“We suffer more in imagination than in reality”–Seneca

Who am I?

| Artistic Polymath | Multidisciplinary Learner | Citizen of the World |

I am 26 years old, I am vegan, I speak multiple languages and have lived in 5 countries across Europe, America, and Asia over the past 10 years. Here is some additional information about me:

  • I am certified wellness coach (ICF), trained in India by Regal Unlimited (under the supervision of Subash CV and Rehka Hatkanagalekar). Additionally, I obtained my PCC training as an ontological coach in Axon Training. 
  • I am a professional musician graduated from Berklee College of Music (B.M), and former presidential scholar from Longy school of music (MM). Additionally I have an specialization on therapeutic music for caregiving facilities (MHTP certified).
  • I am a certified yoga teacher (RYT200) with a background in martial arts (Tae-Kwon-Do’s black belt 2007) and calisthenics.
  • I am a salsa and bachata dance instructor with over 4 years of experience.
  • I am a meditation teacher and Buddhist practitioner. I have done multiple retreats at Insight Meditation Society (IMS) and Barre Center of Buddhist Studies (BCBS) including the 16-month program “Exploring the Heart of Freedom”.
  • I am a nonfiction writer and lifelong student of neuroscience, western psychotherapy, history, positive psychology, philosophy, and spirituality.

Musical Biography

Santiago Barragan is an international guitarist and composer with 10 years of experience performing in Europe, South America, United States, and India. Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Santiago moved to France at the age of 18 to study with different teachers at the Conservatory of Nancy. After receiving his diploma with a special mention, he continued his studies at Berklee College of Music. He graduated as a summa cum laude from Guitar Performance and Jazz composition. Santiago was awarded four years consecutively an award from the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation sponsored by well-known artists such as Enrique Iglesias, Juan Luis Guerra, Miguel Bose, and Carlos Vives. He was also a former presidential scholar at Longy school of music (MM). Santiago has collaborated with renowned artists such as Noel Schajris, Rosa Passos, Nicole Zignago, Kurt Elling, Maro, Victor Wooten, Jesus Molina, Tigran Hamasyan, Danilo Perez, Kenny Werner and Domitille Degalle. Currently, Santiago is an associate college faculty at Global Music Institute (GMI) in India, and an Active Voting Member of the Latin Recording Academy.

    What is my hierarchy of values?

    1. Internal commitment: Creating peace of mind by
      – Having radical acceptance of reality
      – Turning expectations to appreciation
    2. External commitment: Bring value to those around me by
      – Cultivating skills, knowledge, and wisdom
      – Being present in the struggle of others
    3. Enjoy this thing called “to be alive” by
      – Distinguishing what can I control from what I can’t

    What is my mantra?

    • Don’t believe everything you think: reality is not as you perceive it
    • No one owes you anything, take full responsibility for everything
    • Win the day
    • Don’t fear to go back to fix the foundation. Slow down, reevaluate and begin again
    • Integrate your shadow. Surrender yourself to your own demons. Release the resistance. Let go the need to be in control and they will disappear
    • Hell yeah or no: Keep priorities clear, life is too short to live under the definition of success by other people
    • Be thrilled to solve problems (you will have many of those until you die)
    • Focus on the big things, don’t waste your decision power on the small things
    • Don’t fall into delusion, arrogance, or resentment
    • Be loyal to who you are and what you stand for
    • Give up judgement, criticism, complains, comparisons, excuses, labels, or the need to impress or being right