Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Belica.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Nicole. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My journey to yoga was very non-linear. My love for fitness and movement started at a very young age and evolved over the years. Some of my phases included tennis, running, weight training, biking … basically anything to keep my heart pumping and body strong.
While working and living abroad in Southeast Asia, I discovered the beautiful practice of yoga. In a small gym studio, with an instructor that barely spoke English, I was introduced to the traditional practice of Ashtanga. I was hooked. That’s where the certifications, workshops and learning began. Upon returning to the United States, I transitioned into a corporate role for some time, but I still continued my study of yoga. In 2014, I decided to leave the corporate setting to teach yoga full time… And here I am ☺
For me, the yoking of the body, mind and spirit is the most profound element to the practice of yoga. Because of the link that yoga promotes, it has become a source of stability during the constant changes that are a part of life. It’s from this place of inner stability that we are able to evolve, adapt and navigate through life’s experiences with greater ease and grace. This is why I am so passionate about sharing yoga with others.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has been an interesting one, though I would not change any part of it. Injury is how a lot of my struggles manifest. I have a few screws in my knee from a cracked patella and shoulder issues. While these have set me back in regard to physical accomplishments, I have learned so much about the human body and myself. The body is amazing in how it can not only break down, but more importantly, how it can heal. While my physical practice may have slowed down from injury, I have deepened my knowledge of pranayama (breath), meditation practice, and yoga philosophy. Experience truly is the greatest teacher.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am a yoga teacher. I teach various formats, from vinyasa, to power, restorative and nidra. I also specialize in prenatal yoga, and I am very passionate about supporting women as they move through this transformative life phase. In addition, I volunteer for Yoga for Recovery, which involves teaching yoga to incarcerated women at Cook County Jail. This is a very trauma sensitive population. As you can see, I work with many diverse groups and populations.
I try to create a space where students feel safe, and at ease so they are able to connect with themselves on a physical, mental and spiritual level. My hope is that students deepen their level of self-awareness. As a result they are then able to take these skills and implement them in their daily lives in order to thrive and live their best life.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
The yoga industry in Chicago continues to grow. There are studios constantly popping up which results in opportunities to teach. This also creates steep competition as there are more individuals interested in teaching yoga as a profession, as well as studios needing to fill classes. The opportunities and issues with yoga are similar to many other businesses. It’s truly a matter of finding communities that you can connect with which will allow for the business aspect of yoga to grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nicolebelica.com
- Email: njbelica@gmail.com
- Instagram: @nicolebelica
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/nicole.belica
Image Credit:
Monica Sanders, Chris Morehead, Dan Plehal
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