DeAnna Nielsen

e-RYT 500 Yoga Teacher, M.Ed, Owner

• Tell us, when did mind-body first bend you to it's will? I started practicing in 1994 in my living room while in college (it was a small, small room). I would actually light incense while practicing yoga to a Kathy Smith Video. I was the only person I knew interested in the ancient practice and now look, everyone I know is practicing. YAY! Anyway, I practiced on and off for years and noticed when life got rough, I took it to the mat. During my 1st pregnancy in 2000  I adopted a more consistent practice and have never stopped and I know I never will. I need this practice to keep my light shining bright.
• Besides your obvious coolness, what makes you qualified to teach? 
  • Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance
  •  Certified in Samatva Yoga
  • Specializations include: Beginner Basics, Yoga for Women, Mamaste Prenatal Yoga, Postnatal Mommy and Me Yoga, Let’s play Yoga, and Level I Radiant Child Program
  • Certified Reiki Practitioner
  • Certified Prana Karma Practitioner
  • Currently Studying with Dr. David Frawley for Vedic Astrology and Ayurveda
  • While I have had the honor of attending workshops and classes with many Master Teachers, I am most influenced by the teachings of : Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa, Shakta Kaur Kahlsa, Judith Lasater, Manorama, Dr. David Frawley, and my Teacher and Mentor Karen Prior
• What other things are you qualified to do (besides train dolphins ... we're all qualified to do that)?  I hold a Bachelors of Science degree in Communication disorders and a Masters of Education Degree in Special Education. I am also the creator and founder of Breathe Into Recovery, a yoga program for Spiritual & Emotional Healing and Addiction Recovery.

• What can we expect         to see, hear and do in your classes? Everyone who comes to my classes will quickly learn the words ahimsa (non-violence) and Lila (Divine Playfulness). I teach a variety of styles, but within all of them I stress respect for the spirit through recognizing what the body is feeling. I believe in an honest and safe practice allowing for healing from the inside out. I also encourage playfulness during my classes, as I believe this sets our most creative and truest gifts free. Some of my classes are quiet and calm, while others are full of laughter and high energy. I play a variety of music from Deva Premal to Sting. I always have a class theme and quote. In honor of my life changing voyage to India, I vowed to begin or end all of my classes with a sacred chant, as I wish to bring an element of the beautiful energy of India to others. Oh and sometimes I bring candy too! (ed. She's taking my candy ... and that will have to end)
• What pose/move do you dig the most and why? It is a toss up between: 1) Side Plank Pose – Vasisthasana because I like being Side-Ways 2) Lord of the Dance Pose - Natarajasana because I was not the most talented dancer as a child and being in this asana feels like I finally made it.
• If you could push a button and remove a pose/move from history, which one and why? I have come to appreciate all of the asanas and have accepted that some are just not good for my body, while others just challenge me to cultivate patience.
• Like, what's your sign man? Western - Pisces, Vedic- Capricorn, Chinese-Water Ox (which is kind of like a big, fat fish with hoofs)
• What are 3 things that make you smile real big and cheesy? (ed. no fart jokes) My Kids, My Husband, My Bicycle
• What is your favorite quote when you're in need of a little inspiration? I am an inspirational quote junkie, always reading them in my classes and posting them on Facebook!  Two I try and live daily are:  
  • “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” ~Mahatma Gandhi ... and
  • “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”~Mother Teresa
• If you could do anything to change the world, what would it be? Love and Acceptance
• Any other interesting information you would like to share with the nice people reading this here Bio? I am open, sometimes to a fault, so if you wish to         know anything, just ask. Namaste’ nice people.