Hi, I’m Arlinda — founder of Arlinda’s Asanas, trauma-informed yoga teacher, Yoga Nidra guide, postpartum doula, mentor, and proud North Philly girl.

But before any certification, title, or training, I was simply someone searching for a way to survive my grief.

Born and raised in North Philadelphia to Puerto Rican parents, my life changed forever when my mother passed away when I was 11 years old. That loss became one of the darkest periods of my life and led to years of depression, anxiety, fear of abandonment, low self-esteem, and suicidal ideation.

At 16, I was introduced to therapy for the first time. During those sessions, I began practicing positive affirmations — repeating things I didn’t yet believe:
“I am worthy.”
“I matter.”
“I am enough.”

Eventually, my therapist suggested yoga.

Honestly? I thought she was completely out of touch.

At the time, my only reference for yoga was an old Martin episode. I couldn’t understand how movement and breathing could possibly help someone carrying so much pain.

Then one day while walking through the mall with my nephew, I found a yoga DVD in a discount bin at FYE. I asked him to buy it for me and he looked at me like I had lost my mind. But one thing about me — if someone doubts me, I’ll prove them wrong every time.

So I went home and practiced.

No yoga mat. No fancy clothes. No understanding of alignment or flexibility. Just intention and determination.

And afterward, something shifted.

For the first time in a long time, I felt lighter.

I couldn’t explain it yet, but I knew I needed to return to the practice again and again.

Over the next 20 years, yoga became more than movement for me. It became a way to reconnect with myself, process grief, strengthen my resilience, and understand that healing isn’t about becoming perfect — it’s about learning how to keep showing up for yourself through every season of life.