Natalie Costello is a yoga teacher and photographer based out of L.A.
1. What style of yoga do you teach?
Sculpt and soon to be Yin!
2. What is your intention behind teaching?
To clear the head by staying present, connecting to the mind and body through breath, movement, and holding postures for quite some time.
3. What have your mentors taught you?
How to be a smart teacher, create a safe/efficient sequence, walk with intention around the room, have precise cues, modify/adjust clients, create themes for class, have personality, connection with everyone, and how to project the voice over the music. I could go on forever!
4. Please mention a book that you have read about yoga that has had a positive impact on you?
Eastern Body, Western Mind. It helped me have a deeper understanding of the chakras and how to apply it during practice.
5. What lesson are you currently learning in your Asana practice?
Various ways to do one pose or modify. The benefits of each pose along with the meridians they target.
6.How often do you practice?
4-5 days a week.
7. How do you implement the other 7 limbs of yoga into your life other than Asana?
I bring Yama by helping others as much as possible, spending time with them and listening. I bring integrity into my work life and want the best for everyone.
I practice Niyama by going on long hikes, meditating, and nourishing myself with food specific for my body and reading books that lead to self improvement. I keep my work and home environment clean so I wake up to a fresh start each morning having a glass of water with my phone off to stay grounded and calm the mind.
I practice Pranayama through yoga especially in a yin class. Here, the teacher constantly reminds me to focus on my breath and to control it while I completely relax my muscles.
I practice Pratyahara by limiting my intake of coffee and learning how to be alone to focus on my inner self.
I practice Dharana by resting without falling asleep. It calms my mind, and allows me to not focus on anything.
I practice Samadhi everyday by doing all the limbs of yoga. It’s a lifelong practice.
8. Why is being present so important to you?
Because I am truly living my life in the present. Focusing on the past or future can bring anxiety or depression. We have no control over it. We do have control over what is happening right now.
9. How can we keep up with you on social media? What is your IG handle and/ FB name?
Natalielcostello.