NV
Nora Vines
Educator • Yoga Instructor • Lifelong Learner
Welcoming Environment
I seek to curate an accessible and inclusive practice where you can feel comfortable asking questions, asking for assistance/clarity/support, and providing suggestions/feedback.
A Family Friendly Mission
Holding time for creativity and curiosity where children can intentionally play with their caregivers and/or other children in ways that support their social-emotional development, self-awareness, compassion, and just being their authentic selves!
Intentional & Purposeful Play
Through breath awareness, mindfulness activities such as pebble meditations, painting, mandala coloring, fine and gross motor development through movement, yoga postures, creative dance, turn-taking, active listening, and exploring a variety of texts (poems, songs, children’s literature).
Join My Newsletter to Stay Tuned on Upcoming Events
"*" indicates required fields
Lifelong Learner
First and foremost, I position myself as a learner. A large part of my personal mindfulness practice is approaching experiences with curiosity- what am I learning?
How can I learn more? How can I share what I know?
I was drawn to yoga from the start because the practice is so expansive. Just like my classroom and university teaching, I’ll never “master” or perfect my yoga practice which is both overwhelming and endlessly exciting to me! I constantly seek out new ways of experiencing the world.
My brain is always making connections across literacy, mindfulness, and yoga practices. There are folks who say, “It’s all yoga.” and there are folks who say, “It’s all literacy.” I am one of those folks!
Curiosity
I strive to encourage my students to approach their practice with an open mind and a sense of wonder, fostering exploration and discovery on their yoga journey.
Compassion
In my classes, compassion extends beyond oneself to others, creating a space where kindness and empathy thrive, both on and off the mat.
Connection
I believe in the power of yoga to deepen connections – between body and mind, between family members, and within the community, promoting a sense of unity and support through shared practice.
Upcoming Events…
July
No Events
Nora’s understanding not only of how yoga can benefit the body, but also the whole being, is really beautiful. She taught me that one can use different types of breathing to elicit different energies, something that I have carried with me in my own home and in my classroom. She is a calming presence– easy to listen to and understand. Yoga is for every single body and Nora’s practice really highlights this.
I started yoga teacher training as a way to deepen my personal practice and reconnect with myself as a new mom for the second time.
New to Knoxville and seeking community, Amberly Kelley-Dotson of Amble Wellbeing, asked me to substitute teach for yoga class. With completed training and a regular student myself, I nervously accepted.
But, as all things go, my anxiety was just excitement as it was this invitation that solidified what I had discovered during teacher training – good teachers and good teaching require the same skills no matter what the teacher is teaching. Talk about validation coming from my experiences with children and adults in varying learning/educational spaces!
I was beginning to apply the compassion I had for my students to myself, draw on curiosity, and lean into the discomfort that often comes with new and challenging experiences. I was hooked! I remember writing in my journal “I want to teach at Glowing Body.” Less than a year later, Kim (GB co-owner) asked me to take on a weekly class.
There is no such thing as a bad question.
What family yoga looks like for my family...
My personal children constantly ask to come to yoga with me! Anytime I head for the door, I’m asked if I’m going to yoga 🙂 I have friends and adult yoga students who tell me their kiddos do the same. When I teach yoga and mindfulness with the children in my elementary classroom, they tell me the adults in their lives practice yoga and get so excited to engage in something that is valued in their home that they may not have regular opportunities to participate in! When my children have the opportunity to practice yoga with me at home or accompany me to Glowing Body or Edgewood Park for community yoga, it’s a really special time for them and for me. I’m excited to provide space for families to practice yoga together in fun and playful ways. I also believe this shared practice is a great reminder of ways caregivers can include children in what may seem like adult activities. These practices are for anyone of any age. I’m thrilled that I have the knowledge and skill to support families in practicing in developmentally appropriate and engaging ways!
How healthy habits can lead to healthy humans...
Every time I lead a family class or workshop I end with a sharing circle. Children ALWAYS share that their favorite part was spending time with their adult and every time I can see genuine surprise and the joy on their faces. This is exactly why I call these sessions Move + Connect. In just one hour, bonds and relationships are strengthened; I witness communication becoming clearer as children and adults have the space to engage with each other intentionally, mindfully, and playfully.
How I've seen family yoga strengthen bonds...
Several parents have shared with me that they have used different breathing techniques to support their children in regulating big emotions. For example, Bumble Breath and Snake Breath can be used for calming both body and mind. These can be especially useful for young children who are just learning to be aware of their feelings and emotions. Important strategies for parents as they navigate co-regulation with their kiddos!
Families have also shared that workshops have provided concrete strategies they can easily implement at home to intentionally connect with each other. One of my favorite parts of teaching yoga to families is helping them realize that yoga isn’t just physical movements or postures (asana). There is so much more to yoga- breath awareness, kind and responsible actions, being respectful of the natural world, mindfulness, meditation, and so much more. I don’t expect anyone to walk into my family sessions prepared for hours of asana practice, and I think having the space and opportunity to be silly with each other, to connect in new ways, and have activities.ideas to take home with them is invaluable for many families.
Benefits of families practicing yoga together...
Families have also shared that workshops have provided concrete strategies they can easily implement at home to intentionally connect with each other. One of my favorite parts of teaching yoga to families is helping them realize that yoga isn’t just physical movements or postures (asana). There is so much more to yoga- breath awareness, kind and responsible actions, being respectful of the natural world, mindfulness, meditation, and so much more. I don’t expect anyone to walk into my family sessions prepared for hours of asana practice, and I think having the space and opportunity to be silly with each other, to connect in new ways, and have activities.ideas to take home with them is invaluable for many families.
How my educational background is weaved in...
My background in elementary education, early childhood education, literacy education, and child development inform my planning and facilitation of classes. I ground the design of yoga experiences in tenets of good teaching: variety, accessibility, engagement, and collaboration.
Children and their families can expect a variety of experiences including playful movement, reading aloud, art such as creating mandalas, tasks that promote fine and gross motor skills such as yoga postures that require foot and toe movement and require balancing. I incorporate collaborative tasks such as partner yoga, pebble meditations that require communication, and other games in which families collaborate.
hi@noravines.com
Get Connected
Community Collaborations
