Are you Afraid of Yoga?

You enter the studio to find a sweet person greeting you.  She has long hair in pig tails and is dressed in multiple layers of multiple colored clothing.  You are greeted with namaste (you think she is saying "have a nice day", so you murmur something to that effect back at her).  She introduces herself as the teacher and asks you to find a space in the classroom and settle in.  You enter the room to find many very fit looking individuals who are sitting in meditation and appear to be zoned in on another planet.  You roll out your mat at the very back of the room and sit as quietly as you can, knowing that any noise you make will bring unwanted attention to the "new" person.

The teacher enters the room and sits quietly in front.  She explains what the class will hold and then asks you to place your hands at your heart and as a group you chant "om".  You obediently follow what seems to be very cult like behavior.  You all sit for a brief meditation (brief  = an eternity at this point).  From there the movement begins.  The teacher begins to rattle off words ending in "asana", which have absolutely no meaning to you.  You look around the room and feel panic as you attempt to follow all of the other students.

About midway through your first yoga class, you begin to have a feeling that you have not experienced before...  energized, yet calm.  You take a look at the the other students, who are not as "fit" and "perfect" as you had originally imagined.  They are "normal" just as you are.  The teacher moves through the room and assists you and you see the compassion in her eyes and instantly begin to trust this person, finding her quirkiness endearing.

After a period of lying on your back and soaking in all of the movement, the class comes to an end and everyone again chants "om".  There is a connection that you feel at this moment with the entire classroom.   The teacher ends with "namaste" and explains what this means:  "I honor the place in you in which the entire universe dwells; I honor the place in you which is of love of truth, of light and of peace.  When you are in that place in you and I am in that place in me, we are one."

You leave the studio feeling as light as a feather, a feeling that you are not used to. You get home and immediately go online to see when you can schedule your next yoga class... you're hooked.



NOTE:  There are many yoga classes out there.  Find the teacher and the class that feels right to you.  There are also many styles of yoga, so be sure to do some investigating.    Sanskrit is a written language and the words are sometimes used in yoga classes, but not always.  Be certain to make a teacher aware that this is your first class.  Pick classes suitable to your experience and don't be afraid to ask questions.



In Gratitude,    Suzanne

Peace in your community; peace in your home and peace in your heart.


Suzanne Nicklas, RN, E-RYT, HHC, is owner of Shanti Yoga Studio in Troy, NY and is a Registered Nurse, Registered Yoga Teacher and Holistic Health Coach.  She holds workshops on wellness and stress management and also offers corporate classes and workshops.  You may contact her at suzannenick4@hotmail.com or visit www.shantiyoga.ws. or for Health Coaching through Pink Lotus Wellness, visit www.suzannenicklas.com

Yoga Class Etiquette

So, you're attending your first yoga class or have been going for awhile and are just not sure of the "norms" of a class.  Today we will learn about what to do and what not to do while attending a yoga class.  Of course, teachers and other students remember what if feels like to be new, so don't fret if you have done any of the below "no-no's.  This list is not meant to dissuade you with "rules", rather to help you to feel comfortable when trying out a new class.

While talking quietly before and after a class are perfectly acceptable, be sure not to interfere with students who are attempting to center themselves prior to their practice.  Even though it may seem unworthy of mention, the use of cell phones during class (either calls or texting) is not appreciated by the class or teacher.  Cell phones should be quieted and if you must have them, put them on vibrate while the class is going on.

The use of colognes and perfumes can sometimes interfere with a class, as some students may have allergies and it may affect the air quality in the room and the breathing of students.  Keep lotions, oils and other "smelly stuff" out of the studio.

Most studios have mats for rent or to borrow.  I always suggest to students who have not yet purchased a mat to come and try out a class.   If they believe they will continue to come to class, then purchase a mat.  Mats can cost anywhere from $15.00 to $150.00.   If you are new to yoga, I suggest purchasing a good sticky surfaced mat that is suitable for carrying to classes.  Any target or Wal Mart mat will do for beginners.  Of course, if you are borrowing a studio mat, be sure to clean the mat with supplied cleaners at the studio.  Being  the clean freak that I am, I would also suggest cleaning a mat before use as well, as some students may not be as conscientious as you are about cleaning.  Also, when moving about the yoga room, try not to step on other people's mats.   It is similar to "getting in other people's space".

Although it is fine to take a break during class to regroup or to slow your practice down from the rest of the class, if needed, it is not acceptable to do your own practice while the teacher is teaching.  It is thought to be disrespectful to the teacher and distracting to the students.

Now you are all ready for your class... but what do you wear?  Any loose fitting clothing is appropriate.  However, if you are wearing loose fitting shorts beware that your "girl" or "boy" parts may show to the rest of the class in some postures if they are not form fitting enough.  Yoga students practice bare foot as this helps with the connection to the mat and helps them to feel grounded and supported by the floor beneath them.  I have taught many classes with students who are sensitive about being bare foot.  I am always concerned for their safety, as it is easy to slip on a mat without the skin/mat connection.

