Kristen Nice Yoga

This is race weekend. When I’m preparing for a race, I have to do ALL the things. Even though I’m not going to win the race, or place in my age group. I might not get a PR, or even close. Of course, that preparation means I need to run. But I don’t run all the time, or only focus on pace, or distance, or cadence, or form. I don’t run every day. Sometimes I need to incorporate weights, cross train, stretches, breath work, and rest. I also need to make sure I’m physically nourishing myself in all the ways. This includes hydration, healthy fats, proteins, carbs. It also includes a few unhealthy fats. 😊 I have to prepare mentally, let go of the ego, attachment to outcome, self judgement, and that critical inner voice. Sometimes I need a little extra support or treatment. Maybe a hot bath, meditation, a full day of recovery, music, or dancing. Often, I need to focus on the exhale more than the inhale. And sometimes, the things that worked in the past don’t work this time around. I need to truly attune myself to my needs, be present with my state of being, and cultivate sensitivity. I may talk to people that have similar goals or experiences. I may seek advice from people that are seasoned, ask newbies about their strategies, develop a network of support. I might ask people that don’t run how they manage stress in their body and overcome obstacles. There must be joy, laughter, even when it’s tough, even when I’m tired, and hurting, and feel like quitting. There’s times when I want to dive in, read all the articles, feel informed. Other times, I need to shut it down and not give it any thought. Sometimes I need to step away from it, knowing it will be there when I’m ready. Yet, there is a balance in stepping away when I need to and not thinking I can get through this race with my head in the sand. And although I have influence over how it turns out, much of it is completely out of my control. The best I can do is make sure I’m doing ALL the things for me, being mindful about my response to the outcome, and keep showing up not only for me, but for the people, things, and issues I care about. ✨ Continued in comments…

Right now, it’s like this.
This a mantra I borrowed from Tara Brach and have used almost daily for the past several years. It is a reminder that everything is impermanent. EVERYTHING. And all we can do, all I can do, is be present in this moment, knowing that it will change. It WILL shift. And while I don’t know what that shift will look like, I cannot, CANNOT, get wrapped up in the past or future because it only leads to bringing forth a past self that is no longer me, or someone I have not yet become. Right now, it’s like this. Sometimes that may be good, other times…it is awful and truly sobering to realize the reality of the moment. But it’s always this, right now.

I am so incredibly thankful for the people in my life that have taught me to love, to value human rights, and that women are strong, fierce in their love, and capable of all the amazing things. I’m grateful for those women that are in my life that prove this to me daily. Keep showing up ✨ we need each other more than ever. I’m thankful for the men in my life that value women’s rights - all of them. Please keep speaking up. I’m grateful for all the humans in my life that keep showing up and continue to teach me to be more accepting, compassionate, supportive, and kind. I know for a fact I’m in a better place than I was four years ago and I will keep showing up. ✨

Reach out to your people. Let them know you love them. Take care of yourself, take care of each other.

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu - May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions in my own life contribute in some way, to that happiness and that freedom for all.

Today would have been 26, but instead it is the first. The first anniversary that isn’t. And if you’re thinking, gosh I bet there’s a lot of complex emotions happening there, you’d be right.

Several weeks ago I paused my profile on the dating apps and I’ve been feeling better than I have in months. Last week the final, lingering, mediocre conversation in one of those apps finally ghosted me and I was relieved. At the same time, I was frustrated, disappointed, and tried to rationalize it by making it about me. But it has nothing to do with me and that acknowledgment, in itself, is liberating.

I’ve created a pretty awesome life for myself and I’m a terrific lady. Maybe at some point everything will align, the right person will step up, and it will feel good to share a part of this life with them. But I’m not built for the gamified dating apps and all the nonsense that comes with them. Maybe that will change but currently I know it’s not right for me. I’ve learned a lot about who I am, who I am recovering, what I want, and what I don’t want. I’m glad I put myself out there and I’m grateful for every experience. But honestly, right now, I’m having a heck of a lot of fun all on my own.

