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body, mind and soul.

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Our mission is to help you feel better in your body, mind and soul.

Meet Laura

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?

I have been doing yoga and meditation practices for many years, but really found my groove with it when I was going through fertility treatments. Learning to stay centered during high stress moments has been so much a part of my life and I share my own experiences with students.

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

The studio is a beautiful space to form community with a warm and compassionate, curious, and open group of people.

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

When I was a kid, I recall having to write an essay on what I wanted to be when I grew up: I wanted to be either a cashier at a grocery store or teacher. I ended up doing both at some point in my life.

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

Yoga and meditation represent my values and what I think are important habits of mind and heart. These tools align with my authentic self and support my dharma path to heal myself and be in service of others. I also use mindfulness in my art practice; I meditate and do yoga and chanting before and during my time painting. I find this very healing and always discover something new about myself.

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

My teaching style is multi-disciplinary. I incorporate the knowledge and experience I have in spiritual philosophies and yogic practices, and cognitive and psychological sciences. I also include humor with the belief that self care doesn't mean taking the self so serious. My classes are inclusive and experiential with offerings that are meant to provide many access points for students of all bodies.

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

I also teach at the Kripalu with a focus on meditation and creativity. I have my own stress reduction coaching business (Breathing Space) that integrates meditation with expressive art-making as a healing practice to increase well-being, resilience, joy, and a sense of calm. I also am an independent curator; most recently I opened an exhibition of Federico Uribe's work at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. When not doing these things, I can be found at my painting studio down a few blocks from BDYF, or at my home with my dogs, cats, chickens, two sons (though one just left for college) and husband. And if that wasn't enough, I am also working on my 200 hour Kundalini teacher training. Whewww.