It feels like a beginning because there are things ending. United States of America has been my home for the past fourteen years. Since I moved here, I’ve traveled to most continents, mostly alone. I’ve visited over 25 countries and studied a few languages, including this one. I’ve experienced the richness of human culture from diverse perspectives and time zones. Our planet is a magical place that gave birth to so much diversity and even that is to me a reason to celebrate. I was Carmen Ana until I moved to United States where my middle name was suddenly excluded. Because we are experiencing the biggest exodus in the history of migration from Cuba (my mother land) to USA. I was just reminded I’m also Ana by those who knew little and teenager me. Feels shocking and refreshing all at once. Serving others allowed me to get where I am, and this is probably the one profession I consider everyone should do at least once in their lives. Serve others! While waitressing I managed to pay for unlimited yoga memberships, my associate degree ands my first yoga teacher training. By the time I was 24 I was already an internationally certified instructor and although leaving the hospitality business wasn’t a realistic option, eventually I did. Yoga has been my full time and only reliable job for nearly a decade. And yes, I sometimes struggle with living in a society that values money over spirit. I struggle with irrational consumption and the Miami lifestyle, or should I say most of the time? There’s a balance somewhere in there, trust me <3. Maybe living in ashrams and experiencing yoga renunciation for a total of three months in Bahamas and later in India has given me the strength and clarity for what has become a purpose 🙏🏼 Since completing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sustainability I’ve been focusing on activism, research, animal rights and education. This year I participated on a climate justice study in the city of Miami that took over 6 months. I completed an environmental risk assessment for the city of Miami Beach on my own, after finding out it didn’t exist. I’ve completed year eleven of veganism, got accepted.... Continues on comments