So, I will keep taking myself out dancing, to the beach, to concerts, dinner, road trips, vacations, adventures, with friends, on my own, and valid hug buddy applications will still be considered. I buy myself flowers 🌻 and alpaca teddy bears 🧸 and I keep showing up ✨

This girl just knocked out an 11:06 mile 🙌🏻 This time last year, I think I was averaging 12:30. I’m so thankful for my team of support .prescription Leland Lady Runners, and for all the ways I’m making the effort to nourish myself with time in nature, sunlight, hydration, breath, movement, good food, solid sleep, lots of fun, lots of rest, acceptance of self, and amazing people. It’s a lot of work and it’s so worth it. Also, I’m a Bad Ass Goddess, so there’s that. ✨

Several years ago I went on a solo retreat to the Hermitages in Valle Crucis. That adventure was part of the early stages of a journey towards clarity in my life. The dishes in the Hermitage were this rising moon pattern by local potter, Steve Williams. I fell in love with the pattern and his work was for sale down the road in a local gallery. I bought myself a tile like the one below. When I moved out in 2022, I wasn’t able to retrieve that tile. I’ve requested it several times and unfortunately it has not been returned. When I went to Valle Crucis last year, I checked at the gallery and they said the artist had not made any work in several years. When I left the retreat this year, I stopped in that gallery and there was a whole table of his work. ✨ We move through cycles and seasons, and like the moon, we always have the ability to come back to Self, come back to wholeness. I’m not the same person I was when I bought that tile more than a decade ago. I’m sure the artist that made it isn’t either. But I’m thrilled to have this reminder in my life as I continue to move through the next cycles and seasons of my life. ✨

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How are you starting your weekend? 🌞🧘🏽‍♂️ We hope the answer is Sunrise Yoga on Battleship North Carolina!

As we bid adieu to summer (but not just yet!), join us for a blissful Saturday morning of Sunrise Yoga and a cup of Joe on the deck of the USS North Carolina! 🧘‍♀️☕ Led by the fabulous Amanda Dzengeleski, Co-Executive Director of Yoga Village, this Saturday’s session welcomes all levels and abilities. Make time for yourself and stretch your worries away as the sun rises over the water, followed by conversation and iced coffee from SUNdays of Wrightsville Beach. Link to register is in our bio ✨

A dear friend sent me this book a couple months ago. I keep it propped up on my piano because right now, I need to be reminded often. For several months now, I’ve considered it a good day if I’ve only cried once. Grief of a relationship is tough. It’s not linear. It comes in waves, cycles, and complicated tangles, knots, and conflicting feelings. I’ve had victorious moments, where I have hung shelves and curtains by myself, bought the tickets, took the trip, took the chance, put myself out there, went by myself, set boundaries, and took time to rest. I’ve said hell yes, hell no, let me think about it, I don’t know, and I’m not ready. But grief is a journey. It’s not just about the person, or the relationship, or even the idea of being in a relationship; it’s all the relationships that were a part of that story. It’s extended family that are no longer in your life, relationship to what you thought you had, who you were, what you thought your future would be, memories, jokes, stories, the things you sacrificed in the past that now may feel like missed opportunities. It’s about traditions, special days, and ordinary days, and how you move through them. It’s about weathering the storm by yourself. It’s about not having anyone else to point at when something doesn’t get done. It’s about having to make every phone call, every shopping trip, every decision on your own. It’s about getting to do all the things you want to do, and getting to do all the things you don’t want to do. It’s about continuing to grow and expand, learning to lean on people, and how to count on yourself. It’s a hole that can’t be filled with a text or a phone call, a night out, a hug, a chat over coffee, new hobbies, or new people. Though those things can help.

I’ve learned I have to let the feelings flow. Especially because I didn’t for so long. So now, they often pour from me randomly, unexpectedly, at stoplights. There’s a lot of peace, joy, discovery, and empowerment, a sense of coming back to Self in this experience too. But it’s a journey, it’s often uncomfortable, and many times, I don’t feel like I’m doing so great. So, I treasure this reminder. Keep showing up. ✨

I managed to squeeze in a walk at the beach before the projected days of rain ahead. On my way there, I ran into a former prenatal yoga client pushing her now one year old in a stroller. Her joy at seeing me and her sweet words reminded me how much my commitment and presence is valued and appreciated in that community. It was a reminder I needed, as it’s been challenging to keep showing up lately. I’m so grateful to be a part of the journey. Keep showing up. ✨

Love where you live, she will love you back.

