'Gratitude Helps Us Live More Fully'

Connecting Body and Mind: An Interview with Verónica Arroyo

 

In times of change and the search for purpose, Verónica inspires us to turn our passion into a life path. Her story is a testament to courage and the incredible transformative power of will. In this interview, Vero shares her personal journey, from her first encounters with yoga to the transformation this practice has brought to her life.

We will discover the importance of self-listening, respect, and gratitude as fundamental pillars for personal growth and how nature can be an inexhaustible source of inspiration for connecting with our inner selves. Join us in discovering how Verónica has turned yoga into her life path and how her teachings can inspire you to connect more deeply with your body, mind, and spirit. 

 

Interview with Verónica Arroyo @veronica.dharayoga by David A.

 

___________

 

What initially inspired you to dedicate yourself to yoga, and what does the practice mean to you today?

Yoga has been a path full of discoveries for me. Interestingly, it all started with the physical aspect. Seeing people performing inverted poses and arm balances fascinated me. I began practicing online—almost as a personal challenge—and little by little, my curiosity grew until one day I felt the need to explore more, to delve into what lay behind those poses.

When I finally joined in-person classes, I experienced something completely different; an energy I had never felt before. From that moment on, the quest for that connection through meditation, pranayama, and asanas became fundamental for me. Since then, my practice has evolved far beyond the physical. Now, yoga is my way of life; it is how I find balance and connect with myself.

My practice has evolved far beyond the physical. Now, yoga is my way of life

  

From those first steps online to becoming a yoga teacher, how would you describe your personal evolution over the years?

It has been a profound transformation. The practice of yoga has allowed me to get to know myself better, face my fears, and soften aspects of my personality. I used to be a person with a much stronger character, but yoga has taught me to be gentler with myself and others. Through practice, respect for my body, internal listening, and accepting my limits have become essential.

It's no longer just about perfecting a pose but about how I relate to myself and those around me. More and more, I approach that version of myself that I want to be—more connected, more conscious—and this has changed not only my practice but also my way of living and being present.

The practice of yoga has allowed me to get to know myself better, face my fears, and soften aspects of my character.

 

What motivates you each day to continue practicing and teaching yoga, even in the most challenging moments?

I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to dedicate myself to something I deeply love. Yoga, for me, is not just a profession; it’s a way of life. Seeing how people enter my classes and how they leave transformed fills me with energy and joy.

Even on days when I feel tired or overwhelmed by personal issues, I always find motivation in seeing the positive impact that the practice has on my students. At the end of each class, when I see them lying in savasana, in that state of peace and relaxation, I realize that everything is worth it.

That connection, that exchange of energies, is what drives me to keep going, even on the most challenging days.

That connection, that exchange of energies, is what drives me to keep going

Follow Verónica at @veronica.dharayoga

 

How do you integrate yoga teachings into your daily life, beyond the asanas?

The practice of yoga extends far beyond the mat. In fact, I consider asanas to be just a small part of everything yoga has to offer. In my day-to-day life, I rely on conscious breathing and meditation, especially during moments of stress or worry.

Sometimes, without realizing it, my body automatically shifts to deeper breathing when I'm tense or nervous. These simple yet powerful yoga practices help me reconnect with myself and maintain calm in difficult situations.

Also, when I feel my mind is clouded or I've lost focus, I take a moment to read an inspiring book, listen to a podcast, or recite a mantra. These small pauses are essential for my well-being and personal growth.

The practice of yoga extends far beyond the mat

 

Speaking of philosophy and values, what are the fundamental values that guide your life and decisions?

Respect and love are the fundamental pillars of my life. I firmly believe in the importance of respecting ourselves and others and cultivating love in all its forms. These values guide both my personal practice and my teaching.

In every class, I try to convey to my students the importance of listening to themselves, being kind to their bodies, and accepting their own limits. It's not about forcing oneself into a perfect pose but about respecting what each person needs at that moment.

I believe that when we cultivate respect and love, not only towards ourselves but towards all beings, we create a more beautiful and harmonious world.

Respect and love are the fundamental pillars of my life 

 

In some of your social media posts, you share quotes and reflections on purpose and the meaning of life. What gives you purpose, and how do you maintain it in your daily life?

For me, the purpose of life lies in enjoying the small daily moments. I believe the key is to break down each day and find happiness in those moments we sometimes overlook.

While it's important to have bigger goals, I think true satisfaction comes from appreciating the small achievements and moments of happiness that build our day-to-day lives. Every day, I try to find something to be grateful for, something that makes me smile.

It could be a casual encounter with someone I haven't seen in a while, a delicious meal, or simply a moment of peace in nature. These small details are what give me purpose and make each day worthwhile.

The purpose of life lies in enjoying the small daily moments

 

You also talk about the importance of gratitude. Do you have a daily gratitude practice, and how does it influence your overall well-being?

Gratitude is something that naturally arises in my day-to-day life. Although I don’t have a specific ritual, I notice that I’m constantly thankful for the small things. I love enjoying a good meal, a beautiful landscape, or the satisfaction of having completed a class.

These moments of gratitude make me feel fortunate and help me maintain a positive perspective. I don't need to force myself to feel grateful; I simply let it flow when it arises. I believe that gratitude helps us live more fully.

Gratitude is something that naturally arises in my day-to-day life  

 

Let’s talk about your connection with nature. Can you share an experience in nature that changed your perspective on life?

Nature is my refuge and source of inspiration. One of the most special experiences I've had was diving, which allowed me to discover a completely new and fascinating world under the sea. It was as if the ocean had opened the doors of its home to me, allowing me to see a tiny part of a world I knew nothing about. I still get emotional when I remember it.

But beyond that, I greatly enjoy being surrounded by trees, mountains, and the sea. I love feeling small in the vastness of nature. It is in those moments that I find my calm and mental clarity. Walking in a park, being in the mountains, or swimming in the sea are experiences that recharge and fill me with inspiration.

Nature is my refuge and source of inspiration (...) I love feeling small in the vastness of nature

 

Finally, what fundamental values would you like to impart to your students through your yoga classes?

I would love for my students to take away a deep sense of self-listening and respect for themselves. I believe that each person is unique and experiences their practice on the mat differently, and my goal is for them to feel free to explore their practice authentically, without forcing themselves or comparing themselves to others. I want them to leave with a sense of peace and self-awareness that accompanies them beyond the class.

That is the message I most want to leave with them: freedom and self-listening. I want my students to come to class not because they need me but because they enjoy the space we’ve created together. I would love for each person to find themselves, listen to themselves more, and respect themselves more through yoga.

My greatest wish is for the yoga community to grow and strengthen, but also for each of them to reach a point where they don't need to come to the studio to find that peace and inner connection because they’ve integrated yoga into their daily lives.

 

 

Verónica reminds us that yoga is much more than a physical practice; it is a path of self-discovery, respect, and connection with oneself and the environment. Her story is a living example of how, through self-listening and gratitude, we can find balance and fulfillment in our daily lives.

Thank you very much, Vero @veronica.dharayoga, for sharing your experience and wisdom, and for inspiring us to take yoga beyond the mat. We hope that your focus on freedom, self-listening, and respect continues to guide all those who seek to connect body, mind, and spirit. Special thanks also to photographer Rodrigo Bornscheuer @rodrigo.b.fotografia