Paulina Zamudio
SYC Authorized Level 1 | E-RYT 500 | Co-Owner of Yoga Shala SA
I was born and raised in Mexico City and moved to Texas in 1998. My yoga journey began in 2004, when I attended my first class. Over the years, I explored Vinyasa, Hatha, and Bikram yoga, eventually completing my first teacher training in Hatha yoga.
In 2013, I discovered Ashtanga yoga and found everything I had been searching for in a practice. It soon became the center of my yoga journey. I continued my studies with my teacher, partner, and dear friend Ana Hollis at Yoga Shala San Antonio, where I completed my Ashtanga teacher training.
In 2018, I became Ana’s partner in Yoga Shala San Antonio, joining her in the commitment to keep the Shala and our community growing. This became an incredibly special chapter in my life, bringing so many amazing and life-changing experiences, meaningful projects, wonderful friendships, and opportunities I could never have imagined. Together, we shared a passion for the practice and created a space where students and teachers could learn, grow, and connect. I will always be grateful for everything those years brought into my life.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to study with inspiring teachers, including Tim Miller, Kino MacGregor, Tim Feldmann, Eddie Stern, and David Swenson. Each experience has contributed to my understanding and appreciation of the practice.
In 2018, I also traveled to India for the first time to participate in the Ashtanga Yoga Yatra in Rishikesh, studying with Sharath Jois, Eddie Stern, and Robert Moses.
In 2022, I returned to India, this time to Mysore, to study under the guidance of Sharath Jois. My days were filled with practice, philosophy, chanting, and Sanskrit studies with Lakshmisha. It was a deeply meaningful and life-changing experience.
After a couple more trips to Mysore to continue studying and deepening my practice, I was honored to receive my Level 1 Authorization to teach the traditional Ashtanga Yoga method. It was a very special and humbling moment in my journey.
Throughout this journey, I’ve been incredibly grateful for the love and support of my family, especially my husband, Alex, who continues to encourage and inspire me. My children are also some of my greatest teachers, constantly reminding me that yoga extends far beyond the mat and into the way we live, love, and relate to others.
For me, yoga is a lifelong practice of learning, self-awareness, and growth. I feel fortunate to continue sharing this beautiful tradition with others and to be part of a community brought together by a shared love of practice.
“Yoga is a light that once lit will never dim. The more you practice, the brighter the flame.”
— B.K.S. Iyengar
