Mary of BeNourished Wellness // Wellness Women.

How are we already half-way through March? Is anyone else freaked out by time sometimes? March 16th is my half birthday, and that means I’LL BE TURNING 30 IN 6 MONTHS. What-the-what!? I’m equal parts excited and also feeling a little bittersweet. Ready to kiss my 20’s goodbye, but also kinda in denial that I am this old. Cue T-Swift singing “I’m feeling twenty-two!”

Anyway, lots of things to be excited about life RIGHT NOW. So let’s stick to that, shall we? Because…. TODAY we’ve opened up our registration for the next Women’s Retreat in Blanco for an October weekend! Woopwoop!

Same place, slightly different. We are hoping to extend our time together, and already have several new activities/speakers lined up!

Why open registration so early?

Well, we wanted to give you plenty of time to budget, plan + prepare, should this align for you to attend and join us. We understand it’s an investment, but we hope that you will view it as an investment for YOU. 🙂 Because we are all about that #selfcare and #selflove, amiright?

Early Bird Registration is open NOW thru June 1st, and then rates will go up! We hope you will join us for another magical weekend on the river with some of your new soul sisters! If you are curious about what a Women’s Retreat with us involves, check out this post on our First Retreat Recap!

Speaking of soul sisters + retreat weekends, I am honored to introduce you to Mary, who was one of the yoga instructors during our February retreat weekend. She is a gem of a friend, and brings a sense of ease + joy wherever she goes.

MEET MARY

Mary Pratt, E200-500ryt, Free Life People

Nutritional Therapist, Nutritional Therapy Association

I grew up in the Boston area. I studied History at a local college and then worked in the finance industry for a few years. I met my husband who was an Army Officer and moved from the area. We have lived in many states and homes, but after 21 years moved back to the Boston area. We have three boys and a dog.

We just moved so I am still transitioning to the area. I am just starting to teach a couple yoga classes and am a nutrition coach at a local wellness facility. I am taking things day by day. My hobbies are yoga, reading, running, hiking (especially with my dog), basically being outside whenever possible. I also get in cooking mode every now and then and will play in the kitchen. I love cozy times hanging out with my family.

Fun facts: I am a sucker for quality conversation, let’s skip the small talk. I have lived in 13 homes in the past 20 years. I love the beach and the energy of the city. I absolutely love the morning. Fire pits with my husband make me happy.

FAVORITE FOOD, TREAT OR INDULGENCE? 

Favorite Food – this is constantly changing, but right now it seems to be brussel sprouts.

Indulgence – chocolate – I will splurge on dark chocolate for sure.

MUST HAVE SELF-CARE ITEM?

My yoga mat and bolster. I often end a day with some restorative of yin time. I also love to read.

WHAT TYPE OF MOVEMENT BRINGS YOU JOY?

It honestly depends on the day. Of course, I love yoga, but some days I may opt for a run or weight training.

SHARE A BIT ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH JOURNEY:

I was always an athlete or a person focused on fitness and wellness. In my mid-thirties, I started to feel some hormone dysfunction (mood imbalance, cravings cycle, etc) and started to really dive into nutrition. Eventually, my path led me to the NTA and it pretty much rocked my world and I feel so fortunate for that experience. During this same time, I found yoga and started to practice at home. I did this for a few years and then started to go to studio classes. I started yoga for the physicality, but was greatly impacted by the mindfulness piece. My curiosity was heightened and was led to a teacher training.

IF YOU ARE IN THE HEALTH REALM, DO YOU HAVE A PRACTICE? IF SO, WHAT DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN?

My nutrition practice is in a pause right now. I moved this year and my family has had a lot of transition. I am getting grounded in the area and am giving some space to see where my path is headed.

I also feel very led to focus a bit more on yoga right now so I have put some more time into this. I have started to teach a couple classes and some privates and that seems to be where my attention goes most often right now.

It is simply a way of life for me. My practice is ever changing because my schedule is always shifting, but I have felt the healing transformation of self care through nutrition, mindfulness and healthy movement.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO CONVEY TO OTHER WOMEN SEEKING OPTIMAL HEALTH?

Start Small – Trust Yourself – Listen/Pay attention our body speaks to us– Choose Love

IF YOU COULD GIVE ONE TIP TO SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT ON THEIR HEALTH JOURNEY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Find your tribe – community is inspiring, support is highly beneficial

SHARE YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE OR SOURCE OF INSPIRATION.

 

“The best way to invite love is to offer it first.” A. Judith

I pool inspiration from many places: books, my kids, my husband, people’s stories, personal experiences, journaling, meditation, conversation, etc.

HOW CAN SOMEONE REACH OUT TO CONNECT WITH YOU?

EMAIL: Mary@benourishedwellness.com

WEBSITE: benourishedwellness.com

INSTAGRAM: @benourishedwellness

IF YOU COULD PICK TWO WORDS TO REPRESENT YOUR PERSONAL MANTRA, WHAT WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?

be + Nourished

be = allowing space and feeling comfort in your authentic self
Nourished = an overall feeling of wellness. It is so much more than just food or movement.
Our thoughts and stress response is so relative in nourishment – feeling the balance of mind,
body and spirit.

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After our Women’s Retreat, Mary share a new set of words with me! RISE UP & TRUST. Check out the post on her site! It’s beautiful.