Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Yoga for Unlocking Your Inner Creative THEN Chill & Burn! (Philadelphia! October 5th!) Register Now!



Saturday October 5th
Sovereign Hands Presents:
Yoga for Unlocking Your Inner Creative: 
Yoga Workshop & Artist Conversation
w/Shelley Nicole, RYT, Reiki Master and 
Abstract Expressionist Diane E. Vaughn
Soft Illusions Fine Art Gallery

4226 Main Street, Philadelphia PA
11am-1pm, $40
For more about the artist Diane E. Vaughn www.softillusionsgallery.net

Free Wellness Goodlie Bag for all Participants
All Levels! Please Bring a Yoga Mat
Register now at www.unlockyouryoga.eventbrite.com



 
Yoga for Unlocking Your Inner Creative is a collaborative event blending yoga asana in alignment with opening your creative centers and visual art. The workshop is designed to unlock blocks that may be hindering you from moving forward in your creative process or even just taking that dive, heart over mind, into your creative bliss. The asana for the day will also be in alignment the art exhibition in the gallery space.  Following class there will be an artist conversation/Q&A with gallery owner and artist Diane E. Vaughn and Shelley Nicole.



THEN...
 
Come back in the evening for Chill & Burn; a live musical performance with Shelley Nicole's blaKbüshe and Philadelphia's own M'Balia



Red Butterfly Music Presents:
Chill & Burn

Feat. Shelley Nicole’s blaKbüshe & M'Balia (www.mbalia.com)
Doors 7:30pm/ Show 8pm
$10/ $7 with school supplies

Purchase advance tix at www.unlockyouryoga.eventbrite.com or
pay at the door either way we can’t wait to see you!

Support the Children of Philadelphia!
Bring school supplies for the kids 
and get in the show for $7
Your consciousness will thank you!



Thursday, August 29, 2013

blaKbüshe Wellness Day/ Fall Equinox Celebration! Heal for the Music!

Hey Everyone!

On September 22nd, I will be hosting one more wellness day to raise funds for my forthcoming album with my band Shelley Nicole's blaKbüshe.  All treatments during wellness day will be on a sliding scale from $25-$65.  So please come out and support the music while healing your body, mind & spirit.

Thank you so much and here are the details below.  I will update the information as needed.

Best,
Shelley


blaKbüshe Wellness Day
Fall Equinox Celebration! 
Heal for the Music!
Sunday September 22nd
Freebrook Spaces
375 Stuyvestant Avenue 
Brooklyn, NY 11233
Noon-6pm
Reflexology, Massage, Thai Yoga Massage, Reiki, Tarot: 25 mins 
Each service is $25-$65 sliding scale
Short talk about the Fall Equinox
Credit cards accepted but CASH is preferred
Raising Funds for the Shelley Nicole's blaKbüshe Album Project!
blaKbüshe Wellness Day Facebook Invite
Come Celebrate the Season with Us! 

A/C Train to Utica Avenue or B25 Bus to Stuyvesant Avenue


Make an Online Appointment

blaKbüshe Wellness Day Schedule
Guest Speakers
2:30pm - Dayanara Marta: Fall Medicine and Stepping Boldly into the Season
3:30pm - Julie Brown: Cleansing in the Fall Season
4:30pm: Shelley Nicole: Abundance Rituals for the Fall 

Practitioners
Massage
Cameron 12-4pm
Jameelah 12-4pm
Anna 4-6pm

Thai Massage
Omena El 12-2pm
Tinuola 2-4pm

Reiki/Energy Healing
Kaweria 12-4pm
Hakhi 4-6pm

Reflexology
Crystal 2-5pm

Acupuncture
Po-Hong 12-2pm

Crystal/Chakra Readings
Kufunya 4-6pm

Tarot & Astrology Reading
Stefanie (Tarot) 12-3pm
Hakhi (Astrology) 4-6pm

Passionate Living Coaching
Abiola 2-6pm

Make an Online Appointment


Monday, June 10, 2013

The Accidental Private



I started teaching class on Tuesday nights at Hip Dhamma because the usual teacher had a conflict.  I didn't and honestly still don't know how long that class slot is going to last for me, but for now I'm enjoying every moment of it.

Last Tuesday was a slow night. I got to class early, set up the room and then came back down, sat and talked to Jasmine the Hip Dhamma office manager and waited for students to show up.  I think I might have told you in the past that Hip Dhamma is located at Freebrook mansion, which is a great space that holds many events and they even tape Boardwalk Empire there from time to time. So the class where we teach is up a grand staircase on the 2nd floor.

