Yoga, Writing, and Building a Life of Purpose Abroad

From beginnings in San Diego to exploring writing and wellness in Europe.

Early Encounters with Yoga

Welcome to my wellness blog, where I share insights from my journey in yoga, writing, and life abroad. This is a space for reflection, growth, and the pursuit of holistic living. For my first post, I would like to share a bit about my background so you can get to know me. 

My journey with yoga began at age seven. Growing up in Southern California, I was surrounded by wellness and spirituality communities from a young age. My mom has practiced yoga my entire life, and I believe it was through her that I was first introduced to the practice.

Then, in elementary school—in true San Diego form—I had a P.E. teacher who taught yoga weekly. It was thanks to the San Diego school system that my yoga practice formally began.

Throughout my youth, I explored different sports and activities, but yoga continued to reappear in my life when I needed it most. As a teenager, I suffered from anxiety and chronic stomach upset that left me feeling disconnected from my body. It was during this time that I returned to yoga. The practice brought calm, clarity, and a renewed sense of connection during a pivotal stage in my development.

Finding My Voice Through Writing

When I entered college, I chose to study journalism. Writing gave me a voice—a way to process the world and express myself with clarity and intention. I found power in storytelling and was inspired by the potential to make an impact through words.

However, the path wasn’t always easy. By my sophomore year, I began to feel disconnected from my vision of a career in journalism. The media landscape felt increasingly polarized and complex. I struggled with the reality of an industry that, at times, seemed to magnify division rather than foster connection.

I also saw that the journalism world was rapidly changing due to emerging technologies and global shifts. I no longer felt confident that I’d find a path within it that aligned with my values. I began to question my direction, and for a while, I felt untethered and uninspired.

Teaching Yoga and Learning Resilience

Yoga teacher training in Hakalau, Hawaii.

Amid this uncertainty, yoga returned to my life once again. Reintroducing movement into my routine brought back clarity and peace. At age 20, I decided to attend yoga teacher training. For me, it was a commitment—not just to deepening my personal practice, but to cultivating a mindful, intentional life and sharing that with others.

Before training, I had plenty of doubts. I had never felt comfortable with public speaking and was nervous about leading a group. But it was in yoga teacher training that I found a new kind of voice.

Journalism had given me the tools to communicate through writing. Yoga gave me the courage and ability to guide others in real time, creating a space for healing, movement, and connection.

I began teaching at 21, while finishing my degree. I taught yoga and meditation at my university’s fitness center and took on every opportunity I could to build experience. These early classes were exhilarating and transformative.

For a period of time, I taught private yoga classes to a fraternity. The group of 30+ guys would arrive at my classes, likely hungover from partying the night before. I felt from the start that some possessed preconceived notions about yoga, mainly about it being "feminine" or inaccessible to men due to flexibility requirements. 

While working with this client, I learned the importance of creating inclusive spaces. I also learned that communication as a teacher isn’t one-size-fits-all. It's about reading the room, meeting people where they are, and adapting your energy to make the experience meaningful.

Through those sessions, I was able to show that yoga is for everyone. It’s a practice of connection—between mind and body, breath and movement—and everyone deserves access to that sense of peace and balance.

Life in Spain: Embracing Change and Growth

Exploring my life in Spain

After graduation, I took another leap: moving to Spain to teach English. Attending yoga teacher training had inspired me to chase what excites me and trust my intuition. I’d long dreamed of living in a Spanish-speaking country and becoming bilingual, and this move felt like the natural next step.

Living in Madrid has challenged and shaped me in profound ways. I've had to become more resilient, self-sufficient, and adaptable. It has helped me deepen my relationship with myself in ways I hadn’t expected.

Starting over in a new country also meant rebuilding my yoga practice and community from scratch. I knew I’d have to hustle—to be a self-starter, seek out opportunities, and put myself out there. Teaching yoga abroad has required courage and consistency.

Looking Ahead: Writing, Wellness, and Dreaming Big

Now, as I build my life and yoga career in Spain, I feel I’m standing at the threshold of something exciting. When you find your passion in life, you should pour your heart into that thing. This chapter is about exploration, pushing my limits, and pouring my energy into my passions.

Spanish culture has pushed me to reimagine success. Here, personal connection and quality of life are often prioritized over work or status. This shift in perspective has helped me envision a life rooted in balance, purpose, and passion.

Of course, there are complications—visa challenges, lack of a European passport—but I trust that if I continue investing in the path I believe in, the right doors will open.

One of my favorite quotes from The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is:

“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

I believe that when we align our lives with our passions, opportunities begin to flow. This blog is a step toward that alignment.

Thank You For Being Here

My dream is to build a fulfilling, sustainable career in wellness—rooted in healing, movement, writing, and community—here in Spain and beyond. I’m committed to showing up, sharing what I’ve learned, and offering what I can to others on a similar path.

This blog is my way of combining movement and mindfulness with storytelling—to uplift, connect, and inspire. If you’ve made it this far, thank you. I’m excited to have you on this journey with me. 

If you’re also on a journey toward wellness or living abroad, I’d love to connect. Feel free to reach out or follow along on Instagram @arabelyoga.