In this episode, we welcome Yvonne Hernandez, founder of Decide Balance and Host of the Decide Balance Podcast, a 5 - minute bilingual (English & Spanish) meditation podcast. She is also a Chopra Certified Meditation Teacher and a Reiki Master who sought and implemented holistic healing after being diagnosed with vitiligo, a condition in which skin loses its pigmentation.
Yvonne discusses the importance of meditation for both children and adults. She shares her personal journey with meditation, how it transformed her life and parenting, and tips on incorporating meditation into family routines. We touch on the historical roots of meditation, the misconception that it conflicts with religious beliefs, and the health benefits it provides.
This episode emphasizes the need for self-care among parents and the positive impact of meditation on emotional regulation, especially for children. Yvonne's goal is to teach meditation to 1 million children, promoting inner peace and better decision-making for future generations.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- How meditation has helped Yvonne’s parenting journey
- Ways to incorporate meditation into your family’s lifestyle
- Some of the benefits for meditation for kids
- Yvonne’s mission of teaching meditation to 1 million children
For full show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode79
Follow Decide Balance!
- Website: decidebalance.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/decidebalance
- Facebook: facebook.com/DecideBalance
- YouTube: youtube.com/@decidebalance
- Podcast: decidebalance.com/podcast
Resource mentioned:
OASIS - a bilingual virtual safe space for families to find support as they embark on a mindfulness journey with their family.
Love this episode? Subscribe wherever you are listening, share this episode with an amiga, and leave a review on Apple podcasts.
Watch this podcast episode on YouTube!
Follow Viva la Mami on Instagram @vivalamami
Join the Viva la Mami newsletter so you won't miss a thing!
Have a suggestion for an episode topic? Click HERE
Have a suggestion for a guest? Click HERE
Visit the Viva la Mami Website
www.vivalamami.com
Have questions or want to connect? Email us at podcast@vivalamami.com
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:01):
Welcome to the podcast.
I am your host, Jessica Cuevas.
I am a mother of two on amission to help redefine the
meaning of motherhood as amodern Latina mom.
Motherhood can be a complexjourney interwoven in two
identities that often make usfeel ni de aqui, ni de alla.
Viva La Mami is committed toproviding you with knowledge,
(00:24):
tools, and support to navigatethe challenges and triumphs of
motherhood.
As Latina moms on the show,we'll be discussing culturally
relevant topics that will helpinform and empower you in
whichever season you are in onyour motherhood journey.
We'll be joined by Latina moms,experts and professionals who
(00:45):
can offer advice, practicaltips, relatable stories, and
honest conversations.
So bring your cafecito as Iinvite you to be a part of this
space As we create Comunidadabout the exciting and
challenging parts of being amami.
Ahora, vámonos.
jessica_1_05-11-2024_0913 (01:06):
Hola.
Yvonne.
How are you?
yvonne-hrern-ndez_1_05-11-2 (01:09):
Hi.
Hi.
I'm so excited to be here.
Thank you for the invitation.
jessica_1_05-11-2024_0913 (01:13):
Thank you so much for being here.
I appreciate you reaching outand kind of telling me a little
bit more about your platform aswell as what you do.
There's just so muchintentionality that you have
with, you know, meditation and.
And how one can implement that,in their daily routines, but
(01:33):
also in assisting families,especially to kids.
And oftentimes we don't reallythink about how we can implement
this with our children.
So I'm really excited to learnmore about this.
because in the self care space,like there's just a lot of.
You know, just like buzzwordsand just like trendy, methods
(01:55):
about utilizing meditation asadults.
But I'm really curious about howto incorporate, you know,
meditation towards kids.
So before we delve into thatconversation, if you can tell
our listeners a little bit moreabout you and that way they get
to Familiarize yourself with youand what you do.
And so yeah, tell us a littlebit more about yourself
yvonne-hrern-ndez_1_05-11-2 (02:16):
hi, everyone.
My name is Yvonne Hernandez.
I'm a mama three, of futureworld changers and a wife.
I am a CHOPRA certifiedmeditation teacher, a Reiki
master, a bilingual podcaster,and a Girl Scout troop leader.
And, uh, yeah, I've been on thismission for a few years now, and
(02:37):
it just fills my heart to seethe kids responding so
positively and which motivatesthe families also to be
interested in.
Continuing a meditationmindfulness practice in their
family lifestyle.
jessica_1_05-11-2024_09132 (02:51):
That is awesome.
And so we'll definitely Get tohear a little bit more about
your business because i'm verycurious You know what you do and
how you serve the community aswell but can you help our
listeners understand whatmeditation really is?
And are there different types ofmeditations?
(03:12):
I'm kind of curious to learn itfrom your perspective and your
expertise.
yvonne-hrern-ndez_1_05-11-20 (03:17):
So meditation is just a beautiful
practice.
It's a tool that can help youregulate your nervous system,
can help you through the manyroller coaster emotions that we
experience, especially the kids.
And sometimes they don't havethe words to express, Oh, I am
stressed.
Oh, I am angry or whatever the,you know, the emotion may be.
And so meditation can help you.
(03:39):
Feel a lot more comfortable orgo through the emotion, just
really support you withouthaving to have anything physical
to, you know, you don't need togo to the store and buy
anything.
It's all within you, you, you gowithin to connect to that
beautiful inner peace to supportyou with those emotions, with
whatever it is that you're goingthrough.
(03:59):
And there are different types ofmeditations and this meditation
is an ancestral practice.
A lot of people think it's, Oh,it's a new thing.
Uh, you know, where did thiscome from?
But actually it's really, reallyold, you know, way, way, way,
way, way back.
Our ancestors would practicemeditation.
And.
So many different ways you canpractice mindfulness.
(04:22):
It would be through meditation,through yoga, through breath
work, a sound bath, um, a walkin nature, just maybe being a
conscious eater.
Like when you're eating, likereally notice your food, the
colors, you know, use your, yourfive senses, you know, when,
when you're having that meal,um, being together with family
(04:43):
being present in the moment witheach other without devices.
That's another form ofmindfulness.
So, um, there's many, many waysthat you can practice
mindfulness or a meditationpractice.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_092650 (04:56):
The way that I see meditation and
many people I'm sure seemeditation, it's like this, you
know, sort of luxury, Oh, youknow, You got to do some self
care.
Okay.
Go do meditation.
And then you end up going to ayoga studio and spend hundreds
of dollars each month and thingslike that.
(05:17):
And when I think aboutmeditation, it's like, I wonder
if that fits in like certainpopulations where they're able
to afford, you know, thesememberships and, you know,
different ways in which theyimplement that.
And when in fact it's rooted in.
in.
our ancestors, right?
(05:38):
Like this was something that waspracticed with our people.
And, and so, yeah, I often feelconflicted with that because
it's almost like, well, is thislike cultural appropriation, you
know, is it something that howcan like, Us in the Latino
(06:00):
community, how do, how can wereclaim that, you know, um, and
bring the, this certain aspect,um, like a ritual sort of thing,
you know, like this kind ofritual back into our day to day
and not see it as like a luxuryor not see it as something that
(06:20):
is oftentimes utilized by peoplethat can afford, memberships to
like a yoga studio or what haveyou that that's kind of like my
thoughts I don't know if youwant to add something to that
But I find it very interestinghow it is rooted with our
Ancestors, but then again peoplemay utilize it.
(06:41):
Otherwise, you know or
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05-11 (06:42):
Yeah, and I feel like We, we forgot
that this is an ancestralpractice because of colonization
and capitalism and all thatstuff, right?
So many things happened, youknow, way back then and in
between to now.
So it feels like we don't havethe privilege.
(07:03):
You know that it feels like, oh,it's a privilege to go to a
space, a wellness studio, awellness space to have a
meditation practice, to practiceyoga, to have any form of
mindfulness when actually youdon't need to go anywhere.
You can just be at home whereveryou are, no matter how much
(07:24):
money you make, where you comefrom, where your roots are from.
It doesn't matter.
It, all you need is just.
Somewhere where you can sit downor lie down and go within and
try different things.
I mean, you can even be out innature.
You can go for a hike.
You can go for a walk.
Even just walking down yourstreet and being mindful of,
(07:45):
Okay, you know what?
Today I'm not going to listen tomy parents.
Rock music or whatever it istoday.
I'm just going to walk down thestreet and observe the trees
around me, observe the grass,smell the fresh cut grass, you
know, feel the cool air aroundme, you know, tap into connect
to those, um, connect to thosesenses that you have those
(08:09):
beautiful five senses that youhave to, to help you to ground,
to connect, to go within.
So you don't need a lot ofstuff, really.
And so it's.
Really beautiful to be able toshare this practice, especially
in Espanol, because a lot of ourcommunity think that or I have
been asked before, Oh, do you nolonger believe in God?
(08:30):
What is this meditation thingthat you're doing?
I'm like, Oh, hold up.
I do believe in God.
Meditation has nothing to dowith me believing in God or not
or changing my religion, whichpeople have, you know, questions
about like, Oh, is this going tochange my religion and all these
things?
But it's because that was, youknow, it was like a brainwash
type of thing.
So that way you only have like,okay, this is all you're going
(08:53):
to believe in.
And that's it.
You know, but it's notmeditation is just a practice to
help you regulate your nervoussystem to support you with
whatever emotions that you'regoing through with whatever
situation that you're goingthrough because we go through a
lot as humans, right?
So we need tools to help us.
Um, and especially, you know, Ifyou are not financially, you
(09:16):
know, able to go to thatwellness studio or have that
membership or whatever, youdon't need any of that.
You can just go within.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_092650 (09:26):
I like how you pointed that out.
You know, it's, it's like twoextremes, right?
Where it's a privilege to,utilize meditation or go to a
wellness studio.
But it's also how it's, peoplethink that it can replace
spirituality.
And oftentimes like people thinkthat, um, spirituality is all
(09:46):
religion, but there's differentaspects of that.
And, and I wonder how that'stied in with meditation as well,
you know, and the way that I seemeditation, at least it's, it's
intentions.
It's like trying to figure outways to, Like you said, self
regulate, right?
Like what is it that I currentlyhave in the moment that I can
(10:08):
kind of distract myself?
It's almost like putting yoursoul in a different place.
And that way you can bring that,bring it back and kind of be
more present.
And, and sometimes I take thatfor granted, I should be more
intentional in utilizingmeditation a lot more,
especially right now that I'm,you know, In this season of life
(10:32):
with two little ones, we are infull survival mode right now.
And And yeah, I, I should bemindful about like, okay, if I
want to be more present as a momand be more intentional with my
environment and appreciate myenvironment, you know, whether
if it's in my home or outsideand just to like appreciate the
(10:55):
little things.
And, and if anything, that'ssomething that I need to
understand with, with havinglittle ones, right.
They're a little bit more intune with their, with what is
going on right now.
Yeah.
