Bliss Meditation Yoga and Service

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Leesalyn Ramapriya Koehler

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Leesalyn began teaching yoga in 1998 and assists teacher training programs both locally and internationally. In May of 2001, she completed her first 200 hours of training, and has since received more than 2000 additional hours of professional training in the Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Sivananda traditions. Her teaching style is reflective of studies in both Vedantic and Buddhist philosophy and practice of Vipassana meditation.

Awakened to suffering and the need for compassion from her farming homestead in central New York, Leesalyn's spiritual commitment to non-violence began. Recognized at an early age by school teachers, she was asked to speak with classrooms of peers surrounding issues of compassionate living and making non-violent choices.

Her desire to understand and be understood led her to the State University of New York at Oswego and the University of Connecticut in search of social and psychological answers. Frustrated by attempts toward a material solution, she left for the San Juan mountains of Colorado. While there, she met refugees relocated to this high arid climate from their Tibetan home. Inspired by their peaceful faith to overcome adversity and oppression through compassion, her studies of Eastern philosophy began.

In June of 2004, Leesalyn was initiated as Ramapriya (Skt: the Beloved of Rama) into the Sivananda International Vedanta community by Swami Srinivasananda and Swami Sadasivananda. She has studies with many senior teachers and sat at the Dharma feet of S.N. Goenka, Robert Hall, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Leesalyn enjoys off-the-mat adventures in organic gardening and vegan cooking - exploring new ways of thinking globally while serving locally. She holds a special place in her heart for monkeys and shares their enthusiasm for dancing barefoot in the grass - Jai Sri Hanumanji!

When Ram Das asked his teacher "How can i see God?" Maharaji replied, "Serve everyone." Next time he asked, this time more specific, "How can i know God?" He answered, "Feed everyone."

With these experiences and the grace of my teachers, i don't profess to *know* the body or the mind, nor the course of this journey that we are on. All we can know and be is ourselves. May we all manifest the Truth that is within us.

Sarvesham Mangalam Bhavatu

Ramapriya

Burly House Green Network clients

Capital School Special Education teachers

Central Texas Autism Center teachers

Central Texas Dressage Society riders

Community Clinical Research patients

Greenwood Waldorf Preschool students

Stephenson Preserve friends of the park

Tapestry Dance Company and Academy dancers

The Wright House Wellness Center residents

"Her cheerful and enthusiastic spirit are inspirational." ~ Linda

"Just the right verbal and visual prompts to create a safe and wonderful class." ~ Roxanne

"Leesalyn was fabulous! I love the energy that she puts into conveying her love of yoga. My knowledge of yoga was expanded today. Thank you." ~ anonymous

"Who would have thought that at 37 i would be in some of the best shape i've ever been in ~ physically as well as mentally and spiritually. Practicing yoga with you has been an inspiration to me." ~ Jenny

"I can still so vividly see you teaching about animal abuse ~ you did a great deal of good. You will always be my beautiful, spirited, diligent, and determined "student" and friend." ~ Mrs. Saikkonen 9th grade English teacher

"Meeting you has positively changed my life, i am very grateful. I haven't had dairy since i left the ashram. I feel my body really heard you." ~ Savitri

"She is a well received teacher who exemplifies the yogic lifestyle. She is both a dedicated student and teacher with impeccable character and integrity." ~ Mehtab, owner/founder of Yoga Yoga studios

"You have had such an amazing influence on not just my own teaching style, but also on my life in general. Thanks for showing me how to find that balance within the chaos, the effort with the surrender." ~ Ina

Bliss Meditation and Yoga and Leesalyn Koehler are registered on the Healthways Whole Health Network as an approved CAM (Complimentary and Alternative Medicine) provider. Private yoga and meditation classes may qualify to receive insurance reimburcements from such medical insurers as Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, AARP, Cigna, Humana and Carrington. Be sure to check with your provider to see if your plan qualifies.

A special thank you to Steven Noreyko for usage of his photograph of Leesalyn which appears above.