I’ve been intentionally reducing my commitments to others so I can more wholeheartedly focus on myself. It’s hard to let go of things, commitments, actual and perceived obligations. This week I practiced yoga on the Battleship, shared meals with friends, spent quality time with them, did a little artist soul feeding with some life drawing, heard some amazing women speak about confidence at the EmpowHERment panel, met new people, made new friends, expanded my community, supported local artists, made it to the beach several times, ran, practiced yoga, reflected, learned, listened, cried, smiled, laughed, hugged, and even spotted an actor from a series that is being filmed here at a local coffee shop. I feel so incredibly grateful to live in this amazing place with so many amazing people. Love where you live. Live your best life. Feed your soul.

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Join us as we paddle, flow, and play, building the ultimate connection with yourself and with the water. On land, our seasoned SUPY teacher will briefly review the fundamentals of paddle boarding and water safety. Then we will warm up our muscles with a paddle to a pristine “floating yoga studio” in the Intracoastal Waterways of Wrightsville Beach. SUP Yoga helps to build core strength, balance, and integration while cultivating awareness of the true present moment. No equipment needed, just bring yourself! We will supply everything you need for this dreamy intracoastal adventure! Classes are held at Wrightsville SUP. Head to our link in bio to reserve your board!

Some hours, days, weeks, years, decades are harder than others. You have to keep showing up. However you are. And however you are, is perfect.

I have a lot of tools in my toolbox. Meditation, yoga, breath work, journaling, running, walks, kickboxing, weight training, art, music, nature, friends, family, therapy, simple self care like hydration and nourishing food, fancy self care like massage and pedicures, and sometimes they work; sometimes they don’t. Sometimes you have to switch it up. Sometimes you just have to sit with it. As a dear friend reminded me, you can’t go around it, you have to go through it.

Today my medicine was run club, phone call with my folks, epic nap with some furry friends, and an evening walk on the beach. Yesterday it was lunch with a good friend while she reassured me, and I cried in my curry, followed by a jump in the ocean.

We all need support, hugs, someone checking in on us, community, time on our own, time to process. What worked today might not work tomorrow. Keep showing up and we’ll all find our way through it.

Want to visit me (and the beach)?!? This is your chance! This amazing raffle is for 3 days and 2 nights at a lovely Oak Iskand beach house and includes a yoga session for your party. It’s also a fantastic fundraiser to support the mission of Yoga Village So whether you win or not, you’re helping to spread the gift of yoga!

Oak Island Beach House Raffle Oak Island Beach House Raffle

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Enjoy yoga and bonding with your little one! Great for birthing parents easing back into their practice, and their babies ranging in age from six weeks to pre crawling. Gentle stretching and exploration of movement can help with circulation, digestion, muscle development and promote better sleep. This playful one hour class will set aside special time for both you and baby to bond, and promote relaxation. This class is casual and will include chat time with other birthing parents, meditation, breathing exercises, beginner-friendly poses to do with your baby, singing (there has to be singing), and the freedom to change and feed as baby needs.
Baby & Me will be held Sunday, June 23rd, 11am-12pm at Pelvic Prescription Physical Therapy, and space is limited to 10 so head to the link in our bio to sign up!
*Baby and Me Clients will receive complimentary access to Pelvic Prescription’s Postpartum Recovery eBook (either vaginal birth and cesarean birth version) as well as Pelvic Prescription’s newsletter and future offerings that align with their postpartum and motherhood journey!

Mamas bring your mat, babies bring their blanket, and all moods are welcome! Both birthing and non-birthing parents are welcome. Ticket price covers 1 caregiver and 1 baby.

I’m so in love with this commission. These earthy tones are complete with autumn jasper for peaceful grounding and black onyx for protection and regeneration.