Zephyr Wildman offers words of inspiration to guide you through your Yoga Practice, Meditation or even your daily commute. In her own words, Zephyr blends Yogic philosophy, psychology and personal insight into the victories and struggles of daily life. Her informative introductions to the practice of Yoga provides you with more meaning, intention and focus. Stories and observations from time-to-time are a welcome bit of uplifting and encouraging motivation to continue to follow a path of bal ...
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Subtle Body – Chakras – 3. Manipura Chakra
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28:18Apologies for the audio quality; I’m working on fixing it. Thanks for your patience. Today, we explore the 3rd chakra, Manipura, meaning “city of jewels.” Located at the solar plexus, it governs self-definition, confidence, and personal power. Associated with fire, it fuels digestion, metabolism, and transformation—Agni. The bija mantra is RAM, its…
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Subtle Body – Chakras – 2. Svadhisthana Chakra
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27:21The Svadhisthana, or Sacral Chakra, is associated with emotions, creativity, sensuality, and the water element. Located in the lower belly, it is symbolised by a six-petaled lotus representing desire, sensuality, adaptability, emotional balance, creativity, and fantasy. The crescent moon within the lotus reflects the cyclical nature of emotions, re…
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Subtle Body – Chakras – 1. Muladhara Chakra
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15:53The Muladhara, or Root Chakra, is the foundation of the chakra system, located at the base of the spine. It is symbolised by a four-petaled lotus, a red square, and a downward-facing triangle representing stability and grounding. Associated with the earth element (Prithvi Tattva), its bija mantra is “LAM,” and its hand mudra is Prithvi Mudra. The e…
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Subtle Body – Nadis Yoga is the mastery of self-knowledge, while Tantra is the mastery of Prana’s power. Weaving asana, pranayama, mudra, kriya, mantra, and philosophy, we aim to empower ourselves with loving awareness to fulfill our purpose. Yoga is the management of prana, the life force that animates and sustains us physically, mentally, and emo…
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Purusarthas – 4 Desires – Moksha Moksha is the ultimate desire...liberation from ignorance (avidya), the cycle of birth and death (samsara), and the effects of karma. It is the realization of one’s true self (Atman), transcending the ego and achieving union with the divine (Brahman), leading to eternal bliss and peace. Yogis pursue Moksha through v…
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Purusarthas – 4 Desires – Kama Kama, the third Purusartha, pertains to desires, passions, and the pursuit of pleasure—both physical and emotional. In yoga, Kama is experienced mindfully and ethically through relationships, creativity, and sensory enjoyment. Meaningful connections with others, artistic expression, and appreciating nature cultivate j…
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Artha – The Second Purusartha Artha refers to the means and tools needed to support one’s Dharma, focusing on material wealth, prosperity, and economic security. It is not about accumulation but aligning resources with values to fulfill life’s purpose responsibly and ethically. To pursue Artha within Dharma’s boundaries, one must choose ethical liv…
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Dharma – The First Purusartha Dharma is one’s life path of virtue and purpose, fulfilled through ethical duties and responsibilities. Discovering Dharma requires deep introspection, self-awareness, and reflection on your unique talents and calling. Consider: What brings you joy and fulfilment? What values guide you? Where do you feel most alive? Ch…
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The Purusharthas are the four fundamental aims of human life in Hindu philosophy, guiding individuals toward a balanced and meaningful existence. Dharma – One’s purpose and moral duty, fulfilling ethical responsibilities. Artha – Material wealth and resources needed to support Dharma. Kama – The pursuit of desires, pleasure, and emotional fulfillme…
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Yoga is the art of skillful action, awakened through intention and loving awareness. An intention draws us toward love, truth, and creativity, reflecting on what truly matters—what we care about, desire, and long for. Our intention is like planting a seed within us, which requires nurturing and care. In practice, we tend to our inner landscape as a…
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The 9th Rasa, Calmness (Shanta), represents steadiness, peace, contentment, and serenity in the body, energy, and mind. It is the calm beneath the emotional storms of life. True peace of mind is challenging to attain, and yoga helps cultivate this stillness through practices like meditation and self-awareness. The Yoga Sutras emphasize turning inwa…
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Sadness and Joy are the final pairing in our emotional practice. Sadness, or Karuna, is a natural, healthy emotion that arises when we face disappointment, loss, or attachment. It can lead to depression if not processed. We feel sadness in the body as lethargy, withdrawal, or physical discomfort. However, sadness can also open our hearts, fostering…
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Anger, represented by the Rasa of Raudra, arises when the ego feels neglected, threatened, or unfulfilled. It manifests as frustration, irritation, or rage, often clouding our judgment and affecting our well-being. Unchecked, anger can lead to resentment, health issues, and strained relationships. However, anger can also be motivating, driving us t…
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In this episode, we continue our exploration of the essential human emotions known as Rasas and how we can use yogic tools to embrace our humanity and make skilful choices that guide us toward lasting fulfilment and inner freedom. This practice invites us to engage with undesirable and uncomfortable emotions, using them as teachers to deepen our se…
