From Yoga Teacher to Motherhood With Nathalie Saunderson
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Are you seeking inner peace?
In this episode, I sit down with Nathalie Saunderson to discuss her inspiring journey from yoga teacher to motherhood, her challenges in self-discovery, and the importance of embracing your true self. With over 20 years of experience as a student and teacher of personal evolution and well-being, Nathalie uses her expertise to guide clients inward, addressing the energetics and limiting beliefs that hinder growth and expansion. In 2022, she founded Conscious Female Brands, combining her background in copywriting with a fresh approach to manifestation and supporting women in sharing their work with the world.
Here’s what we dive into:
The journey to motherhood
Navigating the entrepreneurial path
The transformative impact of yoga
Moving to Bali
Running away vs. moving towards
Facing fears of living abroad
Building a healthier relationship with finances
Join us for a conversation that encourages looking inward for answers and exploring how self-discovery—whether through physical relocation or inner work—can help craft a life of fulfillment and peace.
Defining Home and Change
Welcome to another episode of In Between Homes! Today, I had the pleasure of speaking with Nathalie Saunderson. Nathalie lives in Bali, but my first question for her is: where does she consider home?
Nathalie has moved so much that she thinks home, for her, is less about the physical place and more about where she feels at peace. It’s tied to the season of life she’s in rather than a specific location. She does have a background in astrology, so she’s spent a lot of time exploring charts, maps, and the energy of moving. Right now, Bali feels right, but she knows it won’t be her forever home. Ultimately, home is where she feels most at peace within myself, and that evolves as life changes.
Speaking of change, we asked Nathalie to reflect on her life about a decade ago. What was it like?
About ten years ago, she was deeply immersed in yoga. She had almost started a yoga studio business and was teaching full-time. She’d been a yoga teacher for many years before she became a mom, which was something she always knew she wanted to be. Back then, she was following a path of growth and exploration, guided by this inner, intuitive nudge asking, ‘What’s next?’
Around the age of 27 or 28—right in the middle of her Saturn return, if you’re into astrology—she realized she deeply wanted to be a mother. That was a pivotal and, at times, challenging chapter. For anyone listening who’s yearning to become a parent but hasn’t yet, she can say it’s an incredibly embodied experience. Your body and soul seem to conspire, nudging you forward. It’s not something you can talk yourself out of or set aside easily.
That yearning ultimately prepared her for motherhood in profound ways. Once she became a mother, she learned the art of surrender. It’s a recurring theme—no matter your situation, your relationship status, or the challenges you face. Motherhood brings you face-to-face with surrender time and again. And honestly? It’s transformative in ways she never expected.
Nathalie’s reflections remind us that home isn’t just a physical space—it’s a feeling—and that change, while challenging, often leads to the most beautiful growth.
Reflecting on Life a Decade Ago
Looking back 10 years, could Nathalie have imagined the life she’s living today?
In some ways, yes, but in others, not at all. Before having her daughter Emma, she knew she wanted to live in the sun again. Having thrived in the warmth of Asia—specifically Thailand—during her 20s, she loved being outdoors and surrounded by nature. That part of her life was always clear to her.
However, her career took a direction she couldn’t have fully predicted. At the time, she was deeply immersed in yoga, teaching full-time as a passionate yogi.
While she still loves yoga, her relationship with it has evolved. It’s no longer her primary focus but remains a foundation of who she is. Over time, her work transitioned into communication, writing, personal development, and supporting women in bringing their visions to life. She doesn’t see it as traditional “business” work but as helping people pursue what their hearts are called to in this lifetime—similar to how yoga opens the body and spirit, but now through a different method.
When reflecting on her passion for working with people, she traces it back to her childhood. By the age of 10, she was already drawn to understanding others, fueled by a sensitive, intuitive nature. She would flip through National Geographic magazines and feel a deep connection to people around the world. That innate empathy has stayed with her, allowing her to read and understand people on a profound level.
Though she once considered psychology as a career, she found it too limited. She craved a more expansive approach—one that considered the soul, energy, and the vast depth of a person’s being. To her, people aren’t just patterns or histories; they are boundless and multifaceted.
This perspective keeps her endlessly curious and respectful of others. Even when she doesn’t necessarily like someone, she can recognize their unique contribution to the world. She believes we’re all here for a reason, playing roles that contribute to the bigger picture. Her work is about helping people uncover and express their unique contributions, allowing their true selves to shine.
Supporting Others in Finding Purpose
How does Nathalie help people who feel the pressure of finding their purpose or making sense of their lives when their soul is pointing them in a different direction?