One last recommendation, try to come to class 15 minutes prior to the start of class.  Take a few minutes to stretch, breathe and prepare for the class mentally.  It will benefit your practice if you are not rushing prior to the class.  Typically the end of a class is spent lying on your mat in a relaxation pose.  It is distracting for students to leave during this time, so plan your time accordingly.

Yoga classes are extremely beneficial and the information I shared with you today comes from questions I have been asked by students.  I love to teach yoga and I love to see new students come through the door.  I also want students to feel comfortable and confident in a class.  Always be sure to ask your yoga teacher if you have any questions about a class.  Also, feel free to leave a comment below and I will answer your questions here.


In Gratitude,    Suzanne

Peace in your community; peace in your home and peace in your heart.


Suzanne Nicklas, RN, E-RYT, HHC, is owner of Shanti Yoga Studio in Troy, NY and is a Registered Nurse, Registered Yoga Teacher and Holistic Health Coach.  She holds workshops on wellness and stress management and also offers corporate classes and workshops.  You may contact her at suzannenick4@hotmail.com or visit www.shantiyoga.ws. or for Health Coaching through Pink Lotus Wellness, visit www.suzannenicklas.com

Blending and Juicing

I am often asked which is best in the morning... juices or smoothies.

My answer: they're both amazing for different reasons.

Juicing is great as it kicks in right away and provides lots of energy.  It is very hydrating and gives me what I need to have a great workout in the morning.   Juicing extracts the liquid from fruits and veggies and removes the fibrous part.  Blending smoothies are also a great option as they help you to feel fuller longer and they require a bit more work for your body to digest.   Smoothies are also easier and quicker to make.  I am going to share my two favorite morning treats with you:

Goddess Smoothie

1 avocado (peeled and cored)
1 banana
1 cup of strawberries
1 cucumber (peeled)
Fistful of kale
Coconut water (1/2 -1 cup)
Optional:  Agave to taste

Blend all ingredients in a blender and drink up!    (makes 2 servings)


Anytime Juice

2 carrots
2 celery stalks
Handful of strawberries
Handful of kale
1 orange (peeled)

Place all ingredients through a juicer and enjoy!


Juices and smoothies are a great way to start your day as they start you off with a healthy mindset that snowballs throughout your day.   If you have a favorite recipe, be sure to share it in the comments below.  I am always looking for new things to try!


In Gratitude,    Suzanne

Peace in your community; peace in your home and peace in your heart.


Suzanne Nicklas, RN, E-RYT, HHC, is owner of Shanti Yoga Studio in Troy, NY and is a Registered Nurse, Registered Yoga Teacher and Holistic Health Coach.  She holds workshops on wellness and stress management and also offers corporate classes and workshops.  You may contact her at suzannenick4@hotmail.com or visit www.shantiyoga.ws. or for Health Coaching through Pink Lotus Wellness, visit www.suzannenicklas.com

Being Whole

"I'd rather be whole than good, cause to be whole is to embrace the totality of yourself"  Carl Jung

I love this quote by Carl Jung!

As we go through life, we are faced, often on a daily basis with decisions.   Not all of them are life and death decisions, but each one holds consequences.  Some of the decisions we make in life harm our bodies; harm our minds and some go right to our souls.  The negative life choices can cause us great pain in life.  I have learned to see that my negative and positive choices of the past have made me who I am today, and so, I see them as great gifts.

This quote reminds us that we are all human and that we are connected by our experiences in life.  Our experiences are not meant to make us "feel bad" or live with regret.  Rather, they are set before us in life to help us grow in our humanity.  If we can accept ourselves... our "good" and our "bad", we can find compassion for all of life.  However, that compassion begins with our own selves.  If we pick and choose the things that we like about ourselves, we begin to reject certain areas of our lives and this leads to separation from our self.  If we can find the strength and bravery to accept all of our sides, light and dark, we can become whole.

I'm sure you have heard that others are a mirror to ourself.  As you make judgements about others (and we all do), learn to take note as to what bothers you about that person.  Do they talk too loud, are they too skinny, too fat, do they make too much money, is there house too big, or do they just think they are hot ----?  I guarantee you that whatever it is in them that you don't like, you either carry that characteristic or are fearful of something about the traits you see.  As you come to awareness of  this, be particularly careful not to judge yourself.  It is in accepting yourself fully that you can experience wholeness.  


In Gratitude,    Suzanne

Peace in your community; peace in your home and peace in your heart.


Suzanne Nicklas, RN, E-RYT, HHC, is owner of Shanti Yoga Studio in Troy, NY and is a Registered Nurse, Registered Yoga Teacher and Holistic Health Coach.  She holds workshops on wellness and stress management and also offers corporate classes and workshops.  You may contact her at suzannenick4@hotmail.com or visit www.shantiyoga.ws.