Lorraine’s Background
Lorraine Taylor has dedicated over 33 years to the study and practice of yoga, exploring the traditional paths of Hatha, Raja, Tantra, Bhakti and Jnana Yoga. Her journey has led her to the East where she has spent over two decades immersing herself in the culture and spiritual practices of India and Thailand, learning from wise elders, renowned masters and modern-day gurus.
Lorraine is inspired by nature-based practices, voice work and trauma-informed yoga, recognising the importance of these approaches in today's world. Her commitment extends beyond personal practice to Karma Yoga, focusing on supporting women who have been victims of abuse. Through her work, she helps women regain their stability and voice, facilitating their path to healing.
THE PASSION
From a young age, Lorraine was captivated by the beauty of movement and the harmony of music. Her childhood was a whirlwind of gymnastics, ice skating, and various dance styles, each experience deepening her connection to the body and its potential.
In her early twenties, a profound calling led her to the path of yoga, igniting a journey of self-discovery and transformation. She left behind everything familiar to embrace this new path, diving into the depths of yoga with a lot of passion.
For more than three decades, Lorraine has been a devoted yogini and seeker of truth. Her unique approach to yoga integrates the wisdom of Tantra and Kashmir Shaivism, offering an insightful way to practice. Her teachings are enriched by her deep love and understanding of these ancient traditions.
Lorraine’s journey also includes extensive study in Jnana (Non-Duality), Bhakti (Devotion), and Traditional Hatha Yoga. These explorations have allowed her to uncover the profound layers of yogic practice, appreciating the fluidity of the body while delving into the subtle aspects of our being. Her teachings ultimately guide students to experience the totality of who we are, embodying the true essence of yoga.
THE STUDY
Throughout her yogic journey, Lorraine has been blessed to study and train with renowned teachers such as Shiva Rea, Paul Dallaghan, and Richard Freeman. She holds immense gratitude for their guidance, which has illuminated the depth and beauty of asana practice.
Her path also led her to the esteemed Sri OP Tiwari from the Kaivalydham Yoga Research Institute. Tiwariji, one of the few remaining masters of authentic pranayama, inspired Lorraine with his humility, love, and wisdom. Under his tutelage, she completed advanced trainings and immersions in India and Thailand, profoundly deepening her practice.
Driven by curiosity and a strong aspiration to understand subtle energies, Lorraine embarked on five years of intensive study in Tantra and Kundalini Yoga. This exploration enriched her knowledge of energy flow, chakras, drishtis, and bandhas, providing her with a clear internal map to navigate these intricate practices.
In subsequent years, Lorraine immersed herself in long silent meditation retreats, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Ramana Maharshi, Kashmir Shaivism, Sufism, and Dzogchen. This period of deep experiential study brought about significant shifts and transformations, both in her personal life and in her teaching practices.
After her time in silence, Bhakti Yoga became a central part of Lorraine's life. She led large Kirtan gatherings and collaborated with artists across Asia and Europe, delving further into devotional practices and deity yoga.
Lorraine's love of self-inquiry and truth eventually took her to New Zealand, where she lived in a Non-Dual community for four years, participating in daily satsang and retreats. Non-Duality, or Jnana Yoga, is a path known for its direct and challenging approach to spiritual development. It involves deep inquiry into the nature of the self and an understanding of oneness.
THE PRESENT
Today, Lorraine draws deep inspiration from nature-based practices and trauma therapy, recognizing their crucial importance in our world today. She honors both the human and spiritual aspects of our existence, weaving this balance into her work and research.
As the co-founder of a nonprofit organization, Lorraine supports women who have been victims of sexual abuse or domestic violence. She offers this work as her karma yoga, a practice of selfless service.
Lorraine's journey through the diverse paths of yoga has shaped her teachings into a celebration of the full spectrum of our being, from the physical to the spiritual. She embraces all levels as integral parts of a unified whole. This holistic approach shines through in her trainings and retreats, making them uniquely heartfelt and infused with a touch of classic English humor.
Driven by a desire to share these teachings to women worldwide, Lorraine travels internationally to share the gifts of yoh . She is committed to helping women discover their inner strength and voice through yoga, fostering a global community of empowered and inspired women.
Lorraine's mission is to uplift and support women, providing them with the tools to navigate their own journeys with confidence and grace. Through her work, she aims to create a ripple effect of empowerment, spreading light and strength within the women's community across the globe.