Yoga Teacher, History of Yoga Educator, Embodied Philosophy Facilitator.
Hi, I am Floss - a yoga teacher and practical philosopher trained at the University of Cambridge, working at the intersection of embodied practice and reflective thought.
I'm passionate about working with the next generation of yoga teachers, and would love to teach on your yoga teacher training.
My Story & Approach
In 2019, I studied my first yoga teacher training in India because I wanted depth, authenticity and philosophy. Yet, returning to the UK as a newly qualified yoga teacher, I felt a painful disconnect between the ancient philosophies I had been studying and the modern life I was living. The feelings I experienced - confusion, anxiety, disconnection, and ungroundedness - became the catalyst for my journey of discovery and learning into the history and philosophy of yoga.
My experience of disconnection between yoga philosophy and modern life is not unique, but shared by many well-intentioned modern yoga teachers. Through 7-years of academic and practical study into the History and Philosophy of Yoga, I have discovered the issue is not with yoga philosophy per se, but the way it is taught: often without proper acknowledgement of history, context, change, diversity, naunce and - most importantly - an understanding of what philosophy traditionally is and can be - not a preordained system to follow, but a practice of enquiry into our lives as they are lived.
Today, I teach the history and philosophy of yoga online, for contemplative studies learning platform, Embodied Philosophy, and on yoga teacher trainings. My approach is academically rigorous, actively contemplative, and practically inspiring, but also friendly, accessible and empowering. I am so passionate about both the history and philosophy of yoga and how such study can have transformative benefits in relation to our lives, practices and work in the world as teachers. I'd love to hear from you if your looking for assistance teaching the philosophy and history of yoga.
Academically rigorous, Actively Contemplative, and Practically Inspiring.
My Principles of Teaching the History & Philosophy of Yoga
1. Historical Map-Building
Yoga has changed and continues to change. By studying the 'bigger picture' of yoga's historical development, we can build a conceptual map of yoga's evolution, which becomes the foundation of our study. This map orients our enquiry, allowing us to situate specific teachings, learnings and traditions - such as identifying and distinguishing Patanjalian Yoga from Tantric Yoga, and Modern Postural Yoga - as particular evolutions. As opposed to reducing 'yoga philosophy' to one thing, we become champions at recognising diversity, complexity and naunce within the tradition.
2. Acknowledging Complexity, Naunce & Diversity
Our conceptual map helps us recognise diversity, leading us away from reductive or divisive 'black and white' thinking, to an acknowledgement of context, nuance, and the particular. In fact, this kind of 'context-specificity' is something the Indic traditions are great at, as you will discover through study! Acknowledging that yoga changes across place and time also allows us to recognise modern yoga as a new kind of evolution of yoga. In turn, we realise there is no one universally 'right' or 'true' yoga practice (or philosophy).
3. Reflecting on the Present
Having built a map of yoga's historical development on the macro scale, and recognised particular evolutions of yoga on the micro scale, we come to reflect in the present.
We can consider what questions and themes are important for us as modern yogis today - how our priorities and context may be different to ancient yogis. We are not seeking to apply and follow ancient yogic concepts to our lives without questioning them. Rather, philosophical ideas and concepts become tools for reflection in relation to our own lives as lived, helping us find more meaning, clarity and value in our lives, work and practice as teachers.
Remember - philosophy as practice is an ongoing, lifelong journey; we never stop enquiring and learning, and the journey is often not a linear one!
What I offer:
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Guest philosophy/history of yoga modules (3–20 hours) in person (UK) or online
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Full YTT History and Philosophy of Yoga curriculum design
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Small-group or 1:1 trainee mentorship
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Tantric influences on modern yoga
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Yoga Philosophy and Teaching Pedagogy
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Theories of Yoga, Meditation, and Salvation
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Exploring Values and Philosophy in Practice for Yoga Teachers
and more!
What students have to say:
Floss creates much-needed spaces for yoga teachers and practitioners to share, enquire and discuss from a place of curiosity. She is wonderful at creating an inviting, comfortable, atmosphere in the way that she gently facilitates her sessions."
— Elene, Yoga Teacher, London
In my practice this new knowledge helps me feel part of something bigger than just turning up for class and I have a much more profound sense of purpose and practice of yoga as a way of living, not just an exercise class of asana.
— M, Yoga Philosophy Student, UK
My Qualifications
The University of Cambridge
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Advanced Diploma in Philosophy of Religion (2021 – 2022), the University of Cambridge, Pass
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Masters in Philosophy of Religion with Sanskrit, the University of Cambridge (2022 – 2024), Merit
Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies
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2-week intensive Summer School in Śāktism, tantra, and yoga in Nepal (2022) combining theory and practice.
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Tantric Studies with Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies online (2023) scoring 82%.
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Asceticism, Sādhus and Yoga Course (2023) scoring 84%.
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History of Yoga Studies with Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies (2024) scoring 94%
Yoga Trainings
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200-hour Hatha & Tantra Yoga, Satya Loka School (India, 2019)
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100-hours Embodied Anatomy Training with Mollie McClelland Morris (online, 2019-2022)
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25-hour Vinyasa Rockstar Teacher Training with focus on the anatomy of core, with Sadie Nardini (online, 2021).
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20-hours hands-on assists and adjustments training with Hotpod Yoga (UK, 2025)
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Supreme Release Yoga Teacher Training with Kaya Mindlin (online, 2025)
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Secrets of Subtle Body Training with Kaya Mindlin (online, 2026)
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50-hours Hatha Training in Sivananda Lineage (India, 2026)
My Experience
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Designed and ran signature 12-week programme, ‘An Introduction to the History and Philosophy of Yoga’ twice (2025), now available as a self-paced course.
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Integration Facilitator for Embodied Philosophy’s Year Long Programme, Sadhana School (2025 – present)
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Assistant Editor for contemplative studies Tarka Journal (2025 – present)
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Founder and primary facilitator of the Yoga Teacher Community Club Cambridge (2024-present), helping build community, collaboration and conversation between yoga teachers.
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Founder of the ‘Embodying Yoga Philosophy as a Way of Life’ (2024 - present) podcast, featuring prestigious guest speakers and grounded, reflective, and relevant conversation.
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Cambridge Continuing Education Diploma in Creativity: Guest Lecturer. ‘Creative Practice: Philosophy as a Way of Life.’ (April, 2023).
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Noesis Journal: ‘Navigating the Nexus of Spirituality and the Nervous System: Embodied Perspectives from Yoga and Christian Mysticism’ (forthcoming, Autumn 2023).
