Meet Pia Artesona of Step by Step Yoga and Meditation

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pia Artesona.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Pia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Well, I grew up in NYC. The Bronx to be exact. It wasn’t a place where I felt secure. For the most part, I felt out of place, alone,angry, and broken. 

Going off to college was my escape from the concrete jungle. I was exposed to a variety of cultures and learning. I explored different classes such as art, dance, drama, philosophy, and ultimately yoga. Yoga allowed me a way to create a safe space for myself but I didn’t stick with it. I found my way to substances that helped me feel like I was a part of (marijuana, alcohol, prescription meds). It was an artificial and short-lived way of thinking I was OK and everything was just fine. Once the high wore off, the self-doubt, self-loathing, depression, anger, and frustration would come back.

I made my way to Los Angeles, believing that a geographic move would solve all my problems. But wherever you go, there you are, right? My depression and rage worsened. I just made myself a victim to my circumstances.

Somehow, I found my way back to yoga. Slowly I was able to let go and get to know myself. Eventually, through an array of yoga styles and philosophies, I turned to sobriety and a 12-step program.

The combination of my recovery, the 12-steps, and yoga is a powerful force in my life. One that has allowed tremendous healing and growth. My own experience has inspired me to help others along the way.

I am so grateful that I get to guide others through a mindful experience. I get to connect with people from all walks of life. I get to go into treatment centers and have the good fortune of watching many clients transform their lives from addiction and depression to feeling more connected to themselves. Mentally, emotionally, and physically. I get to go into corporate settings and help others create a sense of balance as they let go of a stressful day. I get to develop loving relationships with private clients and students who come to my public class. I feel appreciated and I am grateful for all of my experiences and interactions.

My personal story felt so shameful at one time. Now, I get to use my experiences to help others. We all have a unique gift to share with the world. Yoga helps us own that. Yoga helps me own that!

Has it been a smooth road?
The road has been smooth at some points and rough at others.

I was a special education teacher before I made a full transition into what I do now. I worked mostly with Autistic children. I already had training in Yoga and Meditation. I started sharing techniques with my students. They became noticeably calmer and more focused. They even used some breathing techniques on their own during the school day. It was incredible to watch this shift.

I was invited to take over an adult-community-mindfulness group and lead a weekly yoga meeting for recovery. I loved it! I still had to make a living and I didn’t believe that yoga was a way I could be self-supporting through my own contributions.

I knew I did not want to be a school teacher anymore. I decided to give teaching yoga my summer break to see what unfolded. Through being of service with my community classes, I made some contacts. Those contacts referred me to some private clients and treatment centers. The ball started rolling from there. I left my teaching job.

Clients come and go. It can be difficult at times. I can get a little anxious about making sure my business continues to thrive. The more I surrender to doing what I love, the more faith I can have that everything is unfolding exactly as it should.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Step by Step Yoga is exactly that. Taking the practice of mindfulness, conscious breathing and movement one step at a time, one day at a time.

I specialize in helping others release addictive thoughts and self-destructive patterns that separate, disconnect, and prevent us from flourishing in relationships with ourselves, family and friends, and our surroundings.

I guide others through a sweet blend of breath, movement, stretching, and stillness. All of which gives us permission to develop a routine of self-care and self-love…

Breath work is a powerful instrument for influencing expansion. Meditation is a proven tool for focus and presence. Yoga poses and sequences allow a connection of the mind, body, and spirit. Kundalini Yoga is an amazing practice I guide people through to help them become more aware of themselves.

These techniques taken separately or together bring my clients to a new level of clarity and release of chronic stress.

I think my personal experience with addiction and trauma sets me apart from others. I can empathize with my clients because I have gone through it too. I feel passionate about all the tools I teach because these strategies have helped me thrive in my life.

I am proud of my ability to hold safe space for others to transform and develop their own stamina, strength, and discipline.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.piaartesona.com
• Phone: 323-285-3011
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: piaartesonayogaandrecovery
• Facebook: Step by step yoga with pia
• Twitter: @stepbystepyoga
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pia-artesona-los-angeles

Image Credit:
Fabrice Henssens

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.