Yoga gives Nicolette peace

IT was a crisis at the age of 21 that brought yoga into Nicolette Bell’s life.

Nicolette Bell is devoted to yoga. Picture: erin pimm photography

IT was a crisis at the age of 21 that brought yoga into Nicolette Bell's life.

Now known as AtmaNidhi, she has immersed herself in the practice of yoga and is now sharing it with others.

"I think yoga found me," she said.

"It came crashing into my world and immediately I knew that the results of the practice offered me relief from the difficulties which I was faced and, to be honest, not really managing.

"I have continued on this path now for 20 years and find that I am continually surprised and inspired by the ever unfolding science and practices of yoga. I firmly believe that yoga can provide practical skills at making life more peaceful, joyful and comfortable within oneself - and I am proof."

AtmaNidhi has explored various forms of yoga including Iyengar, Ashtanga, Oki/Ryoho (Japanese Yoga), Vinyasa, Anusara and now Satyananda.

"This enables me to use the best attributes or qualities that each of these approaches possess into a kind of distilled essence and offering to my students," she said.

For the past six years AtmaNidhi has been teaching in a range of environments from the Royal Sydney Golf Club to a homeless shelter.

"Global multinational corporations and women's rehabilitation centres, yoga studios and ashrams and rugby teams along with primary schools and those suffering with Parkinson's disease. I have taught private celebrities and prison inmates within luxury surroundings and out in the bush," she said.

"I think the most unusual place I have taught a class is in a pub and found that it was also one of the most enjoyable."

She said through the dedicated and regular practice of yoga, people could become physically well, healthy, strong and flexible.

"It will balance, liberate and direct our vital energies, emotions and elevate our thinking to become kinder, clearer and wiser," she added.

The Moranbah community can learn from AtmaNidhi when she arrives in town in April

"I am offering regular daily classes at two locations in Moranbah from April to June 2016 which I am hoping will continue when I leave by appointing a local replacement teacher," she said.

Morning classes will be held at the Girl Guides Hall and the afternoon classes will be held at the Boxing and Sporting Club.

"A range of styles will be offered to cater to beginners, experienced and those seeking more meditative/contemplative practices which will support anyone wanting to explore what yoga may have to offer them," AtmaNidhi said.

For more information visit http://atmanidhi.wix.com/atmanidhi

Originally published as Yoga gives Nicolette peace