Today, we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Rene Otero.
Hi Anthony, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey into yoga instruction is deeply intertwined with my struggles and triumphs. It’s a story of redemption and transformation fueled by the healing power of yoga.
My exploration of yoga began nine years ago amidst the bustling environment of college life at Austin Community College and Texas Woman’s University. While pursuing studies in dance, women/gender studies, and sociology, I found solace and self-discovery through yoga and somatic practices. These disciplines became more than just academic pursuits—they became vital tools for understanding my identity, expressing myself, and navigating the complexities of life.
However, alongside my journey with yoga, I was grappling with addiction. For eight of those nine years, I found myself entangled in the tumultuous world of hard drugs and risky behavior, a struggle all too common in the LGBTQ+ community. Yet, amidst the chaos, yoga remained my constant companion and lifeline. It provided me with stability, clarity, and a path towards healing.
In 2020, I took a pivotal step forward by enrolling in my first yoga teacher training with Bloom Yoga in Denton, TX—a studio deeply rooted in the principles of social justice. As I began teaching in 2021, the grip of addiction tightened, threatening to overshadow my newfound purpose. By 2022, it had reached a breaking point, but in 2023, I started to regain control. Fuelled by determination and a newfound sense of purpose, I pursued additional training with Science of Self (SOS) Yoga in Woodstock, NY, marking a turning point in my journey toward recovery.
Today, as I stand before you, I’m not just a yoga instructor—I’m a survivor. Yoga saved my life, providing me with the strength and resilience to overcome addiction and embrace a brighter future. Through my experiences in the Dallas Fort Worth Metro and within the yoga community, I’ve forged meaningful connections and cultivated a supportive network of individuals united by a shared passion for healing and growth.
Teaching yoga isn’t just a profession for me—it’s my calling, my Dharma. It’s a way for me to give back to a practice that has given me so much and to extend a hand of support to those who may be facing their own struggles. My journey is a testament to the transformative power of yoga, and I’m grateful for every breath, every posture, and every moment that has brought me to where I am today.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Navigating addiction in the public eye has been an immense challenge, one that I’ve faced with a heavy heart and often in silence. Confronting the reality of my struggles, especially without openly sharing them with the community, has been a journey fraught with setbacks and self-doubt. The times when I failed to show up or when my addiction took precedence have left deep scars of shame and disappointment within me.
Yet, amidst the darkness, I’ve been fortunate to find a beacon of light in the form of a strong support system. This team, formed around me with unwavering love and understanding, has been instrumental in my journey towards recovery. They’ve stood by me through the darkest of times, offering their strength and encouragement when I needed it most.
However, the path to redemption isn’t easy. As I continue to work on rebuilding my life and reclaiming my sobriety, I’m acutely aware of the trust that I’ve lost along the way. It’s a process that requires not only dedication to my own healing but also a commitment to earning back the trust and respect of those who’ve been affected by my past actions. It’s a journey of humility, accountability, and perseverance—one that I’m determined to undertake with courage and grace.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. What can you tell our readers who might not be as familiar with your work?
My work as a yoga teacher is deeply rooted in my passion for healing and holistic wellness.
Specializing in Meridian Yoga Therapy (MYT), I seamlessly blend the ancient wisdom of the meridian system from Traditional Chinese Medicine with the transformative power of yoga. MYT is not just about physical postures; it’s a journey toward releasing both physical and emotional pain, allowing individuals to find balance and harmony within themselves.
In addition to MYT, I’m currently honing my skills in Original Hot Yoga, a therapeutic form of Hatha yoga renowned for its healing benefits. This multifaceted approach to yoga allows me to cater to the diverse needs of my students, offering them a pathway toward greater well-being and self-discovery.
My unique background in dance, coupled with my academic studies in women/gender studies and sociology, provides me with a profound understanding of the human experience. This somatic awareness, combined with my empathy and insight into the complexities of identity, enables me to create a safe and inclusive space for individuals from all walks of life.
As a first-generation Latino, a gay man, and a recovering addict who has faced his share of challenges, I bring a level of empathy and understanding to my teaching that resonates deeply with those who may be navigating similar struggles. Teaching yoga isn’t just a job for me—it’s a calling, a duty, and a passion. I approach each session with dedication and sincerity, knowing that yoga has the power to transform lives and uplift communities.
Through regular practice and ongoing self-reflection, I strive to be not only a better teacher but also a better human being. My commitment to yoga extends beyond the studio walls; it’s a lifelong journey toward personal growth, self-discovery, and service to others.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I’m enamored with the raw energy and resilience of Dallas—the city’s grit and edge speak to my soul. It’s a place where community thrives, where support and camaraderie are woven into the fabric of everyday life. In Dallas, there’s a sense of freedom to explore and evolve, to embrace multiple facets of oneself without judgment or pretense.
It’s a city where authenticity reigns supreme and where you’re free to be exactly who you are. Yet, amidst the vibrancy and vitality of Dallas, there lurks a shadow of superficiality—a pressure to conform to certain standards of appearance and status. It’s a reminder that even in a city as dynamic as Dallas, there can still be barriers to true acceptance and belonging.
Having previously called Austin home for seven years, I occasionally find myself yearning for the laid-back, effortlessly cool vibe of the capital city. There’s an undeniable charm to Austin’s casual atmosphere, a warmth and openness that I sometimes miss.
But as I settle into life in Dallas, I’m discovering a newfound appreciation for its unique style and character. There’s a sophistication and elegance to Dallas that I’m beginning to embrace—a sense of pride in belonging to a city that demands hard work and dedication yet rewards those who show up with unwavering support and opportunity.
Despite my initial reservations, Dallas has become more than just a city to me—it’s become home. And that’s something I never imagined I’d say.
Pricing:
- $100/hr private yoga session.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bikramyogara.com/instructors/anthony-otero/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyreneotero/
Image Credits
Quentin Renard Gunn
