cycle of behaviour that is coloured by the other two Malas. As long as the other two Malas are actively distorted, stained and contaminated with feeling unworthy or not enough and the thoughts keep one separated, biased, prejudiced, you will see yourself as limited. This leads to actions that entangle our egotism to destructive ignorance, attachment and aversion to continue at any cost, we call this bondage to Karmic repercussions.Attachment is primarily the limited belief that we need something outside ourselves to be fulfilled. A partner, a family, a car, more material things, money, fame, success, approval, power…that Yoga Pose will fill that void and show our worth.Aversion is like the same just in reverse, it is what we resist, how we avoid what we don't want or like, what we want to push away or eliminate as we see them as bad, painful or may lead to feel suffering. When we are driven by our own ignorance, stuck in this cycle of attachment and aversion we act out in ways that have a stained intention to ourselves and other. The more we are invested in our attachments and aversions the more extreme the actions. As they say what we resist, persists or the definition of insanity, is doing the same thing, expecting different results. Action in sanskrit is Karma. Karma carries the notion that the fruit of your actions, comes back to you, you can't escape the consequence of your actions. There is a cause and effect. Every action has a reaction, every choice has a consequence. The cause behind your current situation is your past Karma. Your'e a sum total of all your choices and actions. That your current life is a continuation of the past. So if you don't like where you are, start by looking at what motivates your actions, the other Malas. To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Malas are stains and impurities over our hearts, minds and bodies that limit our lives to being defined by our feelings, thoughts and actions. Anavamala is the stain over our heart that keeps us defined by “I am my feelings” Mayiyamala – Connected to the Mind. “I know”, thoughts, mind. Like the saying “I think, therefore I am” however who are you when you're not thinking? Do you exist? This stain or impurity over the mind distorts the perception of difference oneself and other, oneself and the Divine, oneself and Pure Consciousness. It is said to be knowledge that is impure or distorted through a stain of thoughts that lead to prejudice as there is a perception of separateness or inability to see unity. This encourages thought that draw us into compare and despair, perception of abandonment, being disconnected and alone as an individual being amongst others and source. There is a lot of being conditioned to think by our families, culture and religion. Humans are programmed to be tribal to survive. This gives rise to racism, sexism, classism, ageism and other ways we perceive difference and feel threatened by it. There is an analogy of a continent with many mountains, most of these mountains are under water, however a few pop out and above the water, the peaks are perceived as islands. If you never looked below the surface of the water you would never think they would be connected. Mayiyamala is a bit like this. We think everyone is different, unrelated or independent of each other. We point the finger and judge others, feeling envy, jealousy and anger. However, as the saying goes when you point a finger, there are always three fingers pointing back at you. This ability to take ones own inventory, to self-reflect and see themselves in other's shoes, that we are no better or different under the circumstances. The saying that we are Spiritual Beings having a Human experience and that we are Human Beings having a Spiritual experience. Our practice is to analyse our thoughts, beliefs and judgements. Am I my thoughts? What am I? How do I define myself? Label myself? How is my investment in my own island keeping me separate from others? Do I think my island is better or less than the others that are around me? Can I see fundamentally all individual islands are the same, as you look at what everything is built on and underneath we all are interconnected. Who are you when you are not trying to be somebody? To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Malas are stains and impurities over our hearts, minds and bodies that limit our lives to being defined by our feelings, thoughts and actions. Anavamala is the stain over our heart that keeps us defined by “I am my feelings” Mayiyamala – Connected to the Mind. “I know”, thoughts, mind. Like the saying “I think, therefore I am” however who are you when you're not thinking? Do you exist? This stain or impurity over the mind distorts the perception of difference oneself and other, oneself and the Divine, oneself and Pure Consciousness. It is said to be knowledge that is impure or distorted through a stain of thoughts that lead to prejudice as there is a perception of separateness or inability to see unity. This encourages thought that draw us into compare and despair, perception of abandonment, being disconnected and alone as an individual being amongst others and source. There is a lot of being conditioned to think by our families, culture and religion. Humans are programmed to be tribal to survive. This gives rise to racism, sexism, classism, ageism and other ways we perceive difference and feel threatened by it. There is an analogy of a continent with many mountains, most of these mountains are under water, however a few pop out and above the water, the peaks are perceived as islands. If you never looked below the surface of the water you would never think they would be connected. Mayiyamala is a bit like this. We think everyone is different, unrelated or independent of each other. We point the finger and judge others, feeling envy, jealousy and anger. However, as the saying