Attalie Santiago

A Mother of two talented and intelligent children [and I don't just say that because I'm their Mom] who fondly refer to themselves as "Yoga orphans" when I teach classes late into the evenings; I reside in Central Texas. I am also the proud Mom of a delightful yorkshire terrier who tenderly licks my face when I am in Savasana and paws into downward dog underneath me while I am in the pose myself. Fitness has been a constant in my life. As early as elementary school, I participated in track and field events. As a sprinter and triple jumper in High School I established the discipline to train my body. As I entered my early adult years the Ms Fitness craze changed my running routine and introduced me to body sculpting and weight training. The rigors of what to eat and a lifestyle that was not emotionally healthy soon passed. As life happened I settled into the busy life of being a military wife, a mother, a non-traditional Grad student and finally arrived at being a mature woman with a professional degree in Psychology. Through all of that I would occasionally find the time to exercise or run. Because running was simple and familiar I settled back into the routine; however, this time it was distance. Running more miles each week and being exposed to Runners High took on new meaning to my body. Soon aches and pains, cramps, blisters and a list of small annoying injuries became an issue. I was destroying my body & pounding my joints all in the name of Fitness.  An instructor at Gold's Gym encouraged me to incorporate yoga. I thought at the mere mention of this that I was now a slug made to sit on a yoga mat and zen with my eyes closed thinking good thoughts about Buda. Of course, I didn't go. A few weeks later when my body ached for movement but running was not an option, I took my first yoga class at the community center. I was amazed that women over the age of 60 moved with grace and ease, breathing with each movement and doing so effortlessly. Here I was in my early 30's and I could barely touch my toes when cued to forward fold. At the end of class the other women shared their stories and encouraged me to come back. They were exhausted by their practice but filled with energy. It was hard to explain what I experienced but I knew I had to keep doing it. I ventured into classes at Golds Gym and immediately became addicted. I understood in a strange way that this was more than just exercise. It was a way of life. It was a way of being. It was the answer to my worries. It was the clarity to my fog. it was the change my body always needed.  A few years later. I was approached by the Group Exercise Manager at Golds and asked to consider becoming a Yoga Instructor. Flattered that she would ask, I thought "surely she jests, I can't teach". A few months later I took my first certified yoga teachers course, my group fitness cert and began to teach yoga for Golds Gym. That was over 7 years ago. I tried many different types of yoga and took many workshops but yearned for more. The opportunity to take a 3 day immersion with Baron Baptiste shook my world and steered me to where I am now.  My love for  Power Vinyasa led me to a wonderful studio in Austin Texas. Breath and Body Yoga.  I studied under Desirae Pierce who helped transform me into a teacher of inquiry, a teacher of intention and passion. A teacher that brought the fire but still found her "fun"!  This journey has been life changing and humbling. It has opened my life to a balance that was not possible before.   I continue to teach and now fervently look to open my own studio so that I may give back and share this with others. No more aches and pains. My body is in the best shape it has ever been in. I have fought severe illness and continue to stay healthy with my yoga practice. Sridaiva training with Desi Springer and John Friend taught me the importance of the spine and it's natural "bowspring" alignment. I have found new ways to teach others to be successful in their practice by knowing human physiology on a much deeper level. Most of all yoga is a platform to encourage others and empower them to fulfill their journey. At the end of each class that I lead I pray that my words strengthen and empower those who are on their mats. At the end of each personal practice I seek to absorb my own change and implement growth. This journey continues each and every day, and each day brings something new and amazing to learn and share.  My only regret is that I didn't find yoga earlier in my life but I am grateful for having it now and hope that this journey will continue to help enlighten & empower others & myself for years to come.