Spiritual Director |
Embodied Practice | Retreats
Online and Darug and Gundangara Country, NSW, Australia
Naomi Pryde
I am a Spiritual Director, Trauma-informed Yoga teacher, and Creator of spaces for Spiritual rest and nourishment.
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For the past 11 years, I have been living and working in Thailand and India in Jesus Devotional Communities. My work has been creating safe spaces of spiritual practice for Spiritual Seekers and travelers. I facilitate Guided Meditation, Bhakti Yoga, Movement Meditation, Community Meals, Devotion Circles, Sharing Circles, Contemplative study of the Scriptures, and facilitating spiritual soul care retreats.
Alongside running the weekly rhythms at Shekina Garden, I am self-employed as a Spiritual Director, Trauma-informed Yoga teacher, and Embodied Movement Practitioner. All these modalities are used to create safe spaces in which people can encounter the Divine holistically, and find safe spaces to share their true selves.
Nurtured by my faith, I have a strong drive to care for the marginalized and poor which has led to the creation and facilitation of many fundraising and social welfare projects in Northern Thailand.
MY STRENGTHS
Compassionate
Diversity
Trauma Informed
As a Spiritual Director, I am passionate about holding space for people to share their journeys and to feel safe to be vulnerable, knowing they will be heard and held with great care and confidentiality.
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I have an eye for hospitality. The simple things that add beauty and safety. A cup of tea, a welcoming smile, or assistance to a chair or up the stairs.
I believe the world is more beautiful when it is Diverse.
I have experience respectfully living in countries vastly different from my own (Thailand and India). My experiences in these countries has meant in-depth cultural learning, language and local customs, and lifelong friendships across cultures.
As a part of my life and work, I regularly interact with people from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and abilities.
I am fully affirming of the LGBTQIA+ community.
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All of us have some level of trauma that has impacted our lives. In all that I create and do whether it be preaching, guiding a meditation, yoga, a workshop, or a sharing circles, all is led from a trauma-informed perspective: Holding space and being sensitive to people's stories and journeys.
MY EXPERIENCE
Shekina Garden l Pai, Northern Thailand
Co Creator | Co Manager
2014-2022
Shekina Garden is a Jesus Devotional Community in Northern Thailand, that is set apart for Devotion to Christ. We welcome travellers, spiritual seekers and the heart sore to experience a safe space in which to explore the path of Christ, through guided lectio divina meditation practice, devotion circles, contemplation of the scriptures, permaculture, embodied movement and community meals, we seek to welcome people into a life that reflects the Kingdom of God. Integrated into the work is care for the local Thai community through social welfare projects and English Language teaching to children in partnership with the local Thai and Karen churches.
The River Ashram | Varanasi, India
Co Creator | Co Manager
2011-2014
The River Ashram was a Jesus Devotional Ashram (a place of Spiritual Retreat and Devotion) in Varanasi India - the spiritual heart of India. The River Ashram offered Spiritual Rhythms of Guided meditation on the Scriptures, and Spiritual Retreats for seekers wanting to learn about the Path of Christ.
Alongside this work, I also spent time working at the Rail Care Center which cares for children who live in Bastis (slums) along the railway line.
Self Employed | Business Owner
Path of the Beloved | Spiritual Direction ~ Retreats ~ Embodied Spiritual Practice
2020-Present
Path of the Beloved is the 'umbrella name' for all the practices and rhythms that I feel passionately about. Some of the things I offer for Individuals and Groups are: Spiritual Direction Spiritual Retreats (previous retreats in Chiang Mai and Varanasi, India) Embodied Movement Meditation Trauma-Informed Yoga Classes Online and in-person Workshops.
The nature of being self-employed, means that I have developed skills in administration, budgeting, website building, advertising, content creation, video filming, editing and distribution as well as the creation and writing of resources.
EDUCATION
I completed my training as a Spiritual Director in the Benedictine tradition, through the Benet Hill Benedictine Monastery in Colorado, USA (Online)
Certified Spiritual Director
Global Benedictine Spiritual Direction Program | Colorado, USA | Online
2021-2022
Spiritual Direction for Children
The Companioning Center | USA | International Cohort
2023
Currently undertaking training in Spiritual Direction for Children under Director, Lacy Finn Borgo
Bachelor of Arts (Development Studies)
Macquarie University | Sydney
2006-2009
I completed my Degree at Macquarie University majoring in Development studies (International Aid and Development).
200Hr Yoga Teacher Training
300Hr Master Yoga Training
60hr Trauma Informed Yoga Training
Holy Yoga | Arizona USA and Online
Between 2017 and 2019, I completed my Yoga Teacher Training through Holy Yoga, I went on to complete my 300 hour Masters Training and Specialising in Trauma-Informed Yoga.
2017 - 2019
TESTIMONIALS
"I have worked in a team with Naomi for nearly 8 years creating a faith-based community center together. She is creative, hard-working, compassionate and innovative. Naomi has a deeply caring heart and isn't afraid to jump into the mess of life alongside anyone she meets. She is a leader, willing to 'go first' to show the way with vulnerability and courage. Empathetic and pragmatic, Naomi will be an asset to any team, quick to find a practical solutions to help people, with a flair for beauty along the way."
- Rowan Keyzer, Shekina Community, Thailand
Contact
If you would like to work together or find out more, please contact me.