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In this episode, we explore the profound relationship between fear and courage through the lens of the ancient concept of Rasas. Fear, or Bhayanka, manifests in many ways, worry, anxiety, dread, while courage, or Virya, is the fearless heart that moves us forward with faith and trust. We'll discuss how fear arises from our attachments, our resistan…
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Rasas and their Bhava – Emotions and their Feelings
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20:45Rasa, meaning “nectar” or “essence,” captures the richness of life’s emotional experiences, much like the flavours of a meal. Just as the Gunas influence taste...Rajas being too intense, Tamas too dull, and Sattva offering the perfect balance...our emotions shape our human experience. As Robert Svoboda says, “Existence without juice is dry and tast…
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As we reflect on the past year and look ahead, we may seek focus through resolutions or intentions that align with what matters most. This class introduces R.A.I.N, a powerful tool to help manifest your Sankalpa—your intention, vow, or heartfelt prayer—while addressing the Vikalpa, the limiting beliefs that hold you back. R – Recognize the thoughts…
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In this episode, we explore the Granthis...energetic, physical, and emotional knots...and how unraveling them allows Prana to flow freely, guiding us toward self-realisation and liberation. We’ll dive into the timeless wisdom of Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra, reflecting on impermanence and the cyclical nature of life. At the heart of Yoga lies the unio…
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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 tru…
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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 authen…
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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...spe…
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Buddhism- The Eightfold Path – 8. Wise Concentration
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19:00Wise 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:…
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Buddhism – The Eightfold Path - 7.Wise Mindfulness
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20:08Wise 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 t…
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Buddhism – The Eightfold Path – 6. Wise Effort
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24:28Wise 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, …
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Buddhism –The Eightfold Path – 5. Wise Livelihood
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10:51Wise 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 …
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Buddhism – The Eightfold Path – 4. Wise Action
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16:08The 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 to…
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Buddhism – The Eightfold Path – 3. Wise Speech
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18:59The 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, …
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Buddhism – The Eightfold Path – 2. Wise Intention
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18:55Wise 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 compass…
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Buddhism – The Eightfold Path – 1. Wise Understanding
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17:20The 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),…
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"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, …
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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 (Samuday…
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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…
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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 …
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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 awak…
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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 att…
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Meditation - Surya & Chandra Bhedana to abide in the Heart
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30:24This 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 togethe…
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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, liberati…
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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 pur…
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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 V…
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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 o…
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Meditation - Pratiloma, Prana Dharna and Heart abiding
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32:14To 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.
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8 Limbs - Pratyahara - Withidrawing from the Senses
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21:46The 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 se…
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8 Limbs - Pranayama - Breathing Techniques
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32:08We 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 hav…
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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 asa…
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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.
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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 ou…
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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 openi…
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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, …
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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.
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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 relationshi…
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