Austin’s Gustavo Padron on Yoga, Meditation and Sustainable Wellness
Learn how Padron discovered his calling in mindful movement—and how he helps others nurture holistic well-being

When Gustavo Padron found himself at the threshold of medical school in 2012, something didn’t feel right. Despite matching to his dream program at UTM Galveston and working toward this goal since childhood, an inner voice kept suggesting a pause.
“I was so burnt out,” he recalls. “I knew that going into medical school was going to be an even heavier load, and at 21 years old, I was already exhausted.”
That exhaustion led Padron to what would become a transformative decision: taking a year off to explore an unexpected passion, yoga. What started as a sabbatical evolved into a thirteen-year journey of discovering and sharing a more balanced approach to wellness, one that emphasizes the connection between physical health and mental well-being.

The path to a mindful movement
Padron’s wellness journey began, like many others, with a focus on external results. As a teenager struggling with weight, he started running in secret before school, driven by a desire to change his appearance. However, a running injury led him to discover yoga, shifting his perspective on health and movement.
“That first yoga class blew my mind,” he shares. “I finally came home to my body.” This experience revealed a profound truth that now anchors his teaching: physical wellness extends far beyond appearance or performance metrics. “If you’re kind to your body, that actually is more impactful and meaningful than how many calories you’re burning,” he explains. “Your body listens to everything you’re saying, to everything you’re thinking.”
Today, Padron’s approach to wellness integrates multiple modalities – yoga, meditation, breathwork and mindfulness – creating a comprehensive framework for sustainable well-being. His teachings emphasize that wellness isn’t about perfection but about creating practices that can be maintained long-term.
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Building a sustainable practice
“Think of this as a lifelong journey,” he advises, “not just something you’re going to do for a couple of months.” This perspective helps practitioners move beyond quick fixes to develop sustainable habits that support physical and mental health.
One of Padron’s contributions to Austin’s wellness community is his mindfulness journal, “Grounded Practice.” The journal, whose name cleverly incorporates his initials G.P., grew from his observation that many people struggle to maintain consistent wellness practices.
“Only 1% of the population writes down their goals and only 3% set goals,” he said, “and goal setting statistics show that if you write down your goals, you are 42% more likely to achieve them.” The journal provides a structured approach to daily mindfulness through simple but powerful prompts:

The power of daily practice
Morning Practice:
- Setting daily intentions
- Writing affirmations
- Clarifying manifestations
Evening Practice:
- Letting go of what no longer serves
- Expressing gratitude
- Reflecting on the day’s journey
The science behind this practice is compelling. As Padron explains, “When you journal, you activate the prefrontal cortex and diminish the activation of the amygdala,” helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Importantly, he emphasizes that this benefit comes specifically from pen-to-paper journaling, not digital alternatives.
Meditation, movement and daily presence
Through his teaching, Padron works to demystify common misconceptions about mindfulness and meditation. “There’s this misconception with meditation that you have to clear your mind completely,” he says. “Good luck with that – we all have literally 80,000 thoughts every single day. It’s not about clearing your mind, it’s about being mindful of when you’re drifting either to the future or ruminating in the past.”
This accessible approach to mindfulness extends across all his practices. Whether through yoga, meditation or journaling, the focus remains on creating sustainable habits that support overall wellbeing. “Mindfulness can happen in so many different ways,” he explains. “Even going on a walk, the way you eat – anything that brings you fully into the present moment.”

Padron on curating mindfulness
Padron’s impact on Austin’s wellness community stems from his ability to make wellness practices accessible and sustainable. His journey from burnout to balance offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to develop a more mindful approach to health:
- Start with small, consistent practices
- Focus on how the movement feels rather than how it looks
- Use journaling to clarify intentions and process emotions
- Practice present-moment awareness in daily activities
- Build a supportive community around your wellness journey
While Padron may not have become a traditional medical doctor, his work continues to help others heal and grow. “I consider myself a healer,” he says. “I’m helping people in different ways – it’s more preventative versus just prescribing medication.”
In Austin’s wellness landscape, his message isn’t about perfection or achievement, but about creating a life that feels good from the inside out. Through his teaching, journal and community work, Padron continues to guide others toward their sustainable path to well-being, one mindful moment at a time.
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