Open Hand Institute

Dr. Nydia Tijerina Darby is the Director, Lead Specialist and Lead Educator of the Open Hand Institute (OHI). OHI currently offers exclusive 200 hour and 300 hour Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher Training programs that are presented in small groups on site at Nydia’s Yoga Therapy Serenidad Studio. 2020 has brought many new adventures to our communities (speaking kindly)… and the current 2020 Trainings have become Hybrid teacher trainings with the use of LIVESTREAMING to keep our programs running. It is likely that this HYBRID version of trainings will continue. There are many positives, and one is that this opens up our trainings to individuals who are located all over the world.

The Open Hand Institute offers educational workshops, hosting international Master Yoga Lifestyle Educators and supports the continuing education for yoga instructors. These programs are also happening via LIVESTREAM.

OHI’s Mission is to provide the tools that empower, educate, develop, connect and support local & global long term yoga lifestyle practitioners and professionals.

The Open Hand Institute is an educational platform for yoga and medical professionals and the community of yoga lifestyle practitioners and learners that is directed towards elevating, inspiring and uniting our local and global communities with opportunities to learn from Master educators in all fields. It is positioned to provide a platform for yoga and medical professionals to access continuing education, entry-level to advanced learning and networking opportunities.

The Open Hand Institute is committed to providing tools that empower, educate and that serve to develop resilient human beings. To share information about how science supports the practices and to support the continuing education and research opportunities that help to bridge the local and global medical and yoga communities.

Angela Velez

Nydia and Ernest the best

Donna Shields

My Rheumatologist recommended yoga with Nydia as a form of physical therapy  for a neuromuscular condition.  Nydia guided the Gentle Therapeutic Yoga class, comprised of yoga instructors to beginners, in a way that felt personal.  I was able to do the movements (all on the floor) and was not tired or hurting so I mentioned that the intent was for me to build strength.  Nydia explained the movements that build strength and that I would probably be a little sore the next day.  She was correct but I still felt good.  A sense of achievement.  Finally physical therapy that does not hurt nor focus on my limitations but my overall well being.  I know I will have neuromuscular challenges in the future but I feel I have a method to manage my quality of life now. Thank you Nydia for dispelling what I thought I knew about yoga and introducing me to lifetime change.

Marco Chalaby

Nydia provides almost private instruction focused on the needs of each student. I had a recurring muscular pain that almost went away with the exercises and stretches that she recommended during class. She will talk through long poses so that you do not feel the discomfort!

Patti Schermerhorn

Every chance I get, I always try to encourage people to seek out Nydia. I started my practice with her years ago and stopped so I could be a caregiver. I’m back again to give to myself. She cares deeply about what she does and her passion for yoga, a healthy spirit and mind is contagious. She uses yoga as physical therapy and modifies movements specific to each persons needs. I’ve been around a lot of “coaches” in my lifetime but never one who’s words and teachings always echoed in my head and heart to ,literally, not only change my body and spirit but my life. For that, I will always be grateful.

Kathleen Curry

It is a dream come true when your yoga teacher is a doctor of physical therapy.  Who could ask for anything more?  Nydia pays attention to every detail of your body while you are in a posture.   She can offer subtle cues that have tremendous impact.     She has helped me enjoy postures that I thought I would never be able to do again because of a cervical condition.  Nydia’s classes are challenging and fun.  Her approach is unique.  She is a delightful individual.  Nydia’s Yoga Therapy is San Antonio’s hidden gem.

Mayur Kewalramani

An amazing studio and a gifted instructor. Yoga is transformative and this studio supports all aspects of the practice.

Regina Lee

Excellent instruction that is body friendly in an environment that nourishes the soul. I always leave feeling like I have had a vacation!

Teresa M Alvarez

I recommend this yoga sanctuary for everyone!! Nydia is absolutely amazing and is truly unique. I appreciate each time I attend a class I am never encouraged to do anything beyond the point of discomfort.

John Hollenbeck

Incredible teacher, mentor and friend.

Kathy Ruiz

Nydia is so personable. You feel affirmed in just saying “hello!”

Melinda Cantu

Excellent class and application to PTs!! She makes it easy to understand and apply and you get TLC for you in the midst! Will definitely be back!! Even able to eat nutritious meal and cookies!! Thank You Nydia! Looking forward to coming again! Very Kind, helpful.  A new way of doing CEUs.

Jennifer Rockwell

I finally found someone who can help me. In addition to being a yogi, Nydia is a doctor of physical therapy and a published scientist in cancer research, who has developed this therapeutic yoga practice over 4 decades.

Micha Darby

There’s no other yoga experience like the classes you’ll take here! Excellent service and teachers. 🙂

Sherri Stewart

I have gone to yoga with Nydia for many years, but now I am going with a different focus. I recently had a hip replacement, and I know that she will modify the practice for me so that I can get the benefits of the yoga practice and rehab my hip without doing anything that would harm my recovery. Bottom line is that I trust her, and that means everything to me.

Maripat Munley

While I have practiced yoga for nearly 25 years, Nydia has been my best teacher. Her classes are deeply informed by her personal depth of training with yoga masters both here in the states & around the world. Combining that training with her professional base as a Physical Therapist has enriched my own practice over the past 10 years.  I look forward to going to class several times a week & feel stronger as a result.

Open Hand Institute