3. Frequently Asked Questions

 A   About Zahra & Imperfect Wellbeing 

Who is Zahra El Afany?

Zahra is a holistic wellbeing coach, yoga and meditation teacher, herbalist and practitioner based in London. Her work is rooted in ancient healing traditions — breathwork, somatic practices, Traditional Chinese Medicine, reiki, sound healing and herbal wisdom. Her journey into this work began when both she and her mother were diagnosed with cancer, leading her to deeply explore the connection between body, mind and spirit. She now guides women back to themselves through her signature methodology, The Ritual Return.

What is Imperfect Wellbeing?

Imperfect Wellbeing is a holistic lifestyle brand and practice founded on the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi — the beauty of imperfection, slowness and becoming. We offer yoga, meditation, breathwork, reiki, sound healing, somatic coaching, retreats, courses and workshops designed to help women return to their bodies, their roots and their purpose.

What is The Ritual Return?

The Ritual Return is Zahra's signature methodology — a four-stage framework that guides women home to themselves through Roots (identity and lineage), Purpose (ikigai and archetypes), Rhythm (fascia and nervous system), and Wildness (life force and creativity). It runs through everything Zahra teaches, from courses to retreats to 1-2-1 sessions.

Is Imperfect Wellbeing for everyone?

Our work is primarily designed for women in their 30s and 40s who feel burnt out, disconnected or creatively depleted — women who are high-achieving on the outside but longing for something deeper. That said, all are welcome. We ask only that you come with openness and curiosity.

 B   Sessions & Services

What services do you offer?

We offer: yoga (including Yin Yoga, Yang to Yin, Chakra Balancing and somatic movement), guided meditation, breathwork, reiki healing, sound healing, somatic embodiment coaching, 1-2-1 holistic mentoring, in-person workshops (Sensory Awakening), online courses (Flow to Flourish), the Ritual Return membership, and residential retreats in the UK and internationally.

Do I need experience in yoga or meditation to join?

No experience is needed for the vast majority of our offerings. We welcome complete beginners. Our approach is not about perfecting postures — it is about returning to the body through gentle, intentional movement and presence. The only requirement is an open mind.

What is breathwork and is it safe?

Breathwork involves guided breathing exercises that can help regulate the nervous system, release stored emotion and expand awareness. It is safe for most healthy adults. However, it is not recommended if you have cardiovascular conditions, epilepsy, unmedicated high blood pressure, severe anxiety, schizophrenia, recent surgery, or if you are pregnant. Please disclose any health conditions before participating and consult your GP if you are unsure.

What is reiki and what can I expect from a session?

Reiki is a gentle energy healing practice originating from Japan. During a session, Zahra uses light touch or hands placed just above the body to channel calming energy. Sessions are deeply relaxing and clients often experience warmth, tingling, emotional release or simply profound rest. Reiki is a complementary therapy and is not a substitute for medical care.

What is sound healing?

Sound healing uses instruments — such as singing bowls, gongs, tuning forks or the voice — to create vibrations that promote relaxation and a sense of balance. Sessions can be deeply meditative and are suitable for most people. If you have a pacemaker or sound-sensitive condition, please let us know in advance.

What is somatic embodiment coaching?

Somatic embodiment is a body-based approach to healing and personal growth. Rather than working only from the mind, somatic practice helps you tune into the intelligence stored in the body — sensations, tensions, patterns and instincts. Sessions may include gentle movement, breathwork, guided awareness and reflection. This is coaching, not therapy.

What is the difference between coaching and therapy?

Coaching focuses on growth, clarity and forward movement. It supports you to reconnect with yourself, clarify your purpose and build meaningful practices. Therapy, by contrast, is a clinical treatment for mental health conditions, typically provided by a licensed therapist or psychotherapist. If you are experiencing significant mental health difficulties, we encourage you to seek support from a qualified mental health professional alongside or instead of coaching.

How do I know which service is right for me?

If you are unsure where to start, a discovery call with Zahra is the best first step. This is a free 20-minute conversation where you can share where you are and Zahra can suggest the most suitable offering. You can book a call via the website at [your booking link].

 C   Booking, Payment & Cancellation 

How do I book a session or service?

You can book directly through our website at [website URL], by email at [email], or by completing the enquiry form on the Contact page. Retreat and course bookings are confirmed by deposit or full payment.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major debit and credit cards via Stripe. Payment for courses and memberships is processed securely at checkout. Retreat bookings require a non-refundable deposit to secure your place, with the balance due as outlined in your booking confirmation.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellation policies vary by service type. Please see the Terms & Conditions section of this document for full details. In summary: for 1-2-1 sessions, 48 hours notice is required for a rescheduling or credit; for retreats, deposits are non-refundable and different balance refund windows apply; for courses and memberships, you may cancel at any time and access continues until the end of your paid period.

Do you offer refunds?

Refund policies vary by service. Digital courses and downloadable content are non-refundable once accessed, in line with consumer regulations for digital products. Retreat deposits are non-refundable. We handle all requests with care and on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us at [email] if you have a concern.