As I sat and talked to Jasmine the time slid by and next thing we knew it was 7:15pm and class is supposed to start at 7pm.  From that we gathered that no one would show up that day.  I was getting ready to go gather my things when a familiar face walked through the door. It was Felicia (Not her real name. Honoring her privacy.).  She told me she was going to come to class and she was true to her word, which I love! At first she wasn't sure about staying for class since she was the only one, but I feel like if you came all this way, let's have class.

After changing her clothes, Felicia made it up to class. She was not totally new to yoga, but had not taken many classes at all. Felicia told me that the other classes she took were really not the best for her so it wasn't very enjoyable, but she wanted to try again.  That really made me excited. Here was a chance to really change someones mind about yoga and possibly reintroduce them to the practice.

Since it was just Felicia and I, I modified the class. I took her through some pratapana (warm ups) and at that point I could tell that I was going to have to slow the class down and make sure that she got exactly the attention that she needed. I had a whole plan and was going through all kinds of poses, but I knew that may or may not happen that night.

For the next 30-40 minutes we made it through Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), low lunge and Warrior 1 (Virabhadrasana Eka). Then we closed moving through Staff pose (Dandasanana) to seated forward fold (Paschimottanasa).  Then we ended with savasana.

Taking time to move Felicia through the poses was so great! When teaching class although I take my time, it's also often about getting through the plan. This time I really just let the plan go and it became intuitive.  I have sort of been waiting for that moment in a way. I usually write down my plan for class and I keep it in a book beside me. Sometimes I look at it and sometimes I don't, but that day I just closed it and I because mindful of my students needs and worked from there.

After class Felicia said she loved it!  It has renewed her faith in yoga and she was going to bring a friend next week! It was really a great class and I'm so thankful for that chance happening.

I can't wait to see you all at class. Now you know that even if you are the only one there, it's going to be an amazing time.

Jai!



Friday, April 5, 2013

Flow.



Over the years I have practiced many types of yoga. My very first yoga class was at Integral Yoga on 13th street in Manhattan.  It was a great place to start because they have a designated Brand New Beginners class.  So there is no worry about looking crazy your first time because it's everyone's first time. It's a class full of virgins so to speak.

I practiced there for while until I joined a gym in Brooklyn near my house called the Training Academy. It was on Waverly Avenue, owned by a black woman named Laura Gorriaran-Goodwin,  and it had a boxing ring. I have to admit, that's why I really joined the gym. As many of you know I am a Sporty Spice so to stand inside of a regulation size boxing ring was like going to sporty heaven for me. So I joined and started taking kickboxing!  

Just before I joined this gym, I had been going to another in Brooklyn that shall remain nameless.  I took a couple of yoga classes there, but they were pretty bad, especially after going to Integral. I thought I would never take yoga at a gym again, but when I joined the Training Academy, something told me to give yoga one more try.  

Now two major things happened while at this new gym.  I realized that I had a shoulder injury. Something I had suffered at the other gym, but to this day I don't know exactly how it happened.  The other thing is that I found out I had a hiatal hernia.  I tell you folks, the wheel doesn't stop turning. But let's get back to yoga. 

At the Training Academy I started taking Kundalini and Iyengar yoga. Talk about two different styles, but I really loved them both and I had two amazing teachers.  Simran taught Kundalini and Debra taught Iyengar.  I feel so blessed to have met these women because this is the time in my life where I feel that yoga saved my life.  

When I learned that I had the hernia, the doctor tried to put me on meds indefinitely. Without getting into too much detail I'll just say that the breathing in Kundalini made it so I never had to take one pill.  Then later when I had my shoulder injury, it was the Iyengar that helped me ease back into practice and have proper alignment so I wouldn't hurt myself again.  

As time went on and yoga became more and more popular in NYC I found myself in a ton of vinyasa classes. Everywhere I went it was just vinyasa. I enjoyed them for sure, but I felt something was missing.  As time went on I got lucky again and found some new amazing teachers at a studio called Area Yoga.  First was Tina, then Keely and Shira.  I put myself on a 30 day yoga challenge and they were amazing. They really restored my love of yoga and Keely was the first to encourage me to think about teacher training.

Fast forward to teacher training.  I almost went to Laughing Lotus, but the Goddess saw fit to send me to Kripalu.  I am so thankful for that, but the emphasis at Kripalu is not on flow or at least not a vinyasa style of flow as I knew it. At first I thought I might miss the flow, but while training and then after when I starting teaching classes, I have really grown to love a slower paced, breath and posture focused practice. So that is what I have been teaching, but last Tuesday (3/26) I decided to sub for one of my fellow teachers at Hip Dhamma.

