Roxanne Sanchez

We would love to hear your story. Please share your journey on what inspired you to do the work you are doing and anything you've learned along the way.

It all started when I moved out here 7 years ago with my own story of pain and suffering yet my personal knowledge of the power of self awareness and inner resiliency. I was invited in to start working with the elders of Picuris Pueblo bartering yoga and Tai Qi to learn their medicine ways and language. From that point I heard my calling and felt the need to not only share my personal experiences with health disparities and challenges but for others to share their experiences together. To share not only our adversities with health and wellness but share our remedies and solutions that helped and cures us. 

Medicine for the people by the People is about creating a solution that is reachable and doesn’t solely depend on health insurance (which not everyone has or can afford), and to bring our healing gifts and knowledge together that are from our ancestors, elemental relatives, plant families and our own human innate spirit power. I was inspired to plant something that was not governed by monetary motivation but is motivated by a collaboration of skilled practitioners and teachers that are motivated by genuine care and love for health and wellness not only for our people but for our sacred lands, foods, waters and elements in the ancient way. 

To integrate a holistic approach in an interdependent relationship with western health care and if you don’t have insurance or money you are still going to have the option to receive the highest level of health care. So when I came to Penasco, NM and saw the Pueblo elders were open to this I decided to open this wellness center and this opened up the red carpet of opportunities for this vision.

I continue to work many jobs to pay for the overhead to keep this movement growing here. I collaborate with as many groups and programs and schools that see this vision. The lands reciprocity is what inspires me, the children’s mind blowing experience and joy when they take their shoes off and plant their feet at the farm after being in school all day, the elders tears of joy when they are heard and connected with, the communities open hearts to learn and remember the ways and to share the ways is what inspires me. My own enthusiasm for life and ability and connection to something greater gives me unshakable faith that all will be well for all relations is what inspires me. Testimonials of increased quality of life is what inspires me. When we’re awarded bits of money here and there to keep on going, its reassures me that someone else out there believes in this also - that’s the kind of thing that inspires me .

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How has having a physical wellness space impacted your wellbeing and/or your community's wellbeing?

It is a responsibility that reminds me of my dharma (purpose). When I’m feeling doom and gloom or burnt out or triggered or hopeless or whatever the experience is that day, this wellness center has to be open cause it’s not all about me. Living out in the mountains in a very rural setting with no entertainment or restaurants or stores etc can start to get to you and can steer you to making unhealthy decisions. Having these programs going on whether 1 or 20 people come creates a vibe that health and wellness is a priority and we can make something out of nothing. People look forward to coming to a yoga class every Wednesday night to treat themselves, talk, share and have some social interaction. And to leave with evidence based skills and tills to take back into their home that has a lot of trauma and chaos going on.

This wellness center is a place to have small talk but to go deep when the culture here has not supported that. A place to know that even though there’s some tough things happening in the home, they are not alone. A place where they are not treated like numbers and patients but like familia. It is a guiding light, even if you are high on a substance, you’re gonna leave with a hot cup of herbal tea and a prayer of protection and love. People wanna learn how to manage their health, thoughts and emotions. With a wellness spot in the middle of the community they can come and do that .

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How can people best support your work?

People can support the work by word of mouth referrals for more participation. They can donate to keep paying teachers and practitioners what they deserve, they can donate quality herbs, seeds, materials and supplies, books, machines to support the land duties, farm animals, donate for further trainings and certifications, I am trying to get a different building but rent is too high right now , donate portable buildings , help me travel to do workshops About the way we think about our health systems and which we should advocate for and his to take our health in our own hands , help me advertise and market , .

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How can people access your space, attend classes or workshops, etc.?

The address of the main hub is:

14156 st rd 75

Penasco NM 87579

Visit us at: https://www.roxyyoganewmexico.com/

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