That’s a question she deeply resonates with. Many of the people who come to her already have some answers—they have a sense of what’s calling them—but they’re unsure how to bring it to life or what it truly looks like. She helps by using her intuitive ability to see what they can’t yet see for themselves.
Her advice often starts with a simple yet profound idea: follow what resonates with you, what intrigues you, and what sparks your curiosity. For her, it’s always been about people. She’s drawn to the human spirit, creativity, and well-being, finding artistry in everything—from creating relationships to crafting a meaningful life.
But she recognizes that even when people follow their joys and interests, they inevitably hit a wall: the need to unlearn societal conditioning. This might mean stepping away from what parents expect, what’s deemed “practical,” or what they’ve been taught is the “right” path. She believes it’s essential to throw out the old rulebook because life is unpredictable, and the traditional paths we were taught don’t always apply to today’s reality.
Her approach is grounded in finding your own answers—not the ones others have handed to you. She emphasizes the importance of simplifying the complex ideas of purpose and mission. Instead of overthinking, focus on what makes you feel alive.
Purpose isn’t just a grand vision for the future; it’s about living fully in the present, finding joy in everyday moments, and shedding the constraints of societal expectations to create a life that feels true to you.
In her work, she encourages people to reconnect with what brings them joy, while also guiding them through the process of deconditioning and stepping into their own truth. By doing so, they can rediscover a sense of aliveness and clarity about their unique path.
Navigating the Entrepreneurial Path
Has Nathalie always been an entrepreneur? How did her work life evolve?
The answer is almost always yes—entrepreneurship has been a consistent theme throughout her life. While she’s worked as a contractor and within teams, she’s often found herself in roles where she’s managing or collaborating on businesses, whether her own or others. These roles allowed her to bring her strengths in communication, understanding how people receive information, and supporting growth.
When it comes to the entrepreneurial journey, especially for women, she believes it’s essential to understand how you’re uniquely designed.
Over the years, after working with numerous people and observing their paths, she’s realized not everyone is driven by the same kind of “save the world” purpose. For some, their purpose might be nurturing their children, supporting a partner with a significant mission, or contributing in quieter but equally meaningful ways.
She’s also noticed how certain ideas in the wellness and self-improvement space can unintentionally lead people away from themselves.
The notion that purpose must be a grand, hard-fought quest can create unnecessary pressure. As she’s grown older—particularly in connection with her experience as a woman—she’s learned that fulfillment often comes from connection: to oneself, to good people, to community. These connections, not accolades or high-powered careers, bring richness and meaning to life.
For her, this understanding reinforces that everyone’s path is different. While some are visionary leaders, others thrive in roles that provide stability and consistency, both of which are vital. What matters most is finding what resonates deeply within yourself—what feels true to your needs, desires, and unique design—rather than following a model that doesn’t align with who you are.
Her message to those on a quest for purpose is clear: it’s not about following someone else’s blueprint but about listening inward and discovering what makes you feel alive and authentic.
The Impact of Yoga
Nathalie mentioned discovering yoga at 16. What has yoga brought to her life, and how has it impacted her?
Yoga is such a big part of her life that it’s hard to answer—it's like asking someone how being married for 20 years feels. It’s a foundational element.
Looking back, she feels grateful for the journey and wouldn’t change a thing, even if it hasn’t always gone according to plan. Yoga has shaped her deeply, and over the years, she’s seen its evolution, both in her personal practice and in the world around her. When she started teaching, the focus was very different. Yoga wasn’t something discussed openly as a spiritual practice, and certain topics, like God, were off-limits. But now, yoga has expanded beyond just the poses—it’s about understanding the deeper theory, holding space for others, and becoming present with each individual.
For her, yoga has given her a huge sense of presence and calm. She’s learned to slow life down and stay grounded, even in chaotic situations. Yoga has taught her to remain present and not get lost in worries about the future or past, things we can’t control. She’s also experienced how powerful it can be to practice yoga in Bali, where the practice is rich and deeply rooted in the culture of mindfulness. Yoga has been a tool for her to focus on the here and now, bringing awareness to the body and mind.
Advice for Beginners
What would she say to someone who’s never tried yoga but is interested in starting?
Starting yoga can feel intimidating, especially when you're new. Nathalie recalls her first experience in Bali, where she was surrounded by people who seemed incredibly fit and flexible, which made her feel like she didn’t belong. But she encourages everyone to keep going. It’s normal to feel uncertain in the beginning. Yoga isn’t about being perfect—it’s about developing a relationship with yourself.
Even a short 10–15-minute practice at home can make a big difference. It’s like depositing into your “relationship bank” with yourself. You may not feel amazing at first, but after a session, you’ll always feel better. That connection with your body and mind is a gift, and over time, it builds up. She believes you can’t regret showing up for yourself on the mat.