And that should be somethingthat I need to like look into
that more, And so coming fromyou, like from your expertise
and, um, as someone that istrained, how has meditation
(11:20):
helped your parenting journeyand how can it really help
parents, with, their day to daylives, to kind of ease them and,
and be a little bit morepresent.
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05-11- (11:31):
Wow.
Meditation has definitelytransformed my life, including
my, my parenthood, you know, uh,journey.
Me and.
The beginning of my parenthoodjourney, I was running on fumes,
which a lot of us are, becausewe're on call 24 7, very little
sleep, and I felt exhausted, Iwas irritated all the time, I
(11:53):
would get frustrated, you know,things would set me off, and I
would yell.
And, I heard, okay, meditationcan help you feel rested even
with a few hours that you have.
And so that's kind of how Istarted into the meditation
practice because I did not havemeditation growing up.
I didn't even know what it was.
I had heard of yoga, but notreally practiced it.
(12:16):
So I didn't have a mindfulnesspractice at all growing up.
I wish I did.
And then learning aboutmeditation, how it can help you
feel rested.
I'm like, Oh, I'm all in.
I need the rest, even with thefour hours of sleep that I just
got.
And.
It felt amazing.
And I'm like, Oh my goodness.
Okay, I can do this.
(12:37):
And little by little, I juststarted practicing more and more
and more.
And now I'm able to respond tomy kids outbursts or whatever it
is, how they're, you know,having that moment, you know,
because they're kids.
Um, and compared to before, Iwould just react and yell and
snap at them.
(12:58):
And now it's like.
Okay, I'm going to take a deepbreath.
Take a moment to think aboutwhat I'm going to say because
it's going to affect them.
And so how is this going toaffect them?
Are they gonna, is it going tosupport them?
Because I also have to putmyself in their shoes.
What are they going through?
Because a lot of times theydon't know how to tell you what
(13:19):
it is that they're goingthrough, what they're feeling.
All they know is I need help.
And so I'm going to yell.
I'm going to have that tantrum.
Are you hungry?
Are you tired?
Does something hurt?
Did something happen?
And then when they get intoschool, things happen at school.
They suck it up.
They hold it in.
They get home and they fallapart.
Over a spoon and you're like,what on earth?
(13:41):
What are you talking about?
Why are you crying over a spoon?
Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
Go to your room.
Right?
And it's like, no, no, no.
So now it's like, okay, what'sgoing on?
And I ask more questions.
I'm like, so did somethinghappen at school?
Did someone say something and,you know, reminding yourself,
okay, take deep breaths asyou're talking to them.
And it has made a world of adifference, especially my middle
(14:04):
one, because she's going throughthe hormonal changes.
She's 12 years old, so I havethree kids.
My son is 14, my daughter is 12,and my youngest daughter is 9.
So my middle one, I can see thatshe's going through that
hormonal, you know,rollercoaster ride.
And I'm like, okay, I have totake that into consideration.
Things are happening at schoolthat I don't know about, and so
(14:25):
I need to be compassionate withher.
For And before I would have beenlike, whatever, you're, you
know, you're crazy.
Just go to your room, be quiet,you know, figure it out.
Just go cry it out.
Right.
But now I come from a differentpoint of view and support her.
And, and then we get to the rootcause and she'll get to the main
thing.
It's like.
Oh, that's the root cause.
(14:46):
And I let her know, that's theroot, what you're feeling,
right?
And she's like, yes.
And she starts crying and we hugand, you know, and, and support
her.
So it's made a world of adifference for me to be a better
parent, a better person, so Ican support my family and those
(15:06):
around me as well.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_09265 (15:08):
That is awesome.
And it really helps you not justlike self regulate yourself, but
also like you're modeling thiswith your children.
And, in the whole, likechildhood development kind of
space, there's alwaysconversations about emotional
intelligence.
Right.
And I think that is.
(15:29):
I could see that being tied inwith self regulation and, how
meditation can help with that aswell.
And so what are three simpleways to incorporate, meditation
into your family and yourlifestyle?
I'm kind of curious, like.
what that looks like.
(15:50):
Um, especially when you havelittle ones, right?
I'm mostly thinking aboutmyself.
Uh, but the majority of myaudience has little ones, at
home, like when you're in thisconstant survival mode, you
know, where you feel like youdon't have any time to do
anything.
How can you really add, youknow, meditation into your home?
(16:12):
I'm kind of curious about that.
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05-11-2 (16:13):
The number one tip I always give
everyone.
no matter their age, is take adeep breath.
Because we run on You know, verylittle oxygen.
Uh, we're not taking deepbreaths throughout the day.
So it really affects our wholebody, our brain.
We can't think we, you know,we're, our brain is trying to
(16:34):
function with very littleoxygen.
Our body's trying to function,but then you feel frustrated and
you get stressed out easily.
And so by taking a deep breath,so you as a parent start
modeling, it's like, just stopand take a deep breath.
And when they press yourbuttons.
Before you say anything, take adeep breath.
(16:55):
Okay, what do you need?
How can I help you?
I hear you.
Or can we take a deep breathtogether?
And especially if they're reallylittle, they're still trying to
figure out and they mimiceverything you do.
So throughout the day, take adeep breath, take a deep breath.
When they're washing theirhands, when you're washing your
hands, take those deep breaths.
Instead of singing the happybirthday song or you can sing
(17:17):
happy birthday also because youknow, they got to wash their
hands more than two seconds.
Um, take deep breaths as you'rewashing your hands.
Just take deep breaths and thenyou can start the song and then
you end the song and then takeanother deep breath in.
But throughout the day, becausethroughout the day, that is
already helping you regulateyour nervous system.
(17:37):
Even if you're not feeling upsetor angry or whatever it is, it's
already supporting your body sothat when you, if you do happen
to have that emotion later on,it won't be as strong, you know,
and they're learning from you.
So you as a parent have to bethe example for them, no matter
what you can tell them do, do,do, do, do.
But if you don't do it yourself,they're not going to learn.
(17:59):
So throughout the day, take thedeep breath, take time for
yourself and let them know, youknow what?
I need a moment right now.
Mommy needs just a moment.
I'm going to set my timer.
I just need a moment right now.
And you don't have to explain,Oh, I'm going to meditate.
I'm going to blah, blah, blah,blah, blah.
Just, I need a moment right now.
And if they ask why it's like,okay, well, I'm going to
meditate.
(18:20):
This is something that I need todo to take care of me.
So I can be able to take care ofyou because if I don't take care
of myself, I, I won't be able totake care of you.
As I would like to, as youdeserve to be taken care of, you
know, so, um, those are some ofthe ways that I like to support
people in with their families,you know, and just self too.
(18:41):
And then when you're in the car,right, sometimes that's
stressful.
If there's traffic on your wayto school or work or whatever it
is.
at the red light at the stopsign.
Use that as your cue.
I'm going to take a deep breath.
Okay, everybody, let's take adeep breath.
It's a red light.
And if they're really little,make it into a game.
Okay.
We're going to take deep breathsthroughout this whole red light.
(19:02):
And then when it changes, okay,now we can go on and continue.
Now we can play a song or what,you know, whatever it is, you
know, you want to do or play.
podcast or whatever, which bythe way, I do have a five minute
bilingual meditation podcastthat you can listen to on the
car ride or before going to bedor first thing that you wake up
when you wake up in the morning,it's called decide balance.
(19:22):
So that's another way that I cansupport families.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_092650 (19:25):
Oh, that's great.
And I'll make sure to share thatin the show notes and on my
website as well, because yeah,as far as with like finding
different resources, right?
Like there are times when I goon YouTube and put like yoga for
kids, I feel like instead of itbeing a little relaxing, it's
like overstimulating.
And I'm like, how, how does thisreally relate to relaxation?
(19:50):
Um, and so really finding thosetools too, right?
Like finding the right toolsspecifically.
Like, I think it helps, youknow, set, that sort of practice
in a little bit more calm state.
And you know, when I think aboutimplementing meditation with
kids, I think that is probablylike the main reason, right?
(20:11):
Like to help regulate your kids,to help them.
Ooze down and I'm thinkingspecifically like at night where
maybe there's a kiddo that isjust to not go to sleep, right?
Like they're just like, yeah,not wanting to, you know, be in
(20:32):
this kind of like routinebecause they know that they're
going to go to sleep.
Um, and so, you know, when I'mthinking about that scenario or
even like behavioral issues oremotional issues, right?
Like what are some of thebenefits that, um, meditation
can help people.
(20:53):
For kids, like towards kids, canyou tell us a little bit more
about that?
And some of the techniques thatwe can even use as
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05-11 (21:00):
Yeah.
So some of the benefits couldbe, um, or are some of the
benefits are better sleep.
focus, um, reduce anxiety,reduce depression.
They're able to be more creativeeven though there are very
creative, but it just reallyboosts their creativity.
They're able to have, um,connect with themselves, be more
self compassionate as well,because sometimes they're very
(21:21):
hard on, on themselves.
And, um, Just overall, their,their well being, they feel
better mentally, physically, youknow, when they get sick, they
don't get sick for such a longperiod anymore.
Like, it's definitely shortened.
I've definitely noticed that.
And, um, On and on and on thelist goes on.
(21:42):
I mean, they sleep better, theyfeel more rested, not just like,
okay, I'm going to go to sleep,but actually feel rested, which
is huge.
I mean, and that was the biggestthing for me.
I felt rested even with thethree, four hours of sleep that
I would get.
And, um, and, and there's somany studies.
Just Google, you know, um,studies, what are the benefits?
(22:03):
And there's a long list and evenresearch.
A lot of research is being doneon meditation with kids and just
on people.
So it's endless.
If anybody needs some proof orsome scientific data to believe
on meditation, please Google it.
And just for myself.
I've definitely experienced abig change in my life, um, which
(22:26):
I'll get to in a little later,but you were asking me like,
what are some tools that you cando?
And so at night, one of the, oneof the things that I like to
share as a meditation practice,it's like, okay, we're going to
take some deep breaths.
They can put one hand on theirheart, one hand on their belly,
or if they have their favoritebuddy stuffed animal or, uh,
stuffy, whatever it is, um, holdit.
(22:47):
Hold it right here on your chestor maybe on their belly and they
can watch it go up and down andthen put it on your chest so
they can feel it.
Okay, close your eyes, you know,imagining your body, you know,
is feeling really warm and safein your arms.
And we're going to tell yourbuddy, okay, you are calm
because sometimes when you tellthem that you are calm, they're
(23:08):
like, Oh no, no, no, I'm not.
But it's like, okay, you are theteacher.
Now you're going to help yourbuddy go to sleep.
And it's like, okay, let's tellyour buddy.
You are calm.
Your mind is relaxed and just gothrough every, you know,
relaxing word that you can thinkof and just taking the deep
breaths and just slow yourvoice.
(23:28):
And before you know it, they areout because they feel like, Oh,
I'm helping my buddy go to sleepbecause they're very active
right now.
You know, if they're reallylittle, if they're a little
older, it's like, okay, justtaking the deep breaths.
