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Meet Elizabeth

Elizabeth Nelson is a writer, artist, marketing communications professional, and passionate yogi who moved to the Berkshires by way of Texas and NYC. She has been practicing yoga for 8 years. A lover of creative Vinyasa, her aim in teaching is to balance flow and holds, challenging the body while relaxing the mind. Her artistic endeavors include writing short stories, plays and a monthly substack called Waiting On Cicadas, and creating mandalas, often with found objects from nature. Teaching yoga has provided another opportunity to express creatively in the form of movement.

Her practice has helped her overcome anxiety and depression, and is a profound tool in managing endometriosis - these challenges have helped grant her a compassionate respect and understanding of the mind-body connection in the context of today’s ceaseless demands. Elizabeth wishes to welcome students of all levels to practice together, to find joy in movement and nourishment in breath, and to connect to and appreciate the beautiful gift of their physical bodies.

How did you discover your passion for movement?

Yoga in NYC was super intense, and I was never comfortable practicing there, but I knew I wanted to learn yoga. When I moved to the Berkshires in 2016, I didn't know anyone. So I started attending classes at BYDF and Radiance as a way to meet people and develop a practice - it worked! I am still friends with some of the wonderful people I met and those experiences built the foundation of my practice.

What is the most inspiring thing about teaching students at BYDF?

I love teaching because it's a form of creativity that brings people together. I was trained in theatre, specifically playwriting and directing, and I thrive on collaboration. Leading a yoga practice is similar - it's a space where people gather to share in a communal experience. We arrive feeling one way and leave feeling another - hopefully lighter and happier and more connected. Art and yoga have this in common. As a teacher, I have the privilege of facilitating this beautiful alchemy.

BYDF is a beautiful, welcoming, and friendly community. I appreciate it's diversity in age and levels of practice. I also feel as though I belong, and I'm excited to contribute to this inclusive environment.

Flashback to your childhood. What do you want to be when you grow up?

An actor, veterinarian, and FBI agent!

How has your personal movement practice helped develop your sense of self and pave the way for self-discovery and healing?

As a Type A air sign I spend a lot of time in my head. My practice has helped ground me, much the same way that writing and creating art helps tether me to the present moment. The more I connect to my body and breath, the more I crave that connection. Yoga has helped me construct an environment for internal peace, mindfulness, and connection of my body to the physical world. I love identifying as a yogi and feeling like I am part of a community. My practice has also been instrumental in helping me heal from trauma, anxiety, and depression. I have endometriosis, which is extremely painful, and yoga helps ease my symptoms. My practice also brings me a lot of joy and fosters confidence.

What do you want people to know about your teaching style and classes at BYDF?

I love creative Vinyasa. I also enjoy building in repetition, so my style is a mix of yoga and strength training. One of my favorite techniques is to sneak in exercise, like tricep pushups, in between poses. While the magic of yoga is in the mind, the benefits to the body are priceless. Taking care of ourselves so we can enjoy life fully as we age is a wonderful gift to both our present and future self.

Tell us a little more about yourself or what are you up to when you're not in the studio?

I am an artist and writer. I create a lot of mandalas, often with objects I find in nature such as birds nests and dried flowers. I draw and paint and make paper flowers. I am a published writer and have been pitching a collection of short stories for years. I am also a baker - lately bread has been my focus. I have two dogs that are my life. Harper Lee and Penelope are my fur kids! I also have a wonderful husband, David. We enjoy cooking, drinking wine, taking care of our house, hiking, going on drives, and traveling together.