NATALIE JONES
RYT 500 | HATHA, GENTLE, Yoga for Larger bodies
Natalie’s (she/her) yoga journey began in the early 2000’s with an on-site yoga class offered by her employer. She immediately pursued more opportunities to practice yoga and for community engagement. As she continued to explore various forms of yoga and meditation classes over the years, she rarely encountered other Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) or inclusive offerings for different body types and abilities. A deep desire to share the benefits of yoga and meditation with underrepresented/underserved people and communities led her to teacher training. Natalie completed a 230-hour teacher training program in January 2020. She also completed Chair, Meditation, Restorative and Yoga for All teacher training in 2020 and 2021. Natalie continues to actively work to provide opportunities for different body types, abilities, and ethnicities to have equal access to practice yoga and meditation in safe and nurturing environments reflective of the collective global community.
LEARN MORE ABOUT natalie
What is your favorite style of yoga?
My current favorite style of yoga is Restorative.
Chai, coffee or kombucha?
I drink a cup of chai every morning and switch it out for coffee during the weekend.
Do you have pets?
I lost my dogs of 14 and 17 years respectively in 2019 and 2020. I intend to adopt a dog (or two) again in the very near future.
Favorite thing to do when you’re not doing/teaching yoga?
I love to travel and spend time with my family.
Favorite book/movie?
My favorite movie is The Color Purple, which is based on a book (same title) by Alice Walker.
“I don’t want to overly simplify it, but my purpose in life is to be the best possible version of myself—a good person, a kind person, one who is of service to others. I think that ideology is strongly linked to spirituality and mindfulness. It is that shedding of skin, that constant evolution, that bringing out the best of you in every moment.” ∼Devi Brown
Least favorite yoga pose and why?
My current least favorite pose is Three-legged downward dog. It does not feel steady or comfortable in my body.
Most favorite yoga pose and why?
My favorite pose is Chair pose. I feel very grounded and strong throughout my entire body.
If you could do anything besides teach yoga, what would you do?
I would be a travel writer or traveling author.
What do people tell you they love about your classes?
People love that I always ask if there are any areas that require a little extra attention before we begin our practice and adjust the sequence accordingly. They also enjoy the offering of variations and soothing tone of my voice.
Three adjectives to describe yourself.
Responsible, considerate, and organized.
What else would you like to share with potential students?
I had the wonderful opportunity to complete teacher training and additional certification training sessions at YCR. The curriculum and teaching staff are knowledgeable, thoughtful, compassionate, and kind. YCR continuously seeks to provide quality education and resources to its student teachers. I am honored to now teach yoga at YCR and am working with other alumni to grow the Community Within. This group comprised of former and current YCR students, instructors and staff is designed to foster community, build connections, and share relevant information with the YCR community. I am excited for all of the great things to come as we enhance/expand offerings and welcome new folks to the YCR community!