There’s also a variety of styles and teachers out there, so if one class or teacher doesn’t resonate with you, try another. Yoga is about finding what works for you and what helps you feel connected.
The Journey of Yoga
Yoga is a journey—much like life. As you continue to practice, you move through stages.
The first step is just showing up, and from there, you start learning the practice. Over time, as you become more comfortable, you’ll notice a shift. You’ll start to experience the deeper aspects of yoga, like the possibility of mastering a new pose or using breathing to sit with your emotions, like sadness after a loss.
The true depth of yoga comes when you move beyond just physical flexibility and start connecting with your body on a deeper level. Many people stay in their heads, focusing on energy or thoughts, but they haven’t yet made peace with their bodies. Yoga helps bridge that gap, allowing you to truly claim your body as a friend rather than an object to be controlled or perfected.
Her own practice of nine years has been a journey of learning to trust her body and its capabilities. It’s about building confidence, exploring what’s possible, and enjoying the process without pressure.
Like anything in life, yoga is an ongoing journey, and she encourages anyone interested to start—allow yourself to explore and be curious. It might just be what you need for the new year.
Moving to Bali: A New Chapter
Nathalie mentioned that Bali has been an important chapter in her life. For many, moving to Bali is seen as starting a new life. What advice would she give to someone considering moving to Bali for a fresh start?
Her advice would be to first understand why you want to move to Bali.
It's important to get clear on your intention because manifestation is more than just imagining a picture-perfect life. For some, that approach might work, but Bali is not always what you expect it to be. When she moved there, it was during the COVID pandemic, and she was certain it was the best choice for her and her daughter at the time. There was no resistance—she knew it was the right place for them, at that moment. But if someone’s only seen Bali through vacation photos and dreamlike imagery, it’s important to recognize that visiting and living there are very different experiences.
Bali represents a lot of things—freedom, flexibility, sunshine, coconuts—but it also holds deeper meanings. For many, it offers profound healing and the opportunity for significant personal growth. So, before deciding to move, ask yourself what Bali truly represents for you. If you’re clear on the emotional and personal reasons behind your desire, then you can start researching the practicalities of living there.
It’s important to understand that the desire to move isn’t enough; you need to be ready to face whatever Bali might bring, which includes some challenging personal work and healing. Bali can offer a fresh start, but only if you are prepared to confront what needs healing and growth within you.
She’s noticed many people come to Bali, hoping for a life change, only to burn through their savings and return home after a couple of years. To truly thrive there, you have to be ready to do the inner work required to become the person you aspire to be. Bali offers rapid feedback; it has a high vibration and can be surprisingly fast-paced, even though there are quieter places if you seek them out. Many people arrive with specific goals—whether it’s spiritual exploration, building a business, or personal development. For some, it’s an eye-opening experience where they discover unresolved emotional baggage, and that can take them on an unexpected journey.
Before you move anywhere, especially to a place like Bali, ask yourself: What am I truly looking for? If your reasons are clear and still feel right, then it’s time to research and prepare. She recommends talking to people who actually live in Bali, rather than reading online forums, where opinions can be all over the place. Real-life experiences will give you a more grounded perspective.
Running Away vs. Moving Towards
She mentioned that often people are running away from something, and I’ve experienced that too, in the past. Does she feel that she was, in a sense, running away from her home base?
Nathalie would say that, yes, for many years, she was. But at the same time, she was also running towards what she knew she needed, so there were two sides to it.
For a long time, she never really felt like she fit in North America, even though she’s half European, half British. She could talk about this for a while, and it ties into her practice of astrology. Just because you're born somewhere and are raised by a certain family doesn't mean those lessons or cultural connections align with your true self. We often hear that you’re "from here" because you were born in a specific place, but that doesn’t necessarily reflect how you feel on a deeper level. Her soul, for instance, resonates much more with places like Mexico or Italy—especially Italy. That’s where she feels most herself.
When she was younger, she felt the need to explore life beyond North America. There’s a particular way of life in North America—it’s about working hard, going to school, getting married, having kids, buying a house. But a lot of people struggle with that path, especially if it doesn’t truly align with their desires or values.
She always had a different vision. She was drawn to culture and simpler ways of living, like living close to nature, with food that’s in tune with the environment. That’s just what suits her, generally. So, she needed to go out and experience different places and ways of life to understand what really resonated with her.
Addressing Fears of Living Abroad
As a woman and a mom, how does she stay secure while living abroad? Many people hesitate to move elsewhere because they’re attached to the comfort of their home country, with its social security and government support. How does she make it work, especially now with a child in tow?
