Portrait of Nathalie Angly, yoga teacher in Alsace
By training, Nathalie Angly is a state-certified architect. When she took her first yoga class, it was love at first sight. The feeling of having finally achieved what she had always been looking for. It was like a "return home" after a long journey. From then on, she never stopped practicing, became a yoga teacher and it was her passion for yoga that made her abandon her original profession to devote herself fully to yoga.
In 2013, she created a yoga school in the heart of the Alsatian countryside that continues to thrive. As such, there are also plenty of dedicated yogis in the countryside who are very happy to be able to practice seriously there. Today, Nathalie offers training courses to become a yoga teacher.
It was only natural that I asked him a few personal questions about his yoga practice, which I am sharing with you today.
How did you get into taking care of yourself?
Even as a child I felt that the body was important because it is our vehicle that transports us from birth to death through this human adventure. And there is no way to change it! And it is still much more pleasant to live this adventure with a vehicle that works perfectly well. Also I felt that the psyche was malleable and that it maintains a close link with the body. On the other hand, believing I was doing the right thing, I pushed myself to the extreme for years, working too much, doing excessive sports and imposing very strict dietary restrictions on myself. Result: at 30 I collapsed mentally, psychically, morally. It was at that time, by coincidence (who really believes in coincidence?) that I discovered yoga. From there, I got back on my feet and this time, I knew that it was the RIGHT PRACTICE for the body and mind.
What practice for your well-being?
I do not neglect my physical body and Asanas are the only thing it needs. I pay attention to what I eat and drink, but without exaggerating. I follow a quasi-vegetarian diet and I minimize alcohol consumption. For my mental health, I walk daily in the forest or in nature far from civilization and I meditate regularly.
What is the ritual of your practice?
If it's at home, I light an incense stick and a candle. That's it. As a beginner in personal practice, the ritual is a great help and a very good way to get into the mood. Over time, I was able to detach myself from rituals. I like being alone and not feeling like I'm being watched. My practice is not a show, it's a moment of intimacy.
What do you get out of it?
A powerful moment of intimacy with my Higher Self. A moment out of time, a moment of connection with the Divine. It is My Moment in the day.
What do you carry in your yoga bag?
I don't have a yoga bag and I don't take anything with me when I travel. I always find a way to practice. Oh yes: leggings! It's true that it's a very average way to practice the part jeans physique.
What is your favorite object/accessory?
A mala: necklace with 108 rudraksha seeds.
What would be your advice for Tayrona Yoginis?
Diligence, patience and curiosity are the essential ingredients on the path of Yoga. And contrary to what I observe, the vast philosophy of yoga is not to be neglected in favor of physical practice, but it is the key, the base, the foundation for the right understanding of Yoga.
Where/how do you practice?
I practice at home, always in the same room. In the meantime I know many ways to practice yoga, from super physically intense to contemplative still sitting, and all the variations in between. I practice according to my needs, I try to understand what I really need today.
