Natalie Geld

Photo: Gentl and Hyers

Natalie Geld
Age 52, producer of the upcoming PBS series The Feeling Brain

"We live in our head, out of touch with our body's wisdom. I believe we need to develop what I call sensual intelligence, being engaged with our body instead of fixated on it. The more viscerally aware we are, the more emotionally fit we are, and the more pleasure we allow ourselves. That is a power you feel deeply."
Claire Bracken and Clare Hussain

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Claire Bracken and Clare Hussain
Age 37, best friends for 23 years

Claire Bracken (left): "People call us the two Claires. We met in school in Dublin, and fate brought us to New York City. I love her sense of fun and her heart."

Clare Hussain: "We were mischievous in our school days! But though we're parents with responsibilities now, we still find ways to be little minxes now and again."
Nadine Wallace

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Nadine Wallace
Age 63, yogi

"I found yoga 16 years ago after I was diagnosed with stenosis, osteoarthritis, and bulging discs. Now I practice six days a week and stay relatively pain-free with no prescriptions. Being upside down feels amazing for my body and mind because I have to stay focused, balanced, and strong from the tips of my toes to the top of my head. It literally changes my perspective. Yoga and meditation have also helped me become a less judgmental, controlling person and mother—I have four adult children. I'm continually learning to go with the flow."
Ellie Shepley

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Ellie Shepley
Age 26, wellness coach

"I used to think of broccoli as a delivery system for ranch dressing. But then my mom started making small changes to our diet, like almond milk instead of dairy, and over time our family's health was transformed—my allergies even went away. Food is the foundation of mental, physical, spiritual and emotional well-being, and what we eat can either build us up or break us down."
Chiara D'Agostino

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Chiara D'Agostino
Age 44, breast cancer survivor

"In 2014, I was diagnosed with stage II triple-negative breast cancer. I found the lump on the eve of my 43rd birthday, the month after my dad died. I had chemotherapy and two mastectomies. After the first surgery, my boyfriend broke up with me—when I moved out, I still had drains in my side. But I'm even more resilient now. I threw a 'boob-bye' party before each mastectomy, and started a blog (beautythroughthebeast.com) for other women going through this. I feel strong these days simply because I'm alive."
Amber Owens

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Amber Owens
Age 36, dancer, currently appearing in Aladdin on Broadway

"I didn't start dance classes until I was almost 12, which is late for girls. Onstage is where I feel the most beautiful, and as I've gotten older, that confidence has spread into my everyday life. We can all keep dancing, no matter our age! Just about everyone on the planet dances during their most joyous moments. No one is ever too old for pure joy."