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 emotionally.

The subtle body, or Sukshma Sharira, bridges the physical and spiritual realms through nadis (energy channels) and chakras (energy centers). The three main nadis: Sushumna (central), Ida (left, lunar), and Pingala (right, solar)...govern prana flow and balance. Kundalini, the dormant spiritual energy at the spine's base, rises through Sushumna, purifying chakras and leading to spiritual awakening.

Practices help activate and harmonize the subtle body, enabling physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual growth. While siddhis (psychic abilities) may arise, the goal remains self-realisation and unity with the divine, fostering transformation with guidance and humility.

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.

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 various paths: Hatha Yoga (physical practices), Raja Yoga (meditation), Jnana Yoga (knowledge), Karma Yoga (selfless service), and Bhakti Yoga (devotion). By practicing self-inquiry, mindfulness, and non-attachment (vairagya), they purify the mind and cultivate virtues such as compassion and forgiveness.

Sacred texts like the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita offer insights into Moksha, while guidance from a guru or one's inner wisdom (buddhi) aids the journey. Devotion and surrender help yogis transcend the ego and merge with the divine. With dedication and grace, Moksha brings profound liberation and spiritual transcendence, fulfilling the soul’s deepest longing.

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.

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 joy and satisfaction. Sensory pleasures—such as savoring food, feeling sunlight, or listening to the ocean—can deepen our connection to life.

However, yogis recognize the impermanence of pleasure and practice non-attachment to avoid the suffering caused by excessive desire (Raga Klesha). Through self-awareness, emotional resilience, and conscious choices, they embrace joy without clinging to it. Kama is balanced within a fulfilling lifestyle, integrating spiritual growth and gratitude.

By approaching desires with moderation and ethical conduct, yogis experience Kama while staying grounded in their spiritual path. Enjoy this Kama Yoga practice and guided savasana, awakening sensory delight and celebrating life’s pleasures in harmony.

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.

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 livelihoods and practice non-attachment to wealth. Living within one’s means, avoiding debt, and appreciating life’s richness beyond material possessions fosters contentment.

Selfless service (karma yoga) helps cultivate gratitude and connection, making wealth a tool for greater good. Yogis understand that effort alone does not guarantee prosperity—karma also plays a role, encouraging trust in life’s flow.

In practice, our bodies are essential tools for fulfilling purpose. Through asana, breath, and meditation, we create steadiness and ease, leading to clarity and alignment with our highest aspirations.

Mantra: “I am open and willing, please guide me.”

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.

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? Challenges serve as opportunities for growth, shaping your journey. Contributing to society and being of service can provide meaning and purpose.

Yoga and meditation support this exploration...yoga nurtures well-being, while meditation offers clarity and connection to one’s true nature. Studying spiritual texts and seeking guidance from mentors further refines your path.

Living your Dharma brings fulfilment, clarity, and a profound sense of harmony. It empowers you to serve, create, and inspire with integrity. Dharma evolves, and embracing it leads to self-realisation and liberation.

Mantra: “I am open and willing, please guide me.”

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 Purusharthas are the four fundamental aims of human life in Hindu philosophy, guiding individuals toward a balanced and meaningful existence.

1. Dharma – One’s purpose and moral duty, fulfilling ethical responsibilities.
2. Artha – Material wealth and resources needed to support Dharma.
3. Kama – The pursuit of desires, pleasure, and emotional fulfillment.
4. Moksha – Spiritual liberation and self-realization, the ultimate goal.

The term "Purushartha" combines Purusha, meaning pure consciousness, and Artha, meaning purpose or goal. Together, they signify the pursuit of purpose, prosperity, pleasure, and liberation.

Ancient texts such as the Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, and Ramayana provide insights on achieving these goals. Balancing all four leads to inner fulfillment, harmony, spiritual wisdom, and unity with pure consciousness. Though Moksha is often prioritised, embracing all Purusharthas allows for a fulfilling, well-rounded life that integrates material, emotional, and spiritual 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.

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 gardener tends to a garden, removing negative thoughts (weeds), cultivating positive growth, and enriching our mental soil. As we nurture our intention, it grows strong, rooted in the challenges we face and the lessons we learn. By embodying virtues such as faith (Shraddha), courage (Vidya), remembrance (Smriti), absorption (Samadhi), and wisdom (Prajna), we align with our deepest truth, empowering us toward fulfillment and joy. Embrace your intention, allowing it to guide you with loving awareness, and grow into a balanced, harmonious 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.

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 inward, focusing on one thing at a time, and observing emotional obstacles. As we deepen our practice, we develop a non-judgmental awareness, leading to the quieting of the ego and a realisation of our true, peaceful nature. Calmness reflects the vast, unchanging ocean beneath the waves of emotions, offering clarity and liberation. Achieving equanimity through practice brings lasting peace and tranquility, allowing us to let go of worldly distractions and embrace self-realisation and spiritual freedom. As Suzuki Roshi states, "Gaining enlightenment is an accident. Spiritual practice simply makes us accident-prone."

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.

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 compassion, tolerance, and understanding, as seen in figures like the Dalai Lama. Recognising impermanence, sadness can lead us to deeper joy, or Hasya, which expresses itself as happiness, delight, and euphoria. Joy is vulnerable, tethered to sadness, and calls us to be present and appreciate life’s beauty. While joy can be fleeting, emotional agility allows us to navigate both emotions. A “Gratitude List” or “Annoy and Joy” list helps cultivate resilience, balancing sadness with the joy that brings fulfilment and freedom. By embracing both emotions, we open to greater love, creativity, and compassion.

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.

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 to confront injustices and create positive change, as seen in peaceful protests for civil rights.

To manage anger, practice the RAIN technique: Recognize the signs of anger, Allow it safely, Investigate its cause, and Nurture yourself. Shifting from anger to wonder, or Adbhuta, can help dissolve ego attachments, expanding our perspective. By being curious and open to the emotions we experience, we can transform anger into a force for growth and compassion. Embrace your humanity, and learn to work skilfully with your emotions, using practices like breathing exercises and mindful reflection to regain balance and clarity.

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.