And then you yourself, you know,if they're like, In elementary
school, it's like, okay, um, mymind is relaxed.
My body is calm.
I'm tired.
(23:49):
And just taking those deep, likelong, deep breaths.
And you can even start scanningyour body.
Okay.
My mind is relaxed.
My cheeks are relaxed.
My eyes are relaxed.
My jaw is relaxed and then justtake your time deep breaths in
between my shoulders, maybe moveyour shoulders, relax your
shoulder, and just startscanning your whole body and
(24:11):
even you can even go througheach finger, my thumb, the top
of my thumb, the bottom of mythumb, and now my second finger
and then my third finger, thetop of my it just.
Make it as long as possible andbefore you know it, they are
out.
I mean, even you yourself as amom will probably pass out.
It's happened to me.
(24:32):
But, um, but it really does helpyou, you know, calm down your
body because you're, you'retelling your brain, Oh, I'm
tired.
I'm sleepy.
I'm ready to go to sleep, youknow, all these words, it's
like, oh, yeah, and you startbelieving because you're telling
yourself that you are.
So it's, it's also, um, amindset thing, right?
(24:53):
You're, you're tricking yourbrain that, oh, I'm tired.
I'm exhausted.
And it even helps me myself asan adult.
Sometimes like I have so manythings going on in my head.
I'm like, okay, time to quietdown.
I'm relaxed.
My mind is relaxed.
My body is tired.
My body is ready to go to sleep.
I can feel my comfy pillow, mywarm blanket, and you know, just
(25:15):
start making myself comfortableand I'm out.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_092 (25:18):
that's awesome.
You're about to put me to sleep.
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05-11-2 (25:21):
But something that I wanted to
share, um, meditation can helppeople in so many ways.
And for me has been a physicaland mental change in my life.
So in 2003, I got married.
I moved from Texas toCalifornia, started a whole new
family, new life, new friends,new environment.
And at the same time, I starteda laser hair removal therapy,
(25:44):
which activated the vitiligo onmy skin.
So my underarm started turningwhite, my bikini area.
And it just threw me off.
And so my dermatologist saidthat vitiligo is an autoimmune
deficiency disorder andeverybody has the vitiligo gene,
but it's activated with highstress.
So for me, it was the laserthat, I mean, that was a straw
(26:08):
that broke the camel's back forme, basically.
And even though they diddisclose, Oh, one in a million,
but we have to disclose thatit's possible you could lose,
you know, your melanin.
I'm like, yeah, yeah, whatever.
One in a million.
Well, I'm one in a million.
And slowly I started letting goof things, toxic things,
mindset, you know, just thingsstarted shifting in my mind.
(26:28):
But my prayer kept going, whyme?
Why me?
God, I don't get it.
Why me?
And then one day everythingshifted.
Okay, God, this has to be ablessing in disguise.
Show me, what do I need to knowabout this?
And slowly I let go of watchingthe news, watching horror
movies, you know, super actionmovies, just anything that would
like, you know, like put my bodyin this anxious mode, right?
(26:54):
Like my heart was like racing.
And so I figured, okay, I needto start stepping back, taking
care of myself.
And so the vitiligo was a way ofmy body.
Basically yelling at me.
You need to stop.
You need to slow down.
There's so much going on andyou're not taking care of
yourself.
Five years later I became mom.
(27:14):
So that's a whole other shock onyour body.
So my, my vitiligo justdefinitely like went nuts and it
took me down this spiral ofnegativity, self hatred.
I was super uncomfortable in myskin.
I was ashamed, embarrassed.
I hated being out in public, youknow, showing my arms and.
because I didn't want to showanybody what was happening with
(27:36):
my underarms or the spots that Ihad.
And I didn't want to explain.
And it was just too much for me,but I heard about meditation and
how it can help me feel better.
So like all these things startedhappening.
And then at one point, my threelittle ones were all under five
years old.
So.
For sure.
I was super exhausted, but Iheard this beautiful quote by
(27:57):
the Dalai Lama, where he says,every eight year old in the
world is taught meditation.
We will eliminate violencewithin one generation really
opened up my eyes because Ithought, wow, if my kids
generation learn to meditatetheir generation and future
generations, we'll be able towitness world peace.
(28:22):
The world right now is in chaos,right?
And so the children, I mean,they're the future.
They're the future worldchangers.
So what if we taught them tocome from a place of inner
peace, inner guidance, a placefrom pure love to make these
decisions, to make the world abetter place.
(28:44):
My life just started justshifting.
With all these things cominginto my path, you know, all
these clues, you know, sciencesymbols and clues are coming
into my path.
And, uh, one day I happened tobe on the wheel grow Latina
community platform and theyoffered a meditation one on one
webinar.
And that's where I learned thatthe Chopra center offered a
(29:06):
meditation teachingcertification.
And I'm like, That's where Ineed to be because before I was
looking like, where do I go inthe money and who's reputable,
but my kids are still reallylittle.
I don't really have time andwhatever, but the seat I planted
that seat.
I wanted to get certified andlearn from someone who's
credible and reputable.
Right.
And then the, you know, when thestudent is ready, the teacher
(29:28):
shows up and I went through theprogram.
And then when I finished theprogram, I received the message.
I'm going to teach meditation to1 million children.
And I'm like, that's it.
That's what I'm going to do.
That is my path.
And so just, just looking backat how everything started
aligning, you know, the quo, mykids, the, you know, just
(29:50):
everything.
I even started volunteering atmy kid's school, you know, to
support my son and theirclassmates through a big
transition phase.
And.
Wanting to learn more.
I started the podcast because Iwanted to be transparent with
families because someone askedme, you no longer believe in
God.
And so I'm like, well, what'shappening, you know, so all
these things started happeningfor me.
And so now, you know, I'm atthis place now where I am the
(30:14):
expert.
I can teach families and, youknow, Be able to teach them in
Spanish and Espanol, you know,share about meditation.
What is meditation?
You know, it's, it's aboutconnecting with that inner calm,
that inner peace that livesinside of us.
It's not changing your religion.
It's not that you're going tolet go of believing in God.
None of that.
(30:35):
It's about you, aboutremembering that you have that
inner peace inside of you.
And so, Connecting with thefamily so that they can support
their children because thinkingabout like, you know, a lot of
these leaders that are makingjust terrible decisions right
now.
They didn't have the support.
They didn't have tools toregulate their nervous system.
(30:56):
So they're coming from a verytoxic place and, you know, a
place of greed and negativityand just all of that negative
stuff.
Right.
But what if you come from aplace of peace?
A place of love, a place ofempathy, wow, those decision
makers would be making totallydifferent decisions right now,
you know, it just blows my mind.
(31:18):
I'm like, why don't theymeditate?
It's so simple.
It's so easy, right?
No one taught them.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_092650 (31:24):
Oh my gosh.
Yeah.
Well, thank you so much forsharing your story and how the
stars aligned.
You know, for you and youmanifested it, you were looking
for that sign, and you found it,and the mission that you have
with your platform, the factthat your goal is to you teach
(31:47):
meditation to 1 millionchildren.
Like that is so intentional andhow that's tied in with how this
generation can make effectivechange.
Right.
And that way they are selfregulated that they are in tune
with their feelings, theiremotions to make decisions.
And you are so right about, youknow, the, the current people
(32:09):
that lead our world, right?
Like they're probably Missingsome form of their, um, past and
perhaps they are seeking thatvoid that they had maybe through
their inner child.
Like, you never know.
And it's true.
When you think aboutpoliticians, they behave like
children and that's true.
(32:30):
Yeah.
And that is because perhaps theyneed some healing to do and, and
the fact that you are being sointentional right with this
generation, like I am all for itand I love that.
And so can you tell us moreabout Decide Balance and really
what inspired you to start thisbusiness venture, in being so
(32:50):
intentional about teachingmeditation to 1 million
children?
And I'm also wondering, are you
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05-11- (32:57):
Yes.
So I'm over 2000 kids right now.
So it's super exciting to seethat number grow little by
little.
But, you know, it's all aboutconnecting with people and just
asking, Hey, can you connect mewith other families, other, you
know, schools, organizations,like, you know, who wants to
join on this mission, you know,and explain my journey and what
it is that I'm doing, thepurpose of it.
(33:20):
And so Decide Balance,basically, it's a safe space for
families to come in and findsupport, tools to help them, you
know, just for their day, fortheir family, for their
lifestyle, for their future, forthe future ancestors, and I do
have, um, within the sidebalance, I have a virtual space
called Oasis where we meditatetwice a month, virtually
(33:44):
meditate together in communitywith your kids.
And I record all those, uh,sessions as well.
We meditate for 15 minutes, dosome breathing exercises
together.
And, um, you can watch those atany time every month I upload a
mindfulness tip.
So then that way you can seedifferent ways to incorporate
mindfulness in your lifestyle,in your family's lifestyle and,
(34:08):
um, resources as well that youcan find.
And just anything that startscoming up, I start sharing.
So, um, so that's, that's myoffering to, that's how another
way that I'm trying to reach mygoal is like, okay, join my
community so we can meditatetogether in community, which
makes a really big differencewhen you meditate together and,
(34:29):
and even if you can't be therelive, don't worry, just watching
the recording, you know,energetically, we're still
together as a community.
And so it's just been a reallybeautiful experience to share
that.
platform.
And so decide balance.
I feel it was one of those namesthat came up and I was very
intentional with having abilingual name.
So decide balance, decidebalance.
(34:51):
And when I think back is Idecided that balance inside of
me.
You know, when I started makingthat shift of letting go of all
these things, and so one morething that I want to share is I
am so happy to share that 80percent of my melanin that had
disappeared has come back.
(35:13):
My elbows are back to brown.
I used to have huge white spotson my elbows, on both of my
elbows.
There might be some littlefaint.
My knees are back to brown.
The back of my neck was white.
Um, back I had all these spots,my underarms are still white,
(35:34):
but not as bright, I mean it wasbright white, like my top, it
was bright white, my underarmswere bright white, but now I
could see the color is startingto come in, and just in
different areas, it's so mindblowing that I've been able to
do this myself.
And I'm like, wow, when youallow your body, the time, the
(35:55):
space to pause, which, which isnot really common in the Latino
community or black and browncommunities, uh, because we're
taught, like, you got to work,you got to hustle.
You know, if you stop, you'relazy, you know, it is floja to
work, you know,
jessica_2_05-11-2024_09265 (36:10):
hmm.
Mm hmm.
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05-11-2 (36:12):
But that's what.
Right.
You know, generations back weretold they had to do in order to
survive or also with, you know,with colonization, you know, our
ancestors were turned intoslaves and so they were not
allowed to rest.
So then we carry that with usand we feel and we feel it and
sometimes it comes up like Ifeel exhausted and I'm like, I'm
(36:34):
just going to take a break and Igo lie down and then I hear my
husband coming.
I'm like, He's here.
You know, like I need to bedoing something.
I'm like, no, I don't.
I'm taking this moment for me.
