
Yoga

Background
Growing up with a yoga teacher as my Mother, I have been exploring the path of yoga for most of my life. The system of Yoga has been the foundation from which I have explored and expanded my self-awareness.
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Through years of intensive yoga study in a wide variety of settings, I have continued to redefine my relationship to yoga and how I teach. My approach to practice and teaching is based on the foundation of ancient yogic teachings (8 limbs of classical Ashtanga Yoga), as well as being personalized and aimed at full embodiment. I invite in all aspects and complexities of the human being into the healing and grounding practice. I guide my students into a yoga journey that is inclusive, safe, inspiring, and deeply self-reflective.
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My present passion in yoga is a feminine, woman-centered path. I cater the yoga practice to the cyclical nature of women as well as the challenging and transformational times of pregnancy and postpartum.
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In my mixed classes (as well as my prenatal/postnatal classes), I enjoy sharing my knowledge of Ayurveda and offering a practice that is truly balancing to each individual’s system. Recently, I have been diving into studies on the nervous system and somatic healing, which I am also incorporating into my teachings.
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Through practicing yoga with me, you will gain a solidified personalized practice, a fuller understanding of yoga, and a potent sense of connection to your wholeness.
"When I attend Crystal's yoga classes, I leave feeling more connected body, mind, and spirit. Crystal creates a safe container for practice wherein you're encouraged to listen to your body and connect to what's true for you. Her care for her students is evident in her thoughtful sequencing. As a Kripalu trained teacher, she embodies compassion. Crystal's warmth and knowledge make her stand out as a teacher. She welcomes and is able to skillfully guide students of all levels. It's a pleasure to practice with her and I highly recommend her classes and retreats."
- Lauren Y.

Yoga
Experience
&
Trainings
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Kripalu Center - Yoga Teacher Training 200 hour - Massachusetts, 2014​​
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Yoga Retreats hosted with my Mother - Mexico 2015, Big Island, Hawaii 2016 & 2020​
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Hawaii Yoga Festival at Kalani Retreat Center - Teacher - Big Island, Hawaii 2015 & 2016​
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Solo spiritual pilgrimage through India - January 2017 through April 2017 ​
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Omega Institute for Holistic Studies -Yoga Teacher & Seasonal Staff - Rhinebeck, NY 2012 & 2017​
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Hale Pule Ayurveda & Yoga - 8 Week Vedic Living Immersion - Kauai, Hawaii - June/July 2018
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Mount Madonna Center – Facilitator of the Yoga, Service, & Community Program, Yoga & Meditation Teacher, Apprentice in Yoga Teacher Training, clerk at Ayurveda World Herb Store - Watsonville, CA - September 2018 - January 2020​
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Mount Madonna Center - Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training with Hannah Muse - April/May 2019
"Thank you for class! I felt like it was a spiritual meditative movement class instead of what I have previously experienced as yoga. I have never been to a class like that before and I've honestly never cried after yoga before. I was just so "full" (I have no better words) that I overflowed with tears. Thank you for the profound experience and the beautiful work that you do!"
- Chandra Holback
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"I will be forever grateful for the time I spent practicing prenatal yoga with Crystal. It’s a cherished time in my life before the birth of my first child. Crystal was an integral part of my pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. While pregnant I was very blessed to be able to once a week practice yoga with her. Her classes were always very thought out, and left me not only physically feeling great but also mentally refreshed. Pregnancy is a deeply transformative time and her classes allowed me to reflect and guide me through the transition with love, grace and strength. A lot of emotions arise while pregnant and Crystal beautifully held space for the joys and challenges of preparing for motherhood. Through her practice I was also able to connect with my baby in beautiful way before meeting her earth-side which laid a foundation of trust and love. Crystal is incredibly knowledgeable about Yoga, Ayurveda, and Doula work which made her a wonderful resource. She gave me a lot of confidence that I was prepared and ready for birth which contributed to me having a birth experience that I fondly look back on. Not only was Crystal there for me during my pregnancy but she regularly checked in on me via text after the birth of my daughter and provided tips for postpartum. Crystal has a gift for teaching yoga and anyone who is lucky enough to practice with her will leave feeling inspired, loved, and supported."
- Anissa

A one-on-one class with me will include:
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Personalized Pranayama Practice
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Hatha Yoga sequence of Asanas (postures) tailored to your unique needs
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Personalized Meditation
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Thorough Relaxation
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Working with me will help you:
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Deepen and build your personal practice
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Connect to all parts of yourself, moving towards self acceptance and integration from within
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Develop a sense of overall balance through working with your breath and connecting to your mental, emotional, physical, energetic, and spiritual energy
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Build self - awareness so that you can recognize what is coming from within you and what is outside of you. Healthy Boundaries!
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Cultivate a strong, healthy body, and mental and emotional stability
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I am available for private Prenatal, Postpartum, and Non- Pregnancy related yoga sessions
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I am available for sessions in person in the Santa Cruz area and online via Zoom/Skype

