It is inevitable to experience obstacles in life.

It is inevitable to experience obstacles in life.
And this year?
They’ve come one after another.

Some hit harder than others—leaving a sting, a residue…
or as we say in yoga, an impression.

But even in the muck of it all, I’ve learned to see the good.
The kind that lights a fire under your seat and pushes you forward.
In yogic philosophy, that fire is called Tapas—the fire of transformation.
The fire of passion.

This Year Has Been Dusty…

Dusty in the way where I sometimes can’t see clearly—
either because I’m clouding my own vision,
or someone throws dirt in my face,
and I have to wipe it away with my tears.

So many tears.

I’ve been walked over, taken advantage of, rejected, stolen from, lied to, and mistreated—
not just this year, but honestly, most of my life.

Whether because I’m Puerto Rican, sassy, spirited, assertive,
or simply someone who’s not afraid to walk to the beat of her own drum—
I’ve had to learn how to stand in my truth.

And today, I can say:
I am stronger.
I know myself more.
I am happy.

Happy 8-Year Anniversary to Y Respira

This marks 8 years of teaching what I now call:

Preservation of the Self.
Preservation of the Spirit.

And wow… what a journey it has been.
So much inner work. So much unlearning.
So much loving. So much growing.

Thank You to Those Who Believed

To the beautiful souls I’ve crossed paths with along the way—
people like Sarah, my first boss at the Hillsborough YMCA who gave me so many opportunities.
People like Julie, my first landlord who believed in me and stayed by my side like a sister—
reminding me that I can do this… and I am doing this.

And of course, my mom,
who has always stood right beside me through the storm and the sun.

And you, my student-teachers—
from whom I learn every single day.
It is my deepest honor to teach, to cry, to laugh, and to struggle with you.

We Are a Studio of Real People

I have chosen a life where I meet others
who aren’t afraid to share their real struggles.
Their daily truths.

This is what makes Raleigh NC Yoga—aka Y Respira Yoga Studio—a true home.
You all make it worth every second.

I love what I do.
With all my heart.

And for every time you’ve let me guide you,
thank you.

From the bottom of my soul,
~ Namaste
– Claudia