Calming Yoga With Nika

Join me to learn and practice trauma-informed yoga for focus, grounding, relaxation, and re-regulation.

about nika

FROM ART TO THE ART OF YOGA

Nika Zusin, a dedicated yoga teacher, brings a wealth of experience to her practice, stemming from a 15-year career as a dancer followed by a decade as a dance instructor. Throughout her journey, she has observed the consequences of neglecting the body’s needs, witnessing the prevalence of injuries among dancers who push themselves beyond their limits.

In 2012, Nika embarked on a transformative yoga journey that not only complemented her physical prowess as a dancer but also enriched her life on a profound level. Through the practice of yoga, she discovered the transformative power of meditation, mindfulness, and breathwork, nurturing not only physical strength but also inner growth and emotional well-being.

Today, as a seasoned yoga teacher, Nika shares her expertise with individuals of all ages and body types, adeptly blending various yoga styles to meet diverse needs. Her primary goal is to inspire her students to integrate the wisdom gained on the mat into their daily lives, fostering a holistic approach to wellness.

In addition to her general classes, Nika specializes in trauma-informed yoga, with a focus on working with individuals affected by PTSD. She firmly believes in the healing potential of yoga as a tool for regulation, combining breathwork, targeted poses, and mindfulness practices to alleviate triggers and foster a deeper connection with the body.

Join Nika on the mat as she guides you on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and healing through the transformative practice of yoga.

ABOUT CALMING YOGA

YOGA FOR EMOTIONAL REGULATION

When you experience trauma, it can be difficult to identify what you feel. Your body and brain don’t understand what’s happening, which causes your muscles to tense and your brain to become overwhelmed as you constantly try to protect yourself. This can cause you to shut down or lash out.

Yoga does not take you back to the past, its purpose is to help you stay connected with your body, in the present. Once you have tapped into this, you can work on releasing built-up emotions, stress and tension.

The practice focuses on breathwork, body work and meditation. Breathwork helps you connect with the body and it can greatly affect your mood. Slow pace gentle body work helps you stay connected with the body, stretch muscles, and build strength, flexibility, and balance. Meditation will help you work on focus and awareness, and it will relax your body and mind.

By combining movement and breath, you begin to rebuild your mind and body connections. They can also help you understand and tolerate the sensations you are experiencing, so you no longer feel like a stranger in your own body.

FIRST TIME AT MY CLASS?

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING

ALL ARE WELCOME

All ages, sizes, and levels of experience. Even if this is your first time trying yoga.I’ll help you create an online yoga practice that’s uniquely your own.

INJURIES OR LIMITATIONS​

That’s OK! I will help you find modifications that are comfortable. It’s ok to opt out of any exercises you’d rather not do.

CLOTHES, SPACE, PROPS

Just wear a comfortable clothes, clear a space on the floor where you can stand, sit or lay down to see your Zoom screen to follow my instructions. No props are required, but you may want a pillow and a blanket handy. 

THANKS TO YOGA, MY LIFE IS IN A HEART SHAPE