Hi! I’m Nirel (she/her)!
I am a Restorative Yoga teacher based in the San Francisco Bay Area of Northern California. I create opportunities for healing by holding spaces of rest for those who are tired. Through my own experience with imposter syndrome, mental fatigue, burnout, and depression, I learned that there was more to rest than trying to fit in 8 hours of sleep every night. Restorative yoga taught me that rest is multifaceted and inspired me to share my knowledge and experiences through teaching others.
I weave mindfulness techniques together with intuitive movement and stillness to guide awareness to your mind and body. My classes are an opportunity to explore, craft your own personal yoga practice, and reconnect with yourself. I believe that through the intentional and iterative process of observation, exploration, and introspection, we find personal growth. Rest to be at your best.
Upcoming Events
Nirel discusses the importance of rest, practicing Restorative Yoga, tiredness in the Filipinx American community, and her own intergenerational trauma and healing with Angela Pedrigal at Therapinxy’s GAMOT event.
Never having had prior experience with yoga and being in my mid-70's I was glad to discover Nirel as a yoga instructor and am happy to recommend her to others.
Nirel’s sessions move seamlessly from beginning to end with detailed instructions that begin calling attention to mind and body awareness, transition through a series of poses, and ends with a sense of peace and serenity. Though guiding a group practice, her attention seems personal. Her practice is thoughtful, is expressed through physical strength, grace of movement, and is easy to follow. Her pace considers the ability levels in the session enabling novices like me to move from feeling tentative to improving balance and precision.
Nirel has a welcoming, friendly demeanor that invites questions and instills confidence. She meets students where they are and invites them to learn and progress at their own pace and comfort level. Best of all, I feel warm, strong, tall, and optimistic at the end of each session and always look forward to my next practice.
-Bill L.
Resources
The variation of a twist includes a weight, which can help your body feel grounded in this twist. Additionally, using a rolled-up blanket between your legs can give a surface for your legs to rest on and facilitate releasing of your leg muscles. Weight alternatives can be a weighted blanket, a bag of rice, or even another bolster.