Introduction

I am Nicole Sopko, a yoga student who is always learning and a yoga teacher who is eager to do what I can to enable others towards the goal of yoga. I have been practicing yoga since sometime in 2003 when I joined a gym and popped in to my first class. Having never been an "athlete" of any kind, I was somewhat surprised how at home I felt in the yoga postures. Over time, the passion for practice grew and I attended a 200 hour teacher training with the intention of learning as much as I could about yoga. What I learned, was that despite being formerly terrified of speaking in front of groups of people, this yoga stuff was just too good to keep to myself! So, I began teaching at the studio where I did my training as well as a few gyms. After my training, I continued to explore the world of yoga taking workshops with respected teachers and reading many many books on the subject in an effort to figure out the deeper part of the practice that I could sense, but could not yet access.

At some point shortly after becoming a "yoga teacher," I ventured to New York City to check out a real teacher there by the name of Dharma Mittra. I didn't know at the time how it would change my life, but that first class was mind blowing. Dharma was speaking what appeared to me to be the clear truth, backed up by his many years of practice. I felt transformed. I would spend years traveling to NY as I was able in order to study with Dharma. I would get on the train/plane/automobile with a mind full of questions, but as soon as I was seated in front of the teacher, all of the questions disappeared. I was always at perfect peace in Dharma's presence.

Some time later, I enrolled in and attended Dharma's 500 hour teacher training, which was the best choice I could have made, especially at that time in my life. Through Dharma's generous teachings, I have learned much about yoga and most importantly, have learned the critical importance of living yoga as daily life. There should be no interruption between the attitude on the mat and off. Yoga gives us the ability to sit quietly and find opportunity for deep reflection, which can answer all of our questions and quell our doubts, giving way to a more peaceful mind and a more compassionate existence.

This blog is a place to attempt to share experiences that touch me and yogic teachings as I understand them. I humbly offer the fruits of this labor to you, whoever you are, and to the divine spark inside of all of us who I hope will guide this project as it progresses.

Doga Fundraiser for One Tail at a Time

You may know that I share my life with rescued dogs and cats. Pets are such an important part of our families and our lives and it's really necessary to take the opportunity to bond with our furry best friends. Even better that we could donate the proceeds from this class to One Tail at a Time rescue!

Thanks so much to Yoga Tree for donating the space to hold class, to the ladies from Fido To Go (Chicago's Premiere Gormutt dog food truck) for stopping by with treats afterwards, and to Heather at One Tail at a Time for bringing it all together! Love to all of you!

Vegan Cooking & Yoga Retreat

What a wonderful time we had on retreat at the beautiful Stronghold Retreat Center in Oregon, IL held from Friday May 20 through Sunday May 22, 2011! Despite the prediction of storms, the weather was perfect and our diverse group of both the yoga- and vegan-curious assembled for a weekend of fun, connection, and delicious vegan food! It was a wonderful time with a great balance of free time and activity with lots of opportunities to ask questions about cooking, yoga, and more. Many wonderful connections were made and I hope to see you all again in the future! This retreat could not have been possible without the dedication of my fellow retreat hostess, Chef Kim Gracen, of the world-famous Chicago Diner. I hope that we can do it again sometime! (See more photos on Facebook!)

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your inspiring talk during the retreat.... linking yoga with veganism! You did this in such a sweet, gentle way... I know everyone agreed with your approach and loved it! It was a Treat of a Lifetime to be there!" - Tina C.

Yoga for Students at OPRFHS

One of my regular yoga students, who is a high-school teacher, kindly invited me to give a yoga demonstration and class to the World Cultures class at Oak Park River Forest High School. Having almost no experience with teaching a classroom full of teenage boys (which this class mostly consisted of), I as unsure about how the day would go and was actually pretty nervous. In the end, we all got along great and had a great time, even doing a partner pose together without too much resistance!

Before Savasana (final resting pose), I advised the students that this would be the most difficult pose, as it requires complete surrender of the body and the mind. After a fully silent 5 minutes, we released the pose and the difference in the students (and the surprise of their teachers) was evident! What a fun group! Thanks so much to Marci for giving me the opportunity to come out and share yoga with the students!

Doga at Dog Day on the Green

On Sunday, August 29, 2010, I had the opportunity to share the practice and teachings of yoga with the attendees of Dog Day on the Green, a yearly event sponsored by the Chicago City Clerk's office. The event was a huge success and was a great time for both dogs and their human caregivers alike! The event works well to promote responsible pet-ownership as well as rescue, which is a cause that is close to my heart as my own beloved mix dogs (as well as the resident cats) are all rescued.

Our Doga class was near the beginning of the day and was immediately followed by a great Q&A with members of Safe Humane Chicago as well as John Garcia from Best Friends' Dog Town in Utah (pictured)! It was such a treat to be surrounded by inspiring, dog-friendly folks and hope to seize the opportunity to get involved with even more positive volunteer activities in the future. I also hope to continue to offer regular Doga classes as an opportunity for you to reconnect with your canine companion and to offer you both some coveted one-on-one time!

One-Day Retreat at Wedrose Acres

Despite the rainy forecast, on September 19th, we arrived at Wedrose Acres Animal Sanctuary in Gridley with sunshine in our hearts and were soon joined by nearly 100 others who each contributed their own light. We enjoyed a lovely reception from Tobein, the selfless caregiver at Wedrose Acres, as well as a delicious vegan lunch provided by Upton's Naturals. There was time for a few hours of relaxation and visitation with the animals before a fun-filled asana practice in a pasture full of singing crickets surrounded by the sounds of nature (with the occasional donkey chiming in). From the experienced to the brand new, all of the yogis dedicated their efforts that day to something meaningful to them and in the end, we raised $1000 for the continued care of the animal residents of Wedrose Acres! A great success and we hope to return in the spring (and hope that you will join us)!