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NEA Advice

Pause. Breathe. Win.

5-minute mediations for activists
Published: May 9, 2023
This resource originally appeared on NEA.org

The following guided meditations by Charles Oteyza are designed for educator activists working for social and racial justice. In order to remain present, impactful and connected, take a moment to pause, recharge and refocus. Being able to sustain yourself is essential for your personal health and to continue your contributions to public education and the movement.

About Charles Oteyza

Charles Oteyza

Attempting to define Charles is like attempting to define Filipino food. Both sprout from a colorful heritage steeped in Filipino and American traditions, abstract expressionism, music and culture.

A first generation Filipino-American on his father’s side, Charles traces his history back to America’s early frontier days on his mother’s side.

At times feeling caught between two completely different worlds, he has used the gift of artistic expression that has been passed down through generations to help navigate and communicate his diverse upbringing. This is apparent in his use of color and movement in his artistic projects, as well as in his playful and down-to-earth teaching style.

A loving husband and proud father of four beautiful children, Charles can often be found on local adventures with his family or teaching and meandering about at Blue Nectar Yoga Studio, where he is the general manager and a yoga instructor.

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