Featured Teacher: Nikki

Nikki is one of our newest teachers! Here’s what she has to say about our programs…


Q: What do you think about ULP’s effect? How do you see ULP benefiting the community? 

A: I have seen ULP transforming the lives of Reno’s youth, even if that’s only the short hour that we spend teaching. It is felt and noticed that each student who participates in class leaves feeling all of the juicy goodness that yoga provides. The vibe at the end of classes is usually more calm and relaxed, which again, can move mountains even if it’s only for those short 60 minutes. 


Q: What makes teaching yoga in this capacity interesting or fulfilling to you?

A: Teaching in this capacity completely fills my cup. It reinforces all that I believe about the practice of yoga, that coming onto your mat and breathing it out really can transform your mood and further transform the way you interact in the world. My favorite part of teaching is to hear all of the “one word” check ins at the end of class, which almost always display some sort of relief through the practice. 


Q: What is different about your ULP classes versus other yoga classes you teach?

A:  ULP classes can definitely be more difficult as you are managing kids who don’t always want to participate or who are sometimes not there voluntarily but because their facility requires it. There is a different energy exchange when kids are required to go to class, so the beginning of class can be a little difficult to center everyone and get them focused on the practice, whereas classes I teach in studios, the students show up with the sole intention of working on their yoga practice. Both have their benefits to me as a teacher. 


Q: Lastly, what have you learned through your experience thus far with ULP?
 
A: My eyes have been opened even more to all of the benefits that yoga can provide. When yoga is practiced through the eyes of the youth, everything is new, everything is different. I think that’s the part us yogis forget about, that even just showing up is part of the practice. My main take away from teaching with ULP is that acts of service in shaping and helping the youth can do much more than we are aware of. The more we give the more we are able to help even the youngest of kids see the empowering benefits of making it to your mat and breathing it out. 


Thank you for your service, Nikki!
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