goes when you point a finger, there are always three fingers pointing back at you. This ability to take ones own inventory, to self-reflect and see themselves in other's shoes, that we are no better or different under the circumstances. The saying that we are Spiritual Beings having a Human experience and that we are Human Beings having a Spiritual experience. Our practice is to analyse our thoughts, beliefs and judgements. Am I my thoughts? What am I? How do I define myself? Label myself? How is my investment in my own island keeping me separate from others? Do I think my island is better or less than the others that are around me? Can I see fundamentally all individual islands are the same, as you look at what everything is built on and underneath we all are interconnected. Who are you when you are not trying to be somebody? To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Malas are stains or impurities on the lens of our perception of our heart, mind and body. They are a form of ignorance that ties us to our limited-self, insinuating that to overcome them, we become un-limited. This was described by Abinavagupta, 950-1016 CE Mystic, Poet, Philosopher wrote the Tantraloka about Kashmir Shivaism.Anavamala – Connected to the Heart, the ego identifies by relating to “I Feel”Mayiyamala – Connected to the Mind, the dog identifies by relating to “I Know”Karmamala – Connected to the Body, the ego identifies by relating to “I Do”Anavamala is an expression of our moods, emotional attributes that ties us to the limited self of “I am my feelings.” Linked to feeling of being unworthy, undeserving, improper, not enough, shameful, small, source of feeling incomplete, insecure, sad and lonely. Anavamala is the primary cause of suffering, ignorance at the level of the heart where we are in bondage to a limited belief of who we feel we are.Ana means small or tiny in Sanskrit, insignificant and certainly not as big or expansive as the Divine. It is the source of unworthiness and feeling that our lives are meaningless, that something is missing, we lack connection beyond our limited view point and through the lens of Anavamala we feel there is something deeply wrong with us. There is a separateness of us and other, of us and source or Divine or Grace or God…whatever you call it…LOVE. However, in us all when we get quiet enough and turn inwards, there is a deep felt pull of feeling there is something missing from viewing life through this lens, that this state of perceived feeling doesn't feel right. There is an intuition that you feel there is more to life, more to you, more to your relationships, more than the stain of “I am my feelings.”When we practice, we connect to something vast, something beyond what we were culturally conditioned to value. There comes a time where your soul is done with the phase of contracting and reducing yourself to “I am my feelings” and begins to turn inward towards your own expansion beyond your fleeting feelings. We have an awakening, a clearing to see more into the reality of all things. This is a Saktipata, which is said to be a descent of Power or Grace that wakes us up from our bondage of limiting ourselves to our feelings, thoughts and actions. A sudden awakening occurs and is said to be experience either as bathing in the light of compassionate love as waves of bliss surging in the body or of an energy shooting up to the spine and exploding in the head as unsurpassed joy.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Malas are stains or impurities on the lens of our perception of our heart, mind and body. They are a form of ignorance that ties us to our limited-self, insinuating that to overcome them, we become un-limited. Anavamala – Connected to the Heart, the ego identifies by relating to “I Feel”Mayiyamala – Connected to the Mind, the dog identifies by relating to “I Know”Karmamala – Connected to the Body, the ego identifies by relating to “I Do”Anavamala is an expression of our moods, emotional attributes that ties us to the limited self of “I am my feelings.” Linked to feeling of being unworthy, undeserving, improper, not enough, shameful, small, source of feeling incomplete, insecure, sad and lonely. Anavamala is the primary cause of suffering, ignorance at the level of the heart where we are in bondage to a limited belief of who we feel we are.Ana means small or tiny in Sanskrit, insignificant and certainly not as big or expansive as the Divine. It is the source of unworthiness and feeling that our lives are meaningless, that something is missing, we lack connection beyond our limited view point and through the lens of Anavamala we feel there is something deeply wrong with us. There is a separateness of us and other, of us and source or Divine or Grace or God…whatever you call it…LOVE. However, in us all when we get quiet enough and turn inwards, there is a deep felt pull of feeling there is something missing from viewing life through this lens, that this state of perceived feeling doesn't feel right. There is an intuition that you feel there is more to life, more to you, more to your relationships, more than the stain of “I am my feelings.”When we practice, we connect to something vast, something beyond what we were culturally conditioned to value. There comes a time where your soul is done with the phase of contracting and reducing yourself to “I am my feelings” and begins to turn inward towards your own expansion beyond your fleeting feelings. We have an awakening, a clearing to see more into the reality of all things. This is a Saktipata, which is said to be a descent of Power or Grace that wakes us up from our bondage of limiting ourselves to our feelings, thoughts and actions. A sudden awakening occurs and is said to be experience either as bathing in the light of compassionate love as waves of bliss surging in the body or of an energy shooting up to the spine and exploding in the head as unsurpassed joy.