by Tori Márquez
My Story
Ten years ago, I decided to leave the comforts of my college bubble, and dive into the unknown of spending a year abroad studying in a foreign country. Stepping foot in Spain for the first time was like finally finding where my soul belonged. Even then, it was not without its struggles. As a 20 year old American exchange student who thought she was much more fluent in the language than she actually was, I found myself feeling out of place. Craving community and calm, I decided to go to my first yoga class in Spanish. As a Psychology student interested in the realm of alternative therapies, I quickly fell in love with the practice and soon realized its healing potential.
Coincidentally, after my year abroad, I went through the hardest adjustment period of my life, struggling immensely to reintegrate myself back into American culture (aka: reverse culture shock). The college bubble I went back to was the same, but I was deeply changed. I fell into a downward spiral of anxiety, depression, and even developed a debilitating eating disorder. My devotion to the practice of yoga led me to rediscover my body-mind connection and learn to love myself. Yoga saved me then and continues to be my rock in times of uncertainty and pain.
As soon as I graduated from college, I hopped on a plane back to Spain, this time to Madrid to teach English. Although I was not passionate about the work itself (I wanted to become a therapist), I knew that I was meant to return "home". After six years as an Auxiliar de Conversación (English Language Assistant) I decided to plunge into the unknown once again and become autónoma (a freelancer). The complicated paperwork, lawyer fees, and long wait made me doubt if it was all worth it. Finally, in November 2022 my business plan was approved, and I was finally a Spanish resident. The good news encouraged me- I was on the right path.
Since then, I have been following my dharma (life purpose) by spreading the magic of yoga through teaching classes, hosting women's circles, giving tarot readings, and providing wellness coaching and mentoring services to individuals from different walks of life. I am looking forward to accompanying you on your own journey of self discovery and finding inner peace!
My Approach
The name "Mellow Mente Yoga" came from a casual conversation with some friends in the park on a hot summer Madrid night. I had already started teaching classes under the name "Yoga with Tori" and wanted something that would better describe that after-class-relaxed feeling I strive to provide for each student.
"Mellow" is synonymous with relaxed, and "mente" means mind in Spanish. My goal in any and all services I provide is to help you find your own inner peace, which starts with a more relaxed mind. As modern day humans, we spend the majority of our days every day in a frantic rush, often in fight or flight mode. How would our inner and outer world change if we learned to pause more often, and freed up some of our precious mental space?
I invite you to explore my various holistic healing offerings and find what speaks most to you in this moment of your life. Where are you being called to journey to?