Nathalie thinks there’s a difference in how she operates compared to others, especially when she coaches women on this topic. Fear often arises when considering a big leap like moving abroad, but for her, she doesn’t focus on the fear. She sees it, of course, but she doesn’t give it her attention. She focuses on what’s pulling her forward instead. Having made similar leaps throughout her life, she trusts her inner guidance and intuition, and she’s learned that acting on that guidance is key.
As a parent, there have definitely been crunchier moments—times filled with the unknown and the pressure of having to figure things out. She has felt that pressure in her body, especially knowing she’s responsible for her child. But at the same time, she quickly reminds herself that she will figure it out. She has her, and that makes it possible. It’s like the fear cancels out, and she believes in her ability to respond to whatever challenges come her way.
She acknowledges that not everyone’s mindset works like hers, and that’s okay. For her, the key is to act in spite of the fear. If she sits with the fear without taking action, it only grows. But if she acknowledges it and moves forward anyway, the fear becomes manageable. She’s learned that it’s better to act and risk making the wrong choice than to sit still in indecision. If Bali doesn’t feel right, for example, she’ll cross it off the list, and then something else will come in. It’s about progress, not perfection.
Nathalie also believes that her human design plays into how she processes transitions. Being a people person, she feels the need to connect with others, but when she’s in transition, she tries not to ask for advice. She knows that people often offer guidance based on their own fears, and that’s not helpful to her. In her experience, rushing, being impatient, or letting doubts and external opinions guide her only slows her down. So she takes her time, sits with what feels right, and trusts that clarity will come.
Loneliness and Connection Abroad
Is it difficult for her to be far away from where she comes from, even though she’s never felt at home there? Do you experience loneliness when living abroad?
Nathalie would say yes, it can be difficult, but it really depends on what you're used to. If it’s someone’s first time living abroad, it’s bound to feel different. She’s lived abroad multiple times—four, technically, since she’s moved around quite a bit. And there are moments, like the ones Cheryl Strayed described, where you’ll miss the things you didn’t choose. Nathalie has learned to accept that.
For example, when her sister and mom visited Bali earlier this year, she had a tough time when her sister left. She found herself looking around and asking, “Why am I here?” Her relationship with her sister is so important to her. But after a few days of missing her, she reflected on it and realized that the life she was creating in Bali still serves her, even without her sister being there. If she decided to move back, she'd still be following the path that was meant for her—just not one that revolves around her sister.
Nathalie believes that some people are deeply attached to their families and feel that connection very strongly. For those people, living abroad could feel more isolating. But for her, she finds freedom in flowing with life and letting it take her where it may. She’s never understood people who go to the same cabin every year for 25 years. She always thought, “Why not explore somewhere new?” But she’s also aware that some people thrive on consistency, and that’s okay too.
This is why she started using astrology charts in her coaching. It helps her understand her clients better and provides permission for people to embrace their own design. She doesn’t just want to coach people who have lived her exact life. Instead, she wants to help women understand their own paths and how their unique designs influence their choices. For some, a life of adventure might be a temporary chapter, not a forever choice. For others, a balance of both consistency and adventure can be possible.
Understanding what truly makes you thrive—whether that’s having a stable “home” or craving new experiences—is the beauty of getting to know yourself. It’s about identifying your priorities and finding the right balance for you.
Supporting Clients Through Astrology
How does she support her clients today? If someone was interested in working with her, what would that process look like?
Nathalie shares that after she had her daughter, she quickly realized that while she was doing copywriting and behind-the-scenes work for businesses and brands, she was also naturally leaning into coaching. She found herself giving feedback and offering insights based on psychology and her own intuition, without fully realizing at first what she was doing. Then, as she deepened her interest in astrology, she began to incorporate it into her work. When she read her clients’ charts, it clicked—this was why certain things weren’t working. Over time, astrology became an integral part of her practice.
Now, after nearly seven years of this journey, she offers astrology sessions as a way to help clients understand themselves better. She’s also known in Canada as a yoga teacher and spiritual guide, so some people might find it surprising that she’s working with businesses. But to Nathalie, it’s all about guiding people toward a clearer path that aligns with their true selves.
People can book sessions with her to explore astrology or intuitive guidance. In an intuitive session, clients come to her with their concerns, and Nathalie taps into her intuition to see what might be surrounding them and why they’re facing certain challenges. Much of this comes from her years of experience teaching yoga, where she learned to connect deeper with people’s energies and needs.
