Beginner

I have read all of these articles and have listened to several vocal coaches talk about breathing, posture, throat openness, etc. If I were to sing with the mechanics that my body and throat naturally want to use, can I improve with warm ups, exercises, and song work? Hopefully that makes since to you. I feel like I have put all this effort into being conscious about all these things that it takes away from naturally singing.

That does make sense. Your "natural" way of singing feels most relaxed to you, and it will certainly take some time for the elements of vocal technique to also feel relaxed and "natural". But that's the very goal of consistent exercise: building habits that become muscle memory, so eventually belly breathing, good posture, and resonant space all feel natural. I'm glad you pointed this out! 

The thing is - our "natural" singing habits include things that may work in the short term, but are limiting down the road. Our tendency to "shout" when we're high in chest voice works for a little while, but is eventually too taxing to be sustained. 

I do want to add, though: if you're singing songs with a limited range, you can "get away with" little to no vocal technique. People might not buy the "Bob Dylan vocal method", but they definitely buy his music. So not all of our "natural" sound or instincts are "bad". It really comes down to training so you're less limited as a vocalist and can maintain good vocal health for a long, long time. 

Thank you for your input! I will definitely keep working to form correct singing habits! 

Awesome! Best of luck.