NoMiNoU Ambassador Profile: Rebecca Close
In addition to being a runner, cyclist and yoga instructor, NoMiNoU Ambassador Rebecca Close is also a Master Mariner (which means she is qualified to sail any type of commercial boat anywhere in the world)! In fact, it was during her time working on a ship that she began to fully embrace yoga, which she had begun practicing at the age of 18. When she returned to Vancouver, Rebecca decided to become certified as a yoga teacher, and the rest is history!
What does wellness mean to you?
It means taking care of yourself, mentally and physically, in order to achieve your full potential every day. Each person has completely different needs, and those needs change from day to day, and even hour to hour. Wellness is understanding your needs, being kind to yourself to ensure those needs are met and by doing so, you will be best equipped to be the best version of yourself for that moment.
How long have wellness and mindfulness been important parts of your life? Walk us through your personal wellness journey.
For as long as I can remember, wellness and mindfulness have been a part of my life. My mom set good examples from day one, ensuring we had healthy food, space to move around, loving kindness from friends and family, and a safe space to express emotions.
What does a day in your life look like?
Some mornings are more rushed than others. For example, I teach early classes two days a week where I simply get up, get myself clean and presentable, and get out the door to the studio. But on a typical day, I go through my morning routine of tongue scraping and drinking warm water as I feed my dog and give her morning cuddles. Then I often go for a run before breakfast, usually around 5-10km, then get settled into the rest of whatever that day requires.
Because my teaching schedule doesn’t have regular hours, some days I’m out at a studio all morning while other days I won’t be at a studio until the evening. Whichever it is, my day is typically split between working from home as the studio workshop and retreats organizer for Instinctive Health, maintaining my work for whatever other things I have on the go, and walking the dog.
My evenings, if not at a studio, are usually spent at home with my husband and dog, making dinner together. Sometimes we’ll watch some TV, sometimes go out to a friend’s house, or sometimes go to a pub quiz. Whichever it is, I’m typically in bed by 10:30 to try and get a full night’s sleep because I definitely feel it if I’m not well rested!
How do you incorporate wellness into your everyday life?
I try to always keep my meals well balanced and as regularly timed as possible. I take mini meditation and yoga breaks where I’ll take 5-20 minutes and go through a sitting practice or a bit of movement. I try to enjoy the times when I’m not busy and allow myself to just chill out and be in the moment.
What are your top three wellness tips?
1. Start your day with a large glass of warm water.
2. Move every day, whether it’s yoga, dancing alone in your living room, going for a 10 mile run, or just walking down the road.
3. Don’t be afraid to fail.
Words you live by?
To take care of yourself is not selfish, it’s necessary. I’m a big fan of taking time, even if just a few minutes a day, for myself. Whether that’s having a bath, cuddling my puppy or just sitting still, it’s time just for me. Doing this helps me be better prepared to take care of others.
What are your favourite items in the current NoMiNoU collection?
There’s so many to choose from, how long can I make this list?!? If I had to choose, it’d be the Warrior capri or shorts, or the Jaii Element Ocean Wings because I love how the colours really resemble the ocean. I also love the Bri capri in black and white, it reminds me of the silver birch tree. All the scarves are beautiful, I love a good scarf! I keep scrolling through the website and just seeing more and more!
What or who is currently inspiring you?
Currently, I find inspiration from a lot of places. I’ve been paying attention to Crossfit athletes a lot lately to get a better understanding of their needs through yoga, as I teach at a Crossfit gym. I’ve found inspiration through some of the other teachers I work with and their constant dedication to learning more. I also find inspiration through other people, not necessarily athletes of any sort. For example, a lot of my friends have children: watching them grow, move and learn is very inspiring.
What’s next for you? Any exciting projects, collaborations, events, or personal milestones in the works?
Outside of yoga, I am working on maintaining my qualification as Master Mariner, so I will hopefully be going off to sea for a little while over the next few years!
Enjoyed this article? Check out our other NoMiNoU ambassadors!
