Teachers

    Stephan Trefzer - Shiva

 

I was was born and raised in Switzerland and began my ‘informal’ practice about 1984 and started the ‘formal’ practice of yoga practice in 1992. I graduated as an Integral Yoga® Teacher at the Satchidananda Ashram and Headquarters of Integral Yoga® Institutes in Buckingham, Virginia, USA and have completed over 730 hours of teacher training. The training was styled in the traditional ancient model of ‘Gurukula’, living and working with fellow students under the instruction of yogic masters in a spiritual community. I am fully qualified to teach Hatha Yoga for Beginners, Intermediates and Advanced students, Pranayama (breath control) and Meditation and in addition to this I have also completed the qualification to teach Raja Yoga (Science of the mind/Yoga philosophy). Two of my main passions happen to be Raja and Jnana Yoga. I was also initiated into the sacred path of Japa Yoga (Mantra repetition). To date I have over 10 years of teaching experience.

 

I have the privilege of continuing my development with Integral Yoga's senior teachers, monastic and direct disciples of Swami Satchidananda and continue my studies with personal practice, retreats, workshops and satsangs; Since 2005 I also  have been studying regularly with Satyananda, a Self-realised master from the Ramana Maharshi lineage. I also studied with Sri Swami Satchidananda, Mantra with Muz Murray and enjoyed being in the company of Mother Meera and Amma and other very inspiring beings.

 

Since 2001 I have been teaching internationally as well  as in a variety of settings like sports centres, local schools, Prison, for the organisation Drug Link, autistic children, special needs young adults and he has also taught the England woman’s rugby team.

 

I also work as a Massage Therapist and also do Sports Massage and injury treatments. Together with my long study and practice of Hatha yoga this has lead me to do general body work, posture alignment and rehabilitation work with clients, as well as working as a Lead Back Pain, RSI and Ergonomics Consultant for the company Workers and Workstations.

I also designed and founded the new Sunburst Meditation Cushions.

 

Upon my last meeting with Sri Swami Satchidananda in July 2002, I received the blessings to open an Integral Yoga® Centre. The Swindon Centre is dedicated to honour and continue the teachings.

I am a senior teacher and teacher trainer in Integral Yoga and I currently serve as the chairperson of the Integral Yoga UK Council.

 

Memberships:

Integral Yoga® Teachers Association (IYTA)

International Council of Health, Fitness and Sports Therapists. (HSFT).

Independent Yoga Network (IYN)

 

I have public liability and have full CRB clearance