Like I deserve to take a pauseand take this rest because I am
exhausted and I give myselfpermission to rest, which was
really hard to learn that it'sokay to rest as a mom because I
(36:59):
see that example in my family.
And so now, you know, Thinkingback and I'm like, Whoa, I've
done a lot of work to get tothis space, giving myself
permission to rest, doing theinner work, the healing, you
know, really, really doing thework has completely transformed
my life, not just mentally, butphysically.
(37:20):
And I can show people look whatit's done because a lot of
people with vitiligo, it justspreads and spreads and spreads
and spreads.
You know, because they don'thave tools to support them, but
that's what it is.
It's, it's a shock on your body,whatever it was that happened, a
trauma or whatever.
Um, it, it, it just goes allover the body and that could be
(37:41):
with any other disease and anyother illness too, because when
your body is stressed out, itcauses inflammation in your
body.
Inflammation can turn intoillnesses and diseases.
So sometimes we wonder like, whydo I have this?
Why do I have that?
Well, Are you stressed?
And usually the doctors will be,are you stressed?
(38:03):
That's usually the number onequestion.
How is your life?
How is your stress level?
And if it's high, Oh, yeah,that's, that is your body
yelling at you, slow down,whatever it is that's popping up
on your body, step back andthink about it.
What is my life?
Do I take a deep breath?
Am I taking time for myself?
Am I setting boundaries?
(38:23):
Am I really taking care ofmyself?
And we are taught that that'swhat we have to do.
Right.
But no, if, if we don't takecare of ourselves, how are we
supposed to help others?
Right.
Like serve, you know, you cannotserve from an empty cup.
So you got to feel your cup.
And that was really hard for meto learn and really, really
(38:46):
implement.
But now in a place, I'm at aplace where, oh yeah, I'm going
to fill my cup and then I'mgoing to serve and help and
support others.
I'll, I'll give from my overflowbasically.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_092650 (38:58):
So many nuggets here that you
shared, you know, first of all,the fact that you have like
healed yourself, really, you arein this healing process where
you didn't have to like seekmedication.
And then that's oftentimes whatour community that does, right.
They're just like, tomar para,you know, to cure myself.
(39:20):
And it's like, well, if you doother alternatives like natural,
holistic wellness that arerooted in our ancestors, right?
Why can't we reclaim that?
And that way we can start.
Healing our bodies in a morenatural, holistic way.
Right.
And, and I immediately thoughtof that, like, look at you
(39:44):
through meditation, you are ableto, just like get your melanin
back, you know?
And, and that is awesome for me.
It's like a miracle almostbecause you often don't hear
that.
So I'm just amazed.
I am so amazed.
And also like the fact that, youknow, when, when talking about
motherhood, right.
And.
I like to claim the wordmotherhood in this aspect
(40:06):
because this podcast is veryculturally relevant, you know,
to the Latina mom and the waythat we grew up as Latinas, you
know, it's all about servingothers first, that is the comer
en la mesa, you know, a toda lagente and you eat.
At the very last, like you endup eating the scraps almost
(40:28):
because you know, you know, youalways have to prioritize others
and you just put yourself last.
And, is very hard to shift thatmindset, right?
As when you're hearing thesemessages growing up, you know,
And so what would you say to Amom who is listening, who wants
(40:52):
to implement like this sort ofpractice, in meditation, pero
she either says like, shedoesn't have the time or she
doesn't know how, like, whatwould you say to this mama
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05-11 (41:06):
Yeah, that is a limiting belief, and I
want to say, remember, it isyour birthright.
to rest.
It is your birthright toprioritize yourself so that you
can be whole and take care ofyourself because you're going to
fall apart, completely fallapart.
I fell apart and I had to learnthe hard way.
(41:28):
I had to learn to give myselfpermission.
So if you need permission, Igive you permission.
To rest, to pause, even if it'sfive minutes, girl, take extra
five minutes in the bathroom,lock the door.
A lot of times they're like, Oh,but they come into the bathroom,
they come into the shop, girl,lock the door, lock the door.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_09265 (41:48):
Yes.
That's your
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05-11- (41:51):
Yes.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_092650 (41:51):
and only time
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05 (41:52):
whatever it is, they're crying, having
the tantrum.
Just take deep breaths in thebathroom.
Even if they're having ameltdown, they're not going to
die in five minutes.
Because they're crying, come on,you know, they're going to be
fine, I promise.
So I give you permission torest, to take those extra five
minutes in the shower, in thebathroom, or just, just go to
the bathroom even if you don'thave to go, but you can just
(42:14):
step away, like if it's too muchat that moment, it's okay to
step away.
You don't have to yell, becausewhen you yell, then that
activates you more, it activatesthe child, and it's just A big
explosion, right?
So, we don't want to go there.
So, you can start being theexample.
I need a moment.
I'm going to step away.
(42:34):
And even if they're still havingthat meltdown and whatever it
is, and you still feel guiltyfor not attending to them in
that, in that second, in thatvery moment, it's going to be
hard, but it's okay.
Everyone will survive and youwill feel better in the long run
because you're starting now totake care of yourself.
Start taking those deep breaths.
(42:55):
You can even start scanning yourbody and helping your body to
regulate, release that tension,that stress, whatever it is that
you're feeling in your body.
Um, You know, and find support.
You can listen to my podcast.
You can just Google and watchvideos, whatever is easier for
you, um, at that moment and, andseek support also.
(43:15):
And so that's one of the things,you know, within the Oasis
community, when we meditatetwice, we have that extra time
to come together in community,have that conversation.
What do you need support with atthis time?
And so I do offer that supportfor families, especially for the
moms, you know, Mamacitas, Ihear you.
I've been there.
Oh, I have been through all thethings with three kiddos.
(43:37):
Girl, yes, I hear you.
And it's tough and it'schallenging, but you will
survive.
And it's also, you know, it's,and reaching out, reaching out
for help.
Um, uh, that was so hard for meto reach out for help thinking
that I had to do everythingmyself.
And finally, I I heard someonesay, well, ask for help.
(43:59):
I'm like, Oh, I can.
Is that okay?
Really?
Like, it's allowed for me to askfor help?
Okay.
You know, take that extra hourwhen you go to the grocery
store, you know, have your, youknow, partner, spouse, whoever,
you know, family member, watchthe kiddos take two hours to
grow grocery shopping if youneed to, it's okay, girl, I feel
(44:20):
guilty shopping for two hoursfor the groceries, you know, I
took my time and then I'm like,Oh, I need to hurry back.
I need to make sure that, youknow, my husband's okay.
And the kids are okay.
And like, I had all this wholelike worrying about them, like
only two hours, like, They'refine.
Daddy's a human adult.
Like, he can take care of them.
If something major happens, heknows he can drive them to the
(44:42):
hospital.
Like, it's okay.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_0 (44:45):
exactly.
No, yes.
Yeah.
Thank you for normalizing that.
And especially for new moms,It's like a struggle.
Uh, you know, you lose your oldidentity, you have this new
identity, you want to be theperfect mom, you know, and, and
you just want to emulate likewhat we often see, like on
social media, being the superpresent, super involved, mom.
(45:08):
And, and that is pretty toxic,you know, you need your space.
And I love what you're tellingus here because, um, I think it
is very important to just liketake any opportunity to just
like, you know, focus onyourself, right?
And prioritize on yourself andreally checking in on how you're
(45:28):
feeling and, and what kind ofemotions are going on right now
and just like breathe.
And, and it is so interestinghow we take breathing for
granted, you know, and, and thatis a, a, a a superhuman, you
know, um, what's it called?
Like, um, it, it, it's like outof survival, right?
(45:51):
We need to breathe in order tolive.
And yeah.
So I, I want to thank you forjust normalizing this and
letting my mom's know that it isokay to either let things go,
you know, to ask for help anddefinitely check in and have.
Just like alone time becausethat is
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05-11 (46:10):
Very.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_09265 (46:11):
Yes.
Yeah.
we are at the end of ourinterview here, but I often ask
my guests on the Viva how areyou redefining motherhood?
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_ (46:26):
Redefining is prioritizing myself, for
sure.
That's how I feel, because I'mable to be present for myself.
I'm able to be present for myfamily and for those around me.
So I think prioritizing, that'swhat came up for me.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_092650 (46:44):
I love it.
Yeah.
Well, Yvonne, where can peoplefollow you or connect with you?
That way they can learn a littlebit more about what you
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05-11-202 (46:53):
I can be found everywhere as
Decide Balance, Decide Balanceon Instagram, on Facebook, and
um, on YouTube as well.
You can just search.
My podcast is also called DecideBalance, so on any podcast
platform, it's available.
And, uh, and then the Oasisplatform, it's within my
website, which is decidebalance.
(47:13):
com.
So I look forward to seeing youthere within the Oasis.
Join the community, join themovement to, you know, support
and help me reach this missionto teach meditation to 1 million
children, because every childcounts, you know, just making a
difference with one child, itwill have a ripple effect.
Not just within, their littlefamily, but the community and
(47:35):
beyond.
So I'm excited to, to share andsupport more and more families.
So please connect with me.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_09265 (47:44):
Yes, absolutely.
And I'll make sure to share thison the show notes as well as on
my website, as well.
And that way people can connectwith you and get to learn a
little bit more about what youhave to offer.
But Yvonne, this is amazing.
I.
Yeah.
I just love what you are doing.
I think it, it helps a lot whenyou're focusing on the kids,
(48:07):
right?
On the children, because theyare our next generation.
They are our future leaders.
And if they haven't healed oreven self regulated themselves,
they could make bad decisions.
And, and I just love what you'redoing.
So thank you so much.
I really appreciate you.
being here.
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05-11-2 (48:25):
One more thing I want that just came
up that I wanted to share rightnow.
It's a really pivotal moment inmy life where.
Before I was telling you with myvitiligo, I was, felt really
embarrassed in my own skin whereI'm now at a point where I can
wear, um, tops, you know, thatare like off the shoulders or
spaghetti straps and I actuallylike feel comfortable in my own
(48:48):
skin.
So I just wanted to share thatbecause it's a really big moment
for me.
Um, I'm 48 this year and it'slike, wow, this huge
transformation has happenedwhere I went from the super low
vibe, you know, emotions,feelings, you know, very toxic
mentality.
Where now I'm at a wholedifferent space where I feel
(49:11):
empowered.
I feel so poderosa, you know,where I can be comfortable in my
skin, no matter what it lookslike.
My underarms are still white,but I could see the changes are
happening.
And now I'm able to share mystory if people ask me and, and
it's, and it's okay now.
So I really wanted to share thatbecause it's a really pivotal
(49:32):
moment in my life right now.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_09265 (49:34):
Yes.
And you deserve, like, youshould share this because it is
so empowering and you areglowing mujer.
Like, I, I sense a lot ofpositive energy from you and
it's, it's amazing and keepdoing the work that you're doing
for La Comunidad, but it's alsosuch a great, testament that
(49:55):
meditation works and it helps,thank you so much for sharing
that.
