Mercedes de la Rosa

Biography

I studied Journalism and International Relations and started working at 21, after living in Italy and London. I wrote social issues reports (the kind that are hard to read and process: wars, childhood sexual abuse, etc.) in different parts of the world. I traveled a lot, and that helped open my eyes to different realities. I used to dance a lot, but with the life I was leading, it was very difficult to have a routine, and that's when I discovered yoga. Little by little, I saw how the practice made me more aware. I learned to take care of myself inside and out, and to trust. And it was life itself that led me to become an entrepreneur and a yogi. I had neither plans nor preparation for this; my school has been (and continues to be) learning through observation, effort, and intuition.


Why did you decide to start and create Zentro Urban Yoga?

This project began in Barcelona in 2005. At that time, there were hardly any studios. Yoga was still something very quirky, and my partner—who suggested we start it—and I decided to bring this practice closer to people as something urban, as a physical and mental tool to integrate into our lives, without having to stop eating meat, drinking wine, or having to wear white.


We had practiced yoga in the US, London, and other places. In those places, you'd see people with their mats on the street, and we wanted to see the same thing here. We started organizing yoga masterclasses for 3,000 people in iconic locations in cities (Plaza Mayor, Paseo del Prado, etc.) so that people could see that it wasn't just for weirdos, and yoga gradually spread.


What is the philosophy behind this project?

Our philosophy is to provide tools for living life with the greatest possible health, fulfillment, and awareness. As far as we know, we only have this one life, so why not try to make it a wonderful journey? Most of these are ancient tools adapted to our reality, but they continue to be incredibly useful!


What does yoga mean to you?

One of the meanings of the word "yoga" is union. And for me, yoga is that. It's union with myself, but also with everyone and everything around me. It has taught me to listen to myself, to respect myself, to take care of myself, and to live from a different place, with much more acceptance, compassion, and awareness.

“Our philosophy is to provide tools to live life with the greatest possible health, fulfillment, and awareness.”

Would you recommend everyone try it and be consistent over time? What are the benefits?

Absolutely! The great thing about yoga is that everyone, regardless of age or condition, can practice it. From children and pregnant women to athletes, people who have never exercised before, and seniors… And the benefits are limitless! I always think that when I list them all, nobody believes me (hahaha), so if they ask me, what I usually say is: “Just try it, and then tell me what you felt.”


To simplify, the benefits can be grouped into two main categories: physical/organic and mental. And I've witnessed profound transformations in both. On a physical level: it tones the body's muscles, provides greater flexibility, strength, and endurance, oxygenates and mobilizes all the body's cells and organs, and balances all the systems: circulatory, nervous, digestive, endocrine, etc. It teaches us to listen to our bodies, how they feel, and what they need. And as a result of the practice, you feel lighter and stronger, and many ailments (muscle tension, contractures, etc.) that we probably live with without even knowing it disappear. On a mental level: it teaches us to bring our minds to the present, to the here and now, through breathing, to stop wandering between the past and the future, which is what causes us stress and anxiety and makes it difficult for us to live fully. If we practice yoga regularly, stress levels decrease, along with all the symptoms associated with these states: lack of attention, concentration, agitation, insomnia, etc., allowing us to feel more serene and live more present and happy lives.


Do you think people are aware of the need to connect with themselves through sport?

I believe that when you do a sport or practice something, there's something inside you that tells you it makes you feel good, so you want more of it. And I do believe that little by little we start listening to and understanding ourselves more, and we connect with different physical, mental, and emotional aspects. But to do that, you have to start!

"The great thing about yoga is that everyone, regardless of age or condition, can practice it."

How has your life changed, both internally and externally, since you started practicing it?

Absolutely! On a physical level, I thought I was in great shape because I'd danced a lot for years, but yoga has given me so much more strength (both physical and mental), muscle tone, flexibility, and agility. Also, I suffered from insomnia—the kind where I couldn't sleep for even an hour—and thanks to yoga, I understood many things that allowed me to sleep again. Yoga has taught me to live differently, from a different perspective. To accept life as it comes, and it has given me tools to enjoy any circumstance: the good, the bad, the so-so... I think we're not aware of many things we are and have in our lives, and the practice of yoga and meditation makes you aware and allows you to experience it with more awareness and love.


Where do you see yourself in the long term?

I don't usually think much about the future. I do have a clear direction, though, and I trust that whatever comes will be for the best. In the long run, I'd love to live in the countryside, and I know I'll continue working in this field—in what format and how? Life will tell.

-Relationship with beauty:


What is beauty to you and how do you experience it in your daily routine?

For me, beauty is harmony. And it always stems from balance, serenity, and order. I need routine: my practices, my sleep, a healthy diet, contact with nature, and the people I love. That's what allows me to feel good inside and out.


What or who inspires you in your daily life?

So many people! To begin with, my mother. She's an incredible example of so many things! But also friends, my husband, my sister, my team. I'm not one to idolize people, but I'm lucky to have wonderful and very inspiring people around me. I love listening to them and learning from them.


Who are your beauty icons?

For me, beauty isn't about perfection. I admire intelligent women who exude harmony and serenity in different aspects of their lives, and who know how to embrace and accept the passage of time without fighting against it. It deeply saddens me to see women who cease to be themselves simply because they don't have wrinkles or sagging skin. I believe that, as public figures, Audrey Hepburn, Caroline of Monaco, and Caroline de Maigret are good examples of this, as are actresses like Naomi Watts, Cate Blanchett, and Julianne Moore.


What's the best advice you've ever received?

Don't be afraid to be yourself.

-Beauty Questionnaire:


What is your skincare routine?

My routine is nothing fancy, and it consists of eating dinner and going to bed early, sleeping a minimum of 7 hours, practicing yoga and meditation every day, washing my face morning and night (twice), moisturizing, exfoliating my skin a couple of times a week, eating healthily (I haven't eaten refined foods, sugar, or meat for 25 years), drinking water, taking some supplements, and being as happy as possible.


A foolproof trick or product

Perhaps because I've suffered from insomnia, I think sleep is key, because it makes you feel good and allows you to see life from a different perspective. On another note, I recently discovered retinol and I love it.

How do you take care of your beauty from the inside out?

Clearly, beauty comes from within, and I think stress and anxiety are the biggest disruptors. That's why yoga and meditation are so important to me, because they help reduce all the tension we live with. And that relaxation is immediately noticeable in the face, in the skin, in what we radiate. I also need to be in nature and give and receive love from the people I love.


A subject that needs improvement (as far as beauty is concerned)

I'm terrible at getting treatments (both facial and body), but the few times I've managed it, I've seen amazing results. So I think I should find some time to get them.

Mercedes' favorites: