Yoga + Yoga Nidra/Non-Sleep Deep Rest in Charlotte

Deep stretch yoga, gentle yoga, restorative yoga, yoga nidra (also known as non sleep deep rest), breathwork, visualization… are some of the ways I support people to calm, ground, and regulate their nervous system.

I am deeply committed to creating transformative spaces for my students to heal, process, and let go. I have been teaching regularly for 7 + years.

I have taken additional training in “How to Teach Deep Stretch”, Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy Essentials, and am certified in yin yoga.

As an Alignment Coach, I understand that putting our bodies into shapes that foster safety and grounding is great for mindset work, so you may notice me sprinkling in some things to support that.

When I began my journey as a yoga student, I gravitated toward fast-moving power classes because they were in my comfort zone. This threw me out of balance in a big way. Instead, I needed to slow down in a nurturing environment that created intimacy with my breath, physical body, emotional body, energetic body and soul. Because of this, I love offering regular deep stretch, restorative, and yoga nidra.

DEEP STRETCH YOGA AT PALESTRA YOGA AND WELLNESS STUDIO (Beginning January 6, 2025)

Deep Stretch classes allow your body deep relaxation while lengthening and releasing the muscles and tendons. Poses are held from 1 – 4 minutes. There is a lot of focus on the hips. These classes are ideal for athletes and anyone wanting much-needed muscle love. This particular practice is how I started learning how to slow down and manage pain associated with a car accident.

Deep Stretch is a perfect complement to the dynamic and muscular styles of yoga that emphasize internal heat, and the lengthening and contracting of our muscles. Expect to be seated, lying down, and incorporating props for much of the class.

Mondays, 7 – 8:15 pm EST

DEEP STRETCH YOGA AT OKRA

The only difference with this deep stretch class from the one above it is that it’s a different day, time, and studiol. Otherwise, deep stretch is deep stretch. 

Wednesdays, 8:15 – 9:15 pm EST (Candlelight Class) 

CANDLELIGHT RESTORATIVE YOGA + YOGA NIDRA/NON SLEEP DEEP REST AT OKRA

Restorative yoga is a passive, meditative form of yoga that allows you to focus on your breath while releasing tension in your body. In restorative yoga, you hold poses for an extended time, typically anywhere from 5-20 minutes. Props are heavily used in this class, so you can rest comfortably. It’s not uncommon for people to fall asleep. Restorative Yoga supports your emotional body, internal processes, and nervous system. Think shifting the system from “fight or flight” and into “rest and digest”. It’s also a way to manage pain.

Yoga Nidra is a guided auditory meditation technique also known as non sleep deep rest, NSDR. Yoga nidra is often referred to as the sleepless sleep because it induces a state between being awake and being asleep known as the hypnagogic state in which the mind and body deeply relax. This powerful state on the threshold of being asleep and awake can be used for many purposes, including but not limited to deep relaxation, stress management, hormone rebalancing, releasing memories locked in the subconscious and unconscious, and creating an expanded state of consciousness.

Restorative yoga and yoga nidra/non-sleep deep rest work well together because restorative yoga helps you deeply relax and yoga nidra takes you deeper into the subconscious and unconscious, releasing past experiences and inner tension that distort your reality.

During this 75-minute class, expect to begin with your restorative practice and end in an extended savasana with yoga nidra/non-sleep deep rest.

Thursdays, 7:45 pm – 9:00  pm EST

I found your classes at Okra to be the only time where I could quiet my thoughts of self doubt and rumination or regret about my previous relationship. There were times during your classes I would have no thoughts and would find myself crying. It felt incredibly relieving to be able to let go of this energy and find myself at peace. 

– Anonymous

FAN YOUR INNER FLAME WORKSHOP AT OKRA

While the winter solstice is the shortest day of the year and we may feel the darkness deeply, its tomorrow signifies an increase in more light, time, and energy as each day unfolds. We will use this sacred day to turn in and do some deep work on our inner flame while joining together in a safe and nourishing community.

We will spend the first 60 minutes practicing restorative yoga, which will prepare you to receive the yoga nidra/non-sleep deep rest. Restorative yoga and yoga nidra work well together because restorative yoga helps you deeply relax, while the yoga nidra takes you deeper into the subconscious and unconscious, releasing past experiences and inner tension that distort your reality.

Saturday, December 21st, 7 pm – 8:30  pm EST

Hi Jenn! I wanted to thank you for the amazing Ground Your Energy workshop! My body and mind both feel better today because of it! I released a lot of physical and mental tension thanks to your guidance in leading this event and I felt it as soon as I woke up this morning! Thank you!

– Steve