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05 (49:59):
Gracias.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_092650 (50:01):
of course.
Well, for being here.
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05-11-2 (50:03):
for the invitation.
Bye bye.
Mujer, thank you so much fortaking the time out of your busy
schedule to listen to the VivaLa Mami podcast.
If you enjoyed today's episode,will you do me a favor and
follow the podcast and leave arating and review?
Hitting that follow button andreviewing my show will allow
(50:24):
other mamis like you find thispodcast.
Your review will also tell me ifyou enjoy the show, so I would
truly appreciate your thoughts.
Don't forget, please share thispodcast con tus amigas.
Also, make sure to follow me atViva La Mami on Instagram or
visit VivaLaMami.
com.
Please note the informationshared in this podcast is for
(50:46):
educational purposes only andshould not be taken as
professional advice.
Okay, mujer, thank you forjoining y nos vemos in the next
episode.
Welcome to the podcast.
I am your host, Jessica Cuevas.
I am a mother of two on amission to help redefine the
meaning of motherhood as amodern Latina mom.
Motherhood can be a complexjourney interwoven in two
identities that often make usfeel ni de aqui, ni de alla.
Viva La Mami is committed toproviding you with knowledge,
(00:24):
tools, and support to navigatethe challenges and triumphs of
motherhood.
As Latina moms on the show,we'll be discussing culturally
relevant topics that will helpinform and empower you in
whichever season you are in onyour motherhood journey.
We'll be joined by Latina moms,experts and professionals who
(00:45):
can offer advice, practicaltips, relatable stories, and
honest conversations.
So bring your cafecito as Iinvite you to be a part of this
space As we create Comunidadabout the exciting and
challenging parts of being amami.
Ahora, vámonos.
jessica_1_05-11-2024_0913 (01:06):
Hola.
Yvonne.
How are you?
yvonne-hrern-ndez_1_05-11-2 (01:09):
Hi.
Hi.
I'm so excited to be here.
Thank you for the invitation.
jessica_1_05-11-2024_0913 (01:13):
Thank you so much for being here.
I appreciate you reaching outand kind of telling me a little
bit more about your platform aswell as what you do.
There's just so muchintentionality that you have
with, you know, meditation and.
And how one can implement that,in their daily routines, but
(01:33):
also in assisting families,especially to kids.
And oftentimes we don't reallythink about how we can implement
this with our children.
So I'm really excited to learnmore about this.
because in the self care space,like there's just a lot of.
You know, just like buzzwordsand just like trendy, methods
(01:55):
about utilizing meditation asadults.
But I'm really curious about howto incorporate, you know,
meditation towards kids.
So before we delve into thatconversation, if you can tell
our listeners a little bit moreabout you and that way they get
to Familiarize yourself with youand what you do.
And so yeah, tell us a littlebit more about yourself
yvonne-hrern-ndez_1_05-11-2 (02:16):
hi, everyone.
My name is Yvonne Hernandez.
I'm a mama three, of futureworld changers and a wife.
I am a CHOPRA certifiedmeditation teacher, a Reiki
master, a bilingual podcaster,and a Girl Scout troop leader.
And, uh, yeah, I've been on thismission for a few years now, and
(02:37):
it just fills my heart to seethe kids responding so
positively and which motivatesthe families also to be
interested in.
Continuing a meditationmindfulness practice in their
family lifestyle.
jessica_1_05-11-2024_09132 (02:51):
That is awesome.
And so we'll definitely Get tohear a little bit more about
your business because i'm verycurious You know what you do and
how you serve the community aswell but can you help our
listeners understand whatmeditation really is?
And are there different types ofmeditations?
(03:12):
I'm kind of curious to learn itfrom your perspective and your
expertise.
yvonne-hrern-ndez_1_05-11-20 (03:17):
So meditation is just a beautiful
practice.
It's a tool that can help youregulate your nervous system,
can help you through the manyroller coaster emotions that we
experience, especially the kids.
And sometimes they don't havethe words to express, Oh, I am
stressed.
Oh, I am angry or whatever the,you know, the emotion may be.
And so meditation can help you.
(03:39):
Feel a lot more comfortable orgo through the emotion, just
really support you withouthaving to have anything physical
to, you know, you don't need togo to the store and buy
anything.
It's all within you, you, you gowithin to connect to that
beautiful inner peace to supportyou with those emotions, with
whatever it is that you're goingthrough.
(03:59):
And there are different types ofmeditations and this meditation
is an ancestral practice.
A lot of people think it's, Oh,it's a new thing.
Uh, you know, where did thiscome from?
But actually it's really, reallyold, you know, way, way, way,
way, way back.
Our ancestors would practicemeditation.
And.
So many different ways you canpractice mindfulness.
(04:22):
It would be through meditation,through yoga, through breath
work, a sound bath, um, a walkin nature, just maybe being a
conscious eater.
Like when you're eating, likereally notice your food, the
colors, you know, use your, yourfive senses, you know, when,
when you're having that meal,um, being together with family
(04:43):
being present in the moment witheach other without devices.
That's another form ofmindfulness.
So, um, there's many, many waysthat you can practice
mindfulness or a meditationpractice.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_092650 (04:56):
The way that I see meditation and
many people I'm sure seemeditation, it's like this, you
know, sort of luxury, Oh, youknow, You got to do some self
care.
Okay.
Go do meditation.
And then you end up going to ayoga studio and spend hundreds
of dollars each month and thingslike that.
(05:17):
And when I think aboutmeditation, it's like, I wonder
if that fits in like certainpopulations where they're able
to afford, you know, thesememberships and, you know,
different ways in which theyimplement that.
And when in fact it's rooted in.
in.
our ancestors, right?
(05:38):
Like this was something that waspracticed with our people.
And, and so, yeah, I often feelconflicted with that because
it's almost like, well, is thislike cultural appropriation, you
know, is it something that howcan like, Us in the Latino
(06:00):
community, how do, how can wereclaim that, you know, um, and
bring the, this certain aspect,um, like a ritual sort of thing,
you know, like this kind ofritual back into our day to day
and not see it as like a luxuryor not see it as something that
(06:20):
is oftentimes utilized by peoplethat can afford, memberships to
like a yoga studio or what haveyou that that's kind of like my
thoughts I don't know if youwant to add something to that
But I find it very interestinghow it is rooted with our
Ancestors, but then again peoplemay utilize it.
(06:41):
Otherwise, you know or
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05-11 (06:42):
Yeah, and I feel like We, we forgot
that this is an ancestralpractice because of colonization
and capitalism and all thatstuff, right?
So many things happened, youknow, way back then and in
between to now.
So it feels like we don't havethe privilege.
(07:03):
You know that it feels like, oh,it's a privilege to go to a
space, a wellness studio, awellness space to have a
meditation practice, to practiceyoga, to have any form of
mindfulness when actually youdon't need to go anywhere.
You can just be at home whereveryou are, no matter how much
(07:24):
money you make, where you comefrom, where your roots are from.
It doesn't matter.
It, all you need is just.
Somewhere where you can sit downor lie down and go within and
try different things.
I mean, you can even be out innature.
You can go for a hike.
You can go for a walk.
Even just walking down yourstreet and being mindful of,
(07:45):
Okay, you know what?
Today I'm not going to listen tomy parents.
Rock music or whatever it istoday.
I'm just going to walk down thestreet and observe the trees
around me, observe the grass,smell the fresh cut grass, you
know, feel the cool air aroundme, you know, tap into connect
to those, um, connect to thosesenses that you have those
(08:09):
beautiful five senses that youhave to, to help you to ground,
to connect, to go within.
So you don't need a lot ofstuff, really.
And so it's.
Really beautiful to be able toshare this practice, especially
in Espanol, because a lot of ourcommunity think that or I have
been asked before, Oh, do you nolonger believe in God?
(08:30):
What is this meditation thingthat you're doing?
I'm like, Oh, hold up.
I do believe in God.
Meditation has nothing to dowith me believing in God or not
or changing my religion, whichpeople have, you know, questions
about like, Oh, is this going tochange my religion and all these
things?
But it's because that was, youknow, it was like a brainwash
type of thing.
So that way you only have like,okay, this is all you're going
(08:53):
to believe in.
And that's it.
You know, but it's notmeditation is just a practice to
help you regulate your nervoussystem to support you with
whatever emotions that you'regoing through with whatever
situation that you're goingthrough because we go through a
lot as humans, right?
So we need tools to help us.
Um, and especially, you know, Ifyou are not financially, you
(09:16):
know, able to go to thatwellness studio or have that
membership or whatever, youdon't need any of that.
You can just go within.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_092650 (09:26):
I like how you pointed that out.
You know, it's, it's like twoextremes, right?
Where it's a privilege to,utilize meditation or go to a
wellness studio.
But it's also how it's, peoplethink that it can replace
spirituality.
And oftentimes like people thinkthat, um, spirituality is all
(09:46):
religion, but there's differentaspects of that.
And, and I wonder how that'stied in with meditation as well,
you know, and the way that I seemeditation, at least it's, it's
intentions.
It's like trying to figure outways to, Like you said, self
regulate, right?
Like what is it that I currentlyhave in the moment that I can
(10:08):
kind of distract myself?
It's almost like putting yoursoul in a different place.
And that way you can bring that,bring it back and kind of be
more present.
And, and sometimes I take thatfor granted, I should be more
intentional in utilizingmeditation a lot more,
especially right now that I'm,you know, In this season of life
(10:32):
with two little ones, we are infull survival mode right now.
And And yeah, I, I should bemindful about like, okay, if I
want to be more present as a momand be more intentional with my
environment and appreciate myenvironment, you know, whether
if it's in my home or outsideand just to like appreciate the
(10:55):
little things.
And, and if anything, that'ssomething that I need to
understand with, with havinglittle ones, right.
They're a little bit more intune with their, with what is
going on right now.
Yeah.
And that should be somethingthat I need to like look into
that more, And so coming fromyou, like from your expertise
and, um, as someone that istrained, how has meditation
(11:20):
helped your parenting journeyand how can it really help
parents, with, their day to daylives, to kind of ease them and,
and be a little bit morepresent.
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05-11- (11:31):
Wow.
Meditation has definitelytransformed my life, including
my, my parenthood, you know, uh,journey.
Me and.
The beginning of my parenthoodjourney, I was running on fumes,
which a lot of us are, becausewe're on call 24 7, very little
sleep, and I felt exhausted, Iwas irritated all the time, I
(11:53):
would get frustrated, you know,things would set me off, and I
would yell.
And, I heard, okay, meditationcan help you feel rested even
with a few hours that you have.
And so that's kind of how Istarted into the meditation
practice because I did not havemeditation growing up.
I didn't even know what it was.
I had heard of yoga, but notreally practiced it.
(12:16):
So I didn't have a mindfulnesspractice at all growing up.
I wish I did.
And then learning aboutmeditation, how it can help you
feel rested.
I'm like, Oh, I'm all in.
