Maryella Matthews

Several years ago, a friend invited me to take a beginner’s yoga class from Siddhi Om at Yoga Bliss in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. I had spent most of my childhood and early adult life in ballet shoes and sneakers, so her Dharma Mittra vinyasa flow resonated with me deeply. The studio’s aesthetic, imagine trendy Manhattan loft with exposed brick walls, created a serene oasis in a bustling college town. It was an entire vibe. Fast forward to my semester abroard in Berlin, Germany. I took my first 26/2 Hot Yoga class at Bikram Yoga Berlin-Mitte. I felt pure bliss while  breathing in Padangustasana, or Toe Stand. This posture can improve one’s focus, balance, and determination while improving joint flexibility and strengthen the feet and legs. I remember feeling this calm yet focused concentration that allowed me to dissociate from external distractions like the busy street below and my own internal distractions like the beads of sweat  dripping from the tip of my nose. I was in ‘the zone.” The controlled heat and humidity made it easier for me to focus. I couldn’t wipe away the sweat so I just let it flow. There was something  magical about people stretching their bodies “like a flower petal blooming”. Here is where my relationship with yoga and my own practice evolved. I was fortunate enough to have met Lucille Moran shortly after she and her husband opened their studio in midtown Mobile. They welcomed me in and nurtured my practice. I became a Sterling Teacher in 2018 and taught  there happily for nearly 6 years. In that time, I obtained a Yin Yoga certification from Urban Bliss Yoga and completed a Kids Yoga Teacher Training with Little Lotus Rise. I have an educator’s spirit and love to teach and learn new things. I am currently learning about myofascial release therapy and hope to offer workshops that incorporate sound therapy and the healing arts. My purpose as a yogi to help raise the world’s vibration one soulful connection at a time.  

“Everything is the Divine Love expanding.” Sri Dharma Mittra

Maryella has recently completed the Pure Power and Hatha Teacher Trainings with Shoshana Treichel.

Maryella teaches Restorative, Hatha Yoga, Kids Yoga and Vinyasa at our studio.