Meet Natasha Chaoua!

Tell us about the work you do and what your passion is…

I am currently a pre-nursing student, pharmacy technician, and yoga teacher. I lead trauma-informed yoga. Prior to teaching yoga, I spent several years working with those who have developmental disabilities. I eventually became a CNA and had the pleasure of working at Craig Hospital with those who experienced a spinal cord injury and/or traumatic brain injury as well as the neurosurgical ICU at the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Campus.

I am passionate about supporting those with disabilities, creating mental health, and making mindfulness practices readily available for all, most importantly Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC). I am a 500hr registered yoga teacher, and have trained with Michelle Cassandra Johnson, focused on Yoga + Social Justice, and became a certified LoveYourBrain Yoga Teacher and Facilitator, and joined the Training team in 2021 to continue to support and share the benefits of yoga and meditation with the TBI community.

Why is cultivating resilience important?

It’s our ability to keep moving forward. To rise up and continue to grow through difficulties and/or traumatic experiences in our lives.

What does living with resilience look like to you?

Trying to stay positive. Being around like-minded people for social support. Dedicating a few minutes a day to taking care of myself through creative outlets. Developing deep bonds with people and in doing so learning how to support myself. These are just a handful of examples that have helped preserve my well-being.

How does resilience support you to live well?

Being resilient can support and help manage our mental health. It encourages us to utilize various resources outside of and within ourselves that help build up our strengths to overcome life’s challenges. Personally, through the practice of yoga and mindfulness I continue to gain clarity in my life.

I try to practice each day, not only the physical aspects (asana) but more importantly the other limbs of yoga that are less talked about. When we make time to sit down, listen, and address our thoughts, we’re training our minds and creating habits that allow us to then decide how we want to enter into each day. This is all applicable to building up our resilience.