Nirel the Yogini

One thing I wish more yoga teachers knew: the studio is not your only path. 👀

Some of my most meaningful teaching experiences have happened in clinics, offices, libraries, and community spaces I never imagined when I first became a teacher.

There are so many ways to build a sustainable yoga career. Sometimes the first step is simply learning what is possible.

Follow Nirel | Restorative Yoga Teacher + Mentor for the real-world teaching lessons your 200-hour may not have covered.

Video description: Nirel shares clips of herself teaching yoga, restorative practices, and sound healing in different spaces outside of traditional yoga studios.

People think being a yoga teacher is just the one hour they see.

Meanwhile I’m over here playing Tetris with yoga props, driving across town, answering emails in parking lots, and trying to remember if I actually ate lunch. 😂

The class is only part of the job.

Video description: A glimpse into everything that happens before, between, and after teaching yoga classes.

I’m not going to lie. After my 200-hour YTT, I knew a lot… but I still didn’t feel ready to teach a full class.

I knew the poses.
I knew how to sequence.
But I didn’t know how to truly connect with the people in front of me.

Looking back, that wasn’t a reflection of my ability. It was simply a gap in what my training covered.

If you’ve ever felt the same way, you’re not alone.

That’s exactly why I created Holding Space with Heart, a facilitator retreat designed to bridge the gap between graduating your 200-hour and confidently leading classes that help people feel seen, safe, and supported.

Join me in Mount Shasta this September, and let’s build the skills that turn good teachers into impactful space holders.
💜Holding Space With Heart
A Retreat & Learning Immersion
Labor Day Weekend, September 3-7
@ Hestia Magic, Shasta, CA Hestia Magic
✨ Link in bio for details.

video description: first, Nirel shows the joy of learning during a 200 hour training, then Nirel shows the nervousness of teaching a one hour yoga class right after.

June was so fun. It really felt like summer. ☀️

It was such a sweet mix of working, playing, teaching, resting, and just being. I’m feeling really grateful for the fun moments, the time away, and the reminder that rest can also look like enjoying life.

More of this, please. 💜

video description: Nirel‘s round up of Jun events, including teaching as well as having fun.

I remember graduating from my 200-hour teacher training and feeling so hesitant to teach.

I knew the poses. I knew the sequencing. But I still didn’t feel ready.

Looking back, I realized it wasn’t because I needed more knowledge. What I was missing was learning how to hold space. How to make people feel safe, comfortable, and truly cared for.

Your 200-hour teaches you the practical skills. But there’s also the relational side of teaching that often gets overlooked.

That’s the gap I’m here to help bridge.

✨Holding Space with Heart: A Restful Immersion
Labor Day weekend
September 3-7
Hestia Magic, Shasta, California Hestia Magic

🔗Link is in my bio.

video description: Nirel invites you to learn how to hold space at her retreat in Shasta.

Feeling really grateful to have offered a workshop at the Native Harm Reduction Summit. 🥰

I came to teach, but I also got to learn so much, listen, and be in community with some really inspiring people. Feeling recharged and even more inspired to keep creating spaces for rest, connection, and care. 🫂

Looking forward to offering more yoga and art workshops. Maybe this is my new thing? 🤩

video description: Nirel‘s experience at the harm reduction summit over the span of a few days.

As a yoga student, I hated showing up late to class. I’d rush in feeling frazzled and spend the first few minutes just trying to catch my breath and settle in.

As a teacher, I feel the same way. Teaching starts before class even begins, so I like to arrive a little early to ground myself and ease into the space. It helps me show up more present, connect with students before class, and start the practice feeling calm instead of rushed.

Video Description: Nirel preparing for a sound healing and greeting students before the event.