By Shirley Newton, RN, E–RYT 500, YACEP
Founder of Essence of Yoga Studio
From Nursing to Yoga: A Lifelong Commitment to Healing
My life’s work has always centered around helping people move toward optimal health. As a retired registered nurse, an E–RYT 500 certified yoga teacher, and a Reiki practitioner, yoga feels like a natural and holistic extension of my professional career.
For me, yoga is not just exercise—it is a way to care for the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. This perspective grew from years of experience helping others heal, and it informs every class I teach at Essence of Yoga Studio.
Discovering Yoga Through Personal Experience
I first fell in love with yoga decades ago—not because I was searching for a workout, but because I was healing from an injury. Over the years, I explored many forms of movement: roller skating, Jazzercise, step classes, and spinning. I didn’t just participate—I taught many of these classes.
Yet yoga offered something entirely different. It met me where I was, not where I thought I should be. It became a practice of self-awareness, curiosity, and healing—less about what I could achieve physically and more about how I felt in my body and mind.
Yoga Beyond Exercise: Balance, Peace, and Self-Exploration
Yoga is often misunderstood as just a physical activity. While the movement is beneficial, the true gift of yoga lies in balance, self-exploration, and inner peace.
In our 24/7, fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose touch with these elements. The peace and balance we cultivate on the mat are exactly what we need most—and what we often miss in daily life. Yoga invites us to slow down, listen to our bodies, and reconnect with ourselves.
The Birth of Essence of Yoga Studio
Many years ago, I felt called to turn my private passion into something larger. I envisioned a space where others could step away from the noise of daily life, take a breath, and recharge. That vision became Essence of Yoga Studio in 2006.
For nearly 20 years, our studio has been a trusted space for yoga on Long Island, supporting students from Holbrook and surrounding communities. It’s a place to relax, reflect, and feel supported—a safe and welcoming environment for all.
My hope for every student who walks through our doors is that the benefits of yoga extend beyond the mat. The flexibility, openness, and awareness cultivated in class are meant to be carried into daily life: how we move, how we relate to others, and how we care for ourselves.
Yoga is not about perfection. It’s about presence, listening, and creating space—within the body and within the heart.
A Space for Reflection, Recharge, and Growth
At Essence of Yoga Studio, we prioritize a holistic, mindful approach. Every class is an invitation to reconnect with yourself, explore your inner world, and nurture your well-being. Whether through gentle asanas, breathwork, meditation, or energy practices like Reiki, our goal is to guide students toward balance, strength, and inner calm.
Yoga is a lifelong journey, one that evolves as our bodies, minds, and lives evolve. My wish is that your practice at Essence of Yoga Studio opens your heart, strengthens your awareness, and leads you to peace—on the mat and beyond.
Namaste
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