The Golden Thread: Sadhana and the Rhythms of Nature 2019-20




This four-part course over one year develops and strengthens practice (Sadhana) through the Seasons. The rhythms of Nature and the Seasons impact upon our experience of daily life and upon our inner landscape. This is a course about the interrelationship between our inner and outer worlds and the elemental forces which form the foundation of our being.

We will look at the components of a rewarding Sadhana, develop awareness of the obstacles which may arise and introduce techniques and strategies to overcome them.

We take inspiration from our surroundings, the Seasons and the rhythms of Nature to strengthen the golden thread of Sadhana and the joy of connecting with nature.

Drawing on thousands of years of tradition as inspiration, Vedic and yogic practices will be explored to support you in developing the foundations of your practice. Ecological awareness will permeate the course, with opportunities to connect to nature in the Gardens.

We invite participants to undertake their personal quest, to connect to and explore their inner nature through in and outdoor practices.

Practices will include Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Meditation, Yoga Nidra, stories and contemplation. You will be provided with reading and recorded materials to support the development of practice. Telephone, email and group contact are offered between sessions.

Sadhana is your constant companion through the year and Nature is the canvas through which you walk.

Course Teachers

Vanessa and Poornam are lovers of nature and yoga, Vanessa growing up in South Africa and Poornam in the West of Ireland. They both live close to the land and have been teaching yoga collectively for over 30 years.

Photo of Poornam

Poornam’s connection to Nature, yoga and her sadhana support her wellbeing and connection to spirit. She is a warm, sensitive and very experienced teacher with a commitment to empowering her students to find their full potential.





Photo of Vanessa


Vanessa is a gentle and generous teacher who seeks to gently guide students in a deepening awareness and connection to their stillness within. She is sustained and inspired by both Nature and Sadhana. Vanessa has been living and teaching at Padmasambhava since 2009.


Course Dates

9th November 2019 10.30 - 4.30pm
14th March 2020 10.30 - 4.30pm
13th June 2020 10.30 - 4.30pm
12th September 2020 10.30 - 4.30pm

The Venue

The National Botanic Gardens of Wales, Llanarthne SA32 8HN.

Based in the ‘Growing the Future’ (Canolfan Tyfi) classrooms, we will also be practising in the meadows, woodlands, by lakes and the Garden’s varied spaces.

Course Fee

The course fee is £245. This includes tuition, resources, entry to the Gardens, lunch and teas.

Group size is limited to 12, so please book early to ensure a place.

If you have any questions or would like to request a brochure Contact us



Last Modification: Sunday 25 of August, 2019 20:15:19 BST   -----   ©Padmasambhava 2008


The original document is available at http://padma.org.uk/tiki/tiki-index.php?page=The%20Golden%20Thread%3A%20Sadhana%20and%20the%20Rhythms%20of%20Nature%202019-20