Step into the world of mindful movement and spiritual exploration as we delve into the inspiring journey of Nicki Doane, an internationally recognized yoga teacher. With a blend of wisdom, authenticity, and a deep-seated passion for yoga, Nicki has not only mastered the art of asanas but has also touched countless lives with her transformative teachings. Join us as we unravel the story of a dedicated soul who has devoted her life to spreading the light of yoga to every corner of the globe. In this Mystic Mag‘s article, we’ll explore the profound impact of Nicki Doane, both on and off the mat, and gain insights into how her unique approach to yoga has created ripples of wellness and self-discovery that resonate far beyond the physical practice.
As an internationally recognized yoga teacher, what inspired you to embark on this journey, and how has it evolved over the years?
I started practicing yoga when I was 18 years old during my time at university. It was something that, you know, I associated with being kind of a hippie. Surprisingly, the university offered yoga as a gym credit option, and since I needed some gym credits to graduate, I decided to give it a try. They had three different kinds of yoga available.
From the very first class I took, I felt like I had discovered something very familiar. I couldn’t quite grasp its depth at the time, but the metaphor I always use to describe it is that it felt like putting on very comfortable shoes or boots that fit perfectly. I can’t explain it any other way, but it just felt right.
What’s interesting is that my major in university was Russian. This was influenced by my father, who was a diplomat, and my upbringing in different countries overseas. I lived in Romania and Russia during my early years, so naturally, I leaned towards studying Russian.
However, everything changed when I had the opportunity to travel to India right after finishing university. The experience blew my mind, and it made me realize that I wanted to pursue a different path. So, I made the decision not to go to Russia as planned, and instead, I chose to continue exploring yoga and this direction it led me towards.
Could you share a memorable experience of transformation or healing that one of your students experienced through their yoga practice, and how did it impact your teaching philosophy?
I have had the privilege of teaching thousands of people over the years, and I’ve witnessed remarkable instances where individuals have healed themselves from various injuries, illnesses, and challenging conditions. These experiences have led me to believe that our human existence comprises four interconnected levels or layers: the physical body, the emotional body, the mental body, and the spiritual body.
On the physical level, I’ve seen people overcome numerous issues, ranging from thyroid conditions to persistent back problems. While it’s not necessarily easy, the progress and healing on this level are tangible and evident.
Equally rewarding has been observing individuals conquer emotional traumas in their lives. The battles fought and victories won in the realm of emotions hold special significance for me. Often, we may appear healthy on the outside, but the internal emotional struggles can be intense, leaving us feeling uncomfortable, sad, or even depressed. Witnessing people navigate through these challenging situations and find triumph through yoga practice serves as a constant reminder of why I am passionate about what I do.
In my own life, yoga has been a source of strength and resilience during tough times. For instance, going through a divorce after being married wouldn’t have been as bearable without my yoga practice.
Seeing countless people benefit from yoga and its transformative power reinforces my commitment to teaching and sharing this practice with others. It is deeply rewarding to witness the profound impact it can have on people’s lives across all levels of their being.
What type of services do you offer?
I’ve been teaching for over 30 years, and many people consider me a teachers’ teacher because I’ve trained probably thousands of teachers. I genuinely enjoy working with individuals who have a passion for sharing yoga and want to continue their growth in this field. It brings me great joy to see them thrive.
In addition to training teachers, I also conduct retreats here on Maui, Hawaii. People love coming here because they seek the perfect blend of yoga practice amidst the beauty of nature, allowing them to relax and detach from their daily routines. It’s incredible to witness how these retreats facilitate significant shifts in people’s lives.
Furthermore, I offer private sessions to individuals who require more personalized attention due to specific conditions or needs. These sessions can be conducted either in person or online, especially since the pandemic, during which I’ve adapted to teaching and supporting my students remotely.
While online sessions are beneficial, there’;s nothing quite like the connection and energy shared during in-person experiences. I value face-to-face interactions and find them to be incomparable.
How do you strike a balance between preserving the authenticity of traditional yoga teachings while also staying open to innovation and new practices in the modern yoga landscape?
That’s an excellent question, especially given the ongoing discussions around cultural appropriation, particularly in the context of yoga. Some may question why white people are teaching yoga, but for me, my journey began in India, and my teachers have always been Indian.
Authenticity holds tremendous significance in my practice and teaching. I emphasize this to my students, especially those aspiring to become teachers themselves. It’s crucial to be genuine and true to yourself. Trying to imitate someone else is not the path to follow. Embracing your own unique identity is the most authentic approach.
The burden of pretending to be someone else or conforming to a specific stereotype is taxing and unsustainable. As a yoga teacher, you don’t want to feel compelled to adopt a certain manner or persona. Placing oneself on a pedestal only sets the stage for potential downfall.
Instead, I encourage my students to find their authentic voice, be true to their experiences, and embrace their individuality. It’s through this authenticity that they can make a genuine and positive impact as yoga teachers.
In February, I had the wonderful opportunity to be in India, studying with my teacher. However, I
couldn’t help but feel a bit conflicted about the discussions on cultural appropriation prevalent in the US. During one of the sessions with my teacher, he asked about a story related to the philosopher Patanjali. The room was full, and there were many Indian students present as well. I eagerly raised my hand in response to his question, but I noticed that no one else did.
When my teacher noticed my hand, he invited me to share the story with the class. As I began narrating the tale, he instructed me to turn around and face the entire class while doing so. It was a little nerve-wracking, but I knew the story well as I often teach it myself. After completing the story, my teacher commended me for my knowledge, which was an immensely validating moment for me as a teacher.
You see, sometimes, as a teacher, I struggle with feelings of “Impostor syndrome” wondering if I am qualified enough or if I should continue teaching. However, having my sincerity and authenticity recognized by a respected senior teacher from India meant a lot to me. It boosted my confidence and reaffirmed my commitment to sharing yoga genuinely and respectfully.
Later, my teacher visited my studio in May and wholeheartedly endorsed my expertise in front of the students, encouraging them to learn more from me about yoga and its stories. This reaffirmed the importance of authenticity in my teaching journey.
For me, having a teacher is essential. It keeps me grounded, continually learning, and questioning my own growth as a teacher. It’s a vital aspect of maintaining authenticity and depth in my practice and teachings.
As a leader in the yoga community, how do you foster collaboration and how do you support, among other yoga teachers and practitioners?
In the past, we used to have more yoga conferences where teachers could come together, share ideas, and connect with students. However, since the pandemic, these opportunities have decreased significantly.
As a teacher, it is vital for me to support the teachers I have trained. I mentor them when they have questions or need guidance. Additionally, I travel to different places to teach workshops. At the end of each workshop, I always emphasize the importance of supporting their own local studios and teachers. It’s essential to remember the value of community and supporting each other.
I strive to make myself available to people who need help or have queries. It’s crucial not to act superior or better than anyone else because, at the end of the day, we are all human beings facing our struggles. Understanding and acknowledging this shared humanity helps us connect and grow together.
If you want to find out more about Nicki Doane please check: www.nickidoane.com
@mayayogastudio Instagram
@Nickidoane Tiktok
Youtube: Nicki Doane Yoga
online yoga studio: https://nicki-doane-yoga.heymarvelous.com/nicki-doane-yoga
