Lineage matters
Just as a book can change your life, so can a teacher.
In the Yoga tradition, wisdom is passed down through an unbroken lineage—from one guru to the disciple, and through generations. This transmission is considered sacred. It is more than information, but a deep current of insights, guidance, and lived experiences.
It’s also about imparting knowledge and how to apply it to one’s life. Over the last
three decades, I have had significant Yoga masters, Swamis, priests, and a Guru in India. These relationships are some of the most important bonds I have formed. They have led me to practice in all situations and to appreciate more deeply how everything, including these relationships have a start, a middle and an end.
One of greatest practices is to train your body, mind and heart.
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Without my teachers, I could not have progressed. I did the inner and outer work, but they offered the right jnana (knowledge), shraddha (attitude), and direction. They encouraged me to change, for myself and for something bigger.
No path is also straight. It includes pitfalls and snares, as well as summits and valleys. What I discovered, I guide others to discover too—but in their own way and time.
“No single practice is right for everyone.
All paths evolve as you ~ Heather Morton
My teaching and practice are rooted in this lineage of guidance, gratitude, and humility. If you feel called to practice and partner with me, know that you, too, are stepping into this stream of support, deep wisdom and ultimate transformation.
Sivananda Yoga & Worldwide Ashrams
An ashram near the banks of Ney-yar Dam, nestled in Kerala, was my first entry point into India. Sivananda Yoga has always stood for a synthesis of yoga with a strong emphasis on Karma yoga (right action and thought, selfless service), Bhakti yoga (chanting), Hatha/Raja yoga (meditation and asanas) and Jnana Yoga (knowledge). I completed an intensive Sadhana Pranayama course, and it changed my life. It planted the seeds of steadying the body while working in the subtler realms. There are many new-age methods of breathwork, but the true source lies at the heart of what Yogis have known for centuries about prana (energy, the life force).
After the life-changing effects of pranayama and 20 years of research and study, I created the Pranayama Restore 1.0 course. It is one of the most cohesive courses to merge ancient teachings with a modern context.
“Yoga isn’t about resolutions. It’s about holding the tension
etween pain and pleasure, and knowing you are ok.”
~ Heather Morton
Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute, Pattabhi Jois
When I met Pattabhi Jois, we sat together briefly, just the two of us in his office, which was part of his house and the shala (school) for his students. He personally taught me the primary series of Ashtanga Yoga in the Mysore style of non-led classes, but through individual practice. It was the hardest thing I’d ever committed to. Early on, I injured my knee so badly that I could hardly bend it. Despite this, the practice altered my practice forever. I continued to teach and practice the traditional format for several years. It became a profound period of “resetting,” something I would never have had the courage to undertake on my own.
Atmavikasa Yoga Kutira, Mysuru
From 2000 to 2013, I studied and practiced at this center in a quiet part of the city. In non-led classes, I learned the rigour and value of self-practice, developed an extensive repertoire of backbending practices, and immersed myself in theory, philosophy, pranayama, and achieved many teaching certifications.
The core lesson was that physical training is mind training and not about physical exercise or contortions. Through sustained self-analysis, self-inquiry, focus, and commitment, my flexibility and insights evolved—not by chance, but through long, dedicated practice. This period shaped my outlook and, ironically, led me to move on after 14 years of study.
Swami Veda Bharati
They say, ‘When the student is ready, the teacher appears.’ At a conference held by the International Association of Yoga Therapists in Los Angeles, I won a scholarship to present my work. It shared my two-year research work on Yoga in schools as a curriculum subject in India. Through a chance meeting, I was introduced to Swami Veda Bharati’s secret teachings of Yoga Nidra, a practice he used to learn languages in deep rest. This experience drew me to follow him and stay at his Rishikesh ashram for silent retreats. Then in 2009, I received his blessing and was initiated into the Himalayan Yoga Meditation tradition.
Dipa Ma & Dipa
“She is your mother, too,” Dipa spoke these words to me on a rainy afternoon in Kolkata. I sat with her learning more about her mother, the late Dipa Ma (known as Nani Bala Barua). As a Theravada Buddhist meditation teacher, Dipa Ma, became a prominent master who shaped the Vipassana practice in the United States.
