About Essential Nature
"Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit."
Edward Abbey
At Essential Nature Yoga we aim to make time experiencing the natural world as much a part of our practice as our yoga postures and meditation. This can range from seeing flocks of geese in the winter sky, experiencing tens of thousands of breeding seabirds in summer or simply taking the time to truly look at a wild flower on a stroll through a summer meadow.
Our yoga postures and meditation open us up to being more receptive to the wonder of nature. We begin to feel a sense of connection to the wider play of life going on around us at all times.
There are so many benefits in this for all of us - it allows the mind to quieten, and by being immersed in nature we can let go of our day-to-day troubles which, even if only for a short time, can do us so much good. Our breathing will relax and deepen - and we'll be getting some fresh air.
Most importantly it can stir the soul. It can ignite, or reignite, a sense of wonder and awe for life, and our place in it. And it's great fun.
About Us
Between them, Nick (Swami SatyDaya) and Nickie (Tulsi) have over 60 years experience of practising and teaching authentic yoga and meditation practices. They have both been influenced by the traditional teachings and practices of Bihar School of Yoga and Mandala Yoga Ashram where they lived and worked until their move to West Norfolk in September 2025. Their teachings focus on working with practices that enrich peoples lives and create a deeper understanding of the Self.
Nick's skills as a nature photographer and Nickie's experiences of supporting vulnerable people have led them to creating a unique product. This combined with the years they have spent managing Mandala Yoga Ashram allows them to create a unique, accessible and enriching retreat experience.
Over recent years Nick and Nickie have developed and expanded the retreat locations that they offer to include the Isle of Mull and the Isle of Iona in Scotland, Norfolk, Glastonbury, the Isle of Wight and Spain.
Nick Edge (Swami SatyaDaya)
There are two loves that run through Nick's life - the practice of yoga and meditation as a means to truly explore the depths of who and what we are, and the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
His teaching, & practice, of yoga and meditation has been shaped by over 15 years spent living at Mandala Yoga Ashram, fulifilling many roles from being in charge of the Kitchen to holding the overall direction of the Ashram as Ashram Director. With first-hand understanding of the deeper process of spiritual awakening he continues to grow in the role of teacher, guide and spiritual mentor.
He has a no-nonsense approach to the spiritual path and feels we, as a society, need to remember that it is completely normal and valid to have a longing to know the truth of who and what we are and to seek direct experience of the unimaginable.
Running alongside his yogic path, Nick is a passionate wildlife photographer and self-confessed nature lover, finding deep meaning and nourishment that arises when encountering nature and wildlife.
He believes that time in nature sharing with and intimately observing other living things, is as fundamental to human well-being as any formal practice.
Nickie (Tulsi) Short
Nickie has been practising yoga for 35 years in the Satyananda tradition and teaching since 2003. Her decades of practice and teaching have created a firm belief in the value of simple, traditional practices, whether asana, pranayama, Yoga Nidra or meditation.
Over the years Nickie has specialised in working with people with a wide range of mental and physical health issues in a wide range of settings including day centres, schools, prisons, hospitals, mental health projects and residential homes. More recently she spent six years at Mandala Yoga Ashram as manager and is still a senior teacher on many of their courses.
She uses yoga and meditation practice to empower and inspire others to grow and move forward in life and in their experience of Self rather than merely seeking to make their lives more comfortable.
Poppy
Poppy is the newest member of the team.
Poppy was born in September 2024 - she's curious, friendly, dare I say reflective and a real sweetheart. She is a rescue from Portugal and has been part of the family since April 2025.
She will never replace Mungo but she brings her own special energy to our family and already loves our excursions into nature and pack cuddle time.
We are sure that she is going to be a real asset to the retreat team.
Many of you will know that we had to let Mungo go early in 2025.
He touched so many hearts, as well as our own, with his friendly and quirky character. He may be gone but he's most definitely not forgotten - he'll always have a place in our hearts.