Meet Sydney Cutler of Ananda Meditation in Silver Lake

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Cutler.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Sydney. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
After becoming a first-time mom balancing a full-time career, I eventually found myself feeling totally depleted– sleep-deprived, drained, unhealthy, and disconnected from my loved ones and myself. In a moment of desperation, I tried a Yoga Nidra meditation class, and, over time, experienced a total transformation in my ability to care for myself as well as my approach to life, career, and family. Practicing Yoga Nidra meditation for the past several years has enabled me to experience greater inner peace, better sleep, improved health– and to become more present in my everyday life.

Inspired by my personal experiences practicing Yoga Nidra, I wanted to share this amazing practice in our community, and travelled to the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Stockton, MA, to train with Jennifer Reis, creator of Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra® in order to become a certified Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra® instructor. A few years later, in order to experience a deeper understanding of all eight limbs of yoga, I pursued my 200-hour yoga teacher training with Adriana Rizzolo at Yogala Los Angeles, CA. I continue to study with amazing teachers and healers in Los Angeles and beyond and am so grateful for my teachers’ guidance on this path that has chosen me.

I hold a Bachelor of Science from Boston University in Speech-Language Pathology and a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a healthcare concentration from Barry University. I believe in the transformative power of music, nature, love, compassion, self-inquiry, and community. I am a lifelong student and love to educate myself on all things wellness– yoga, eastern philosophy, Ayurveda, traditional and complementary medicine, and on and on! I live in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles with my husband and son.

Has it been a smooth road?
My road is definitely paved with bumps and potholes–just like everyone else!

Balancing my daily responsibilities with my passion as well as the realities of living in Los Angeles is always a challenge, but one I am so privileged to work with. It’s all about keeping all the balls up in the air while also giving myself time to recharge and rest– my family, friends, and community are essential to making this happen!

My purpose in this life is to be in service to creating and holding space for healing.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I teach a style of meditation called Yoga Nidra, which means “Yogic sleep.” Yoga Nidra is a powerful guided meditation practice that enables you to experience profound rest and transformation.

While lying down comfortably, you are systematically guided through body sensing, breath awareness, exploration of emotions and sensations, and guided imagery– facilitating awareness of your innate ability to balance, heal, release limiting beliefs, and manifest your highest goals. When you are deeply relaxed, you can access your natural healing state where revitalization and rejuvenation takes place. Through Yoga Nidra, you can reconnect with every layer of your being– encouraging a sense of wholeness and well-being.

Yoga Nidra allows people to heal physical, emotional and psychic wounds, but this is not an easy process for everyone. My background as a clinical social worker sets me apart from other meditation guides, as I am highly experienced and trained to work with students who are allowing themselves to be truly vulnerable, some for the first time in a very long time. I am so honored to be able to hold the space and provide loving support to my students.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I’d imagine that Los Angeles is the wellness capital of the world! Though it often seems like we are saturated with practitioners, teachers, and healers, I think there is room for us all, especially once you find your niche!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.anandameditation.com
• Phone: 310-404-1291
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: anandameditation

Image Credit:
Kelli Radwanski

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