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We will be practicing in our meditation – Bhuta Shuddhi. The Vedas clearly define Bhuta Shuddhi as an ancient tantric practice.Bhuta Shuddhi, means “purification or refining the physical and energetic elements.” Bhuta referring to the ‘Pancha Bhutas' or maha tatwas the five elements of earth, water, fire, air and space. Shuddhi means to cleanse. This practice is a fundamental process in the yogic culture which connects the physical, energetic and mental embodiment by using imagery, hand mudras, light, sound and your senses. Yogis understood the laws of Nature to attain greater health, power, knowledge, wisdom and sustained contentment in themselves by using practices effectively to heal, inspire and transform – cultivating equanimity in the Body, Energy & Mind connection.The idea is that we use our inner senses to connect to the physical elements within us, awaken to the energetic centres we call Chakras and create a clear pathway for Kundalini (Serpent Snake Shiva Lingham) to arises from its dormant state at the base up to Ajña chakra where we connect to the individual consciousness of ourselves and all thoughts vanish, the mind is left behind and we merge into the Universal Consciousness. We direct that to merger into our Hearts the abode of our True Nature. What remains is only the awareness of pure consciousness.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bhuta Shuddhi is the most essential ancient tantric practice. Bhuta Shuddhi means “purification or refining the physical and energetic elements.” Bhuta referring to the ‘Pancha Bhutas' or maha tatwas the five elements of earth, water, fire, air and space. Shuddhi means to cleanse. This practice is a fundamental process in the yogic culture which connects the physical, energetic and mental embodiment. The idea is that we connect to the physical elements within us, awaken to the energetic centres we call Chakras and create a clear pathway for kundalini to arises from its dormant state at the base up the central channel where all connects to the Source of all and then abides in the Heart reposing in Pure Consciousness. Yogis understood the laws of nature to attain greater; health, power, knowledge, wisdom and to sustain a joyful embodiment. Knowledge and mastery of the 5 Elements is a prerequisite for more advanced practices in Yoga, Tantra, Yoga Therapy and the sister science of Ayurveda. This practice of Bhuta Shuddhi serves to effectively maintain, utilise, balance, stabilise and purify all these elements. This is done by cultivating Prana – Life Force, the Vital Energy. Prana is made up of :Ojas – Earth & Water – Kapha Dosha Prana – Wind & Space – Vatta DoshaTejas – Fire & Water – Pitta DoshaTo read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This meditation practice will use a variety of different Pranayama techniques to connect with the wind element and utilise the delivery of Prana, (life force to heal, inspire and transform our physical, energetic and mental forms) to find your way back home at your true centre, your heart. The element of Wind is Vayu in Sanskrit. The movement of Wind that carries the sacred symbolism of communication, breath and life across that planet and within us. Our life force, Prana, uses the breath as a vehicle, as we breath in and out. Preforming Pranayama in meditation practice is managing Prana, the vital life force that animates all levels of being. Where your attention goes, Prana will follow. Focusing the mind to cultivate a clear path for Prana to flow to guide the mind back home within it's body becomes the goal of meditation. Prana enables the body to move, heal, regenerate as well as enables the mind to think. Prana is said to be the intelligence that coordinates our senses, help digest information and release that which doesn't serve us any longer. We inhale oxygen and then exhale carbon dioxide, this is call respiration. Yogis experienced this as the Prana Vayus, direction of winds that move life force within the body.Pran Vayu – receiving PranaSamana Vayu – digesting, absorbing & assimilating that PranaVyana Vayu – distributing & circulating that PranaApana Vayu – eliminating the byproduct, waste Udana Vayu – the positive effects of the other Vayus, uplifts, inspires & ascends in the form of epiphanies, awakening and enlightenmentOpen these channels of communication so your Life Force, Prana, can deliver essential information to maintain the homeostasis of the Physical, Energetic and Mental Bodies. Your meditation Asana is a great tool to improve the quality of your breath and effectively move Prana, tapping into the Vayus enhancing and directing the flow of winds throughout your embodied practice. As a result, you should feel invigorated, energised yet access to an expanded inner awareness that opens you to your higher state of consciousness, specifically within your own centre…your heart. The abode of the wind element is said to be in the, Anahata Chakra, the heart centre. This is where it is said that the winds carry our curiosity, wonderment, our joy to experience life as well as love, delight, kindness, tenderness, compassion, gratitude, contentment and empathy. When the winds are like a Rajasic tornado or a storm, we feel jealousy, possessiveness, obsessive, co-dependency, very critical, judgemental, resentful and a lack of empathy. When the winds are stagnant we feel that lifeless, motionless Tamasic energy of sadness, loneliness, grief, hurt, sorrow. This is one reason why the movement of breath is so important to the practice of Yoga. To manage the flow of Prana, opening the channels of Winds to carry your heart-mind into a place where you feel safe, loved, belonged and connected to source that leads you to your own awakening at your centre.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.