Zephyr Yoga Podcast

Apologies 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 colour is yellow, and its sense organ is sight, representing vision and illumination (Tejas).Fire in yoga, or Tapas, creates positive change through disciplined action and intention. Imbalances manifest as rajasic dominance (control, aggression) or tamasic weakness (low self-esteem). A balanced state, or sattva, fosters vitality, confidence, and wise action.Manipura’s ten-petal lotus represents overcoming negative tendencies like fear, shame, and ignorance, replacing them with strength, compassion, and clarity. Its symbol, a downward triangle, signifies transformation. The ram embodies courage and determination.Let’s connect with our power and purpose. Enjoy the practice.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here.

The 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, reminding us to embrace change with grace.The chakra’s bija mantra is “VAM,” and its mudra is Jala Hasta, symbolising emotional flow. When balanced, it fosters healthy desire, creativity, and the right to feel and express. Imbalances may manifest as emotional extremes, attachment, or numbness.Svadhisthana governs our ability to experience pleasure and emotional depth. The associated sense is taste, emphasising the importance of savouring life. Represented by water-associated symbols like the yoni and crocodile, it embodies fluidity and primal instincts. Practicing yoga helps cultivate awareness, balance, and a deeper connection to our emotions and creativity.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here.

The 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 elephant symbolizes its qualities of strength, protection, and connection to the earth.Muladhara governs survival needs, security, and belonging. A balanced root chakra fosters stability and confidence, while imbalance can manifest as fear, insecurity, or material obsession. In yoga, grounding poses and meditations help harmonise this energy, promoting strength and flexibility. Kundalini energy, depicted as a coiled serpent, resides here, representing spiritual potential. Working with Muladhara creates a solid base for overall well-being and higher spiritual growth.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here.

Subtle Body – NadisYoga 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.

Purusarthas – 4 Desires – KamaKama, 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.

Artha – The Second PurusarthaArtha 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.

Dharma – The First PurusarthaDharma 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.

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 fulfillment.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.