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Meet Kriya Yogini Camella (Swami Nibhrtananda)
EMAIL: email Camella.Where has yoga taken you?
What are the 4 most pivotal occasions in your career both in and outside of Yoga?
- Becoming ordained as a Swami in an unbroken line of teachers. Several years before Goswami Kriyananda died, he instructed the women of the sanga to reach out and help other women. I hope that I am making some headway in this field as it is much needed in our society today, with women being so busy and stressed.
- Teaching amongst a lineup of well-known yoga professionals at the Bermuda Conference. It was a bit intimidating at first until I realized that they are just doing a job they love, and still have a personality of their own. A bit like the rest of us.
- Officiating at a friend’s mother’s funeral, which lead to me getting trained in Home Funerals. I am really focusing on the final klesha of ‘clinging to the physical body’ at this stage of my career as I think it is sadly lacking in the yoga world.
- Getting my books published and training programs established. Such an incredible amount of work and sacrifice, but I feel proud that they are perhaps what the male forbearers’ in my lineage would have taught if they were women.
What do you never leave the house without?
I feel lost without a bag with ‘stuff in it’. I don’t know how men do it. It is super though when you dig in there and find something useful in the moment for me, the kids or someone else.
Where are your favorite places to experience?
Anywhere near water, or in Nature generally. Looking out of the window of an aircraft, special days like Christmas, womens’ circle events, Celebrations around the Solstice’s. Yoga retreats.
What are the first three words that come to your mind when someone says: “grounded” or “connected?”
Earth – Saturn – Capricorn
We want to know what your typical morning looks like! What does your daily practice look like?
If I am not teaching, a walk by the Baylands and meditation is a great start to my day. If not, then a shower and cup of tea before setting off to teach yoga. My practice is my life these days rather than a formal personal asana practice that I used to do for years. I am far less of an evangelical yogi and I think that’s a good thing.
What is one mantra that is like a remedy for your soul?
Om Nama Shivaya seems to crop up again and again when least expected even though I love the Gayatri.
How do you channel your inner 5 year old?
I try not to be too serious. Being childlike is great as long as it’s not childish. A huge difference in terms of self-awareness.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself.
I have a house rabbit called Fonz that I adore.
What is your favorite pose to teach in your classes? And why?
Tadasana or mountain pose because it really is the reference asana for a balanced life. Swamaji used to tell us that the greatest asana is “learning how to stand on your own two feet.” There really are lots of people who like to blame other people for their lot in life and are stuck in fear, greed and anger.
If you’re not on a yoga mat, where can we find you?
Swimming, taking a walk, in the Korean spa (not often enough) or of course in the pool teaching Aqua yoga.
