Mata Yoga - A Cyclical Expression of the Feminine with Beth Coombs

Beth Coombs of Mata Yoga

The Journey of awakening into my Womanhood was a long path inwards. A few years ago, I’d decided to turn away from what what was being portyaed in the media as Feminine (those awful “5 Ways to Become more Feminine” or “10 things that happen when you start feeling more Feminine”), as if being Feminine was anything related to a cognitive linear worldview. With the disowning of a socially accepted perspective of the Feminine, I was on a quest to find out her true nature firsthand.

In tuning inwards, I first began to encounter the erratic ranges of my emotions, swinging between deep angst and disconnection to moments of pure pleasure and excitement.This disturbed me as well as my loved ones, who had to deal with the brunt of my volatile moods.

Motivated with a quest to understand the origins of my emotional shifts, I embarked on the practice of maintaining a Moon Journal. During my years studying Psychology at university, I remembered learning about “Moon Fever” a seemingly irrational relationship between women and the moon. Legends spoke about women who would be so taken by the moon that they would experience a range of socially unacceptable emotions like dancing erratically, eating wild plants, acting as savages, laughing loudly and screaming wildly. Could something like this be happening to me, I wondered.

I began documenting my moods, emotions, and feelings, I aimed to discern any correlation with the Moon. To my astonishment, this exploration not only revealed a profound connection between my moods and the celestial beauty but also a seamless harmony between my Menstrual Cycle and her rythmic spirals.

But this was long before I knew what that deeply meant. How I longed for a Soul Community then, a tribe of women who could all share stories of their menstrual cycles, simmulaneously crying, simmultaneously laughing as we dance wildly under the Moon.

That Tribe is slowly coming together and one such beautiful woman I would love for you to meet is the wonderful Beth from Mata Yoga.

Beth Coombs of Mata Yoga

When I met Beth - her work encompassing Yoga & the Feminine Menstrual Cycle, pulled a string in my heart. Her work bridges two ancient principles, and often separated with increasing masculine perspectives. I learned from Beth, that her journey into herself, also began around the same time as mine, and perhaps so many other women: Covid19. The lockdown of 2020, helped us go inwards like no time ever before, a journey our souls so desperately needed. Beth remembered her transformative shifts in her body that demanded acknowledgment. Our conversations revealed a shared and beautiful revelation that intimately linked the Lunar Cycles with our internal universes, acknowledging the sacredness of our womb, our yoni and our beautiful blood cycle.

I was eager to ask Beth about her first experience of Yoga and Beth shared with me that it was in an Ashram where she felt the power of Yoga really begin to shape her life. Beth found herself dedicating eight hours a day to her Yoga practice. Fully immersing in the wisdom of Yoga, she experienced many enlightening moments, that completely changed her perspective on life. This unexpected journey marked a pivotal moment in her life, steering her towards a path of deep exploration and commitment to the profound teachings of Yoga.

Beth Coombs of Mata Yoga

After the retreat, Beth's journey continued to evolve as she skillfully integrated her personal touch into her Yoga practice. Drawing from her background as a dancer in her younger years, she intricately wove a Yin flow into her practice, infusing it with the rhythm of music, the grace of mudras, and the fluidity of movement. What sets her practice apart is her mindfulness toward her menstrual cycles. She deeply tunes into her Menstrual Cycle, working with, instead of against it and gently shifting her intensity during her follicular, ovulatory, luteal and bleeding periods. I just love how much resonance there is between so many women, looking to integrate all aspects of themselves into their reality, instead of numbing ourselves and disconnecting from our wombs, some invisible force seems to be pulling us closer towards our intuition and the wisdom stored in our Yonis.

Beth now offers her unique blend of Feminine Yoga, incorporating Dance, Mudras, Chanting into each individual journey, for every woman experiences her period uniquely, and that is what Beth helps you with, to tune into your body & work with it, seemlessly finding your flow with Yoga. What really strikes me with Beth is how much she practices what she teaches, adding a profound depth to her Yoga School, which incorporates her own journey with the Feminine Shakti, reflecting a seamless blend of movement, self-awareness, and the innate wisdom of femininity.  

Beth Coombs of Mata Yoga

Our conversation proceeded to Beth’s love & practice of Yoga Nidra. Beth emphasises the power of Yoga Nidra, an integral aspect of her practice. She discovered its transformative impact not only in supporting her spiritually, but also in harmonising her menstrual cycle. Beth teaches Yoga Nidra as a profound tool for all women, highlighting its ability to align the body's systems towards balance. She often shares how this practice has enabled her to cultivate deeper self-awareness and connect with her inner wisdom, especially during her menstrual phases of her cycle.

Yoga Nidra is a powerful form of Yoga that incorporates deep rest. Nidra, in Sanskrit means sleep, one of the 4 phases of consciousness as indicated in the symbol of ॐ, stressing how fundamental rest, and activating deep dream states are for the experience of Life. I imagine it is especially nourishing in the Winter time where Beth recommends creating a sacred and luxurious space at home by lighting candles or a fire, and infusing the air with the soothing scent of incense. Beth’s favourites for this time of year are Frankincense, Myrrh or Cedar. Preparing a comforting cup of your favourite herbal tea or cacao in your favourite mug, you are invited to settle into this warm, serene environment for a moment of peaceful reflection or meditation. This simple yet profound ritual is an opportunity to embrace self-care, finding warmth and tranquillity within, despite the cold and darkness outside.

Beth's dedication to her Femine path, embracing the cycles and the seasons intimatly as she graciously imparts her unique techniques to her students. Cherished within her community for her slow, restorative approach to Yoga, Beth has become a beloved teacher. Guiding her students with care, she intertwines the cycles of the moon into her teachings, offering reverence during both Full and New Moons. Additionally, Beth incorporates the rich symbolism of the Celtic Wheel of the Year into her classes, workshops and retreats, conducting special rituals dedicated to Beltaine and Imbolc. Through these ceremonies, she beautifully honours the sacred feminine and fosters a connection with the cycles of nature, infusing her classes with a deep sense of spirituality and fertility ceremonies that resonate with her students.

Beth Coombs

Retreat Info

Beth is also preparing for her upcoming eco retreat, 'Blossoming into Stillness.' This 2-night seasonal retreat, set in the serene Wye Valley, is designed specifically for women to celebrate Beltane and the beginning of summer. From Friday 26th to Sunday 28th April, those on the retreat will immerse themselves in slow living practices, connect with nature, and explore feminine energies through yoga, craft & ritual. Beth is currently offering a 10% discount early bird price for this retreat until 1st February, making it an enticing opportunity for those looking to deepen their yoga practice in alignment with the rhythms of nature. 

For more information and details of the retreat - https://www.mata-yoga.co.uk/blossomingintostillnessretreat