PAOLA PELLETIER-OZUNA (she/her)
Over a decade ago, my journey to yoga began with an intense hot yoga class held in a humble, tucked-away studio at the edge of my university's campus. As the class increased in intensity and heat, I kept leaving the room, unsure as to whether I could get through it. Yet, once class ended, I felt a subtle shift had taken place inside of me. As I stepped outside into the embrace of the crisp autumn air, I noticed a weight had lifted from my body. I had left something behind on that mat, and with each passing year of dedicated practice, I began to understand the true nature of yoga's transformative power.
Yoga, I realized, does not seek to remove any parts of who we are; instead, it guides us toward a profound reunion with our true selves. It moves us closer to the essence of our being, to the place we call home within ourselves. After years of leaving and returning to yoga, in 2018, I embarked on a consistent and unwavering commitment to my yoga practice when I had the privilege of experiencing the profound impact of being part of a Black-owned yoga studio in Dorchester, MA, where I learned from remarkable teachers like Linda Wells and Sharon Amos. Here, yoga became a vessel for personal liberation, a powerful tool for self-discovery, and a conduit for honoring my body's exquisite movement and breath.
During this journey, I knew I wanted to share the profound gifts of yoga with others. My purpose was to offer yoga's transformative power to all practitioners but with a particular focus on BIPOC and historically marginalized communities. I recognized the need for greater accessibility and inclusivity in the yoga community and I embarked on a journey to become a certified yoga teacher, investing 200 hours in rigorous training to deepen my understanding and embody the wisdom of this ancient practice.
What You Can Expect From My Classes
In my classes, I aim to create a supportive community where you can explore the depths of your being, nurture self-love and acceptance, and embrace the beauty and strength that residents within us. Slow flows and gentle asanas will be frequent. We'll sprinkle challenging poses here and there to help us find our edge and a bit of joy.