Namaste Reader Spotlight

Vera Quijano – California
Namasté Reader Since 2001

As an undergraduate studying cell and molecular biology at San Francisco State University, Vera Quijano became interested in mind-body medicine after reading some of Deepak Chopra’s books. An avid dancer since the age of nine, she began to correlate the mind-body approach to health with the healing principles of salsa dance. As she continued to study and teach dance, she decided to become a certified Chopra Center instructor of yoga and the natural system of healing known as Ayurveda.

Since completing her teacher training, Vera has created her own company, Revolutionize.Us, based in Redwood City, California, offering instruction in yoga, dance, and Ayurveda. As a compassionate, experienced teacher, Vera has helped thousands of students experience the healing power of movement and self-expression.

How long have you been a Namasté reader and what led you to subscribe?
It was 2001 or 2002 when I first became a Namasté recipient. I believe I subscribed at the end of the week at the Seduction of Spirit event I attended in June 2001 in San Diego.

What kind of practical, real-world guidance does Namasté give to you?
Namasté reminds me on a regular basis that I am not alone on this journey called Life, even if it oftentimes feels that way. After I enroll in a particular workshop or event, I remember to realize that there will be hundreds of people like myself who are facing challenges similar to my own who are also planning to attend that same event; furthermore, there are probably thousands of others who wish to attend, but cannot for a myriad of reasons. My best practical, real-world guidance from Namasté is to be grateful, always.

What was going on in your life that led you to enroll in a Chopra Center experience?
I was in the middle of my 15th year of an exhausted, destructive relationship with the father of my daughter. The stress was expressing itself in my body as skin infections, chest pain, anxiety attacks, and depression. I realized that if I didn't do something, I was going to die young. I signed up for a weekend Primordial Sound Meditation class at The Chopra Center, which was then located in La Jolla, California. It was at the end of that first weekend that I felt there was hope and reason to keep living, and that I wasn't alone. I saw that with a few, simple adjustments, along with the adoption of an Ayurvedic lifestyle, I was capable of living a life in peace.

How have you transformed?
I meditate every day, the food I eat is mostly organic and cruelty-free, and my body and mind enjoy an Ayurvedic lifestyle and fulfilling relationships!

What is the favorite thing you have experienced at a Chopra Center program?
Deepak's stories about life coincidences (and how there actually is no such thing as a coincidence), and David Simon’s stories about his best teachers – his little girls. Now that's entertainment!

How would you describe your life at this point?
I live in a place called Perfect Health. I teach dance and Chopra Center yoga for a living. I love my job. I love my relationships. I am grateful for my gifts, and I'm able to approach my days with enthusiasm and wonder. I am forever grateful for Deepak, David, and the capable, loving Chopra Center staff. Life is beautiful! Thank you!