Additionally, Nathalie offers packages for women to work through consistent blocks she often sees in their professional lives. She notices that many women have a wealth of ideas but struggle with clarity—unable to decide where to start. It’s like having too many balloons in the sky and not knowing which one to pull down first. This overwhelm can prevent action from being taken. Nathalie helps women break things down, so they can focus and move forward.
Another major theme she works on with clients is self-worth. She reflects that she, too, has had to work through her own blocks around self-worth, often not realizing how deep-seated those beliefs were. This work is transformative, as it helps women gain the courage to face old fears and beliefs that may be holding them back.
For those interested in astrology, Nathalie combines it with intuitive readings to guide her clients, helping them clear away personal blocks and gain insight into their unique paths. She also specializes in brand work, helping women move forward with their businesses, clearing mental clutter, and enabling growth.
She notes that for women looking to grow—especially in the financial realm—many hidden beliefs and past experiences can hold them back. The work she does helps bring those buried beliefs to the surface, allowing clients to release them and make space for new growth and experiences. It’s truly fascinating how our bodies and minds can carry these unexamined blocks, and how transformative it is to work through them.
Building a Relationship with Finances
At first, it might seem strange to talk about having a relationship with money, but Nathalie believes that if people are called to create something new in their lives and are willing to do the inner work, it can lead to a beautiful and fulfilling journey. No matter where you're starting from, she emphasizes that you have a great life to live, and it’s important to understand what that means for you personally.
Nathalie touches on the topic of self-worth, especially for women entrepreneurs, and the struggle of pricing services. For many, especially when you're not charging by the hour, it’s hard to determine what your work is truly worth.
In early 2023, Nathalie had a breakthrough while working on a project in Bali. She was in a flow of creativity when she realized that money is not a solid, static thing—it’s a relationship. Just like you have a relationship with food or your breath, your relationship with money evolves.
She believes that many women have a negative perception of money, often seeing it as something that can either be stressful or abundant, but never both. Nathalie worked on shifting this perception, releasing the stress tied to money. She no longer defines her worth based on how much money she’s making or whether she’s in debt. Instead, she’s focused on the idea that money is a tool that can come and go in different phases of life.
She acknowledges that money, much like love, requires risk and openness. If you limit yourself with a mindset that money is scarce or that you only deserve a little, that’s exactly what you’ll attract. But if you shift to a mindset of trust and abundance, more opportunities can come your way.
Nathalie also reflects on how many women underprice themselves or avoid talking about money altogether, leading to financial strain and side jobs just to make ends meet. She’s saddened when she sees entrepreneurs with incredible gifts but not making enough money to support their businesses or lifestyles. The core issue, she believes, is the way women approach money—often from a place of fear or lack of understanding.
She has learned that a healthier relationship with money means releasing stress, trusting in your worth, and allowing yourself to expand. Money flows more freely when you cultivate love and care for it, just as you would in a relationship. And like any relationship, it requires ongoing attention and nurturing. Nathalie likens this to a long-term marriage—if you want to build something lasting, you have to continue to "date" your finances and maintain that connection.
In her work with women, Nathalie encourages a shift in mindset, especially around numbers. Money isn’t just about the bottom line; it’s about the energy you bring to your business and your life. If you love what you do and you create an environment that reflects that, others will be attracted to it, including the money that comes with it.
She also touches on how women’s historical relationship with money has been shaped by conditioning. Throughout history, women were often excluded from wealth-building and faced physical or societal threats when they attempted to claim financial power. Today, however, women entrepreneurs are breaking through these barriers, even though they might still face challenges when it comes to pricing and marketing their businesses.
Nathalie’s new course addresses the history of women and money, and she’s excited to share it in 2024. She believes that women can be powerful in both their businesses and their relationship with money. For her, it’s a spiritual journey—learning to understand how you’re wired, supporting yourself, and reclaiming your financial power as an entrepreneur.
She encourages others to embrace this process of growth and transformation, reminding us that we’re always allowed to start again, to refresh, and to make new choices. As she continues her own journey, she feels more aligned with the idea that money is not a fixed thing—it’s a dynamic relationship that can be cultivated with intention, trust, and love.
To hear the full conversation with Nathalie, tune in on your favorite podcast platform.
Connect with Nathalie:
Email: nathaliesaunderson@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathalie.bryn.saunderson/
Something exciting! Nathalie’s launching her 6-week program ELEVATED, which walks women through the necessary components of expanding their work. Mind, body, soul, and practical brand necessities. Uniting the masculine and feminine approach to business.
Connect with Me:
Check out mine and Shannon’s upcoming Abundance in Love Retreat and Program: REGISTRATION For Retreat
Date Your Finances website: Lucie HAUTREUX
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