Describe yourself in a few short sentences:
My name is Crystal and I am a Food Inspector here in Yarmouth. I grew up in Bridgewater and now live in Clare with my Husband and our four fur babies. Aside from practicing Yoga, you can find me enjoying beach days with my husband and two pups, traveling and exploring new places, visiting with family and friends as much as I can, running, or just having a movie and wine night in 🙂
Tell us about your yoga story. When did you first step on a mat, and what brought you there?
Prior to practicing yoga at SuperNova, I had done minimal yoga training. Shortly after SuperNova opened here in Yarmouth, myself and a good friend decided to try a class. We both fell in love with it instantly; not just the yoga practice but also the teachers. We left there feeling great. In the beginning I was there strictly to try something new in my exercise regime, but realized in no time that it was so much more than just a physical practice and this is something that I was going to want to stick with.
How has practicing yoga improved your life, and positively affected those around you?
Not only has practicing yoga made me physically stronger but it has also made me mentally stronger. I am the type of person who always has a million things running through their brain at any given time, so sometimes it can feel like my head it literally spinning. Yoga has taught me to drop my brain, take a few deep breaths and be in the moment; right here right now.
I have always been my own worst critic (but I guess who isn’t…right?)…always comparing myself to others, whether it’s who can run faster, who can do yoga poses that I can’t yet do, who is fitter, who is smarter, etc, etc…Yoga helped me realize that comparing myself to others serves no purpose, both on my mat and in my everyday life. It has shown me that focusing on the things I can do, and not the things I can’t do, brings much more benefit to me and the people around me. About a year ago my husband came to me and expressed the changes he had seen in me since I got into my yoga and meditation practice. He found that I was more positive, more upbeat and a lot less stressed, which I’m sure made me a lot nicer to be around ;o)
What’s your favourite pose, and why?
Tree Pose. It makes me feel strong, tall, and makes me really focus on my drishti.
What’s your LEAST favourite pose, and why?
Bow Pose. It’s a love/hate relationship. If I can get into it, I love it and how it feels, however some day’s I can’t even get into the pose or struggle to do so. This has left me feeling frustrated. BUT I am learning that every practice is different, that is where I am that day, and that is OKAY.
What advice would you give someone who’s interested in trying yoga, but has yet to take the leap?
Just give it a try. It may be scary at first but you’ll soon come to realize that the yoga community is a judgement free zone. I feel that Men and Women of all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels can benefit from all aspects of the practice. You’ll leave feeling like you had a great workout but also feel relaxed both physically and mentally. I hear a lot of people say they could never do yoga because they aren’t flexible or they have horrible balance, but yoga isn’t about that. It’s about showing up in class, challenging your body, and doing the best YOU can do. All you have to do is get on your mat, drop your brain and give it a try!
