Interview with Natalia Tabilo

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 and adapting the shapes to fit the student (and not the student adapting to the posture).

You did your YTT in English, and 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 (IG: @AccessibleYoga), they are doing awesome work! And they have part of their work and training in Español.

Also, please check out the book “The Science of Yoga” (IG: @scienceof.yoga)  written by Ann Swanson (IG: @annswansonwellness) which is available in English, Spanish, and more languages! It is an amazing resource.

What is one piece of advice you would 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!

Also, Everyone on the faculty of the Accessible Yoga Association (@AccessibleYoga) and Rodrigo Souza, the Founder of Allihopa Yoga (IG: @AlliHopayoga), 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 (@FerArnaudYoga), she 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! Check her out!

And Krystal Perez (IG: @TuMovimientoSensible) 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?
I create joy 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 Luka Modris and my dog Trixie Pixie, loving my husband 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!