Get to Know Me (US Denver teachers): Natasha Almeyda

Preferred name: Nat (they/them)

Tell me about you and how you feel about yourself, life and why! Share any intersectional identities and stories that make you, YOU!

Born and raised in Colorado, I grew up as the oldest out of six children being raised by my mother. Our multiple places we called home over the years were always chaotic, unpredictable and fun. Being the oldest I had a lot of responsibilities at a young age and becoming a caretaker was one of those responsibilities. I feel lucky in the way that caring for others was always something I could do naturally, even though I usually questioned when someone was going to do that for me. Throughout my life, I’ve experienced lots of care from all the different relationships in my life, including from myself. I am grateful for those people and those experiences. Being second-generation American is something I hold close to my heart as well. I am always trying to find out new things about my lineage and my culture, so that I can continue to incorporate it within my own life and pay great thanks to my ancestors. I plan to visit to Altamira, Dominican Republic one day to walk the same land as my great grandmother once did. As we all experience happiness, pain, struggle and gain, I am so beyond grateful for this life that I’ve lived thus far and I am so excited for what each day holds. My experiences make me who I am today(and tomorrow and the next day) and I do my very best to love that person, even on the hard days. I also love all the people who have walked with me through this life, no matter the amount of time. Thank you all<3

What are your favorite aspects/rituals/practices/herbs/activities of this beautiful fall season we’re entering?

Ah! Mabon is one of my favorite times of the year. I like to take this time to clear/clean spaces like my altar, my home and my heart. Some of my rituals include spending time in nature to witness the beautiful changes within nature, usually taking home a pinecone or leaf to add to my home or altar. I also like to do a lot of candle rituals or spells to assist with the release and the change. This could even mean just burning a fall scented candle or incense blend! Now that the veil is thinning, I love to work on my connections with the deceased, including my ancestors.

In times of reflection, what are your favorite ways to connect with Self, Spirit, God, The Universe Source or Community (known and unknown)?

To connect with Self, I love to journal. I also really enjoy going to a park (specifically Cheesman Park), finding a tree to sit under and then using my time to read my tarot, journal and maybe even share a story with the tree. Connecting/grounding with nature is a huge way for me to feel connected to Self, Spirit, Source, ad Community. And of course, practicing my asanas at Urban with you all and at home with myself or my partner.

What is your relationship with anger like?

My relationship with anger has adapted and grown over the years, learning how to feel, and then morph that energy. I’d like to think I have a healthy relationship with anger. Allowing myself to be/feel angry without letting it control me and my actions or reactions and then flowing that energy into something more else.

What are your thoughts on abolishing systems vs repairing?

I personally think in order for us to repair our systems we need to deeply ground ourselves in the idea of abolishing our systems. I think over generations the word ‘abolish’ has gotten a bad and violent wrap. I think we can begin to repair only when we have started strongly and confidently abolishing all the ways and systems that brought us to where we are now.

Thank you, Nat, for your time, your insight, and your energy!