"The joy of freedom in the body brings peace to the mind." ~ Uma
ABOUT uma
Wyld’s mamma, yogini, beloved partner, mystic, eternal student, and lover of the goddess, Umā (Ashleigh) has been teaching therapeutic yoga, meditation and spiritual philosophy since 2005. Dedicated to the pursuit of healing a spinal condition from birth, Umā began a dedicated daily self-practice at the age of 16 inspired by her yoga teacher mother. Now, emerging from a traumatic transition into motherhood: a month-long induced coma during the birth of her son, and re-learning how to walk, her fiercely loving passion, capacity and skill set for healing through meditative and embodiment practices is unparalleled. Grounded in a solid foundation of the non-dual tantric path of Kashmir Shaivism of North India, Umā’s offerings are a practical and comprehensive exploration of the practical, mystical, energetic and contemplative practices of the yoga tradition.
The essence of all of Umā’s teaching is the shakta-based path of non-dual tantric meditation so lovingly shared by her beloved teacher of nearly 20 years, the great Sally Kempton. Sally taught that all pervasive LOVE is the essence of everything, that this greatness is acting uniquely through each one of us, and the universe is here to help us awaken to this truth in every moment. Umā is devoted to embodying and sharing this message, which she has come to know as Truth, throughout every aspect of her life and teaching.
Through 16 years of study with Sally Kempton and a dedicated personal meditation practice, she loves sharing traditional and contemporary forms of deity sadhana and ritual-based goddess worship. This includes meditation, mantra practice, contemplation, visualization, journaling and the devotional altar tending.
Uma is an exquisite embodiment of rare beauty and pure fire. Her beauty emanates from within and enhances everything that falls in her presence. Her fire is one of passion, clarity, discernment and love. Her honesty will undo you, her authenticity will liberate you, her light will guide you, and the brilliance of her presence will inspire you. To know her is pure magic. To walk with her is true grace. To be in her company is to experience the truth of love.
I feel infinitely blessed in this life to call Uma my soul sister, trusted confidant, co-teacher and
spiritual ally. If you get the chance to be in her light, I promise, your life will be forever changed.
- MEG MCCRAKEN
About Uma’s teaching and experience
Uma’s life is a true embodiment of the teachings of yoga. Her life, presence and vibrant way of being in this world are shining examples of her dedicated practice. She has the unique gift of being able to guide her students in a clear, effective and inspiring way. Her direct and loving approach to traditional, esoteric practices breathes new life into the tradition, helping her students find love, peace and fulfillment in today’s busy world.
Uma’s very first asana teachers include Bryan Kest and Baron Baptiste. She received her first 200-HR teaching certification at the Himalayan Institute, influenced by Rod Stryker’s ParaYoga and was the youngest certified Anusara teacher in the world. Today, Uma brings thousands of hours of experience to her teaching, including the knowledge of therapeutic asana gained from traveling with and assisting John Friend, the founder of Anusara Yoga. More recently, her movement practices are influenced by Tias Little’s somatic work SATYA (sensory awareness training for yoga attunement) and the Gyrokinesis and Gyrotonic methods, of which she has trained for hundreds of hours. All of her current teaching emphasizes relaxation, rest, stillness and meditation as portals to a grounded nervous system and peaceful mind.
Co-founder of The Ālaya Yoga School, Uma also spent five years as the Global Yoga Trainer for Adidas, was the former Head of Yoga Content for Gaia.com and Director of Yoga and Movement for The Envision Festival in Costa Rica. Umā’s yoga, meditation and philosophy videos (as Ashleigh Sergeant) are featured on Gaia.com, Grokker, Comcast and Amazon. Umā’s work can also be seen on Mind Body Green, YOGANONYMOUS, Latin Women’s Health and German Yoga Journal.
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