There’s no shortage of advice in the wellness world. What’s rarer is finding teachers whose practice is lived—not performed. People who embody the work they share.
Today, we’re introducing the Sovereign Teacher Series, a recurring collection of conversations and guided practices with meditation teachers, therapists, movement practitioners, coaches, and sound healers whose perspectives have shaped our own relationship to presence.
Each week we’ll share a new teacher, a guided meditation from their practice, and reflections on what it means to live with greater awareness in a world that constantly pulls us away from ourselves.
This week it’s Gabriel Merizalde, a Brooklyn based energetic guide and coach. He teaches yoga and meditation, and works to help people to get in touch with their purpose to generate a life of sustainable freedom.
Tell us about yourself—who are you beyond your practice?
Gabriel: My alter identity is pure nerd: Video games, card games, roleplaying, fantasy, sci-fi, etc. Left to my own devices I’m doing one of these things. I’m also a musician.
You are not the first or last nerd in this series :) How did you find your way to meditation? What was the turning point?
Gabriel: My dad introduced me to meditation and spiritual practices early. But what really brought me to meditation was desperation. I needed help.
What does your practice look like day to day?
Gabriel: Every morning is some variation on the theme. Wake up, feed the cat, clean the apartment a bit, brush teeth, and have a formal sit. Throughout the day – try not to get angry, and be more joyful.
So simple—perfect. Gabe, what tradition or approach shaped you most, and why does it resonate?
Gabriel: Buddhism, especially the flavor that I’ve inherited in my NY sangha, gave me an incredible way to view the world. A view that doesn’t ignore the pain of the world, but rather works to alchemize that very pain into beauty.
What does “presence over performance” mean to you in your own life?
Gabriel: Just be honest.
Yes. And what is the practice or moment that consistently brings you back to presence?
Gabriel: Currently, I’m trying to stay really grounded, and get in touch with my pelvic floor. I’m processing old and dormant emotions in there.
What has your practice given you that you didn’t expect?
Gabriel: A girlfriend.
I think you’re not unique in that regard. Something about letting down our walls... Who do you teach, and what transformation do you witness most often?
Gabriel: I teach all sorts of people, but especially young creatives and sensitive people. I see a lot of people who just need a reminder to trust themselves.
What do you hope people feel after they sit with your meditation in this collection?
Gabriel: Just a shift. Doesn’t need to be a big shift. Even a small opportunity of disrupting some negative pattern is huge.
What is your hope for presence culture in the world right now?
Gabriel: Well, if everyone took responsibility for the world, the world would be healed. If people stopped being selfish and stopped blaming outside causes for their problems, everything could radically shift. I want everything to radically shift non-violently.
SS: Gabe it is a pleasure to know you, thanks for the chat and for your practice.