Thrive Guide

Sasha Nelson

About

Sasha Nelson is an international yoga and meditation instructor, wellness consultant, and sustainability enthusiast currently based in Paris. She supports communities and individuals to integrate wellness practices into their modern lifestyles. An avid traveler, she seeks to disc...
Sasha Nelson is an international yoga and meditation instructor, wellness consultant, and sustainability enthusiast currently based in Paris. She supports communities and individuals to integrate wellness practices into their modern lifestyles. An avid traveler, she seeks to discover and introduce yogic principles and practices in the form of food and culture worldwide.

Sasha is committed to an earth-conscious lifestyle from the food we eat to the products we purchase and the way we live. A former Fashion Merchandising MFA graduate from Academy of Art University with an emphasis in eco-friendly fashion, she collaborates with brands who stress the importance of sustainable and fair-trade initiatives.

Sasha teaches vinyasa-style classes that incorporate clear attention to the breath, alignment, and thoughtful execution. She applies yogic principles of sthira (effort)/sukha (ease) through sequences that challenge strength and dedication while encouraging playfulness and appreciation for showing up exactly as you are.

When you don’t find her doing any of the aforementioned she is experimenting in the kitchen, studying Ayurveda, dancing, and exploring new places.

Visit sashayogawellness.com to join the community and spread the health.
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"Love is not an emotion, it's your very existence." Rumi
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Retreat Specialties

Bridging the gap of mindfulness, yoga, nutrition, sustainability, and overall well-being of mind, body and planet. I am a dedicated practitioner but also like to have fun as a human on planet earth and try to infuse that into my teaching in a way that makes the practice feel more relatable and feasible.

Teaching Specialties

I teach dynamic vinyasa-style classes that incorporate clear attention to breath, alignment, and thoughtful execution. Sequencing is sprinkled with inspiration from my experience and studies of Iyengar and dance. I aim to apply yogic principles of sthira (effort)/sukha (ease) through sequences that challenge strength and dedication while encouraging playfulness and appreciation for showing up exactly as you are. Classes with me are an opportunity to explore yourself, your body, and your breath; to anchor to the present moment with challenging, creative, carefully curated movement that can be modified to suit your needs.

What are your favorite Retreat Venues around the world

Rayos Del Sol in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. It's one of my favorite places on earth. From being surrounded by jungle with the nearby sound of the waves to outdoor dining and pool-time to the food using as much locally grown produce as possible (the fresh fruit is absolutely superb), to the special yoga shala where we practice and learn from each other - it is truly one of the most magical locations for a retreat.

What's your personal definition of what it means to thrive?

To thrive means to feel your best inside and out - it doesn't matter WHAT you are doing, but HOW you feel while doing it. It means to live from an authentic, heart-centered place that allows you to feel connected, present, abundant, and alive.

Who do you look up to ? Who has helped you the most along your teacher / retreat leader journey?

Fitness + Foolishness (global retreats), Anya Porter (first mentor), Nikki Costello (Iyengar), Genny Kapuler (Iyengar) - among many others. I admire their passion, dedication, genuine thoughtfulness as teachers/leaders and consistent curiosity as students/humans on the path.

Sasha Nelson's Videos

This is my personal go-to warmup: 2 Chandra Namaskar (moon salutations), 5 Surya Namaskar A (sun salutations A), and 5 Surya Namaskar B (sun salutations B). Sometimes I’ll do these before my home practice as a warmup. When I teach a class I’ll often place sun salutations i...
This is my personal go-to warmup: 2 Chandra Namaskar (moon salutations), 5 Surya Namaskar A (sun salutations A), and 5 Surya Namaskar B (sun salutations B).

Sometimes I’ll do these before my home practice as a warmup. When I teach a class I’ll often place sun salutations in the middle of the sequence to break things up and recenter, as inspired by my fellow teachers at Kula Yoga Project in NYC.

Vary it as you like: maybe you do 5 moon salutations combined with one each of sun salutation A + B. Get creative and do what feels good for you.

You know your body best, so please listen to it and modify if/when necessary.

Remember to use props when needed and rearrange postures to suit your body. Reference my namaskar modifications with props video for a few ideas and tips.

If you’re not on my breath cues, don’t sweat it (literally). I would rather you breathe as you need than pass out during the sequence.

I play with a few different gazing points, hand/arm positions, and simple modifications without props. Try them out and do what feels appropriate for you today.

Most importantly - enjoy the process and thank yourselves just for showing up.
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Here are a few variations and modifications you can make - with or without props - to suit your needs during the sun and moon salutations sequence in my namaskar asanas video. Props do not make us less advanced - rather they make us more intelligent practitioners by learning h...
Here are a few variations and modifications you can make - with or without props - to suit your needs during the sun and moon salutations sequence in my namaskar asanas video.

Props do not make us less advanced - rather they make us more intelligent practitioners by learning how to thoughtfully listen to our bodies and discover ways of using props that help us to more effectively and easefully sustain a posture. We should be able to breathe in a pose - not suffocate or pull muscles.

Every body is different, and today’s practice might feel totally different than yesterday’s or tomorrow’s. As the body shifts based on what’s going on physically and mentally, we can shift our practice to suit our needs in relationship to how we feel.

If you don’t have props, get creative with whatever is available to use. Stacks of books make great blocks, fold some blankets nicely, grab a belt as a strap, use a chair. You get the idea.

Most importantly - enjoy the process and thank yourselves just for showing up.
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