I need the rest, even with thefour hours of sleep that I just
got.
And.
It felt amazing.
And I'm like, Oh my goodness.
Okay, I can do this.
(12:37):
And little by little, I juststarted practicing more and more
and more.
And now I'm able to respond tomy kids outbursts or whatever it
is, how they're, you know,having that moment, you know,
because they're kids.
Um, and compared to before, Iwould just react and yell and
snap at them.
(12:58):
And now it's like.
Okay, I'm going to take a deepbreath.
Take a moment to think aboutwhat I'm going to say because
it's going to affect them.
And so how is this going toaffect them?
Are they gonna, is it going tosupport them?
Because I also have to putmyself in their shoes.
What are they going through?
Because a lot of times theydon't know how to tell you what
(13:19):
it is that they're goingthrough, what they're feeling.
All they know is I need help.
And so I'm going to yell.
I'm going to have that tantrum.
Are you hungry?
Are you tired?
Does something hurt?
Did something happen?
And then when they get intoschool, things happen at school.
They suck it up.
They hold it in.
They get home and they fallapart.
Over a spoon and you're like,what on earth?
(13:41):
What are you talking about?
Why are you crying over a spoon?
Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
Go to your room.
Right?
And it's like, no, no, no.
So now it's like, okay, what'sgoing on?
And I ask more questions.
I'm like, so did somethinghappen at school?
Did someone say something and,you know, reminding yourself,
okay, take deep breaths asyou're talking to them.
And it has made a world of adifference, especially my middle
(14:04):
one, because she's going throughthe hormonal changes.
She's 12 years old, so I havethree kids.
My son is 14, my daughter is 12,and my youngest daughter is 9.
So my middle one, I can see thatshe's going through that
hormonal, you know,rollercoaster ride.
And I'm like, okay, I have totake that into consideration.
Things are happening at schoolthat I don't know about, and so
(14:25):
I need to be compassionate withher.
For And before I would have beenlike, whatever, you're, you
know, you're crazy.
Just go to your room, be quiet,you know, figure it out.
Just go cry it out.
Right.
But now I come from a differentpoint of view and support her.
And, and then we get to the rootcause and she'll get to the main
thing.
It's like.
Oh, that's the root cause.
(14:46):
And I let her know, that's theroot, what you're feeling,
right?
And she's like, yes.
And she starts crying and we hugand, you know, and, and support
her.
So it's made a world of adifference for me to be a better
parent, a better person, so Ican support my family and those
(15:06):
around me as well.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_09265 (15:08):
That is awesome.
And it really helps you not justlike self regulate yourself, but
also like you're modeling thiswith your children.
And, in the whole, likechildhood development kind of
space, there's alwaysconversations about emotional
intelligence.
Right.
And I think that is.
(15:29):
I could see that being tied inwith self regulation and, how
meditation can help with that aswell.
And so what are three simpleways to incorporate, meditation
into your family and yourlifestyle?
I'm kind of curious, like.
what that looks like.
(15:50):
Um, especially when you havelittle ones, right?
I'm mostly thinking aboutmyself.
Uh, but the majority of myaudience has little ones, at
home, like when you're in thisconstant survival mode, you
know, where you feel like youdon't have any time to do
anything.
How can you really add, youknow, meditation into your home?
(16:12):
I'm kind of curious about that.
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05-11-2 (16:13):
The number one tip I always give
everyone.
no matter their age, is take adeep breath.
Because we run on You know, verylittle oxygen.
Uh, we're not taking deepbreaths throughout the day.
So it really affects our wholebody, our brain.
We can't think we, you know,we're, our brain is trying to
(16:34):
function with very littleoxygen.
Our body's trying to function,but then you feel frustrated and
you get stressed out easily.
And so by taking a deep breath,so you as a parent start
modeling, it's like, just stopand take a deep breath.
And when they press yourbuttons.
Before you say anything, take adeep breath.
(16:55):
Okay, what do you need?
How can I help you?
I hear you.
Or can we take a deep breathtogether?
And especially if they're reallylittle, they're still trying to
figure out and they mimiceverything you do.
So throughout the day, take adeep breath, take a deep breath.
When they're washing theirhands, when you're washing your
hands, take those deep breaths.
Instead of singing the happybirthday song or you can sing
(17:17):
happy birthday also because youknow, they got to wash their
hands more than two seconds.
Um, take deep breaths as you'rewashing your hands.
Just take deep breaths and thenyou can start the song and then
you end the song and then takeanother deep breath in.
But throughout the day, becausethroughout the day, that is
already helping you regulateyour nervous system.
(17:37):
Even if you're not feeling upsetor angry or whatever it is, it's
already supporting your body sothat when you, if you do happen
to have that emotion later on,it won't be as strong, you know,
and they're learning from you.
So you as a parent have to bethe example for them, no matter
what you can tell them do, do,do, do, do.
But if you don't do it yourself,they're not going to learn.
(17:59):
So throughout the day, take thedeep breath, take time for
yourself and let them know, youknow what?
I need a moment right now.
Mommy needs just a moment.
I'm going to set my timer.
I just need a moment right now.
And you don't have to explain,Oh, I'm going to meditate.
I'm going to blah, blah, blah,blah, blah.
Just, I need a moment right now.
And if they ask why it's like,okay, well, I'm going to
meditate.
(18:20):
This is something that I need todo to take care of me.
So I can be able to take care ofyou because if I don't take care
of myself, I, I won't be able totake care of you.
As I would like to, as youdeserve to be taken care of, you
know, so, um, those are some ofthe ways that I like to support
people in with their families,you know, and just self too.
(18:41):
And then when you're in the car,right, sometimes that's
stressful.
If there's traffic on your wayto school or work or whatever it
is.
at the red light at the stopsign.
Use that as your cue.
I'm going to take a deep breath.
Okay, everybody, let's take adeep breath.
It's a red light.
And if they're really little,make it into a game.
Okay.
We're going to take deep breathsthroughout this whole red light.
(19:02):
And then when it changes, okay,now we can go on and continue.
Now we can play a song or what,you know, whatever it is, you
know, you want to do or play.
podcast or whatever, which bythe way, I do have a five minute
bilingual meditation podcastthat you can listen to on the
car ride or before going to bedor first thing that you wake up
when you wake up in the morning,it's called decide balance.
(19:22):
So that's another way that I cansupport families.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_092650 (19:25):
Oh, that's great.
And I'll make sure to share thatin the show notes and on my
website as well, because yeah,as far as with like finding
different resources, right?
Like there are times when I goon YouTube and put like yoga for
kids, I feel like instead of itbeing a little relaxing, it's
like overstimulating.
And I'm like, how, how does thisreally relate to relaxation?
(19:50):
Um, and so really finding thosetools too, right?
Like finding the right toolsspecifically.
Like, I think it helps, youknow, set, that sort of practice
in a little bit more calm state.
And you know, when I think aboutimplementing meditation with
kids, I think that is probablylike the main reason, right?
(20:11):
Like to help regulate your kids,to help them.
Ooze down and I'm thinkingspecifically like at night where
maybe there's a kiddo that isjust to not go to sleep, right?
Like they're just like, yeah,not wanting to, you know, be in
(20:32):
this kind of like routinebecause they know that they're
going to go to sleep.
Um, and so, you know, when I'mthinking about that scenario or
even like behavioral issues oremotional issues, right?
Like what are some of thebenefits that, um, meditation
can help people.
(20:53):
For kids, like towards kids, canyou tell us a little bit more
about that?
And some of the techniques thatwe can even use as
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05-11 (21:00):
Yeah.
So some of the benefits couldbe, um, or are some of the
benefits are better sleep.
focus, um, reduce anxiety,reduce depression.
They're able to be more creativeeven though there are very
creative, but it just reallyboosts their creativity.
They're able to have, um,connect with themselves, be more
self compassionate as well,because sometimes they're very
(21:21):
hard on, on themselves.
And, um, Just overall, their,their well being, they feel
better mentally, physically, youknow, when they get sick, they
don't get sick for such a longperiod anymore.
Like, it's definitely shortened.
I've definitely noticed that.
And, um, On and on and on thelist goes on.
(21:42):
I mean, they sleep better, theyfeel more rested, not just like,
okay, I'm going to go to sleep,but actually feel rested, which
is huge.
I mean, and that was the biggestthing for me.
I felt rested even with thethree, four hours of sleep that
I would get.
And, um, and, and there's somany studies.
Just Google, you know, um,studies, what are the benefits?
(22:03):
And there's a long list and evenresearch.
A lot of research is being doneon meditation with kids and just
on people.
So it's endless.
If anybody needs some proof orsome scientific data to believe
on meditation, please Google it.
And just for myself.
I've definitely experienced abig change in my life, um, which
(22:26):
I'll get to in a little later,but you were asking me like,
what are some tools that you cando?
And so at night, one of the, oneof the things that I like to
share as a meditation practice,it's like, okay, we're going to
take some deep breaths.
They can put one hand on theirheart, one hand on their belly,
or if they have their favoritebuddy stuffed animal or, uh,
stuffy, whatever it is, um, holdit.
(22:47):
Hold it right here on your chestor maybe on their belly and they
can watch it go up and down andthen put it on your chest so
they can feel it.
Okay, close your eyes, you know,imagining your body, you know,
is feeling really warm and safein your arms.
And we're going to tell yourbuddy, okay, you are calm
because sometimes when you tellthem that you are calm, they're
(23:08):
like, Oh no, no, no, I'm not.
But it's like, okay, you are theteacher.
Now you're going to help yourbuddy go to sleep.
And it's like, okay, let's tellyour buddy.
You are calm.
Your mind is relaxed and just gothrough every, you know,
relaxing word that you can thinkof and just taking the deep
breaths and just slow yourvoice.
(23:28):
And before you know it, they areout because they feel like, Oh,
I'm helping my buddy go to sleepbecause they're very active
right now.
You know, if they're reallylittle, if they're a little
older, it's like, okay, justtaking the deep breaths.
And then you yourself, you know,if they're like, In elementary
school, it's like, okay, um, mymind is relaxed.
My body is calm.
I'm tired.
(23:49):
And just taking those deep, likelong, deep breaths.
And you can even start scanningyour body.
Okay.
My mind is relaxed.
My cheeks are relaxed.
My eyes are relaxed.
My jaw is relaxed and then justtake your time deep breaths in
between my shoulders, maybe moveyour shoulders, relax your
shoulder, and just startscanning your whole body and
(24:11):
even you can even go througheach finger, my thumb, the top
of my thumb, the bottom of mythumb, and now my second finger
and then my third finger, thetop of my it just.
Make it as long as possible andbefore you know it, they are
out.
I mean, even you yourself as amom will probably pass out.
It's happened to me.
(24:32):
But, um, but it really does helpyou, you know, calm down your
body because you're, you'retelling your brain, Oh, I'm
tired.
I'm sleepy.
I'm ready to go to sleep, youknow, all these words, it's
like, oh, yeah, and you startbelieving because you're telling
yourself that you are.
