Student Spotlight
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Nixa DeBellis, M.A.H.W. candidate
“Yoga is coessential”
Long ago and far away, Eastern yoga glimmered with the ancient mystique of a rare jewel. Steeped in centuries of ritualistic devotion, the practice of yoga helps awaken the synergy of mind, body and spirit that each of us possess. Within less than a century of Westernization, yoga entered the mainstream and gets trendier each year.
According to New York yoga instructor Nixa DeBellis, approximately 20 million people now embrace yoga as a vibrant and multi–faceted magnifier of human potential. Drawn into its light are power–shoppers alongside spiritual seekers who, from widely different perspectives, commonly view yoga as a smart accessory that pulls things together.
Acknowledging that there are so many ways to live in–spirit, Nixa affirms that whatever brings a person to yoga is also bringing connection, collectively, within the unity of humankind. “A practice–oriented path extends this inclusive sense of universal significance within our mundane moments of life. Recognizing the conditional phenomenal world as coessential is a blending of being–consciousness–bliss. Nirvana!”
Nixa’s own attraction to yoga began at age 17, with a mini–course that has never ended. “I was amazed at how a practice of intentional movement can quiet the mind and rev up the soul. Even as a teenager I could feel it transforming effects.”
Approaching a health education career, Nixa first experienced traditional urban colleges and universities in Philadelphia. She later studied herbology in California, honing her interest in the natural approaches to skin care.
But wherever she went and whatever else she studied, yoga remained part of her day and part of her lesson plan. “I have studied various forms, philosophies and approaches,” she says, “and their common thread is mindful choices; a lifestyle of wellness.”
Nowadays she teaches at least 11 yoga classes each week, plus individual coaching and weekend retreats. This energetic Manhattanite also honors the seasons and cycles of life by tending organic gardens — which, in turn, lull a busy commuter back to gentle communion with nature.
Nixa recently attended CCNH’s fifth–sannual natural health conference, where she was “inspired and enthralled” by the yogic teachings of integrative health pioneer Rudolph Ballentine, M.D. (who also serves on the Clayton College advisory board). In fact, during her first year of graduate studies Nixa has now completed more than half of her Masters of Arts in Holistic Wellness coursework!
She is the author of a CD entitled Practice for Experienced Yogis and is now developing a journal/workbook for lifestyle transformation with every breath.
“Our breath is like a thermometer that we can learn to self–regulate, to remain mentally focused, emotionally and physically strong under any circumstance,” Nixa concludes. “Yogic breathing stimulates the digestive, nervous and endocrine systems. Yogic movement helps coordination, posture, muscle, bone and joint health. In fact, yoga benefits all cellular functions of the body.”
For more information: www.yogaritual.com
This article was based on an interview with the student.
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