About “The Pause”
Hello and Welcome to The Pause!
This publication isn’t meant to be about yoga, meditation, or even about writing. It’s intended to be a space for connection and intention, and I have learned that I can only properly connect with myself and with others when I pause.
It is when I stop for a moment and pay attention that I can make choices that align with my values.
“The Pause” for me is where the magic happens.
When I pause everything becomes just a bit clearer, and I gain some perspective;
When I pause I can take a deep breath when feeling activated by a situation and not react.
When I pause I will intentionally choose to read a book instead of mindlessly scrolling on Instagram.
When I pause I feel grounded enough to reach out and connect with my friends and my family authentically.
When I pause I find balance and connect to inner harmony with more ease.
When I pause I connect to my creativity and joy.
Who I am
My name is Laia (like Maya with an L) and I was born and raised in Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain.
I am an Afro-Catalan yoga teacher (E-RYT500 & YACEP) leading yoga classes, workshops, retreats, and other events mostly in the USA and Europe as well as online.
As a former professional athlete living with a chronic illness, I’ve had to adapt my lifestyle to the ups and downs of my condition. Along the way, I’ve learned how to slow down, care for myself, and practice self-compassion.
I found that mainstream yoga and wellness spaces often feel classist, ableist, and inaccessible.
With my offerings, I hope to inspire others—including yoga teachers—to create spaces that are accessible, trauma-informed, and with a decolonized approach.
I am a polyglot storyteller and I write & teach in English, Catalan, and Spanish about yoga, meditation, and wellness and I also write poetry, short stories, and fiction, which I will share with you here soon.
Welcome to The Pause
The Pause is a space to slow down, check in, and explore tools and resources to live in better alignment, learning to flow with the present moment.
Through yoga, meditation, writing and other creativity tools, this community is an invitation to discover a sustainable and decolonized approach to self & community care and to embrace who you truly are - with all your shadows and all your light.
Expect:
Accessible yoga practices
Meditation and breathwork techniques
Slow productivity tools
Creativity resources
The Pause is for anyone seeking to slow down, discover new ways of creating routines and rituals that align with their values and nurture a more intentional lifestyle.
While this space centers BIPOC, disabled, and LGBTQ+ folks, everyone is welcome. So, come as you are 💛
Feel free to ask questions, share your favourite practices and resources, suggest new ideas, or request a practice you'd like to explore together.
Join the Inner Circle (paid subscribers)
As a paid subscriber, you'll get access to special content and perks, including:
Monthly posts with meditations, yoga classes, and journaling exercises
Inner Circle live community sessions
Themed challenges to inspire your practice and creativity
Early access to a soon-to-launch Discord group for deeper connection and community
If now isn’t the right time to upgrade your subscription but you’d still like to support, sharing The Pause with someone who might benefit would mean the world to me.
I’m stoked to be on this journey with you, and I can’t wait to connect more deeply.
Until we meet again, pause often, breathe deeply, and be kind - especially to yourself.
Much love,
Laia