I wasn't sure what style of class she taught, but I soon learned that her class is vinyasa.  I knew I could do it, but up to this point I had never taught that style of class.  So before heading to the studio, I got on my mat and home and mapped it out. It all came back so fast, but I wanted to also make sure I wasn't losing the Kripalu philosophy in it all.  I know how it is when you are a sub in any kind of class. You really have to show and prove because often times people who come to class are coming to practice with "their" teacher.  You all know what I mean.  Well...here goes nothing.

I got to class and met Mack.  He is one of our new karmis at the studio so he set up and the room and he informed me that he was also going to take the class with me. Then slowly people started coming in.  Soon Chris, who I hadn't seen in a while, shows up.  Also I had a woman in class who had never taken yoga before.  Now I really knew I had my work cut out for me. I just assumed that most of the people there would have at least taken yoga before. I guess you know what they say happens when you assume.  LOL.

I opened class as I usually do. Pretty slowly, was a little talk and some breath work. Then we turned up the heat.  Even though I have pretty good yoga language, moving faster I really had to be super mindful and keep an eye on my newbie.  Tough!  Usually when I teach class I do all the moves or as many as I can with the students, but this time I really couldn't. I had to do some and then really keep an eye out. At the close of every class, while the students are in savasana, I give them Reiki. There were 7 people in the class so I took time and  I made sure I sent energy to everyone.  I wasn't sure how people felt about the class at that point, but at least I knew that the folks would be feeling good after their shot of Reiki. LOL

When class was over many if not all of the students told me that they really enjoyed the class.  I was so thankful.  At some points I really didn't know how it was all going to turn out.  A couple of students wanted to know what time I teach on Sundays so they can come!  That was really great.   Since graduation, every time I am asked to teach and I know it’s something that I have not done before, I say yes.  That is what we were taught at Kripalu and so far saying yes has really worked out wonderfully.

So, In the spirit of Kripalu, I declare that  I am a vinyasa teacher! Yes! Give Thanks!

Friday, February 22, 2013

The Kids Are Alright: Yoga at Little Sun People

Yoga is for the Kids!

This yoga journey continues to take me places that I never thought I would land.  When I went to school last October I really just thought that after graduation I would find some willing grown ups to take my classes and call it a day. I had no intention at all of young teaching children.

I don't have any kids of my own and as much as I love them, I know they can be tough.  What I mean is that kids are honest. So if you are not doing something correctly or to their standards they will let you know with the quickness.  LOL! 

Soon after graduation my friend Dez approached me about teaching yoga with her and her sons pre-school in Bed-Stuy.  I was hesitant at first, but I remembered what my teachers Devarshi and Megha said when I was at school. When you are asked to teach, say YES!  So I did just that.

It took about a month or so to get things going, but last week Dez and I jumped it off. Neither of us has specific training to do yoga with children, but yoga is yoga.  So I started asking other teachers who work with children on how to approach it.  I got some good tips here and there and then Dez and I just dove in the water.

One saving grace is that Dez's son is at the school so she no stranger to the kids and teachers. That helps A LOT.  The second saving grace is just the kids themselves.  They are really amazing! I am learning so much about what children can and cannot do and they are just full of love and hugs every time I walk though the door. You can't be mad at that. 

We are teaching ages 2, 3, 4 & 5.  My first thought was, what in the world am I going to do with a 2-year old?  Do they really even need yoga? Kids are so good at taking care of themselves and making it really clear what they are feeling unlike adults who are all knotted up inside and out. Also would they be able to follow directions? Will without getting into too much detail I will say that I am shocked at how well my 2 and 3-year olds are doing. Not not all of them can sit still, but they do follow directions. It's sort of amazing to see. They breathe in when I tell them too, they do Downward Dog, Mountain Pose and more.  I later found out from another friend whose son is in my class that he came home and showed them his poses. Yes he's 2!  He'll be 3 in the spring, but really?? Amazing! I knew my 4 and 5-year olds would surely understand me and most of them are so excited. Others are getting there, but all in all I'm just wowed by them.

It's a challenge sometimes to get them to understand that yoga is about being quiet and going in, but some are right there.  We have even gotten them to do savasana.  Did I say I'm amazed?

This is only week 2 and we have the rest of the semester to go.  Dez and I are still getting our sea legs so to speak so if you have any advice out there please pass it along. I have always been the type of person that will take a risk or jump into the deep end before looking to see if there are sharks in the water so bring it on! I ain't scared! Well...maybe a little. LOL!