So it's, it's also, um, amindset thing, right?
(24:53):
You're, you're tricking yourbrain that, oh, I'm tired.
I'm exhausted.
And it even helps me myself asan adult.
Sometimes like I have so manythings going on in my head.
I'm like, okay, time to quietdown.
I'm relaxed.
My mind is relaxed.
My body is tired.
My body is ready to go to sleep.
I can feel my comfy pillow, mywarm blanket, and you know, just
(25:15):
start making myself comfortableand I'm out.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_092 (25:18):
that's awesome.
You're about to put me to sleep.
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05-11-2 (25:21):
But something that I wanted to
share, um, meditation can helppeople in so many ways.
And for me has been a physicaland mental change in my life.
So in 2003, I got married.
I moved from Texas toCalifornia, started a whole new
family, new life, new friends,new environment.
And at the same time, I starteda laser hair removal therapy,
(25:44):
which activated the vitiligo onmy skin.
So my underarm started turningwhite, my bikini area.
And it just threw me off.
And so my dermatologist saidthat vitiligo is an autoimmune
deficiency disorder andeverybody has the vitiligo gene,
but it's activated with highstress.
So for me, it was the laserthat, I mean, that was a straw
(26:08):
that broke the camel's back forme, basically.
And even though they diddisclose, Oh, one in a million,
but we have to disclose thatit's possible you could lose,
you know, your melanin.
I'm like, yeah, yeah, whatever.
One in a million.
Well, I'm one in a million.
And slowly I started letting goof things, toxic things,
mindset, you know, just thingsstarted shifting in my mind.
(26:28):
But my prayer kept going, whyme?
Why me?
God, I don't get it.
Why me?
And then one day everythingshifted.
Okay, God, this has to be ablessing in disguise.
Show me, what do I need to knowabout this?
And slowly I let go of watchingthe news, watching horror
movies, you know, super actionmovies, just anything that would
like, you know, like put my bodyin this anxious mode, right?
(26:54):
Like my heart was like racing.
And so I figured, okay, I needto start stepping back, taking
care of myself.
And so the vitiligo was a way ofmy body.
Basically yelling at me.
You need to stop.
You need to slow down.
There's so much going on andyou're not taking care of
yourself.
Five years later I became mom.
(27:14):
So that's a whole other shock onyour body.
So my, my vitiligo justdefinitely like went nuts and it
took me down this spiral ofnegativity, self hatred.
I was super uncomfortable in myskin.
I was ashamed, embarrassed.
I hated being out in public, youknow, showing my arms and.
because I didn't want to showanybody what was happening with
(27:36):
my underarms or the spots that Ihad.
And I didn't want to explain.
And it was just too much for me,but I heard about meditation and
how it can help me feel better.
So like all these things startedhappening.
And then at one point, my threelittle ones were all under five
years old.
So.
For sure.
I was super exhausted, but Iheard this beautiful quote by
(27:57):
the Dalai Lama, where he says,every eight year old in the
world is taught meditation.
We will eliminate violencewithin one generation really
opened up my eyes because Ithought, wow, if my kids
generation learn to meditatetheir generation and future
generations, we'll be able towitness world peace.
(28:22):
The world right now is in chaos,right?
And so the children, I mean,they're the future.
They're the future worldchangers.
So what if we taught them tocome from a place of inner
peace, inner guidance, a placefrom pure love to make these
decisions, to make the world abetter place.
(28:44):
My life just started justshifting.
With all these things cominginto my path, you know, all
these clues, you know, sciencesymbols and clues are coming
into my path.
And, uh, one day I happened tobe on the wheel grow Latina
community platform and theyoffered a meditation one on one
webinar.
And that's where I learned thatthe Chopra center offered a
(29:06):
meditation teachingcertification.
And I'm like, That's where Ineed to be because before I was
looking like, where do I go inthe money and who's reputable,
but my kids are still reallylittle.
I don't really have time andwhatever, but the seat I planted
that seat.
I wanted to get certified andlearn from someone who's
credible and reputable.
Right.
And then the, you know, when thestudent is ready, the teacher
(29:28):
shows up and I went through theprogram.
And then when I finished theprogram, I received the message.
I'm going to teach meditation to1 million children.
And I'm like, that's it.
That's what I'm going to do.
That is my path.
And so just, just looking backat how everything started
aligning, you know, the quo, mykids, the, you know, just
(29:50):
everything.
I even started volunteering atmy kid's school, you know, to
support my son and theirclassmates through a big
transition phase.
And.
Wanting to learn more.
I started the podcast because Iwanted to be transparent with
families because someone askedme, you no longer believe in
God.
And so I'm like, well, what'shappening, you know, so all
these things started happeningfor me.
And so now, you know, I'm atthis place now where I am the
(30:14):
expert.
I can teach families and, youknow, Be able to teach them in
Spanish and Espanol, you know,share about meditation.
What is meditation?
You know, it's, it's aboutconnecting with that inner calm,
that inner peace that livesinside of us.
It's not changing your religion.
It's not that you're going tolet go of believing in God.
None of that.
(30:35):
It's about you, aboutremembering that you have that
inner peace inside of you.
And so, Connecting with thefamily so that they can support
their children because thinkingabout like, you know, a lot of
these leaders that are makingjust terrible decisions right
now.
They didn't have the support.
They didn't have tools toregulate their nervous system.
(30:56):
So they're coming from a verytoxic place and, you know, a
place of greed and negativityand just all of that negative
stuff.
Right.
But what if you come from aplace of peace?
A place of love, a place ofempathy, wow, those decision
makers would be making totallydifferent decisions right now,
you know, it just blows my mind.
(31:18):
I'm like, why don't theymeditate?
It's so simple.
It's so easy, right?
No one taught them.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_092650 (31:24):
Oh my gosh.
Yeah.
Well, thank you so much forsharing your story and how the
stars aligned.
You know, for you and youmanifested it, you were looking
for that sign, and you found it,and the mission that you have
with your platform, the factthat your goal is to you teach
(31:47):
meditation to 1 millionchildren.
Like that is so intentional andhow that's tied in with how this
generation can make effectivechange.
Right.
And that way they are selfregulated that they are in tune
with their feelings, theiremotions to make decisions.
And you are so right about, youknow, the, the current people
(32:09):
that lead our world, right?
Like they're probably Missingsome form of their, um, past and
perhaps they are seeking thatvoid that they had maybe through
their inner child.
Like, you never know.
And it's true.
When you think aboutpoliticians, they behave like
children and that's true.
(32:30):
Yeah.
And that is because perhaps theyneed some healing to do and, and
the fact that you are being sointentional right with this
generation, like I am all for itand I love that.
And so can you tell us moreabout Decide Balance and really
what inspired you to start thisbusiness venture, in being so
(32:50):
intentional about teachingmeditation to 1 million
children?
And I'm also wondering, are you
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05-11- (32:57):
Yes.
So I'm over 2000 kids right now.
So it's super exciting to seethat number grow little by
little.
But, you know, it's all aboutconnecting with people and just
asking, Hey, can you connect mewith other families, other, you
know, schools, organizations,like, you know, who wants to
join on this mission, you know,and explain my journey and what
it is that I'm doing, thepurpose of it.
(33:20):
And so Decide Balance,basically, it's a safe space for
families to come in and findsupport, tools to help them, you
know, just for their day, fortheir family, for their
lifestyle, for their future, forthe future ancestors, and I do
have, um, within the sidebalance, I have a virtual space
called Oasis where we meditatetwice a month, virtually
(33:44):
meditate together in communitywith your kids.
And I record all those, uh,sessions as well.
We meditate for 15 minutes, dosome breathing exercises
together.
And, um, you can watch those atany time every month I upload a
mindfulness tip.
So then that way you can seedifferent ways to incorporate
mindfulness in your lifestyle,in your family's lifestyle and,
(34:08):
um, resources as well that youcan find.
And just anything that startscoming up, I start sharing.
So, um, so that's, that's myoffering to, that's how another
way that I'm trying to reach mygoal is like, okay, join my
community so we can meditatetogether in community, which
makes a really big differencewhen you meditate together and,
(34:29):
and even if you can't be therelive, don't worry, just watching
the recording, you know,energetically, we're still
together as a community.
And so it's just been a reallybeautiful experience to share
that.
platform.
And so decide balance.
I feel it was one of those namesthat came up and I was very
intentional with having abilingual name.
So decide balance, decidebalance.
(34:51):
And when I think back is Idecided that balance inside of
me.
You know, when I started makingthat shift of letting go of all
these things, and so one morething that I want to share is I
am so happy to share that 80percent of my melanin that had
disappeared has come back.
(35:13):
My elbows are back to brown.
I used to have huge white spotson my elbows, on both of my
elbows.
There might be some littlefaint.
My knees are back to brown.
The back of my neck was white.
Um, back I had all these spots,my underarms are still white,
(35:34):
but not as bright, I mean it wasbright white, like my top, it
was bright white, my underarmswere bright white, but now I
could see the color is startingto come in, and just in
different areas, it's so mindblowing that I've been able to
do this myself.
And I'm like, wow, when youallow your body, the time, the
(35:55):
space to pause, which, which isnot really common in the Latino
community or black and browncommunities, uh, because we're
taught, like, you got to work,you got to hustle.
You know, if you stop, you'relazy, you know, it is floja to
work, you know,
jessica_2_05-11-2024_09265 (36:10):
hmm.
Mm hmm.
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05-11-2 (36:12):
But that's what.
Right.
You know, generations back weretold they had to do in order to
survive or also with, you know,with colonization, you know, our
ancestors were turned intoslaves and so they were not
allowed to rest.
So then we carry that with usand we feel and we feel it and
sometimes it comes up like Ifeel exhausted and I'm like, I'm
(36:34):
just going to take a break and Igo lie down and then I hear my
husband coming.
I'm like, He's here.
You know, like I need to bedoing something.
I'm like, no, I don't.
I'm taking this moment for me.
Like I deserve to take a pauseand take this rest because I am
exhausted and I give myselfpermission to rest, which was
really hard to learn that it'sokay to rest as a mom because I
(36:59):
see that example in my family.
And so now, you know, Thinkingback and I'm like, Whoa, I've
done a lot of work to get tothis space, giving myself
permission to rest, doing theinner work, the healing, you
know, really, really doing thework has completely transformed
my life, not just mentally, butphysically.
(37:20):
And I can show people look whatit's done because a lot of
people with vitiligo, it justspreads and spreads and spreads
and spreads.
You know, because they don'thave tools to support them, but
that's what it is.
It's, it's a shock on your body,whatever it was that happened, a
trauma or whatever.
Um, it, it, it just goes allover the body and that could be
(37:41):
with any other disease and anyother illness too, because when
your body is stressed out, itcauses inflammation in your
body.
Inflammation can turn intoillnesses and diseases.
So sometimes we wonder like, whydo I have this?
Why do I have that?
