We were lucky to catch up with Carmen Sanchez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Carmen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

One of the most significant influences in my life and career has been my mother, a very special woman who raised three daughters, including me, the middle child. She was a single mother for a long time, and her teachings had a profound impact on me, particularly in my adult years. During my teenage years, I struggled with typical prejudices and didn’t fully appreciate her. However, as I grew older and faced many transitions, I began to see the positive influence she had on my life and career, shaping my vision as a woman, mother, and professional.

In our neighborhood in Venezuela, my mother voluntarily taught our 15-year-old neighbor to read and write. At the time, I was about 12 years old and didn’t fully admire her actions, but I observed her. She taught me to persevere through difficulties and guided me in choosing a career path. I was unsure whether to pursue a traditional university education or continue my preparation as a dancer, as there was no university-level dance program in Venezuela at the time. My mother encouraged me to pursue a university degree while also following my passion for dance. This dual path shaped my journey significantly.

My mother taught me to keep dreaming and supported me in my dancing career until the end. Perseverance and service are qualities she instilled in me without knowing it. As I matured, I realized that everything I chose to do in life was rooted in serving others through my classes. My work in yoga and inclusive movement is a testament to her influence. My mother’s examples of giving, serving, and persevering continue to inspire me as a woman, mother, and artist.

I am deeply grateful for the lessons I observed and absorbed from my mother. What we don’t understand or value in our youth often matures and becomes clear with time, and I am incredibly thankful for her impact on my life.

Carmen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Carmen Sanchez, and I am a certified yoga instructor originally from Venezuela. I moved to the USA in 2007 for love, leaving behind my family and life as a contemporary professional dancer. Dance deeply shaped my personal growth and introduced me to the power of breath awareness,

My transition from dance to yoga was a natural progression. Yoga provided me with self-observation and mindfulness tools that I now share with participants. Since graduating from Yoga schools in the USA, I have been passionate about guiding inclusive movement classes based on yoga.

I offer inclusive yoga classes designed for individuals of all ages and abilities. My classes cater to children, adults, and people with special needs, particularly autistic children. I aim to make yoga accessible and beneficial for everyone.

Through these yoga classes, I help individuals improve their physical and mental well-being. I focus on inclusivity, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and supported, regardless of their physical abilities or background.

What sets me apart is my commitment to inclusivity and creating a welcoming environment where diversity is celebrated. My background in dance enriches my yoga practice, bringing a unique blend of movement and mindfulness to my classes.

I am most proud of the inclusive community I have built through these classes. My work at Beloved Yoga Sanctuary in Northern Virginia exemplifies this, as it is a place where my accent is not a hindrance and inclusivity is a priority. Here, I guide seasonal classes that promote growth and well-being for all participants.

I believe that small impacts create expansive benefits for individuals and communities. My mission is to serve from the heart, inspire through movement, and foster an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I would love to highlight how being the daughter of a single mother and surviving social challenges have taught me to value life’s struggles. My childhood years were very difficult. Watching my mother work hard and ensuring we never had a sad Christmas by finding small gifts so that we, her three daughters, wouldn’t feel the scarcity, was impactful. Looking back, I am proud to know and feel that although it wasn’t easy at the time, as a child, all those memories are like a movie we once lived—we cried, laughed, and then learned the lessons.

Seeing that mother and her three girls (my movie) with a great ending as we live our lives today—now grown women with my mother, who is more elderly but still full of vital energy, continuing to teach us—strengthens and touches my heart. These experiences have instilled resilience in me, demonstrating that no matter the difficulties, we can always persevere and find joy and meaning in life.

This journey has had a profound impact on my approach to yoga and inclusive movement classes, inspiring me to create spaces where everyone feels included and supported, just as my mother did for us. Her perseverance and service have shaped my career and my commitment to fostering a compassionate and inclusive community. Every challenge we faced as a family has taught me to appreciate the strength in persistence and the beauty in giving selflessly, values that I carry into my work every day.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely, the driving force behind my creative journey is fostering inclusivity and well-being through movement. My mission is to create spaces where individuals of all ages and abilities can express themselves, feel supported, and embrace their uniqueness. I believe that inclusivity builds healthy communities and powerful dialogue that blossoms into a more compassionate world.

Guiding inclusive movement classes based on yoga tools allows me to support the physical, emotional, and cognitive layers of the body, helping participants improve balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility. This mission has been reinforced by my personal journey and the resilience instilled in me by my mother, whose perseverance and service taught me the importance of giving selflessly and supporting others.

Ultimately, my goal is to inspire others to find their own inner strength and well-being, creating a ripple effect of positivity and inclusivity within their communities. This mission drives every aspect of my work, from teaching classes to engaging with diverse groups, and ensures that my creative journey remains meaningful and impactful.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmenmovement/?__pwa=1
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/carmensanchezyoga

Image Credits

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