Welcome to our new feature — Meet the Tribe! In this blog series, you’ll meet women who are leaders in their community and for us here at YogaClub. Our ambassadors, or Tribe Leaders as well call them, are fitness instructors, wellness professionals and just plain awesome women.
For our first ever Tribe Leader Q&A blog, we are beyond stoked to introduce you to one of our first Tribe Leaders: Crystal Gray.
Not only does this Chicago girl live a spiritual lifestyle on and off the mat, but she has found a way to incorporate it, alongside her passion for yoga, in her career. As founder of Yoga Goddess Academy, Crystal helps women gain knowledge of yoga and rediscover their confidence through an online membership that explores yoga, meditation and spirituality. On top of that, she also leads online yoga classes, retreats and yoga teacher trainings.
So, let’s get started. Meet Crystal Gray:
Q: Let’s start with lifestyle. How do you maintain your balance?
A: I maintain balance by meditating every day. In the mornings, I try to meditate for 15-20 minutes and also in the evenings for 10-30 minutes. I also really try to listen to my emotions and use them as a barometer to see if I am in alignment with my purpose or not. If I’m feeling drained and uninspired, I know I need to stop trying so hard, have faith and trust that the Universe is supporting me.
Q: How do you integrate healthy eating and mindfulness into your daily life?
A: I’m lucky because I live on an organic vegetable farm so I have access to tons of fresh vegetables that I can cook daily. If you don’t live on a farm like me, I highly encourage you to join a local CSA program and visit your local farmer’s market BEFORE hitting the grocery store. Prices are usually lower and the produce is WAY fresher, so it’ll last much longer. What’s the point if you buy cheap produce that goes bad in one day?
Q: What’s your favorite thing about YogaClub?
A: My favorite thing about YogaClub is that I don’t have to go to the store to try on tons of yoga clothes. Instead, they are delivered right to my door! Getting these clothes inspires me to hit my mat!
Q: What does being a Tribe Leader mean to you?
A: I love being a Tribe Leader because I have been teaching yoga for over ten years and love inspiring yogis to hit their mat or meditation cushion as well as help those who want to be yoga teachers to follow their dream!
Q: What are your favorite wellness tip for people visiting Chicago?
A: Chicago has many amazing vegan/vegetarian hotspots like the Chicago Diner, Urban Vegan and Native Foods. I highly recommend adding these to your itinerary! Chicago also has bicycle rentals all over the city, so you can explore while getting in a great workout; just wear a helmet please! Chicago is also a yoga mecca. There are so many yoga studios that you’ll want to try out! Check out a few online and choose the classes that feel right to you.
Q: What advice can you give to someone looking to begin their teaching journey?
A: If you are thinking of becoming a yoga teacher, make sure you find a teacher and program that really resonates with you. You don’t want to base your training on things that don’t really matter in the long run. If you don’t connect with the teacher, you won’t end up having a fulfilling experience and chances are, you won’t get the support you need after the training.
Q: Alright, let’s mix it up with some fun, quick fire questions. Do you open your box right away or wait until you need a pick me up?
A: I wait to open my box until I have energy and am excited! Usually this happens the next morning. I LOVE surprises so like to let the excitement build!
Q: Music festival or yoga festival?
A: Definitely yoga festival!! I am a morning person and usually at music festivals I am kept awake all night! I like to get up early and meditate in nature when I’m at yoga festivals. It’s a great way to get in tune with the energy of a new place.
Q: Do you have a quote or mantra that inspires you?
A: “You must have gratitude. Have it for everything in your life that you love. The Universe will hear you and has no choice but to bring you more of the same.” ~ That’s a quote from my upcoming book!
Q: What about motivation, what motivates you?
A: My family and my never-ending thirst for spiritual knowledge and growth.
You can find out more about Crystal Gray by checking out her Instagram, Facebook and her business, Yoga Goddess Academy.
Interested in being part of our Tribe Leader program? Click here to start your application!
