Tell us a bit about yourself…
I am Zephyr Wildman, a seasoned Yoga teacher deeply committed to fostering holistic well-being and self-discovery through the transformative practice of yoga. With over 25 years of teaching and study, I specialise in Yoga anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, as well as Yoga philosophy applied to practice. I intertwine mindfulness and meditation into my classes, offering a holistic approach that empowers students to explore themselves deeply and cultivate resilience, balance, and agency over their own well-being.
Beyond teaching, I am also a massage therapist and have served as a birthing and death doula, providing invaluable support to clients during life’s most profound transitions. My journey into yoga began in Boise, Idaho, where I grew up. At 19, I moved to London after meeting my late husband, whose passing in 2012 marked a significant chapter of growth amidst grief and tragedy. However, with the support of my community and dedication to yoga and meditation, we found healing and resilience.
I am a proud mother to two amazing young women, now 17 and 19, who continue to thrive. My loving and supportive husband, also from my hometown, has been a constant source of strength and companionship. Together, we share our home in Holland Park, London, where we cherish the memories of our beloved dog Boise, who recently passed away, and our cat Purna.
Since relocating to London in 1998, I’ve been fortunate to build communities of friends, students, and clients who enrich my life and practice. I am deeply grateful for the journey that has led me here and for the opportunity to share the transformative power of yoga with others.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My weekdays are typically quite packed, as I’m an early riser who cherishes the stillness of the mornings. Upon waking, I’m accompanied by my cat (formerly my dog, too) as I make coffee and settle in front of my altar, basking in the warmth and goodness of my infrared light while I meditate. Dealing with perimenopause symptoms, I’ve found relief through light therapy, making this morning ritual particularly rejuvenating.
Afterwards, I inject some humour into the digital world by sharing silly memes to satisfy social media algorithms, alongside posting work-related content. As someone with hyper-mobility, I prioritise strength training with weights and utilise a vibrating power plate to strengthen my bones and tissues.
The bulk of my day revolves around teaching and providing bodywork in the Kensington and Chelsea area, as well as commuting to various yoga studios either by public transport or bicycle. Balancing my in-person commitments, I also dedicate time to managing my online and retreats businesses, which require equal attention and effort. This entails filming, planning, sourcing, and handling administrative tasks to ensure their smooth operation.
In the evenings, I cherish moments with my husband and daughter, enjoying a shared laughter, a meal together and snuggling on the sofa while listening to music or watching something together. As a means of unwinding, I indulge in relaxing baths infused with a lot of Epsom salts, soothing my body after a fulfilling day of service.
Before bed, I maintain a gratitude practice by writing a text message to my ‘gratitude buddy,’ reflecting on at least three things that have annoyed me and at least three moments of joy from the day. This practice allows me to be authentically witnessed in both my struggles and moments of gratitude, fostering self-reflection and a deeper appreciation for life’s blessings. With a preference for early bedtimes, I usually drift off to sleep swiftly, embracing the serenity of restful slumber (hormones permitting).
How did your yoga journey begin and what inspired you to become a yoga teacher?
My yoga journey began with a reluctant introduction from my mother, a yoga teacher herself. In my teens, I was more interested in outdoor activities like mountain biking and hiking. At 19, I moved to London, far from my hometown of Boise, Idaho. Within six months, I faced chronic pain from early onset osteoporosis, due to hyper mobility in my joints, rendering me nearly immobile. In desperation, I heard a little voice urging me to go back to yoga.
For the first six months of practice, tears were a constant companion, reflecting my physical, emotional and spiritual struggles. Yet, yoga became my lifeline, guiding me through recovery and offering a blueprint for life. Inspired by this transformative experience, I followed in my mother’s footsteps and became a yoga teacher.
Yoga’s teachings became my refuge when my late husband relapsed into addiction after 13 years of sobriety. I remember asking ‘Why me? Why me?’ And a voice replied ‘Why not?’ Amidst this crisis, I found strength and resilience through my studies and practice. Tragically, he was diagnosed with terminal cancer shortly after rehab and died. Despite the devastation, I embraced acceptance, guided by yoga’s wisdom and have expanded my life around my grief.
