TWIST TO TRANSFORM - DETOX, RELEASE, AND RENEW

This Maya Yoga class is a deep exploration of the art of twisting.  Twists are often called “the poses of the moment” because they require our complete presence. When we twist, the spine, organs, and breath must work together in harmony, leaving no room for distraction or wandering thoughts. Twists demand focus, grounding us in the here and now, while simultaneously creating space for release and renewal. In this class, we will move through a sequence of standing, seated, and reclining twists that cultivate strength, flexibility, and a clear mind. By aligning the spine and engaging the breath, each twist wrings out tension and invites a subtle detoxification for both body and mind. Props will be used creatively to deepen alignment and support all levels of practitioner. Through the lens of Maya Yoga- where precision of alignment meets the fluidity of breath and movement- these twists become a moving meditation. As we move deeper into ourselves, we are reminded that presence is power, and in every twist, there is an opportunity to let go of the past, not rush into the future, but to simply be right where we are. 

TURNING INWARD: A MAYA YOGA PRACTICE FOR FALL AND REFLECTION

As the days grow shorter and nature draws inward, this class invites you to align with the natural rhythm of the season and practice pratyahara, the yogic art of turning the senses inward. Through a thoughtful blend of strong, active asana and grounding, meditative postures, we create a space to release the outward-focused energy of the year and cultivate stillness within. The practice begins with a steady flow of standing poses, forward bends, and twists to build warmth and encourage letting go. We then transition into longer-held, supported and restorative postures,  and guided breathwork to draw the mind toward quiet awareness. This class is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and replenish as you prepare for the inward journey of winter.

MAYA YOGA LUNGES FOR HIP AND BACK FREEDOM 

Lunges are some of the most effective, intelligent, and versatile poses we can practice. In this class, we will explore the complete series of Maya Yoga lunges, learning how each variation uniquely opens the body and deepens awareness of alignment. These strong yet safe poses invite length and extension in the front body while cultivating grounding and stability in the front leg. With mindful use of props and breath, we will awaken the quadriceps, psoas, and hips, creating space in the lower back and a sense of ease in the spine. The sequence builds towards gentle, supported backward bends that arise naturally from the space and openness cultivated by the lunges. We honor the balance of strength and openness that lunges teach us—the grounding energy of the front leg and the receptive, expansive quality of the back leg. This duality mirrors the way we can stay rooted in the present while opening our hearts to the future.

RELAX DEEPLY - RESTORATIVE YOGA WITH NICKI
Life moves fast, and even with all our modern tools to stay organized, stress still finds its way in. Most of us don’t take enough time to truly rest and reset our nervous system, which can leave us feeling depleted. Our nervous system has two sides: the sympathetic, which is the active “fight or flight” response, and the parasympathetic, which is the calming, restorative side. Both are important, but this class is devoted to nourishing your parasympathetic system—the side that allows deep healing and quiet. Take this time for yourself and let Nicki guide you into an experience of dropping in, softening, and letting go into true relaxation. Through the use of bolsters, props, gentle asana, pranayama, and the timeless stories of ancient Yoga myths, you’ll cultivate the art of slowing down. It is a gift to make space for self-care, and you deserve it.

MAYA YOGA HIP OPENERS – FREE YOUR HIPS, FREE YOUR LIFE
Tight hips can lead to discomfort in the lower back, knees, and even the shoulders. This class is designed to create space, mobility, and stability in the hips through a combination of active and supported asana. We’ll explore standing and seated hip openers, working with alignment, breath, and safe use of props to release deep tension while building strength where it’s needed. Expect a mix of dynamic movement and longer holds to leave your body feeling open, balanced, and supported.

STRENGTH AND SPACE FOR THE SPINE
Backbends can be some of the most empowering and freeing postures when approached with mindfulness and preparation. In this class, we’ll use lunges, hip openers, and supported poses to safely prepare the spine and shoulders for backbending. We’ll explore how proper alignment and the intelligent use of props create both stability and freedom, allowing the heart to open while protecting the lower back. The practice will end with gentle counterposes and deep relaxation.

