My name is Monica Arellano

I am a student of yoga. My curiosity and passion for these ancient practices will fuel me forever. The techniques, their residue, its context, the application, the modern-day implications, and perspectives. All of it inspires my moment to moment unfolding journey. It all informs how I relate to myself physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and everything in between. As a reflection of everything yoga touches inside me, it lights the path for how I hope to show up in the world and in my relationships.

Today, my daily practice consists of asana, meditation, and pranayama. But also, simply finding my feet on the ground throughout the day. Each of these practices on their own as well as each revealing insights to the others have helped me bridge the physical and the spiritual experience. Not only as separate expereinces co-existing but as one holistic experience that’s allowed me to know myself more honestly.​ These practices ground me and allow me to find a home in me wherever I go. They’ve shown me again and again, that I truly do have everything I need and who I uniquely am is worthy of expression.

I love sharing what I've learned so far and I'm always exploring new and more precise ways of communicating my experiences and how I’ve understood the teachings from my teachers.​ Using the space of teaching to share my love for this practice has brought me more joy than I could have imagined. Even more, cultivating community through teaching and allowing its potential to be expressed through group practice and contemplation has shown me first-hand the depth of our interconnectedness, all possible by the container of practice.

I am a Level 2 Authorized teacher in the Ashtanga Yoga Method; a formal blessing received by one of my teacher R. Sharath Jois in Mysore, India. I continue to travel to Mysore on a yearly basis to learn yoga from the source.​

First connecting to yoga in 2010, I was naturally drawn towards the practice not really understanding why at first. I eventually discovered, and continue to re-discover today, in the movements of asana and supporting philosophies, a tangible practice to reflect my lifelong inclination towards spirituality. When I found my way to Miami Life Center in 2014, I began a regular Ashtanga Yoga practice and soon after completed a 2-year apprenticeship program with an emphasis on the Mysore style of Ashtanga Yoga

More recently I’ve completed a yearlong philosophy immersion with Ty Landrum, a month-long teacher’s intensive with Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor, an adjustment intensive with David Swenson and a month-long teacher’s immersion with Ty Landrum. I’m also the Programming Director for Omstars, an online yoga channel and community founded by Kino MacGregor. .

Being a student on this somatic and spiritual journey is a never-ending process that keeps me connected to myself and the source which inspires me to continue stepping into the role of teacher. In practice and sharing, I love to explore the foundations, go back to the basics. By re-discovering and finding the intricacies there, we have the potential for insight that can be applied throughout the entire practice and to daily living. Everything we need to know is reflected in the simplest of details including the most profound philosophical teachings. Finding inspiration and a sense of awe in the mundane, being curious about its various expressions from endless perspectives, as if we we’re going back to the mindset of being a child or a beginner is where I’ve found the best gems yet. ​

My classes emphasize the breath, internal form, and self-exploration; encouraging a space to feel into the experience of yoga and authentic expression according to each student’s unique body and mind. In this space, I believe we can deconstruct unhealthy patterns, facilitate healing on many levels, and find our way back to the most honest version of ourselves.