Teacher Spotlight – Natalie
Teacher: Natalie
Classes Taught: 6 am on Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
Honestly, it is a constant struggle to find that balance but I know that I am a better teacher when I am a better student. Even when I don’t go to classes I make sure to do a little bit of yoga every day at home or in the studio before or after class.
Give yourself grace and enjoy the process. There is no end goal in yoga but rather a constantly changing experience that is different everyday. Embrace what you get from each class you take.
My favorite pose is half pigeon because it is one of those poses that you have to surrender to and there is a beauty to allowing yourself to just let go. I feel such a mind body connection in that pose and hip openers feel so good. I don’t know that I have a least favorite pose specifically but I tend to struggle with shoulder openers because I have a lot of tension there. I have learned that the poses that we like the least are usually the ones we need the most.
My favorite mantra or yoga quote is Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu which means may all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and that freedom for all.
I wanted to teach yoga because I knew how yoga made me feel and how it changed my life and that is something that I wanted to help show to others.
I would describe my teaching style as very much the flowing style of vinyasa. I love to emphasize the transitions because oftentimes we focus on the poses themselves and not always on how we get there. Not only do those mindful transitions help us to get into a pose but it also helps to feel how the breath can guide you.
Listen to your body but don’t be intimidated. Some poses might look very intimidating but you won’t ever try it if you don’t think you can do it. Your body will tell you where to go if you listen so get out of your head and let your body guide you.
I think the biggest take away that yoga connects with my life off the mat is that it helps me to stay present. You can’t experience life as it happens if your mind is always in the future or the past. Allow yourself to just be in the now and find contentment with where you are.
When I am not at Pressed I like to hang out with my dog Layla (the light of my life) and the people who are most important to me. I also love camping, exploring new places and just being in nature as often as I can.