Western society often avoids facing suffering, preferring to chase ideals of youth, materialism and success. Yoga equipped me to confront the inevitable challenges of life, providing tools to manage emotions and cultivate awareness. On my mat, I processed grief and uncertainty, translating the lessons into clarity and resilience in daily life. These stories and a few more is what inspired me to share what I have learned, to be of service to those who may be facing life’s greatest challenges and to be open to learning more about this experience of being embodied.
What inspired you to specialise in your practice?
My specialisation in yoga is inspired by a deep commitment to holistic well-being and the belief that yoga has the power to facilitate profound healing and transformation on all levels – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Drawing from my own experiences and ongoing studies, I have developed a specialised approach that integrates various yoga traditions, therapeutic techniques and mindfulness practices to address specific needs and challenges. Whether it’s supporting individuals in managing stress, recovering from injury, illness, disease, addiction, supporting mental health or cultivating inner resilience, my aim is to offer personalised guidance and support that empowers individuals to thrive in body, mind, and spirit.
How have you seen yoga benefit your students?
I’ve had the privilege of bearing witness to the intricate tapestry of life through the eyes of my students. From the highs to the lows, the triumphs to the challenges, yoga and meditation have served as invaluable companions on their journey. These ancient practices offer simple yet profound tools rooted in yoga philosophy, guiding individuals to navigate life’s inevitable pains and sorrows with grace and insight.
I hold no illusions that yoga and meditation can shield us from life’s inherent changes—the ebbs and flows, the joys and sorrows, the cycles of birth and death. They remind us of the fundamental truth of impermanence, teaching us to embrace life as it unfolds. Despite this reality, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of these practices in the lives of my students.
Through consistent practice, individuals gradually release their grip on resentment, hurt and past wounds, allowing them to surrender to the flow of life with greater ease and acceptance. They find themselves walking a path of authenticity, joy and purpose, infused with newfound clarity and resilience. Yoga and meditation become tools for managing life’s unpredictability, offering tangible benefits that ripple through every aspect of their existence.
In essence, yoga and meditation empower individuals to navigate the uncharted waters of life with courage, compassion and presence. They cultivate a deeper connection to self and others, fostering a life imbued with meaning, fulfilment and boundless potential.
What is your favourite quote or life motto?
‘I am open and willing, please guide me.’
This simple yet profound statement embodies a mindset of openness, humility and surrender to the guidance of life’s journey. It reflects a willingness to embrace the unknown and trust in the process of growth and transformation.
For me, this quote speaks to the power of perspective—to view hardships and challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth and learning. It invites me to approach life with an open heart and mind, ready to receive whatever lessons and blessings come my way.
As I look back on my life, I can see how every trial and tribulation has shaped me into the person I am today. Each experience, whether joyful or painful, has contributed to my growth and evolution. By embracing this mindset of openness and willingness, I cultivate a deep sense of trust in the unfolding of my journey.
Reflecting on my past allows me to draw strength from my resilience and wisdom from my experiences. It reminds me that I have overcome challenges before and have emerged stronger and wiser. This retrospective insight adds a richness of trust to whatever I may be managing in my life at present.
In essence, ‘I am open and willing, please guide me,’ serves as a constant reminder to surrender to the flow of life, trusting in the universe’s wisdom and guidance. It empowers me to navigate life’s twists and turns with grace, resilience and an unwavering belief in the inherent goodness of the journey.
What’s coming up for you in 2024?
I am travelling a lot to teach Yoga retreats and adventures all over the planet. Places like Mongolia, Morocco, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Japan, Caribbean, Corsica, Cornwall, East Sussex and more. Details to all these amazing locations are on my website ZephyrYogaRetreats.com
I am teaching at the Happy Place Festival with my friend Fearne Cotton 13-14th July in London. Tickets can be purchase through
HappyPlaceOfficial.co.uk/festival
Enjoying teaching my private clients, classes and supporting my communities at mission-e1.com triyoga.com and thepracticehollandpark.com
Find out more about Zephyr:
Website: https://zephyryoga.com/
Instagram: @zephyrwildman
