Sustainable Serenity {Sana Yoga}

Linda Natera of Sana Yoga

Words Codi Chen | Photos Eric Morales

Sustainability comes in all shapes and sizes, but Sana Yoga founder Linda Natera’s main focus has been on the health of her community. She understands that while not everyone can afford certain luxuries, their mental health and wellness should never be something that is sacrificed. She is dedicated to providing accessible and sustainable yoga practices to underserved communities in hopes of creating a stable future, starting with mindset, movement, and intentions.

Her journey into the world of yoga began when someone close to her was diagnosed with mental health issues. Seeking relief from the daily stress of navigating the mental healthcare system, she attended her first yoga class. The profound sense of peace she felt at the end of her Shavasana session was unlike anything she had experienced, inspiring her to learn more about the practice.

Originally from Mexico and raised as an immigrant in California, Linda says that her past was marked by exposure to gang violence, addiction, and disease. “My background has fueled my passion for helping my community. I completed my initial yoga teacher training and began volunteering at different community centers when I moved to Austin,” she recalls. 

The pandemic underscored the urgency of Linda’s mission of sustainable health practices. At the onset of lockdown, she founded Sana Yoga, offering online classes in English and Spanish. These virtual sessions later evolved into in-person classes, overcoming cultural barriers and fostering comfort and openness. Today, Sana Yoga, with its team of trauma-informed yoga practitioners and a nutritionist, is a necessary pillar in our city. It is not just a yoga class but also a community hub with plans to add counseling services, further strengthening their impact on mental health. 

“If someone can’t pay, it doesn’t matter. We want them to be there more than anything else.”

Linda’s commitment to making yoga affordable is unwavering. She tirelessly seeks sponsors and collaborates with larger organizations, focusing on offering free or low-cost classes. Through partnerships, grants, fundraising, and donations, Sana Yoga ensures that everyone is able to participate. “If someone can’t pay, it doesn’t matter. We want them to be there more than anything else,” she emphasizes the inclusive and supportive nature of their mission.

For Linda, promoting sustainable health practices means acknowledging the disparities her community faces. Basic needs like food and shelter take priority, but she understands the greater need for balance. “If you take care of your body and mind, you’ll have more energy to pursue what you need,” she encourages. 

For those seeking to make physical and mental health changes, Linda advises to start slow, be kind to yourself, and remain flexible in your practices. “Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t always stick to your goals,” she advises. By fostering a compassionate and supportive environment, Sana Yoga continues to significantly impact the lives of many, proving that wellness, community, and sustainability go hand in hand.

Adapting Practices
Yoga isn’t a one-size-fits-all practice, and Sana Yoga is dedicated to finding the approach that suits an individual’s unique needs. Whether it’s physical limitations or even an English language barrier, Sana Yoga classes are designed to make participants feel comfortable and secure, putting safety and accessibility first. Check out their Chair Yoga classes and Bilingual Yoga for the Nervous System. 

Yoga for Kids
Yoga is for kids, too! Sana Yoga provides bilingual yoga classes for children throughout the year, helping them develop healthy mental and physical habits from a young age. It’s a fantastic way for them to manage their growing minds and bodies while being actively involved in an amazing community. 

Contact:
sanayoga.yoga
@atxsanayoga