Today we’d like to introduce you to Shiela Advincula.
Hi Shiela, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was first introduced to yoga back in the early 1990’s.Right from the beginning I loved yoga and explored different styles like Kundalini, Ashtanga and Vinyasa Yoga. My Instagram account @bohemian_heart that I originally started to track my yoga progress was instrumental to my yoga journey and has taken me to many unexpected paths. The more I deepened my practice and grew as a yogi, the more my intention turned to sharing my love for yoga with others. I immersed myself in training by completing my 200 Hour Teacher Training with Sol Yoga and additional 300 Hour Teacher Training with My Vinyasa Practice. Alo Yoga had chosen me to join the original Ambassador Yoga Team when they first started and worked with them until they became a well known brand. They featured me along with other yogis in the Alo Yoga Mindful Movement Yoga Book and was also one of their yoga instructors on their Alo Yoga 30 Days of Mindful Movements on YouTube. The other publications that featured me in the past were Mantra Magazine and BFW (Beauty, Fitness & Wellness) Magazine. As I nurture and grow with my practice I also found time to become a Zumba Licensed Instructor. I had a dance background since I was 5 years old and dancing comes as second nature to me. Presently I am teaching yoga and Zumba at various studios.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The path ahead is not always easy and smooth. I tend to get discouraged and critical of myself when I hit plateaus and not progressing as much in certain postures in my practice. Sometimes I doubt myself & my capabilities when I want to do explore new ideas or projects. So, I encourage myself with positive affirmations,I give myself space and time to regroup, reset and then begin again. I meditate and practice mindfulness so I can allow myself to seamlessly flow with the highs and lows of my practice and life in general.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Yoga Teacher Zumba Licensed Instructor
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
You can start practicing at any point in your life and benefit from it. I turned 53 years old this year, and I feel great! It’s never too late to take up something new! My advice is to always keep an open mind and remember that everyone starts as a beginner at some point in their lives. When practicing yoga, be patient with yourself, and go at your own pace. It takes practice getting to practice. Be consistent, and in time you will settle into a rhythm and see growth.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Photographs by Alan Joseph Ortanez @zenatrophotography @zenatro
