Over the past several months I have taught Shanti Mom Prenatal Yoga classes at NKO Yoga. It’s wonder to see new moms taking time for themselves and finding ways to connect with their baby. Below is part of the newsletter which I wrote for the April NKO Yoga Studio newsletter.

Last month we wrote about planting seeds of intention. So how are your seeds doing? Have they grown roots yet or are they still germinating? This season of your life—pregnancy, transformation, expansion—naturally invites both. Some intentions take hold quickly, anchoring you with clarity and purpose. Others linger just beneath the surface, quietly gathering energy until the moment is right. Both rhythms are valid. Both are part of the unfolding.

Your yoga practice is also unfolding and growing in a different direction.  Whether you have practiced before your pregnancy or if you just started as a suggestion from your doctor or midwife, yoga is an opportunity to grow your mind, your body and your spirit. Yoga class is a great way to grow your connection to new moms also. Take time to introduce yourself to other moms in the class; you may make a lifelong friendship.

As you move through your practice this month, notice what feels steady and what still feels tender. Rooting doesn’t always look like certainty; sometimes it’s simply the willingness to pause, breathe, and listen. When you settle into a grounding pose or place your hands on your growing belly, you’re offering those intentions the nourishment they need: presence, patience, and compassion. You’re also growing the connection between you and your baby.

And then there’s the rising. As your body changes, your awareness shifts too. You may find new intentions sprouting—desires for deeper rest, more connection, or a gentler pace. You may notice your mothering instincts blooming and you may become more emotional. Let them rise without judgment. Growth is rarely linear, especially during pregnancy. Some days you’ll feel strong and expansive; other days you’ll feel quiet and inward. Both are expressions of blooming.

This month, I invite you to revisit the intentions you planted at the start of your journey. Which ones feel alive? Which ones need more space? Which ones are ready to be released? Trust that your inner garden knows exactly what to cultivate. You are growing a human, yes—but you are also growing yourself.

Record Your Growth

While you will always remember your pregnancy experience, here are some ways to preserve this journey for yourself, your family and your baby to see in the future.

Journaling: buy yourself a journal and write to your baby.  Let them know how you’re feeling, how much they are growing each day/week/month until the day they arrive!  Include poems, songs, or quotes that you connect with during this time of your life.

Vision Board: create a vision of your expectations of motherhood. Take monthly photos of yourself, foods you crave, places you’ve visited, the birthing room or the baby’s room. Whatever you feel you should share with your baby or those moments you want to cherish later. Optional: take photos of yourself from a side profile to watch your belly grow!

Saresa Hanna 500 RYT

Shanti Mom Prenatal Yoga

Thursdays 6:45-8pm

As we step into a fresh chapter, there’s a quiet invitation in the air: to move with intention, breathe with purpose, and show up for ourselves in ways that feel nourishing and bold. Whether you’re craving strength, softness, or a sense of community, I’ve curated a weekly lineup of yoga and fitness classes designed to help you reset, recharge, and rise.

What’s New on the Mat (and Beyond)

This season, I’m thrilled to offer a mix of movement experiences across Cincinnati that meet you where you are—whether you’re building core strength, flowing through breath and balance, or preparing for the transformative journey of parenthood.

Weekly Highlights:

• Total Body Fit 5:05 pm & Flex N Flow 6:30 pm (Mondays) – A dynamic duo at Blue Ash Recreation Center to kickstart your week with power and grace.
• P3 Pilates 5:45pm (Tuesdays) – Sculpt and stabilize at Crunch Kenwood with a fusion of precision and flow.
• Yoga 6:45 pm (Wednesdays) – A grounding midweek reset at Blue Ash Recreation Center.
• Prenatal Yoga 6:45 pm (Thursdays) – A nurturing space at NKO Yoga for expectant mothers to connect, breathe, and prepare.
• Barbell 45 10am (Saturdays) – a full‑body strength workout designed to build power, boost metabolism, and leave you feeling unstoppable. We’re talking upper body, lower body, core, cardio… all in one fierce, efficient session.
• Uplift Yoga 11:30 am (Saturdays) – Your weekend sanctuary at NKO Yoga, blending movement, mindfulness, and joy.

Each class is crafted to be inclusive, empowering, and emotionally resonant—whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just beginning your journey.

Ways to Uplift Yourself & Your Routine

A successful year isn’t built on perfection—it’s built on presence. Here are a few soulful strategies to elevate your days:

• Start with breath. One minute of intentional breathing can shift your entire mindset. Try it before meetings, workouts, or tough conversations and confrontations. Taking that small moment to breathe can extinguish fiery conflicts.
• Schedule joy. Add something playful or nourishing to your calendar each week—whether it’s a dance break, a walk with a friend, or a class that lights you up. Maybe start a new hobby you always wanted to try; it’s never too late!
• Move with meaning. Choose movement that feels good, not punishing. Let your body be a source of celebration, not critique. We usually start new workout routines as part of our New Year’s resolutions. Start where you are without comparison to others in the gym because at some point in the past they were at the very same starting point. Give yourself time to adjust to your new routine and forgive yourself if you miss a workout.
• Curate your inputs. Surround yourself with voices, music, and media that uplift and inspire. Your energy is sacred—protect it. Create your own sphere of peace around you and take it with you always. You are in control of your inner peace.
• Celebrate small wins. Progress isn’t always loud. Honor the quiet victories: showing up, resting when needed, speaking kindly to yourself. Small steps are the beginnings of great journeys.

Let’s Rise Together

This year, let’s redefine success—not as hustle, but as harmony. Not as doing more, but as being more present. I’m here to support you with classes that challenge, comfort, and connect. Come as you are, and let’s grow together.

My class schedule is posted here or reach out directly for updates, private sessions, group sound baths or collaborations. Let’s make this year one of movement, meaning, and magic.

With heart, Saresa Hanna
500 RYT & NASM GFI
Yoga Instructor | Wellness Advocate | Community Organizer