We had the good fortune of connecting with Natalie Sager and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Natalie, what matters most to you?
For me, personally, Yoga is not just a practice on the mat. It is not just something that I do on the daily to stay in shape. It is a lifestyle. It is a way of thinking, breathing, moving, parenting, etc.
When I teach Yoga, I also incorporate many aspects of spirituality, the Laws of the Universe, mindfulness and thread in the 8 limbs of Yoga- a path to a peaceful and purposeful life. These are the tools that help you walk your path with value and principle.
The first two limbs are the Yamas and Niyamas. They are the moral and ethical restraints and observances. Within these two limbs are 5 branches for each. The first Yama is Ahimsa which means no harm. Practicing no harm is apart of the Yogic life. It goes beyond the obvious of not harming people or animals or Mother Earth.
It is about loving all living beings including and most importantly- yourself first. So, the words you speak to yourself in your head are words of love and affirmation instead of judgement or self-sabotage or self-deprecating thoughts. We practice this practice of Ahimsa to and for ourselves and we apply it to everyone we come into contact with- recognizing the unity and equality within each of us individually and collectively. Imagine a world where we each consciously made a decision to think before we speak out loud and think before we think- thinking before we even attach to a thought that pops up into our head. And, then deciding if that thought is one of love or fear. I choose love.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart: As a Yoga Instructor, Spiritual Guide and International Book Award Winning Author, I am passionate about holistic health, organic living and honoring the divine. I do this through the art of movement, writing and teaching. The yoga classes I teach are not your typical, run-of- the-mill asana practice you can find in any studio. Each of my classes is uniquely downloaded from the divine. It is an intentional, experiential and soulful journey that we take together. I always say that whoever has shown up to their mat that day is there to receive something uniquely magical. A message to help them find clarity within the confusion.
When we move our bodies we shift and change energy. We clear, cleanse and detoxify the body through the concentration on breath and how that affects the body. As a result, the mind begins to change and become more malleable. You don’t need to be flexible in your body to do yoga- only flexible in the mind. As we dance together we find ourselves in flow with the universe, our spirit and the Great Spirit. What are you most proud of? Aside from birthing two beautiful children, writing a book, and receiving daily gratitudes for lives I have had the honor and blessing of positively affecting, I am currently MOST proud of the Nourishment For Your Soul Package I have recently created and will launch in the next couple of weeks.
This is an online library of 60 videos to help: RELAX the mind CHALLENGE the body & Nourish your soul What’s included in the package? • Yoga Video’s ranging in length from 10 minutes to 90 minutes • Variety of Yoga styles including: Vinyasa, Gentle and Yin • Individualized/ Modifications Video’s to help cater your practice specific to YOUR needs • Specialized & Targeted Areas: Core/Abs, Upper Body (Arms, Chest, Shoulders), Legs & Tush, Improving Posture and Challenging Balance • Videos for special cases like: pre-natal, overweight, shoulder/neck issues, knee and hip modifications, etc. • Meditations for healing, relaxation, intuition and protection • Mantras and Mudras • Pranayama/ Breathwork • Learning about Chakras and how we can utilize them in our life! Nourishment For Your Soul is perfect for anyone who is ready to make a commitment to themselves! If you: • Want to improve your Physical, Mental and Emotional well-being • Are a newbie or practiced yogi who is determined to make the most out of your spiritual journey and human existence • Are the yogi who thrives on results, discipline and personal development THEN, THIS IS FOR YOU!!! Regardless of your body-type, experience, flexibility, strength, age, gender or any other “situation” you are currently experiencing, you will find immense value!
Free of judgement and full of heart, we embrace this journey of healing, alignment & connection together. Sidenote: There will be poses that are more challenging and some that are more easily attainable- just like life presents us with both challenges and ease. We are reminded that yoga is not simply about how flexible your body is, but instead how flexible your mind can become. So…do what you can today. Set goals for the future. Find compassion in your heart and peace in your mind. Create and cultivate a relationship with your Spirit. Together we will overcome! How did I get to where I am today professionally? Practice, commitment, discipline, love and dedication to aligning my mind, body and spirit.
It is only through life’s trials and tribulations that we grow. Our soul signed up to come into this human body to express our souls desire to evolve. Along my journey, I have been guided to continue teaching the art of movement, to write with passion and purpose, and to share the lessons I have learned and continue to learn with all those willing and ready to step into their own power. There have been many extraordinary challenges along the way, yet I choose to focus on the lessons learned and resiliency attained instead of on the adversity. Some of the lessons I have learned include, practicing unconditional faith and trust. Even when what you see in front of you, in your present reality seems overhwhelming. Even if things seem gloomy and dire and full of despair, staying close to faith and trust as best friends and guardians.
Knowing that everything is a transition and temporary. When we are not thrilled with our current situation it is as a result of past creations in the mind. So, if we are willing to become hyper aware of our thoughts, we will change our feelings, which will change our emotions which affects our vibration. As soon as we elevate our own vibration we will begin to attract things, people, places and experiences into our life that match that higher vibration. But, you have to believe this to be true. To believe in something that you may not currently see but have enough faith and trust to know that it is on its way to you! This is a valuable life lesson that I continuously engage with daily. I want the world to know that my main mission is to help YOU live in pure health with an abundance of happiness.
Through complete compassion and love I will work with you as a guide and support system to help you heal, mind, body and spirit. We are all reflections and mirrors of each other and as I travel this life, if our souls happen to meet- I know there are infinite possibilities for growth, love and evolution. We can help raise the vibration of the world together. Aho!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would start each day with a deep and meaningful yet challenging yoga practice outside- perhaps in my Outdoor Yoga Studio (Boynton Beach) or on the beach. From there, we would go to a local market for a fresh juice or coconut water. After hydrating and nourishing, we would spend hours laying in the sun, receiving the medicine from Patcha Mama, swim and cleanse our bodies and souls in the ocean and have open ended conversation.
After a shower and change of clothes, we would head to Christopher’s Kitchen, Meraki Juice Kitchen, Darbster’s, or Farmer’s Table for a deliciously healthy dinner. We would enjoy a glass of wine and connect on a soul level. Additional activities for us would include, paddle boarding, foot massages, facials, nature walks and sisterhood. Going to a stand up comedian or snuggling on the couch to watch a funny movie. For me, it is not about the trendy places one could attend, but in the quality of time spent with a dear friend in the splendor and sunshine of South Florida.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a special Shout Out to all of the teachers in my life. In particular, my very first Gurus- my parents. Because of their love and support I have been able to pursue my dreams and passions. As a child, they helped build a solid foundation of trust, truth, safety and security. They instilled a belief in me that I could do, be or have anything I desired with the power of faith in self. A “can do” state of mind that has helped carry me throughout my life. One of the greatest gifts they granted me was the opportunity to dance.
As a result, I am highly disciplined and dedicated. Two qualities which are applicable in all areas of ones life. Additionally, I believe that everyone comes into our life for a reason, a season and/or a lifetime. Sometimes, we are challenged beyond belief but there is always a lesson and an underlying blessing behind each experience and encounter. So, to all the people who have been apart of my life so far and all the souls I will come to meet in the future- I thank you for your teachings and your wisdom. I honor you.
Website: http://www.themodernhippiemama.com (Currently under construction. Will re-launch in 2 weeks) & https://peacefulmamas.com
Instagram: @TheModernHippieMama
Linkedin: Natalie Sager
Facebook: The Modern Hippie Mama
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/NatalieSager
Image Credits
Christina Arza, Jenna Cicero