200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher
Yogathology, Founder
Dallas, TX
Introduction: Tell us about yourself, your story, where you are from, practice, etc.
My name is Alondra Smith, I’m a Mother, Healthcare Administrator, Entrepreneur of Yogathology and a certified Yoga Instructor from Dallas, Texas. Yogathology’s mission is to yield guidance as it relates to the alignment of one’s mind, body and spirit by way of Yoga. I combine breath and mindful movement to inspire people of all ages, shapes, sizes and backgrounds. After losing a child, I turned to Yoga and meditation to heal and regain her power. My hope is that by sharing the fire I’ve been through it shines light for others to follow.
How and why did you start yoga?
I began practicing Yoga in 2012, just as something social with friends and family; Beer Yoga, Goat Yoga, Glow Yoga, etc.
Who was your great mentor/teacher?
Kimberly Lipson and Claire Asmann
Tell us your practice style and how did you choose your yoga method?
Vinyasa, I chose Vinyasa because of the vigorous style of sun salutations, synchronizing of breath and rapid flow.
What obstacles has yoga helped you overcome?
Yoga helped me to overcome the loss of my child. I was in a very dark space and questioned everything. I’d distanced myself from my family and friends due to shame and embarrassment. I was in a space that I’d questioned everything that I’d known because in my mind I’d done everything possible to prevent it from happening. A dear friend of mine noticed my distance and unreturned calls and decided to just pop up at my house. After hours of talking, the one thing that she said that stuck with me was, “just do something once a day,” so that’s what I did! There had always been a dusty Yoga mat and a “Yoga Meldown” by Jillian Michaels DVD next to my bed so became my constant. I showed up to my mat every day, somedays to meditate and others to sweat out my frustration. In doing so, I was able to regain my confidence and power by shifting my focus from self-pity to selfcare.
What is your mind set when you step onto the mat?
My mindset when I step onto the mat is grace; to honor myself and where I am. Somedays, I may have incredible balance and ridiculous strength, other days I may not have any whatsoever. Somedays, I may need a sweaty, tough flow and others I may just need to ground down and focus on being centered and that’s ok! Its all about giving myself grace, listening to your body and loving the space that you’re in.
When did you understand you wanted to be a yoga teacher?
I understood that I wanted to be a teacher after personally witnessing how yoga transformed my life. “If it can do this for me, imagine the people it can positively impact” was my exact thought. We’re all faced with trying times but its what we do in that moment that matters most.
What is the most rewarding part of being a yoga teacher?
The most rewarding time of being a Yoga teacher was also the toughest day, the anniversary of my unborn child’s death. I’d slept for days leading up to the day and even tried to find a sub to teach my class, yet I was unsuccessful. I arrived at the studio and attempted to put on a “poker face,” but my coworkers saw right through it. After sharing my heartache, a coworker reminded me to simply be transparent about my journey with the yogis in class that day and that’s exactly what I did. I shared my story and set the intention of “celebrating life” in honor of my unborn. Unbeknownst to me, it was the energy, light and love of complete strangers that would get me through my toughest day and all I had to do was be vulnerable. A few days later, I returned to the studio and noticed a card addressed to me at the front desk. Inside was a card from a yogi that attended that class. She informed me that it was her first time taking my class and she was honored to be in attendance that day. She thanked me for my vulnerability and reminded me to continue to share my pain and passion with the world in order to positively impact others.
Why is yoga so important for the times we’re living in?
We live in a time of instant gratification, very little connection and the need of constant reassurance from others. Yoga allows you to give yourself grace, disconnect in order to connect with yourself and in doing so its inevitable to learn your power and worth.
How important is living a healthy lifestyle important to the yogi lifestyle?
Clean eating is important because “the body becomes what the foods are, as the spirit becomes what the thoughts are.” What you eat can dictate your mood and how you feel both mentally and physically. However, it’s a process, be patient with yourself, learn what your body needs and do your research, health is more important than a certain lifestyle or trend.
Any natural ingredients and/or vitamins that you recommend? And why?
B12 is essential because our bodies don’t naturally produce it and it helps to make DNA and keeping our blood cells/nerves healthy.
How important is hydrating/drinking water to the yoga lifestyle/your practice?
Water and hydration are very important, not only in the yoga lifestyle but any lifestyle. Water lubricates your joints, delivers oxygen throughout the body, improves skin to enhance our beautiful glow, regulates body temperature, etc. There are so many positives to drinking water and what is does for your organs/body and the importance of replenishing. Drinking water is essential to a healthy lifestyle.
Your favorite quote?
The “W” that you so desperately want is tucked behind the “L” that you’re afraid to take.
Where we can we find you? Instagram, website, etc
Instagram: @yogathology_tx
Facebook: Alondra Smith
Email: Yogathology@gmail.com
