Parenting Spotlight:
One Busy Mom Teaches Student’s ABC’s of Yoga
‘Serenity now’ is a line made famous in an episode of
Seinfeld when a cast member was instructed by a therapist to
use this phrase during stressful moments. Whether you are a
die-hard fan or not, most parents –including myself -
understand that sometimes in the midst of busy family
activities, there may be a need to yell out ‘serenity now!’
Although thinking about serenity in life is nice, the
founder and co-owner of OneTreeYoga (formerly Bikram
Yoga Omaha), Tippi Denenberg believes everyone can
experience serenity by practicing yoga. A veterinarian at
Rockbrook Animal Clinic, she has always been health
conscious which spearheaded her quest to preserve and
maintain good health. Now, she recollects spending much of
her adult life training and practicing yoga. She realized
that there was a population that needed an opportunity to
feel as empowered as she did. As a result, she opened up her
first studio downtown over six years ago. Several years
later, the success of her studio drove her to open her
second studio in West Omaha.
Mrs. Denenberg was a trendsetter as the popularity of
yoga spread throughout the nation. According to a study
commissioned by Yoga Journal, In 2005, roughly 16.5 million
people were practicing yoga in the United States in studios,
gyms or at home, up 43 percent from 2002.
Currently, students can have exactly the same experience,
no matter which studio they visit. As stated on
OneTreeYoga.com, Bikram yoga is an intelligently designed
series of 26 poses and two breathing exercises performed in
a heated room. It works the body from the inside out,
benefiting every bodily system.
"I always felt that yoga saved my life," says Mrs.
Denenberg. "It gave me confidence, as well as emotional and
physical strength. Yoga opened my eyes to so many things and
gave me the nerve to go for things I didn’t think I could
do," says Mrs. Denenberg. One example of this is evident
after becoming a pilot – something she never thought she
would do in life.
"Our name, OneTreeYoga, reflects our philosophy of yoga
as a canopy of life force, energizing, calming and healing
all who enter its embrace," says Mrs. Denenberg. "From its
deep roots in Eastern thought and discipline, yoga has
produced many branches, some of which we teach, all of which
we respect."
Combining Yoga and Couples Creates Healthy Marriage!
In the midst of her hectic schedule, she found time to
marry Steven Denenberg,M.D., a well-respected facial plastic
surgeon and devout yogis.
"I introduced Steve to yoga," says Mrs. Denenberg. "It
started as a joke, but now he loves it as much as I do."
According to Dr. Denenberg, he believes yoga has enhanced
his skills as a surgeon and father.
"During surgery I am able to focus and concentrate on a
successful outcome for my patient."
Dr. Denenberg commented that many men told him stories
remaining calm enough to avoid driving crazy and resisting
the need to throw their golf clubs after a bad swing.
When he isn’t working, his focus is strictly on his
family. Dr. Denenberg mentioned that his favorite pastime
with his two boys is to go on adventures around town. He
also started a bed time ritual by telling the boys an ice
hockey story that continues to evolve night after night.
"Steve is a hands-on dad," laughs Mrs. Denenberg. "In
fact, he is a better husband and father than he was a
boyfriend."
With a laundry list of accomplishments, Mrs. Denenberg
can now add mother of two preschoolers and the couple’s
latest arrival - a girl. As a result of entering into this
phase of her life, Mrs. Denenberg’s current passion is
offering pre- and post-natal yoga, "Mother Yoga". The goal
is to help women prepare for birth and preparation for life
as a mother. According Mrs. Denenberg, the pre-natal yoga
classes integrate yoga technology with the latest and most
innovative birthing techniques. The effect is to improve
stamina and heighten mental capacity during the birthing
process. Pre-natal yoga is not simply a technique at
OneTreeYoga. It is a caring, a sharing, and an invitation to
experience a new and vastly improved way of life.
First Comes Marriage, Then Comes Family!
Everyone knows parenting invariably requires patience.
Patience entails endurance, staying power, persistence,
fortitude and yes, serenity. Although the the Denenberg’s
never judge other people’s parenting skills, they believe in
encouraging the family unit to bring key yoga concepts into
everyday parenting.
"We believe yoga can help families become grounded and
encouragement for everyone in the family to achieve their
highest potential," says Dr. Denenberg.
People of any age -including children- can do yoga. It
reduces the symptoms of many chronic diseases (including
diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, knee pain and back pain)
and is acknowledged by many as the best prevention against
future ailments. It can also combat childhood obesity.
As a result, children’s yoga has been incorporated into
the classes available at OneTreeYoga. According to Mrs.
Denenberg, kids are natural yogis. The yoga class
accommodates kids ages 5-10 and runs in four week sessions.
Classes are two hours and include movement, inspiration,
arts and crafts and a healthy snack.
"We feel strongly about parenting to the best of our
ability," says Mrs. Denenberg. "We only have one shot at
it!"
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