Shyama has been intimately involved in the study and practice of yoga since 1984. She studied and lived full-time under the direct guidance of Siddha Yoga lineage holder Gurumayi Chidvilasananda for 10 years in both India and the U.S. She then received certification from six schools of hatha yoga and began her teaching career in San Francisco in 1996.
Yoga Certifications & Inspirations:
- Heart of Yoga (Mark Whitwell)
- Anusara Inspired (John Friend)
- Iyengar Yoga
- Sivananda Yoga: Advanced
- Integral Yoga: Intermediate
- Prenatal Certification
- Himalayan Institute Training: Intermediate
- Yogi Hari: Advanced
In 1998 Shyama moved to Marin County, CA to continue her teaching career. One of her most gratifying venues there was teaching yoga to the Judges & Judicial staff at the Civic Center, which led to teaching yoga at the CA Judicial College summer education program. Also extremely satisfying was being hired (2002) by the prestigious Bay Club Marin to create and manage their yoga program.
In 2004 Shyama moved to Sebastopol, CA. Shyama loves the small town experience of Sebastopol with its community and earth loving people.
In April of 2010 Shyama journeyed back to India after 16 years. She participated in the Maha Kumbha Mela, an outstanding gathering of mankind with 50-80 million participants. Archeologyonline describes it as ‘the world’s largest act of faith’. The trip, although a short short two weeks, was extremely profound and amazing. Shyama received transmissive darshan from various sources including the holy Ganga River, Gurudev Nityananda, Shyamdas and Mark Whitwell. The journey felt like a culmination of sorts.
Currently Shyama lives in Sebastopol, CA raising her precious daughter Sierra, enjoying the local community and her work. She embodies a level of clarity that offers the sweetest in beauty, intimacy and personal instruction.