Often times our interactions with the yoga community are brief, even more with social distancing and yoga at home. Nest Staff Spotlight allows fellow teachers, staff members and our yogis the opportunity to delve into the life of a selected community member. We hope this gives everyone a chance to learn more about our teachers and staff.
For this month’s spotlight, we interviewed one of our newest teachers, Nichol Chase. Nichol did not always plan on teaching yoga… she also studied dance! She will enchant you with her voice during savasana. She incorporates vigorous flow with precise alignment. We are delighted to have Nichol on our team!
Tell us about yourself. Anything you want the Nest community to know.
I love practicing and teaching yoga. I love reading. I love music.
What would you like the community to know about your classes, teaching style or you?
My classes are challenging, energizing and fun. I always like to pair hard work with a playful spirit and a bit of humor. I love nerding out on the mechanics of yoga poses and anatomy, so you are likely to get some of that in my classes too. My classes reflect who I am as a person and as a practitioner -- I am fierce, and nerdy, and a big goofball.
What or who inspires you?
My teacher and mentor Noah Mazé inspires me to be a good human being, to do good in the world, to value learning and knowledge, and to strive for excellence.
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
1. Learn how to play the guitar
2. Travel to India
3. Go on a long trip to Europe with my husband
Flashback to when you were 10 years old. What did you want to be when you grow up?
I wanted to be a dancer and a singer.
What are you currently reading, watching or listening to?
I am currently reading Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut.
I am currently watching The Mandalorian -- I am a big Star Wars fan. :)
What do you love most about your hometown?
In my hometown my sisters and I had a lot of space to roam outside. During the summer and on weekends, we would spend our time hiking, building elaborate forts outside, going to visit our neighbor’s horses, etc. It made us all very creative and connected to nature.
What obstacles has yoga helped you overcome? Has yoga created any obstacles?
Yoga has helped me to overcome anxiety and depression. The practices help to give me perspective and keep me grounded.
What’s a typical day like for you?
Every day is a little different. I usually wake up early to meditate and practice yoga. I teach yoga classes most days and some private lessons. I always read a little every day -- I love learning. I sing every day. I am learning how to play the guitar, so I practice playing the guitar on most days. I go on walks outside a few times a week.
What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
I am happiest reading, listening to music, playing music on my guitar, or walking outside.
What is one thing you can’t resist? Why?
Ice cream! Because it’s so damn good. :)
Where is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?
Austria. I stayed in Graz, Austria for 6 weeks during college for a music program. I was enchanted by the culture, the architecture, the efficient public transportation system, and the gelato!
How do you unwind after a day of teaching? Or just a long day?
I hang out with my husband. We eat good food, listen to music, or read, or watch a good show. It doesn’t really matter what we do -- I just like hanging out with him.
Have you had any fun misadventures?
When I was in middle school, I went on a ski trip with my family. I accidentally took the wrong turn on the ski slope and got separated from my family. I thought I was going on an intermediate run, but ended up on an advanced run. At first, I was scared, but I decided that the best thing I could do was stay calm and focus on getting down the mountain safe. I got down the mountain safe, and found someone who worked for the ski resort. I told them I got separated from my family, and they sprung to action. My parents were looking for me too, so it didn’t take long for them to radio back with the location of my parents. We rode on a snowmobile over to their location, and it was all over just like that. Looking back, this experience made me realize that I was strong and had a lot of inner resources to draw from.
Nichol teaches class with us every Monday via Zoom. Geek out on poses very Monday at 12:00 pm for Advanced Posture Lab! Follow Nichol on instagram @nicholchase