Can I pay in instalments for a retreat?

Yes — flexible payment plans are available for retreats. Please contact us at [email] when you enquire and we will arrange a plan that works for you. A non-refundable deposit is required to hold your space.

 D   Online Courses & The Ritual Return Membership 

What is Flow to Flourish?

Flow to Flourish is a 6-week online self-paced course that guides you from exhausted and disconnected to rooted, regulated and ready. Each week builds on the last — moving through your rhythm, your roots, your body's wisdom and your first ritual practices. You receive lifetime access to all video modules, guided meditations, breathwork practices, journalling prompts and the Ritual Return Circle community.

What is The Ritual Return membership?

The Ritual Return is an ongoing hybrid membership for women who want a sustained, deepening practice. Each month moves through one pillar of the methodology — Roots, Purpose, Rhythm and Wildness — with a video module, guided meditation, breathwork, ritual practices, journalling prompts and a live women's circle. Investment: £22 per month, cancel anytime.

Do I need to have completed Flow to Flourish before joining the Ritual Return membership?

No — the membership is designed to welcome women at any stage of their journey. Flow to Flourish is a wonderful companion but is not a prerequisite.

How do I access course content?

All course and membership content is hosted on [Thinkific/Kajabi]. You will receive a welcome email with login details when your booking is confirmed. Content is accessible on any device.

Are live sessions recorded?

Yes — live group sessions within the Ritual Return membership are recorded so you can watch back if you cannot attend. Recordings are available for 30 days.

What is The Vessel Method?

The Vessel Method is a new framework developed by Zahra, currently being woven through the Hungary retreat and the Flow to Flourish course. It is a daily practice built around three principles: Receive, Embody and Flow. A standalone programme is in development — join the waitlist on the website to be first to hear when it launches.

 E   Retreats 

Tell me about the Hungary retreat.

Rebirthing Your Inner Muse takes place 3–6 September 2026 at Melea Health Concept — a 5-star wellness hotel on the shores of Csónakázó Lake in Sárvár, Hungary, approximately two hours from Vienna Airport. It is a 4-day, 3-night immersive retreat limited to 11 women. The programme includes sunrise yoga, breathwork, somatic embodiment, fire ceremony, Blue Lotus Tea Ceremony, sauna rituals, an Alqvimia Queen of Egypt massage, The Vessel Method practice, and a closing circle. Investment from £950 per person.

What is included in the retreat price?

The retreat price includes 3 nights at Melea 5-star hotel, full board (3 nutritious meals daily), unlimited spa and fitness centre access, bathrobe and room amenities, all sessions and practices led by Zahra, the Alqvimia Queen of Egypt Ritual & Massage (75 min), and return private transfer between Vienna Airport and Melea. Flights, travel insurance and tourist tax (~€2/person/night payable on-site) are not included.

How do I get to the Hungary retreat?

Fly into Vienna Airport and your return private transfer to Melea, Sárvár is included in the retreat price. The drive is approximately 2 hours.

Do you offer an Egypt retreat?

Yes — the Egypt Ritual Retreat is a 9-day, 8-night journey to the sacred land of Egypt including temple activations, a Nile cruise on a Dahabiya, yoga, meditation, somatic practices and ancient wisdom. New dates are being confirmed — please join the waiting list or enquire via the Contact page.

Is the retreat suitable if I have health conditions?

We welcome women with a wide range of health backgrounds. However, some activities — including breathwork and physical movement — may not be suitable for everyone. Please disclose all relevant health information on your booking form and contact us at [email] if you have any concerns before booking. We are happy to discuss modifications.

What should I bring to the retreat?

A full packing list is sent with your booking confirmation. In brief: comfortable flowing movement clothing, something white for the closing ceremony, swimwear, walking shoes, a journal and pen, crystals or sacred objects, natural skincare, light layers for cool evenings, EU plug adaptor (if travelling from the UK), and travel insurance documentation.

 F   Contact & Connect 

How do I get in touch?

You can contact Zahra by email at [email address], through the Contact form on the website, or via Instagram [your Instagram handle]. For retreat and course enquiries, a discovery call is recommended — book via [booking link].

Do you offer a free discovery call?

Yes — Zahra offers a complimentary 20-minute discovery call for anyone considering 1-2-1 mentoring, a retreat or the Ritual Return membership. This is an opportunity to share where you are, ask any questions, and feel into whether this is the right fit. Book via [booking link].

Are your services available online as well as in person?

Yes. 1-2-1 sessions, the Flow to Flourish course, the Ritual Return membership and live group sessions are all available online. In-person offerings include workshops (Sensory Awakening), retreats, and sessions in London by arrangement.

Do you work with men?

Imperfect Wellbeing's work is primarily designed for and centred around women's experiences. Some offerings are women-only spaces. If you are not a woman and are interested in working with Zahra, please reach out to discuss whether the work is a right fit.