Well, Are you stressed?
And usually the doctors will be,are you stressed?
(38:03):
That's usually the number onequestion.
How is your life?
How is your stress level?
And if it's high, Oh, yeah,that's, that is your body
yelling at you, slow down,whatever it is that's popping up
on your body, step back andthink about it.
What is my life?
Do I take a deep breath?
Am I taking time for myself?
Am I setting boundaries?
(38:23):
Am I really taking care ofmyself?
And we are taught that that'swhat we have to do.
Right.
But no, if, if we don't takecare of ourselves, how are we
supposed to help others?
Right.
Like serve, you know, you cannotserve from an empty cup.
So you got to feel your cup.
And that was really hard for meto learn and really, really
(38:46):
implement.
But now in a place, I'm at aplace where, oh yeah, I'm going
to fill my cup and then I'mgoing to serve and help and
support others.
I'll, I'll give from my overflowbasically.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_092650 (38:58):
So many nuggets here that you
shared, you know, first of all,the fact that you have like
healed yourself, really, you arein this healing process where
you didn't have to like seekmedication.
And then that's oftentimes whatour community that does, right.
They're just like, tomar para,you know, to cure myself.
(39:20):
And it's like, well, if you doother alternatives like natural,
holistic wellness that arerooted in our ancestors, right?
Why can't we reclaim that?
And that way we can start.
Healing our bodies in a morenatural, holistic way.
Right.
And, and I immediately thoughtof that, like, look at you
(39:44):
through meditation, you are ableto, just like get your melanin
back, you know?
And, and that is awesome for me.
It's like a miracle almostbecause you often don't hear
that.
So I'm just amazed.
I am so amazed.
And also like the fact that, youknow, when, when talking about
motherhood, right.
And.
I like to claim the wordmotherhood in this aspect
(40:06):
because this podcast is veryculturally relevant, you know,
to the Latina mom and the waythat we grew up as Latinas, you
know, it's all about servingothers first, that is the comer
en la mesa, you know, a toda lagente and you eat.
At the very last, like you endup eating the scraps almost
(40:28):
because you know, you know, youalways have to prioritize others
and you just put yourself last.
And, is very hard to shift thatmindset, right?
As when you're hearing thesemessages growing up, you know,
And so what would you say to Amom who is listening, who wants
(40:52):
to implement like this sort ofpractice, in meditation, pero
she either says like, shedoesn't have the time or she
doesn't know how, like, whatwould you say to this mama
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05-11 (41:06):
Yeah, that is a limiting belief, and I
want to say, remember, it isyour birthright.
to rest.
It is your birthright toprioritize yourself so that you
can be whole and take care ofyourself because you're going to
fall apart, completely fallapart.
I fell apart and I had to learnthe hard way.
(41:28):
I had to learn to give myselfpermission.
So if you need permission, Igive you permission.
To rest, to pause, even if it'sfive minutes, girl, take extra
five minutes in the bathroom,lock the door.
A lot of times they're like, Oh,but they come into the bathroom,
they come into the shop, girl,lock the door, lock the door.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_09265 (41:48):
Yes.
That's your
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05-11- (41:51):
Yes.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_092650 (41:51):
and only time
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05 (41:52):
whatever it is, they're crying, having
the tantrum.
Just take deep breaths in thebathroom.
Even if they're having ameltdown, they're not going to
die in five minutes.
Because they're crying, come on,you know, they're going to be
fine, I promise.
So I give you permission torest, to take those extra five
minutes in the shower, in thebathroom, or just, just go to
the bathroom even if you don'thave to go, but you can just
(42:14):
step away, like if it's too muchat that moment, it's okay to
step away.
You don't have to yell, becausewhen you yell, then that
activates you more, it activatesthe child, and it's just A big
explosion, right?
So, we don't want to go there.
So, you can start being theexample.
I need a moment.
I'm going to step away.
(42:34):
And even if they're still havingthat meltdown and whatever it
is, and you still feel guiltyfor not attending to them in
that, in that second, in thatvery moment, it's going to be
hard, but it's okay.
Everyone will survive and youwill feel better in the long run
because you're starting now totake care of yourself.
Start taking those deep breaths.
(42:55):
You can even start scanning yourbody and helping your body to
regulate, release that tension,that stress, whatever it is that
you're feeling in your body.
Um, You know, and find support.
You can listen to my podcast.
You can just Google and watchvideos, whatever is easier for
you, um, at that moment and, andseek support also.
(43:15):
And so that's one of the things,you know, within the Oasis
community, when we meditatetwice, we have that extra time
to come together in community,have that conversation.
What do you need support with atthis time?
And so I do offer that supportfor families, especially for the
moms, you know, Mamacitas, Ihear you.
I've been there.
Oh, I have been through all thethings with three kiddos.
(43:37):
Girl, yes, I hear you.
And it's tough and it'schallenging, but you will
survive.
And it's also, you know, it's,and reaching out, reaching out
for help.
Um, uh, that was so hard for meto reach out for help thinking
that I had to do everythingmyself.
And finally, I I heard someonesay, well, ask for help.
(43:59):
I'm like, Oh, I can.
Is that okay?
Really?
Like, it's allowed for me to askfor help?
Okay.
You know, take that extra hourwhen you go to the grocery
store, you know, have your, youknow, partner, spouse, whoever,
you know, family member, watchthe kiddos take two hours to
grow grocery shopping if youneed to, it's okay, girl, I feel
(44:20):
guilty shopping for two hoursfor the groceries, you know, I
took my time and then I'm like,Oh, I need to hurry back.
I need to make sure that, youknow, my husband's okay.
And the kids are okay.
And like, I had all this wholelike worrying about them, like
only two hours, like, They'refine.
Daddy's a human adult.
Like, he can take care of them.
If something major happens, heknows he can drive them to the
(44:42):
hospital.
Like, it's okay.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_0 (44:45):
exactly.
No, yes.
Yeah.
Thank you for normalizing that.
And especially for new moms,It's like a struggle.
Uh, you know, you lose your oldidentity, you have this new
identity, you want to be theperfect mom, you know, and, and
you just want to emulate likewhat we often see, like on
social media, being the superpresent, super involved, mom.
(45:08):
And, and that is pretty toxic,you know, you need your space.
And I love what you're tellingus here because, um, I think it
is very important to just liketake any opportunity to just
like, you know, focus onyourself, right?
And prioritize on yourself andreally checking in on how you're
(45:28):
feeling and, and what kind ofemotions are going on right now
and just like breathe.
And, and it is so interestinghow we take breathing for
granted, you know, and, and thatis a, a, a a superhuman, you
know, um, what's it called?
Like, um, it, it, it's like outof survival, right?
(45:51):
We need to breathe in order tolive.
And yeah.
So I, I want to thank you forjust normalizing this and
letting my mom's know that it isokay to either let things go,
you know, to ask for help anddefinitely check in and have.
Just like alone time becausethat is
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05-11 (46:10):
Very.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_09265 (46:11):
Yes.
Yeah.
we are at the end of ourinterview here, but I often ask
my guests on the Viva how areyou redefining motherhood?
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_ (46:26):
Redefining is prioritizing myself, for
sure.
That's how I feel, because I'mable to be present for myself.
I'm able to be present for myfamily and for those around me.
So I think prioritizing, that'swhat came up for me.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_092650 (46:44):
I love it.
Yeah.
Well, Yvonne, where can peoplefollow you or connect with you?
That way they can learn a littlebit more about what you
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05-11-202 (46:53):
I can be found everywhere as
Decide Balance, Decide Balanceon Instagram, on Facebook, and
um, on YouTube as well.
You can just search.
My podcast is also called DecideBalance, so on any podcast
platform, it's available.
And, uh, and then the Oasisplatform, it's within my
website, which is decidebalance.
(47:13):
com.
So I look forward to seeing youthere within the Oasis.
Join the community, join themovement to, you know, support
and help me reach this missionto teach meditation to 1 million
children, because every childcounts, you know, just making a
difference with one child, itwill have a ripple effect.
Not just within, their littlefamily, but the community and
(47:35):
beyond.
So I'm excited to, to share andsupport more and more families.
So please connect with me.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_09265 (47:44):
Yes, absolutely.
And I'll make sure to share thison the show notes as well as on
my website, as well.
And that way people can connectwith you and get to learn a
little bit more about what youhave to offer.
But Yvonne, this is amazing.
I.
Yeah.
I just love what you are doing.
I think it, it helps a lot whenyou're focusing on the kids,
(48:07):
right?
On the children, because theyare our next generation.
They are our future leaders.
And if they haven't healed oreven self regulated themselves,
they could make bad decisions.
And, and I just love what you'redoing.
So thank you so much.
I really appreciate you.
being here.
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05-11-2 (48:25):
One more thing I want that just came
up that I wanted to share rightnow.
It's a really pivotal moment inmy life where.
Before I was telling you with myvitiligo, I was, felt really
embarrassed in my own skin whereI'm now at a point where I can
wear, um, tops, you know, thatare like off the shoulders or
spaghetti straps and I actuallylike feel comfortable in my own
(48:48):
skin.
So I just wanted to share thatbecause it's a really big moment
for me.
Um, I'm 48 this year and it'slike, wow, this huge
transformation has happenedwhere I went from the super low
vibe, you know, emotions,feelings, you know, very toxic
mentality.
Where now I'm at a wholedifferent space where I feel
(49:11):
empowered.
I feel so poderosa, you know,where I can be comfortable in my
skin, no matter what it lookslike.
My underarms are still white,but I could see the changes are
happening.
And now I'm able to share mystory if people ask me and, and
it's, and it's okay now.
So I really wanted to share thatbecause it's a really pivotal
(49:32):
moment in my life right now.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_09265 (49:34):
Yes.
And you deserve, like, youshould share this because it is
so empowering and you areglowing mujer.
Like, I, I sense a lot ofpositive energy from you and
it's, it's amazing and keepdoing the work that you're doing
for La Comunidad, but it's alsosuch a great, testament that
(49:55):
meditation works and it helps,thank you so much for sharing
that.
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05 (49:59):
Gracias.
jessica_2_05-11-2024_092650 (50:01):
of course.
Well, for being here.
yvonne-hrern-ndez_2_05-11-2 (50:03):
for the invitation.
Bye bye.
Mujer, thank you so much fortaking the time out of your busy
schedule to listen to the VivaLa Mami podcast.
If you enjoyed today's episode,will you do me a favor and
follow the podcast and leave arating and review?
Hitting that follow button andreviewing my show will allow
(50:24):
other mamis like you find thispodcast.
Your review will also tell me ifyou enjoy the show, so I would
truly appreciate your thoughts.
Don't forget, please share thispodcast con tus amigas.
Also, make sure to follow me atViva La Mami on Instagram or
visit VivaLaMami.
com.
Please note the informationshared in this podcast is for
(50:46):
educational purposes only andshould not be taken as
professional advice.
Okay, mujer, thank you forjoining y nos vemos in the next
episode.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.