What Is It Like to Be a Yogi in Paris?
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a yogi in a city as fast-paced and electric as Paris, this episode of La Vie Créative is for you.
I sat down with Alejandra Buentello—a yoga teacher, community builder, and deeply thoughtful voice in the Paris wellness space—to talk about how yoga became her anchor through life, how creativity lives inside discipline, and why community might be the missing piece in modern wellness.
From Austin, Texas to Paris, her journey is one of courage, curiosity, and coming home to herself.
From Austin Hippie Roots to Parisian Life
Alejandra’s story begins in Austin, Texas—back when it still carried the spirit of its 1960s hippie roots. Yoga first entered her life casually, almost playfully, in park gatherings with friends.
But what started as movement slowly evolved into something much deeper.
A study abroad trip brought her to Paris—and like so many of us, she never quite left.
“Paris is one of those places… you don’t plan to stay, but it keeps you.”
Ashtanga Yoga: Discipline as a Path to Freedom
Alejandra practices and teaches Ashtanga Yoga, a highly structured and disciplined form of yoga.
Unlike more fluid styles, Ashtanga follows the same sequence of postures every single day—often practiced at sunrise, six days a week.
At first glance, it sounds rigid. But Alejandra describes something surprising:
“Restriction is a catalyst for creativity.”
By repeating the same sequence daily, you begin to notice the subtle shifts—your mood, your energy, your body. No two practices are ever the same.
And within that structure, something opens.
Yoga & Mental Health: A Lifeline, Not a Luxury
One of the most powerful parts of our conversation was Alejandra’s openness around mental health.
After being diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her twenties, yoga became more than a practice—it became a support system.
“Yoga was something I could rely on to keep me safe and stable.”
She speaks candidly about the importance of:
- Mental health “hygiene”
- Seeking help and support
- Breaking the stigma around mental illness
In a world where we often prioritize physical health, her perspective is a powerful reminder that wellness must include the mind, too.
Creativity Lives Inside Routine
We often think of creativity as freedom—but Alejandra offers a different perspective.
Through the repetition of Ashtanga, she discovered that routine actually enhances creativity.
“Your body is different every day. Your mind is different every day. So the practice becomes different every day.”
Even injury becomes an invitation.
When faced with physical limitations, she adapts—finding new ways to move, teach, and express.
This is creativity not as chaos, but as presence.
Finding Peace in a Chaotic City
Let’s be honest—Paris can be intense.
Between the noise, the crowds, and the constant motion, finding stillness isn’t always easy.
Alejandra’s solution?
- Escape to nature (hello, Brittany 🌊)
- Walk barefoot in the parks
- Create small rituals of presence—even in the city
“Nature is the ultimate connector.”
It’s not about escaping Paris entirely—but about learning how to come back to yourself within it.
The Power of Community: Well in France
Alejandra also works with Well in France, a thriving community of international women in Paris centered around wellness and connection.
With over 400 members, it offers:
- Wellness workshops
- Dinners & gatherings
- Retreats
- A space to truly belong
“Without community, everything about life is a million times harder.”
For expats especially, this kind of space can be life-changing—a place where outsiders become insiders.
Redefining Wellness: The French vs. American Approach
One of my favorite moments in our conversation was comparing wellness cultures.
In the U.S., wellness can often feel like optimization—biohacking, productivity, peak performance.
In France?
It’s slower. Softer. More sensual.
Think:
- Sitting at a café ☕
- Feeling the sun on your skin
- Not rushing the moment
“It’s about appreciating the tiny things that feel luxurious.”
And honestly… that might be the kind of wellness we all need more of.
A Simple Starting Point If You Feel Disconnected
If you’re feeling disconnected—from your body, your life, or yourself—Alejandra offers a beautifully simple starting point:
Talk to someone.
“Find your courage and share honestly.”
Whether it’s a friend, a loved one, or even a new community—connection is where healing begins.
Final Thoughts: Creativity Is Being Alive
When I asked Alejandra how she defines creativity, her answer stopped me:
“Creativity is what makes us human.”
Not something reserved for artists—but something we all live, every day.
In how we move.
In how we feel.
In how we choose to show up.
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode
Tune into this episode of La Vie Créative to hear the full conversation with Alejandra Buentello.
✨ Connect with Alejandra
- Instagram: @alejandra_yoga
- Community: Well in France