Dipa and I met in the same small flat where she had once taught and guided many students. Our meeting was brief but very powerful. Before Dipa’s passing, we exchanged several heartfelt emails. I wrote a blog about my experience. Read it here.
Yogacharaya Vinay Kumar, Mysuru, Prana Vashya Yoga
Since 2014, I have studied directly with Vinay-ji in the shala, completing month-long trainings in both the primary and secondary series of Prana Vashya. This was a natural evolution into a practice that weaves together breath retentions, vinyasas, and the application of the Sutras and the Gita in daily life. With Vinay-ji’s guidance, I explored more advanced postures and deepened my understanding of the method. I entered this phase in my late 40s and early 50s, which showed me that age is less important than intention, approach, and the willingness to start over and rebuild your practice.
The primary and secondary series combine basic, intermediate, and advanced postures. Even the primary series challenges the mind through the body. It is a strong, dynamic sequence. Continuous movement and breath retention are central to the method. We train the mind to rest in the still point between each inhale and exhale and to notice the quiet within all that movement. The practice combines two main kumbhakas: antara (after inhalation, before exhalation) and bahya (after exhalation, before inhalation). These sustained pauses steady and refine the breath, taking practice to a higher level.
Join the Self-mastery series for deeper integration & personal development.
Off the Mat
I created and produced:
- One of the first instructional DVDs (link to shop) focused on Yogic backbends
for a general and advanced practice, showcasing a series of postures.
- Meditation & Breathing CDs,
- Back-bending manuals, and
- A Yoga Teacher Training Handbook.
Guruji, Shri BNS Iyengar
For 12 years now, it has been an honour to sit at Guruji’s feet. He taught me pranayama, mudras, and philosophy, guiding me beyond the physical practice into deeper mind training and devotion (shraddha, a Sanskrit word). Guruji embodies true spiritual teaching. He has refused my money, corrected me when I knelt at his feet, and served tea when I visited—simple acts that showed his humility.
I still study under Guruji when I am in Mysuru. This year, he turns 100.
Dr. Malatesha Ningappa
After a lucid dream, I was guided to a temple in Mysuru where I saw the same deity who had appeared to me with blessings. It turned out to be a Navagraha temple (dedicated to the nine planets). Before this, I was skeptical of astrology despite having read Tarot since I was 19 years old. In Indian tradition, the planets are central to the birth chart and influence each person in unique ways. Seeking an astrologer, I found Dr. Malatesha’s name amongst many others and have been studying under him since then.
Acharya Malatesh is a respected Vedic astrologer, past-life regression therapist, and expert in Mantra Yoga, Yoga philosophy, and the Bhagavad Gita. He is an excellent teacher with deep knowledge and amazing patience. The kind you need to help you see your truth.
Dr. Malatesha Ningappa
After a lucid dream, I was guided to a temple in Mysuru where I saw the same deity who had appeared to me with blessings. It turned out to be a Navagraha temple (dedicated to the nine planets). Before this, I was skeptical of astrology despite having read Tarot since I was 19 years old. In Indian tradition, the planets are central to the birth chart and influence each person in unique ways. Seeking an astrologer, I found Dr. Malatesha’s name amongst many others and have been studying under him since then.
Acharya Malatesh is a respected Vedic astrologer, past-life regression therapist, and expert in Mantra Yoga, Yoga philosophy, and the Bhagavad Gita. He is an excellent teacher with deep knowledge and amazing patience. The kind you need to help you see your truth.
There is no end to learning.
I live by this motto, and guide and support those who want the same in how to apply knowledge (not information) for direct experiences. In the tradition of Yoga and its roots in the Vedas—often described as the “end of knowledge”—true depth is reached not through self-effort alone, but with the support of a Guru: a mentor, a primary teacher, a guide.
This kind of guidance is essential. It changes your life.
While personal effort matters, the presence and hand of the teacher is invaluable. I offer my deepest gratitude to all my teachers who have given generously of their knowledge, whether directly or from afar.
Explore the courses and techniques from my 30 years of exploration and travels back to India.