THE MAYA YOGA TASTING MENU  - A FULL SPECTRUM FLOW

This is a strong dynamic yoga class that incorporates all aspects of Maya Yoga including asana, pranayama, chanting, meditation, prayer, and deep relaxation, to leave you feeling recharged and inspired about your practice. Nicki likes to start the class slowly with poses that support the parasympathetic nervous system and then move slowly into seated chanting and pranayama. From there we will wake the body from the ground up, starting at the feet and moving through the legs, trunk, arms, and head. Sun salutations will be practiced to build internal heat and establish the harmonious flow of breath and movement known as “Vinyasa”. Standing poses are linked with the sun salutations to create the dynamic flow that is both detoxifying and rejuvenating. What happens from there is organic and may include backbends, forward bends, arm balances, inversions or hip openers depending on the students and the energy of the day. The end of the class will bring you back to yourself and leave you feeling more centered and grounded, especially after a long savasana with Nicki reading poetry to you. *
asana, pranayama, chanting, props when needed*

EXPLORING THE YOGA SUTRAS OF PATANJALI

This ancient text lies at the very heart of yogic philosophy. The Yoga Sutras teach that yoga is the path to self-realization—a process of getting to know ourselves more deeply and, through that awareness, learning to love ourselves more fully. Patanjali, who is widely regarded as the author of the Sutras, reminds us that much of our suffering begins in the mind. Because we are holistic beings, we cannot separate body and mind; they are deeply intertwined, and the bridge between them is the breath. In yoga, asana is not only a physical posture but also a posture of the mind. As we move through the physical postures, our reactions reveal the inner workings of our consciousness. The Sutras serve as a guiding light, offering tools to navigate the terrain of the mind. Nicki emphasizes that most suffering happens “between our ears,” and it’s just as vital to care for the mind as it is the body.

YOGA AS LIFE SUPPORT

Yoga is a life support system—a practice that gives us tools to manage the complexities of our mind, body, and heart. Through yoga, we learn how to love ourselves more deeply, develop greater patience with our humanness, and cultivate compassion toward ourselves and others. It supports us not just physically but emotionally and spiritually, helping us return to a more grounded and centered version of ourselves.

KARMA YOGA - THE YOGA OF ACTION

Rooted in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Karma Yoga is the yoga of selfless action. Krishna instructs Arjuna that yoga is not about the fruits of our labor but about the act of doing the work itself. This is the art and science of yoga—remaining engaged in life’s ongoing process without attachment to results. Nicki teaches that yoga is not about reaching an endpoint but about showing up for the practice as a way to sustain ourselves through life. Quoting Patanjali, she reminds us to soften the intensity of our effort and meditate on the boundless energy within. We practice yoga for the sake of practice itself—it’s the journey, not the destination.

EXPLORING THE EIGHT LIMBS OF YOGA

The eight limbs, or Ashtanga, form the pillars of yoga philosophy. The first four—Yama, Niyama, Asana, and Pranayama—address our external relationship with the world and our body, while the remaining four—Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi—guide us inward. In this intensive, Nicki explores how these principles inform our asana and life practice, making ancient teachings relevant and alive for modern practitioners. Each limb builds upon the next, forming a sequential path toward inner freedom. Classes blend strong, alignment-based asana with philosophical reflection, accessible to all levels.

PRATYAHARA - LEARN TO TRUST YOURSELF AND GO INSIDE

Pratyahara, the fifth limb of yoga, means “withdrawal of the senses.” It arises naturally from a mindful asana and pranayama practice grounded in the ethical foundations of Yama and Niyama. This workshop explores how learning to turn inward is essential preparation for meditation. Through conscious practice, students will develop techniques to quiet the mind, draw the senses inward, and begin the profound process of self-inquiry. Pratyahara reminds us that growth happens when we take time to explore our inner world with honesty and compassion.

INVERSIONS & ALIGNMENT (ADVANCED)

This advanced training focuses on the art and alignment of inverted poses such as handstand, forearm balance, headstand, and shoulder stand. Each pose is taught with precision and attention to individual needs, helping students refine technique while building confidence. Supporting poses—standing, backbends, forward bends, twists, and pranayama—round out the practice. Designed for students with prior experience, this workshop deepens both physical skill and inner steadiness through alignment-based awareness.

HIPS AS A GATEWAY TO FREEDOM / FREE YOUR HIPS, FREE YOUR LIFE

The alignment of the body directly influences the alignment of the mind. This class explores how opening the hips safely and effectively can lead to greater physical freedom and emotional release. With awareness of all four sides of the hips—the front, back, inner, and outer—students learn how to maintain mobility and balance throughout life. Nicki emphasizes that sitting too much, as modern life demands, can lead to stagnation. Through a well-rounded asana sequence, students will awaken the hips and experience yoga as a gateway to freedom in body, mind, and spirit.

WITH FAITH COMES COURAGE - A YOGA PRACTICE TO BUILD CONFIDENCE AND GRACE

Faith (shraddha) and courage (virya) are cornerstones of a consistent yoga practice. In this workshop, Nicki guides students through an active asana sequence including standing poses, hip openers, twists, and backbends, followed by restorative poses to encourage reflection and inner quiet. Through practice, students learn that courage means listening to the heart and having the strength to act from that space. The class explores how what happens on the mat informs life beyond it, reminding us that yoga is truly a life support system that cultivates resilience, confidence, and grace.

