4 minute read
SpanishYoga
from Issue #3: JOY
INTERVIEW WITH NATALIA TABILO FOUNDER OF YOGA FOR ALL BODIES™
BY: IANA VELEZ
You are originally from Chile, what differences do you notice in how yoga is practiced and taught in Chile?
Yoga is becoming more and more popular in Chile and I would say the biggest difference is that the styles in Chile are really determined. For example, the teachers are really focused on teaching in the tradition in which they studied or were formed as teachers, so there's a lot of Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Iyengar in a really purist way. This sadly focuses on making the student fit the teachings, shapes, and postures rather than what I happily see more and more in the USA which is adapting the shapes to fit the student (and not the student adapting to the posture).
You are one of the few platforms that shares yoga classes in both English and Spanish. Was it challenging to adapt your teaching and sequences into Spanish?
Ohhh yes!! Especially because in Spanish we have so many ways to say one word, and it varies from country to country. So definitely it has been a learning curve, but a fun one! And I’m always learning from fellow yoga teachers, so muy agradecida
What resources do you recommend for anyone interested in teaching yoga in English and Spanish?
I invite everybody to check out the Accessible Yoga Association, they are doing awesome work! And they have part of their work and training in Español. Also, please check out the book Science of Yoga by Ann Swanson which is available in English and Spanish. It is an amazing resource.
What advice would you give to someone who is new to teaching yoga?
Always remember your why. Why you decided to become a yoga teacher, why do you want to teach the style of the population you are teaching. If you remember your why, it will inform the way you teach, the words, the cues, the trainings you need to take, the classes you need to say yes to and those who you need to say no to. Remember your why and go for it!
You have been named a “changemaker” in yoga, who would you consider a changemaker in yoga?
First of all, the teachers who almost anonymously are everyday changing the narrative around yoga and making it truly accessible and welcoming to all no matter their students’ size, shape, abilities, age, health or experience with the practice. These teachers are truly making the difference!
Everyone on the faculty of the Accessible Yoga Association and Rodrigo Souza, the Founder of Allihopa Yoga, he is from Brazil and specializes in sharing yoga with people who are wheelchair users.
Who would you consider a changemaker in the Spanish speaking yoga community?
Fer Arnaud, is from Mexico, and she is a teacher in a larger body who is sharing the message that everybody can practice the more active and physical styles like vinyasa and ashtanga. Krystal Pérez quien está haciendo un trabajo maravilloso y tan necesario compartiendo Yoga Sensible al Trauma en español.
The theme of our issue is JOY, how do you create JOY in your life?
By trying mindfully and consciously to be present where my feet are. Enjoying and cherishing all the moments in real time, not focusing on the past or planning the future. Playing with my cat and my dog, loving my husband, my friends, and my family in Chile and of course staying true to my mission on this earth that is sharing yoga with all bodies and minds and doing it with all my heart!
Learn more: @yogaforallbodies