After being with them for two weeks I understand why Airborne was invented. Snotty noses everywhere!  So I'll keep my immune system up and keep spreading the joy of yoga to the kids.  Who knows, maybe I am part of raising a more peaceful, balanced, happy generation of kids.  Who knows...

Jai!

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

January Yoga & Reiki Specials!!!


 I am so excited about 2013 and all that this winter season has in store. I am happy to announce two Yoga and Reiki Specials.


For the month of January I am offering Private Yoga sessions for $60/hour and Reiki sessions, $50 for 50 minutes. I am so excited to share these healing practices with you. If you would like to set up an appointment please send me an email at sovereignhands@yahoo.com. Distance Reiki sessions are also available. Please inquire. No matter where you are you can start your healing journey today.

Please feel free to pass this offer on to friends and family. Let's make this a magic year for ourselves and everyone in our lives.

Also don't forget that I'm teaching yoga class every Monday afternoon for the months of January & February. Hope to see you!

Happy New Year!

Jai!
Shelley


January Yoga & Reiki Specials
Private Yoga Session $60/hour
Reiki Session $50 for 50 minutes
(Distance Reiki Sessions Available. Please Inquire.)
Sovereignhands@yahoo.com to make an appointment or more info


Where I'm Teaching!!!
Beginning Monday January 7th (Every Monday)
Shambhala Yoga & Dance Center
367 St. Marks Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11238
Blossoming Hour
1:45-2:45pm
Fee: By Donation
See You There!


More Classes, Workshops & Specials Coming Soon! 

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Thank You Series ~ Class 3: Happy New Year!

Hey Everyone!

I know the last class of my Thank You Series was a long time ago. About three or so weeks ago really, but the end of the year just flew by. I don't know what happened.  So I'm going to wrap up blogging about the series and move on to 2013 and all the is ahead so far.

Let me just say that my last Thank You class was as amazing as the first.  I'm so glad I did this because I feel it was such a great way to start teaching.  Maybe because I set it up myself I felt really comfortable. There was a little pressure, but not a much as I thought it would be. Let me be clear and say that all the pressure was coming from me not anyone else.

For the last Thank You class I had 5 students.  Tiffany, Erica and Bianca came back, which was great and Bianca brought her friend WhitneyDumeha snuck in almost at the end, but I give her an A for effort because we were both hanging out together the night before. LOL.

I asked people to dedicate the last class to someone who has supported them when no one else would.  I was really thinking about all of you who supported me though the yoga school process and who are still in my corner. Some people who supported me I never even met before.  The whole process from start to finish was such a blessing. It mean so much more than words can say. Here I am on the other side of it all.  Sometimes it feels like a dream.

My last Thank You class was on a Sunday, December 16th, but Tanya from Hip Dhamma asked me if I could sub a class the following Tuesday.  I also had a show on Wednesday. So the week leading up to the holidays was packed.

The Tuesday class was very small. It was almost a private with me and Chris who had come to my Thank You series the second week. We began class and then Tanya snuck in.  So it was really nice and easy class. At the end I always give a little Reiki and both Chris and Tanya said it was amazing for them. Tanya had a headache that wouldn't go away all day, but when I gave her Reiki it dissipated. Nice!

So that was my last class of the year.  Hip Dhamma has me on their schedule as a sub and we are in the works to find me a more permanent time slot. So I'll keep you posted on that front.

Well it is 2013 and there is lots on the horizon!  To kick off the year I will be teaching every Monday afternoon for the next two months at Shambhala Yoga and Dance Center! I'm really excited about that. It's a "by donation" class so if you are in the area please pop by. I'll leave all the info below.

I'm on the sub list at Hip Dhamma and Area Yoga. So when I know I'm teaching, you will know I'm teaching.  I am also planning a few workshops. I'm not going to give the concept away, but I will tell you that I'm super excited! Big reveal coming soon.

I'm going to keep this one short because I know it's going to be a packed year of yoga and music for me.  I'm really excited about all that is on the horizon. Thank you again for all your love and support!

Fulfill your dreams! It's 2013!

Jai Bhagwan!


Where I'm Teaching!!!
Beginning Monday January 7th (Every Monday)
Shambhala Yoga & Dance Center
367 St. Marks Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11238
Blossoming Hour
1:45-2:45pm
Fee: By Donation
www.shambhalayogadance.com
See You There!

More Classes, Workshops & Specials to Come!