Syamala Priya

Substitute

Bhakti Yoga DC

Syamala Priya devi dasi began her yoga and meditation journey in the mid-1990’s with traditional hatha yoga and Thich Nhat Hanh’s trainings in Mindfulness Meditation. After years of adopting yoga as a way of life she was inspired to share the transformational practice with others. In 2008 Syamala became certified at the 200-hour level with the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center. In years since she has expanded her personal practice and teaching skills by studying the Jivamukti and Yin yoga methods and gaining a deeper understanding of bhakti yoga philosophy through mentoring and completing a 300-hour teacher training with Hari-Kirtana das and Bhagavata-Sevaya School of Yoga. She received formal spiritual initiation from Radhanath Swami in the Krishna Bhakti tradition which emphasizes the linking of one's spiritual identity, mind, words and actions with the Absolute Truth through devotional service to a personal form of the Divine. Offering classes for beginning as well intermediate students, Syamala integrates mantra meditation, philosophy, vinyasa or yin sequencing, regulated breathing and deep relaxation into each session. In class she is known for her down to earth, clear and in-depth instruction. Responsive and sensitive to each individual, she is committed to helping students achieve a healthier-balanced lifestyle. As a clinical social worker, Syamala has the privilege of teaching yoga and meditation to children and families in underserved neighborhoods through a wide variety of community organizations. She specializes in offering trauma-informed yoga-based psychotherapy groups for children and offers professional trainings on trauma informed yoga for children and adolescents.