EMBRACING THE UNKNOWN

This workshop centers on spinal extension and backbending postures, helping students find strength, flexibility, and freedom in the spine. Using props intelligently, Nicki creates a safe and supportive environment that encourages exploration. The class concludes with gentle twists and a deep savasana, restoring balance between effort and ease while inviting a sense of renewal and inner calm.

BACKBENDS AS A GATEWAY TO THE HEART

We are spiritual beings having a human experience. Backbending postures invite us to peel away the layers of protection we’ve built around our hearts and reconnect with our innate openness. This class focuses on using heart-opening poses to cultivate compassion, connection, and self-acceptance—reminding us that the practice of yoga is ultimately about love.

MAYA YOGA VINYASA FUSIONS FLOW

Maya Yoga welcomes everyone. This dynamic, full-spectrum class integrates all elements of Maya Yoga—asana, pranayama, chanting, meditation, and deep relaxation. Students are guided to pay attention, stay present, and connect with their inner experience. The practice is both strong and nurturing, offering a taste of the physical, philosophical, and spiritual depth that defines Maya Yoga.

NOW, WHERE DO WE GO?

This workshop explores how the alignment of the body reflects the alignment of the mind. “Maya,” meaning illusion, reminds us that what we perceive as real is often just a projection of our thoughts. Through both dynamic and restorative Maya Yoga practices, Nicki helps students experience transformation from the inside out—where asana becomes a vehicle for self-understanding and awakening.

REST AND RESTORE

This deeply nurturing class focuses on resetting the parasympathetic nervous system, the body’s natural mechanism for rest and repair. Nicki guides students through gentle, supported postures designed to quiet the mind and invite deep relaxation. In the art of rest, we rediscover balance and make space for healing—a reminder that self-care is not indulgence, but necessity.

RELAX DEEPLY WITH STORYTIME

Blending restorative yoga with the ancient storytelling traditions of yoga, this class invites students to rest while listening to the timeless myths of gods, goddesses, and deities. Supported by bolsters and props, students settle into long-held, restful poses while Nicki shares stories rich with symbolism and spiritual insight. This meditative blend of movement, myth, and stillness soothes the nervous system and awakens the imagination.

YOGA TEACHER TUNE-UP

Designed for yoga teachers and devoted practitioners, this workshop offers guidance, inspiration, and practical tools to refine your teaching. Nicki provides space for questions, discussion, and shared exploration of the teaching path. Recommended for certified teachers or those with a strong commitment to studentship, this session helps renew purpose, confidence, and authenticity in teaching.

DROP IN AND LET GO - DEEP RESTORATIVE YOGA

In our fast-paced lives, rest is revolutionary. This restorative class focuses on nourishing the parasympathetic nervous system through supported poses, mindful breathing, and deep relaxation. Nicki creates a quiet, compassionate environment where students can release stress and return to balance. Through the art of rest, you’ll learn to let go, reset, and reconnect with your inner stillness.

THE CITTA VRITTIS - EXPLORING THE ROOT CAUSES OF AN AFFLICTED MIND

This workshop delves into the Yoga Sutras’ teachings on the “vrittis,” or fluctuations of the mind, which can cause agitation and suffering. Drawing from yogic psychology, Nicki explores how these thought patterns affect our perception of reality. Together, students will discuss and chant the five painful and five non-painful vrittis in a call-and-response format, using both philosophy and sound to bring awareness and healing to the mental field.

PASSPORT TO YOUR CORE - TURNING YOURSELF UPSIDE DOWN

Yoga means “to yoke” or unite, and this class explores the integration of body and mind through inversion practice. Nicki guides students through a thoughtful sequence of handstands, forearm balances, headstands, and shoulder stands, supported by pranayama and mindfulness. The experience reveals how inversions can become keys to self-discovery—illuminating the mind through the physical body. With compassion and humor, Nicki creates a safe and supportive environment where all levels are welcome to explore being upside down as a pathway to insight and transformation.

ASANA & PHILOSOPHY: MERGING OF THE MIND & BODY

This signature workshop bridges the physical and philosophical dimensions of yoga. Drawing from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Nicki weaves asana, pranayama, chanting, and meditation into a holistic experience that honors both body and mind. The class explores how yoga reveals the patterns of consciousness, offering tools to navigate the “twists and turns” of our inner landscape. With clear alignment instruction and an emphasis on awareness, students learn that asana is as much a posture of the mind as of the body. Nicki’s teaching blends depth, humor, and accessibility—reminding us that yoga is ultimately about connection, compassion, and shared humanity.