Wellness Influencer Interview: Nikki Ralston

NAME: Nikki Ralston

OCCUPATION: Owner of Urban Ashram, developer of ‘The Ralston Method’, yoga educator, massage therapist and my number one job mother to my gorgeous 8 year old daughter!

Please tell us a little about your business, yourself and how you

got to where you are now in the wellness industry…

I was blessed to grow up in a super sporty, healthy family, my Dad was an international running and triathlon coach, so wellness and coaching is not just in my blood it’s a way of life. Ive been a massage therapist for 15 years and practicing yoga for 10, from my very first class I knew it was something that would later want to train in to further develop my mind/body understanding and how I could work with clients in a more holistic life enhancing way. I guess you could say I’m a bit of a yoga rebel, I took the bold step of opening my own studio a year ago and developing my own style of unified wellness. While I very much honour the tradition of yoga, I constantly stay innovative in my approach and discovery, after all that is what I encourage in my students to do.Opening the studio came not long after I lost my Dad to cancer, it was over this time that the tools I had developed in my practise of yoga really helped me to navigate through one of the most challenging points in my life. We are here in this lifetime for a finite time and I choose to follow my bliss and do what I love every day.

What does ‘living naturally’ mean to you?

Living naturally to me, means living an authentic life, that is true to myself. To be committed to growth and a deeper understanding, to live in harmony with others and my environment. 

What does a typical day in the wellness world look like for you?

Wake up to cuddles and giggles with my daughter, fuel up for the day with a superfood smoothie, get Ahlianah to school and head to the studio to teach one of my private groups, reply to e-mails or get in my own yoga practice, teach a lunch time class, refuel the body then move into either massage or more yoga teaching. Returning home to more giggles and night time cuddles, nutritious dinner, catch up on paper work, some yin yoga and a deep sleep...... wow thats just one day!

What are your top 3 tips for staying fit and healthy?

• Balanced diet, yoga and laughter.
• Make time for the things that nourish your soul, that inspire you and ignite your inner flame.

In a nutshell, what’s your food philosophy?

Mostly plant based nutrient dense foods, listening to what your body needs. The more in balance you are with your body the more you can interpret its needs. Sometimes I actually NEED dark chocolate!!!

What do you do to ‘reset’ the balance button when life gets a bit hectic?

Put my phone away, go to the beach, and flip handstands, dive in the water and play!

We’re all about balance around here…What’s your biggest indulgence?

Dark chocolate, reflexology, and a really nice meal out with friends and a glass of champagne.

What healthy snacks might we find on your desk or in your handbag?

Loving earth raw bars or ceres raw bars.

Can you share with us your top two pieces of advice for people wanting to start a career in the wellness industry?

Live a healthy balanced life yourself, skill yourself up with really good training in your chosen area, be a total geek read lots, ask lots of questions. Most importantly follow your heart and share what you know, from that place. Be authentically beautifully you, other people with resonate with that more than anything.

Do you have a favourite afrmation or quote you remind yourself of when life throws you a few challenges?

I am enough.

What are your goals and aspirations for the coming year?

To teach at the full Wanderlust festival next year, to lead workshops and retreats both nationally and internationally. To publish a book and dvd. My big goal is to get yoga and

mindfulness teachings in all schools throughout the country.....that one is long term but I’m putting it out there now

Thank you Nikki, I can't wait to join you for a class at the Wanderlust Festival in Auckland this weekend! x

http://www.theralstonmethod.com/about.html
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